For years, I have been attending the renowned South By Southwest Music Festival, along with thousands of other music fans. This year, however, was different because I attended the festival as an artist.

This was the first year that my band members and I were asked to play not one, but three gigs around Austin. My management team at Captiva hosted each gig we played.

Not only was I given the chance of a lifetime to showcase my own music as the Zac Kellogg Band, I was also able to meet some amazing friends and supporters who firmly believe in my endeavors as a musician. Being able to attend SXSW as a lover of music is one thing, but being able to actually perform is a whole new thrill.

It is not until you actually get behind the microphone that you realize how passionate and hungry people are for new music. Nothing comes close to the thrill I get from hearing fans sing my songs back to me. It is so invigorating.

Performing at SXSW this year really changed the way I view music. As long as you respect your audience enough to perform every show like it is your last, people will keep coming back to you.

Although this was the first year that I performed at SXSW, I have a good feeling that it will not be my last.