SXSW

We look at how and why SXSW, once the world's largest music festival, is being scaled back to a shell of itself, what was so special about it, and what the shift means for artists and the industry. Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org Hear new songs from past episodes in the All Songs Considered playlists in Apple Music and Spotify.

SXSW will be two days shorter and not feature a dedicated music weekend. The festival brings in thousands of people and millions of dollars to Austin each year.

The two-week long closure allows staff to deep clean the pool to keep the water healthy for wildlife and swimmers. It’s also a time for staff to catch up projects like repainting signs on the deck.

Sixty artists have bowed out over the festival's partnership with the U.S. Army and defense contractors. The list is growing.

Want to go to SXSW but don't want to shell out tons of money? Here are some options.

The festival has caught flak for its pay structure for years. It decided to boost wages and add benefits for performing artists.

Kayla Abuda Galang’s 'When You Left Me on That Boulevard' received the Texas Short Special Jury Award for Vision.

DAWA is hosting a SXSW event called Vision:8291 to elevate and direct resources to Black, Indigenous and people of color in Austin.

City leaders are asking people to get around safely during the festival.

Organizers are aiming to recruit about 3,000 volunteers — that’s about how many they had in 2018.