Five Highlights From SXSW 2016 That Should Convince You To Go Next Year

Another year of SXSW, the massive music, film and interactive conference that takes over Austin, Texas this time every year, has drawn to a close. With nearly 30 Australian bands invited to play (including Stonefield, Hockey Dad and The Love Junkies who have all sent us some awesome tour diaries) and ten days of solid live music, here are a few of this year's highlights.

the Obamas both delivered keynotes

The fact that SXSW bagged President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama this year to deliver opening keynotes might be one of those things that may never happen again — or, it could set a powerful precedent for future presidents to get involved. Either way, catching either of the Obamas this year would've been an amazing way to kick off the conference.

With the President speaking about civil engagement in the 21st century and the FLOTUS taking apart the Let Girls Learn initiative, both keynotes were incredibly enlightening and a first for the conference.

a killer Aussie BBQ line-up, as always

With two stages set up for The Aussie BBQ for the first time, we had 16 of our amazing acts showcase what our little country is really capable of on a world scale. DMA's, Harts, Methyl Ethel, Gold Class and more all took the stage on Friday, 18 March and madness, revelry and friendship ensued.

david bowie producer Tony Visconti's keynote

Longtime collaborator and producer of the late and great David Bowie, Tony Visconti took to SXSW to talk about working on legendary songs like Young Americans, Heroes and The Man Who Sold The World along with Bowie's swansong, Blackstar.

If you have some time to set aside, the hour-and-a-half keynote is worth a watch. w

sxsw interactive unveiling some amazing new tech

The Interactive segment of SXSW is always a treasure trove of innovative ideas, much-needed discussion about the advancement of technology in our current milieu and fantastic new products. This year, among many new technologies, Spotify unveiled the rad new Spotify True Fan Jukebox at their event, while Samsung showcased their new Hum On! app.

sxsw film hosted conversations with a bunch of actors and directors

The SXSW Film contingent of the conference might be the best place to catch the most Hollywood-celeb sightings — and what's more, hear them speak at length. This year, Australia's own Joel Edgerton talked about his most recent works, as well as his next film Jane Got A Gun, while certified legend Ellen Page also hit the comfy panel chair to talk about her new documentary series, Gaycation, created with VICE and Spike Jonze.