South By Southwest (SXSW), or “South By” to many, is a 2 week-long festival encompassing technology, film and music that takes place in Austin, TX. After last year’s record numbers, many started the discussions in the fall- is SXSW worth it again this year? Some asked, "If I can’t get into an intimate Fiona Apple show after waiting four hours in line, what’s the point?," while others pondered the relative merits of buying a badge to cash in on seeing Dave Grohl speak and sing with the likes of Stevie Nicks, John Fogerty and Rick Springfield. And, amid heated talks about possible Justin Timberlake and Prince appearances, so much of the focus pre-SXSW was on the big names who hopefully would be rolling into Austin for the week of music festivities.

But, to many, headlining acts are the antithesis of SXSW’s objective, which is, ostensibly, to get attention for up-and-coming acts that are either looking for label representation, management opportunities, other bands to join with and/or new fans to spark the word-of-mouth engine that is so essential to the success of a young band. And, really, this frustration with the Bruce Springsteens of the world (at least through the lens of SXSW) isn’t that off-base, considering that SXSW began mostly as an industry gathering. Understandably, each time Jay-Z shows up for a show in Austin for the week, you have to think about how many people who are waiting hours to get into that show are missing some mind-altering superlative sets by bands they’ve never heard of.

That said, SXSW still is a magical week- flaws and all- and it’s one we wouldn’t dare miss. This year, we sent Glide Magazine editor Peter Zimmerman (@peterzimmerman) and staff photographer Joan Bowlen (@JoniBow) to cover the festival. Here are some of their highlights and memories from the week. And if you missed any of our photo galleries chronicling the festival, check them out here: Day 1 // Day 2 // Day 3 // Day 4 // Day 5.

TOP 5 BREAKOUT ACTS WE LOVED