SXSW Announces Second Annual Music Hackathon Contest

SXSW just announced the official schedule for this year’s festival – which will take place March 17-22 – but in addition to curating a top-notch lineup of bands, the Austin music festival is also invested in the future of the music industry, and as such, will host its second annual Music Hackathon. The event gives contestants 24 hours to create new technology geared toward the music industry, artists and/or listeners -- and the winner will take home a $10,000 prize.

“Hackers and artists have a lot in common,” Travis Laurendine – a producer behind the code marathon event company, CODEMKRS – told Billbaord. “The core of their art involves writing in their own languages, music and code, often staying up all night to get projects done.”

“This Hackathon unites the artists of both industries together on the same team to carve out an interactive future for musicians and their fans,” he added.

The contest will be held on March 18, followed by the award ceremony on March 20. Last year’s inaugural Hackathon was judged by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros’ Alex Ebert, the Stooges' James Williamson and more.

If you’re interested in participating in this year’s Hackathon, applications are being accepted here.

This year’s SXSW lineup features Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts, Carl Barat and the Jackals, Thee Oh Sees, Surfer Blood, Twin Shadow, the Zombies and many, many more acts.