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How To Apply to Showcase at SxSW From A Foreign Country

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +1000

The South by Southwest Music Festival and Conferences happen March 18-22, 2009 in Austin Texas with over 1500 bands showcasing in 60+ venues over five nights. Submission to showcase takes place online only at http://www.sxsw.com starting in August and terminating in late October. You do not apply to the Australian rep, all materials are to be directed to the website.

A set of Frequently Asked Questions which we suggest you review are online at http://2008.sxsw.com/music/showcase/faq but here are some basic bits.

More than 9000 artists from around the world applied in 2008, 200 from Australia and 40 from New Zealand. Only 60 artists from Australia and New Zealand were invited and only 40 were able to play. It is highly competitive, you MUST have a US visa (approximately US$2500-$3500 per band), you must arrange all your own transport, accommodation and instruments and you get one hour to set up and play before the next band in the night's lineup at that venue takes over the stage.

An excellent article on the state of play with US visas was published in the Boston Phoenix June 23 2008 at http://thephoenix.com/Boston/News/63473-Immigrant-song which I urge you to read if you are not familiar with the labyrinth of visa applications.

It is not for the unprepared, nor for frivolous submissions. You should only apply to showcase at SxSW if you already have the funds necessary (Figure $20,000 for a four piece) and if you are at the right point in your career to benefit from playing there. Going up against 1500 other artists means you must have resources to be heard above the noise, have recordings, airplay and market recognition in your home country to be appropriate and also have the backup of management and other support to take advantage of the opportunity.

Generally we suggest either the manager or a key band member go to SxSW the year before applying to understand how it works, how competitive it is and how the Australian and New Zealand artists, managers and labels work the event from the showcases to the national stands in the trade fairs and through publicity or promotion.

You'll find further information on the Australian/NZ SxSW website at http://www.themusic.com.au/sxsw/showcase.php.

Best of luck.

PHIL TRIPP--Representative for Australia & New Zealand.

Free New Zealand SxSW Seminars--Wellington June 29 and Auckland June 30

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +1000

New Zealand Dates & Speakers for Free Wellington & Auckland Music Seminars

WELLINGTON: June 29 Bodega Bar 101 Ghuznee Street, Wellington City 6pm-9pm

AUCKLAND: June 30 Transmission Room Cnr Mayoral Dr & Queen St. 6pm-9pm

And we have top NZ music biz speakers--all South by Southwest veterans

Wellington Speakers: Roger Shepherd--founder of Flying Nun Records; Murray Hepple--Overseas tour and production manager, Owner Bar Bodega; Gary Fortune--Export Manager New Zealand Music Industry Commission, Teresa Patterson--CRS Management; Phil Tripp--South by Southwest NZ & OZ rep

Auckland Speakers: Amy Robinson--Ruby Suns; Matt Coleman--Manager Midnight Youth, Dane Rumble, Jonny Love, SideKickNick and Haylee Fisher; Gary Fortune--Export Manager New Zealand Music Industry Commission; Teresa Patterson--CRS Management; Phil Tripp--South by Southwest NZ & OZ rep

We invite all levels of the New Zealand Music Industry to attend, including music business students, at no charge to find out about two major events. We have experienced music industry speakers on a Q&A panel each night.

South by Southwest Music Festival & Conferences (SxSW) is the world's largest and most prestigious series of showcases, conference and trade fair and especially critical to the success of many New Zealand artists and music businesses who have made the trek to Austin, Texas every March. With a national stand and major concert event each year, the New Zealand Music Industry Commission has supported a growing contingent of bands, labels, managers, promoters, agents and other music business professionals to use SxSW for export success. What we're going to cover in part of the seminar:

* Tips, techniques, secrets, strategies and the costs involved to be a part.
* How & when do bands best apply for showcases (1800 in 5 nights at 88 venues)
* What can indie labels and music businesses get from participating at SxSW?
* What support is available for exporting NZ music, artists & businesses?
* When is the best time to begin a SxSW strategy & when's the best time to go?
* How to save money on travel, accommodation and get the maximum benefits.
* Who to contact, how to get to them and using the registrant database.
* Where to get to media in advance and on the ground for vital exposure.

So whether you're planning to go in 2010 (with artist showcase applications and delegate registration opening August 3) or the following year, this free meeting is critical in driving your presence there and back home. If you're not able to attend, then go to http://www.themusic.com.au/sxsw for OZ & NZ details.

AustralAsian Music Business Conference (AMBC) to be held in Sydney August 20-22 is the second reason for our two free seminars. With 50 speakers/panelists and nine seminars, six keynotes and no showcases or trade fair stands, it's a three day networking and music business think tank that only happens every two years.

