Yesterday, we threw a 14-hour unofficial SXSW showcase at Austin’s Hole In The Wall alongside the Brooklyn-by-way-of-Boston label Exploding In Sound Records. Thirty-one bands played two stages, from established names like Speedy Ortiz, Alex G, JEFF The Brotherhood, and Pity Sex to breakthrough acts like Wand, Girlpool, Dirty Dishes, and Krill. New Orleans’ Caddywhompus kicked off the day and the crowd steadily grew from there. SXSW is often disparaged for being solely an advertising opportunity, but this show proved that the festival is still an important place for lesser-known artists to gain recognition alongside contemporary stars. No badges, no brands, this was all about giving up-and-comers space to prove themselves away from the downtown hassle.