The power of relatable, transcendent music and its ability to create contagious emotion — the kind of emotion that people are willing to pay for — is undeniable. Just ask the folks at SXSW.

For a hefty $650 (slightly cheaper for early purchasers), an all-access badge gets you a wonderfully overwhelming onslaught of music, curated by one of the best festivals in the country. 1500+ artists, 70+ venues.

And that’s not all… the frenzied anticipation and planning… the Austin-destined airport travelers’ camaradarie… the friendly shared-taxicab introductions… the first mouth-watering BBQ sandwich of the weekend… the surprise discovery of that elusive, most-buzzed-about day party… the endless free micro-brew… the frantic meet-up text-messaging, somehow finding time to make the obligatory trip to Allens Boots or to pick up a “Keep Austin Weird” bumper sticker… and the random conversations with fellow enthusiastic concertgoers, all happily squeezed shoulder to shoulder throughout clubs and bars and coffee shops and record stores and art galleries — anywhere a band can find a stage.

Every year, both the music and this wildly, visceral connection to mostly strangers who share a love for music — this is what that $650 price tag is worth, every cent.

Again, the shared experience. Yippee ki-yay.

If you are traveling to Austin, keep an eye out for me, I’d love to meet you! When I’m not running around with my head cut off, I’ll be here, emceeing all night.

© Outlandos Music^TM 2008