What does it take to get to SXSW?  Sure, some practice is nice, though bands also need some gas money, grub money, and a couch or three in Austin.  Seems like everyone scrapes by somehow, though Sonicbids is offering a little bit of stimulus to traveling bands.  That includes travel-related expenses for a number of overseas groups, according to details shared with Digital Music News on Tuesday.

But the real action happens during and after the mega-festival.  As part of its tour sponsorship program, Sonicbids is inviting bands to submit videos of their SXSW-related experiences and performances for a chance to win a $4,000, four-city sponsorship.

Submissions will be collected at sonicbids.com/sonicsx (now live).  "We've helped thousands of bands get showcases at South by Southwest over the last three years," Sonicbids founder Panos Panay told Digital Music News.  "This year, we want to increase our support of bands playing the conference by giving them another career-building opportunity and the means to do it."

Sonicbids is no stranger to 'South-by'.  More than 650 bands have used the Sonicbids platform to package their materials and secure official showcases at the event.  On the ground this year, Sonicbids is also hosting a party at Maggie Mae's on Friday the 19th.  More details at sonicbids.com/sxswparty.