At SXSW, Garth Brooks Sees The Constants In A Changing Industry

The South by Southwest music festival is well-established as a venue where up-and-coming artists get discovered. But it also offers a chance to hear from the music industry's icons — like veteran country star Garth Brooks, who delivered a keynote address at the Austin Convention Center during SXSW this week. Brooks kicked off his career in the 1980s, and he's still breaking records and selling out shows. Over the years, he's solidified himself as one of the best-selling solo artists of all time. Most recently, he's been traveling throughout North America on a three-year tour with his wife, fellow country singer Trisha Yearwood.

NPR's Michel Martin caught up with Brooks at SXSW to discuss changes in the industry, the ways listeners connect with certain songs and the relationship between music and political polarization. Hear their conversation at the audio link, and read on for an edited transcript.

Michel Martin: This festival focuses