The third day of SXSW felt like the universe hit "fast forward." The energy crackled through the air like a live wire, and by mid-morning, we were flying higher than the drones buzzing around the Tech & Innovation Expo. With Johann Hari dissecting the human condition, Katherine Bennell-Pegg propelling us toward the stars, and Hamish Blake delivering punchlines like a well-aimed boomerang, we weren’t just listening—we were lifted.
As the day unfolded, it was as if all three festivals synced into one epic symphony, each event hitting its own crescendo. The Tech & Innovation Expo was like a glimpse into the future, with the Discovery Stage serving as a portal to the unimaginable. And yes, seeing that flying car felt like someone had taken a page straight out of a sci-fi dream and brought it to life. Somewhere, George Jetson is grinning.
By the time the evening rolled around, the atmosphere was buzzing louder than a bee in spring. The Rollings Stone House at UTS Underground turned into a haven for music lovers, where Full Flower Moon Band, The Grogans, and Tones and I unleashed a soundstorm that swept the crowd off their feet. Hockey Dad shredded like they were born with guitars in hand, and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers brought the house down. It was the kind of night where you didn't just hear the music—you felt it in your bones.
Laneway Presents kept the vibe rolling at The Commons Courtyard, as cool and relaxed as a summer evening breeze. Meanwhile, Tumbalong Park turned into a melting pot of beats, with ENNY and Moonchild Sanelly taking over for an unforgettable ibis Music Moment. And Nick Ward? His set at Phoenix Central Park was like being let in on a secret—intimate, magnetic, and utterly captivating.
But the real drama came when Smile 2 hit the purple carpet at Darling Harbour Theatre. With a plotline scarier than your inbox on a Monday, the premiere had people on the edge of their seats, clinging to popcorn like a life raft.
And just a few blocks away, Fortress Sydney opened its doors for the Games Festival Opening Night—like stepping into another world, where avatars reigned supreme, and reality was left at the door.
It was a Wednesday that felt like all the stars had aligned, where time moved fast but moments lingered. It wasn't just a day—it was a sprint, a melody, a masterpiece. And if yesterday was anything to go by, today promises to be the encore we've all been waiting for.
So buckle up, because the SXSW Sydney train has no brakes.
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Words and photo by AW.