We routinely get several progressive Kiwi music industry attendees who take advantage of this high level conference at a cost-effective price and use it as a base to doing business on this side of the ditch. It's our ninth in 18 years and will be one of the best with an incredible lineup of speakers already.

You can see details of the topics, speakers, panels and more at our extensive AMBC website http://www.immedia.com.au/ambc. And in each city we're speaking at, one lucky attendee will win a full three day pass to the AMBC. Plus we're doing a draw from the music professionals who come to our seminars in Wellington and Auckland for a round trip ticket to Austin Texas for SxSW, a ten day VIP Platinum Badge for the SxSW Music, Film and Interactive Festivals & Conferences as well as a few more goodies. That winner will be announced at the AMBC.

TO RSVP FOR THESE FREE SEMINARS simply email tripp@immedia.com.au and your name will be on the door for the Velvet Rope treatment. At the seminar, you can fill in your chit for the AMBC and SxSW draws, come in and meet your NZ music peers, shout yourself a round and take in what the experienced SxSW & AMBC veterans have to reveal. We hope to see you there as it's our only set of seminars for 2009. Details being updated at http://www.themusic.com.au/sxsw/nz

Government & Music Biz Send Largest Number of Aussie Bands Ever to USA In One Place

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +1100

The 31 artists from all over Australia headed to Austin March 18-22 not only represent the largest number of homegrown artists in one country at any time, it's also the result of major Federal and State government investment in music as an export commodity, not just a cultural one. The number of bands and over 200 delegates going to South by Southwest Music Festival represents a ten-fold increase in seven years.

This year, over 50 Australian artists were invited to showcase and the 31 below represent the ones who have committed to play their official shows as well as the annual Australian BBQ (20), a day long series of shows at a major venue Thursday (19) and extra shows in Los Angeles and New York either side of SxSW.

The artists, their websites and contacts for music, bios and images are:

Gabriella Cilmi - www.gabriellacilmi.com - cassandra@crownmanagement.co.uk
Anthony Snape - www.anthonysnape.com - management@anthonysnape.com
Josh Pyke - www.joshpyke.com - gregg@wonderlick.com.au
The Resignators - www.myspace.com/theresignators - management@theresignators.com
The Fumes - www.thefumes.com.au - tracey@kickmusic.com.au
My Disco - www.mydisco.com.au - info@mydisco.com.au
Hell City Glamours - www.hellcityglamours.com - mgmt@hellcityglamours.com
Birds Of Tokyo - www.birdsoftokyo.com - ross@birdsoftokyo.com
The Boat People - www.theboaties.com - ideasm@bigpond.net.au
The Temper Trap - www.myspace.com/thetempertrap - danny@lunaticentertainment.com
Kid Confucius - www.kidconfucius.com - julia@brightonboulevard.com
Dappled Cities - www.dappledcitiesfly.com - tbarrott@hubartistservices.com
Andy Bull - www.andybull.com.au - julia@brightonboulevard.com
The Hot Kicks - www.myspace.com/thehotkicks band@thehotkicks.com
Red Riders - www.myspace.com/redridersmusic - mel@meiyugroup.com
Blue King Brown - www.bluekingbrown.com - john@guerrillamgmt.com
The Drones - www.thedrones.com.au - bill@onelouder.com.au
Youth Group - www.youthgroup.com.au - kirsty@wgman.com
Naked On the Vague - www.myspace.com/nakedonthevague - nakedonthevague@yahoo.com
The Grates - www.thegrates.com - rachael@secret-service.com.au
Angus & Julia Stone - www.angusandjuliastone.com - cathy@originalmatters.com
Kara Grainger - www.karagrainger.com - lara@cravingrecords.com
Loene Carmen - www.myspace.com/loenecarmensrocknrolltears - info@loenecarmen.com.au
Infusion - www.myspace.com/infusion - xavier.asha@gmail.com
Lenka - www.lenkamusic.com - joehegleman@ronshapiro.com
An Horse - www.myspace.com/anhorse - bobbie@bighassle.com - nadiamizner@gmail.com
Closure In Moscow - www.myspace.com/closureinmoscow - andrew@runmgmt.com
Miami Horror - www.myspace.com/miamihorror - jerry@staple.com.au
The Lovetones - www.thelovetones.com - thelovetones@hotmail.com
Andy White - www.andywhite.com - dirtmusic@optusnet.com.au
The Kin - www.thekin.com - gboulware@samanagement.com

The bands above can be contacted about their showcases and other gigs directly as well as to obtain any sound files, recordings, images or other information.

