Submissions Open For SXSW 2011

Applications to play at SXSW 2011 are now open and apparently the earlier you submit your application the better, so bands get your shit together and follow the links below.

PRESS RELEASE:

NZ Bands Ready to Rock as Industry & Government Set Sights on 2011 US Festival.

For eight years, emerging and major New Zealand contemporary music artists have taken advantage of the world's largest and most prestigious music business event--South by Southwest Music & Media Festival & Conferences in Austin Texas--for global exposure. For the 25th SxSW March 16-20 2011, government export and music industry forces have backed a strategy to expand this country's musical presence by a trade booth and annual showcase party of artists.

The music industry's peak export and development body, New Zealand Music Commission, has been instrumental in the past several years promoting the bands that are selected and the attending businesses including labels, media and managers who participate as delegates. NZMC was the first trade fair stand booked at SxSW for 2011 last week. This year, it's likely that the film and interactive multimedia industries will piggyback on music's successes by participating in the preceding Film and IA Festivals and Conferences March 11-15 which precede SxSW Music.

As Sydney-based SxSW Pacific Representative Phil Tripp outlines, "New Zealand is a great creative content country and its lively rock and pop artists have a tradition of kicking audiences butt with their compelling live shows. It also has a progressive and proactive government export arm that sees the creative industries as renewable resources as opposed to agriculture, mining or forestry--serving new 'fruits of creativity' crops annually."

Each year over 10,000 bands from more then 50 countries apply for coveted official showcases in front of 13,000 music business professionals and over 2000 global music media, all looking for 'The Next New Thing'. Fewer than 2000 acts are invited, 25% from outside the US, and Kiwi artists have always punched above their weight with about 15-20 invited to play. Recent past artists who have had success breaking world markets at SxSW include Gin Wigmore, Die Die Die,Bachlorette, The Brunettes, Liam Finn, Ruby Suns, Ladyhawke and many more.

Gary Fortune from the NZ Music Commission comments "SXSW has become a key part in the calendar for musicians from New Zealand to showcase their talent to the many fans and music professionals that descend on Austin, Texas each March. The NZ Music Commission Is proud to be associated with this truly global event and to be part of presenting the very best cutting edge sounds from Aotearoa".

Artist submissions to showcase are now open until November 5 online at www.sxsw.com/music/shows/apply but early applications are highly advised.

Film entries for screenings are also open to December 9 in the categories of Shorts, Narrative and Documentary Features, Music Video and Animated Shorts by going online to apply at www.sxsw.com/film/screenings/submit

The SXSW Interactive Awards uncovers the best new digital work, from websites to web applications and beyond, while celebrating those who are building tomorrow's online trends. Apply at www.sxsw.com/interactive/awards

Register as a Music, Film or Interactive Delegate at www.sxsw.com/attend See full details of all three Festivals and Conferences at http://www.sxsw.com

For SxSW info, interviews & images Phil Tripp 61(2) 9557 7766 tripp@sxsw.com
NZMC info, interviews or images Gary Fortune 64(9) 376 0115 gary@nzmusic.org.nz