Students Bring Up & Up Festival to Austin
A vibrant group of students at the University of Texas at Austin is spearheading an exciting initiative: the Monster Energy Up & Up Festival. The stakes are high, as the students compete to sell the most pre-sale tickets in a tight 48-hour window, from February 18 to 20. With over 70 colleges vying for a top spot, this festival promises to be a significant event in the Austin music scene.
The Competition Mechanism
The competition structure is simple yet engaging. The top five schools selling the most pre-sale tickets will earn a coveted tour stop from Ship Wrek, an electronic music duo known for their dynamic, futuristic beats. This chance to host such celebrated artists adds an exciting layer of motivation for students, not only to attend the festival but also to rally their peers.
Recognizing the Importance of Music in Austin
“With Austin’s booming electronic dance music scene, this festival is a fantastic opportunity for UT students to get involved,” said Andrew Xiao, a business freshman. His words reflect the growing relevance of electronic music in Austin, a city renowned for its rich musical heritage. The Up & Up Festival emerges as a unique platform where students can actively engage with the music community.
The Student-Led Approach
Maria Obsuna, an advertising junior and lead ambassador for Up & Up UT Austin, discovered the initiative while scrolling through Instagram over winter break. Intrigued by the idea of students harnessing social media to make an impact, Obsuna eagerly joined as a campus ambassador. “The student-led aspect really drew me in,” she revealed. Obsuna also noted that many students at Moody College have an interest in entertainment and film, reinforcing Austin’s status as a premier music hub.
Community Engagement Strategies
To promote the festival, Obsuna and her team of 12 ambassadors implemented strategic outreach. They connected with spirit organizations and Greek life, creating an innovative philanthropy system. Discounts from promotional codes would benefit charities chosen by the organizations, thus integrating community service with the festival. Their grassroots approach included hosting parties in collaboration with various organizations and giving out free Monster energy drinks and branded merchandise on campus.
A Shift in Music Culture
Xiao and finance sophomore Taishi Shiao took to the decks as DJs at a party co-hosted by the Filipino Students Association, Lambda Phi Epsilon, and the Up & Up ambassadors. This demonstrates a shift in Austin’s music culture; the city is now more receptive to EDM events. “I used to struggle to convince my friends to attend raves or house concerts, but now they’re more inclined to go,” Shiao noted, exemplifying the increasing popularity of electronic music among students.
Opening Act Competition
Beyond just pre-sales, the festival also featured a competition for aspiring artists to open for Ship Wrek if they visit UT. Senior Andy Noh triumphed in this contest by submitting a short mixtape that garnered enthusiastic support from Up & Up’s Instagram followers. Noh expressed his excitement: “If Ship Wrek comes to our school and I get to open for them, it will feel incredibly surreal.”
Ticket Sales and Pricing
Pre-sale tickets for the festival are reasonably priced at $30 on the Up & Up Festival website. For the first 100 buyers, tickets are offered for free. Importantly, credit cards are only charged if a school wins the competition, with refunds available at a later date if needed. Excitement among students is palpable as they eagerly await the winners to be announced.
The Austin Live Music Scene
Economics junior Evania Shibu emphasized the integral role of live music in Austin’s identity. “Austin has so much live music at its core,” she explained. “Festivals like this are incredibly beneficial for students.” Shibu is set to buy her pre-sale ticket, reflecting the enthusiasm and support for live events in the city.
By fostering student engagement and promoting the local music scene, the Up & Up Festival stands to be a landmark event, symbolizing both a celebration and an opportunity for Austin’s youth. The passion of these students showcases how music can unite communities and inspire creativity.