After six years of logistical and funding support from the Australian Trade Commission (AUSTRADE) which grew the presence at SxSW phenomenally and led to many successes, it's joined with the Australia Council for the Arts, AustralAsian Performing Right Association (APRA) and various state music industry bodies in a new brand promoting Australian music overseas called 'Sounds Australia'. They'll present new events and a stand at SxSW as outlined at the bottom. But first, the long running Stagemothers centrepiece Aussie BBQ!

THE AUSSIE BBQ 2009 at SxSW 12.00 noon-7.30pm Friday 20th March 2009
Brush Square Park, Austin Texas (opposite the Austin Convention Centre)
featuring 12 acts including:
The Drones, Youth Group, Gabriella Cilmi, The Grates, Birds of Tokyo, Josh Pyke, Temper Trap, My Disco, Infusion, The Fumes, The Boat People, and The Red Riders

Invite only industry showcase Free food & drinks
*All guest list requests / rsvps must be emailed to theaussiebbq@gmail.com

LOS ANGELES showcase Sunday 15th March 2009 from 2pm - 9pm
The Echo 1822 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles Phone: (213) 413-8200.
featuring:
My Disco, The Drones (TBC), Dappled Cities Fly, The Red Riders, The Fumes, The Boat People, Loene Carmen, The Art (formerly The Follow), Hell City Glamours

Industry & media guest list (marycode@ozemail.com.au) / open to the public.
Tickets will be available at the door for $12.
Entry includes free Australian style BBQ and complimentary beverage (subject to management)

NEW YORK showcase Thursday 26th March 2009 6pm - 1am
at The Bell House 149 7th Street (between 2nd & 3rd Avenue in Park Slope) Brooklyn, Phone: (718) 643 6510
featuring:
Youth Group, The Grates, Infusion, The Red Riders, The Fumes, The Boat People, The Art (formerly The Follow), The Resignators

Industry & media guest list (marycode@ozemail.com.au) / open to the public.
Tickets will be available at the door for $12.
Entry includes free Australian style BBQ and a complimentary beverage.

SOUNDS AUSTRALIA @ SXSW 2009
For further info contact Millie Millgate mmillgate@apra.com.au / +61 410 306 557
Sounds Australia is a collective of interested parties made up of Government Agencies, Industry Associations, Commercial Companies and others with a genuine interest in working together, all partnering to support Australians' export activities in key markets. During SXSW Sounds Australia will be presenting a number of opportunities to meet the Australians and to experience the incredible talent on show this year.

Wednesday 18th March Opening Night Party @ Lucky Lounge, 209 A, West 5th Street
Homegrown Djs, Aussies and great wine! Kick off your SXSW experience by meeting the Australians as they gather together at Lucky Lounge to plan their sound assault on Austin. Keep an eye on whothehell.net for line-up details.

Thursday 19th March Sounds Australia House @ FRIENDS, 208 E, 6th Street
Sounds Australia House will present a full day party and stellar evening program, showcasing only premier Australian talent. It will also host a networking breakfast for Australian delegates to meet with key industry, including promoters, agents and music supervisors from around the globe.

Wednesday 18th March - Friday 20th March Sounds Australia Stand @ Convention Centre, Music Trade Show
Our experts are on hand to field questions, so drop by and learn everything there is to know about the Australian music market, events and industry.

Thursday 19th, Friday 20th, Saturday 20st March - Noon to 2pm @ Whole Foods Market, 525 N. Lamar Blvd. (at 6th St.)
In it's 3rd year, the "Aussie Tastes & Tunes" promotion features two great Aussie traditions - music and food! At the famous flagship Whole Foods Market, a wide-range of great Aussie artists perform stripped sets over 3 days in a unique daytime setting.

New State Of Music For World's Most Prestigious Music Festival--Hawai'i @ SxSW

Fri, 6 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +1100

New State Of Music For World's Most Prestigious Music Festival--Hawai'i @ SxSW

In its 50th year as America's 50th state, the islands of Hawai'i have often been thought of as another country by some US citizens and media pundits--until Barack Obama came along and put it on the map in its rightful place. Similarly, the music of this paradise has traditionally been perceived as hula dances, falsetto singing, ukuleles and soft guitars, but the coming appearance in March of five diverse contemporary music artists of Hawai'i at South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin will create a new awareness and appreciation of fresh, young and modern music styles that have evolved from their vibrant culture.

The five artists of the first major Hawai'i SxSW showcases March 18-22 are:

John Cruz -- http://www.johncruz.com Top live draw in national tours, 2008 Contemporary Album of the Year & a Grammy

Anuhea -- http://www.myspace.com/anuheajams Maui's songbird of soul, R&B, Jazz, Blues & Pop; album debut 'Anuhea' in March

One Right Turn -- http://www.onerightturn.com
Alt-rock pop musical family affair with a 4-CD box set of band & 3 solo albums

David Tamaoka -- http://www.myspace.com/davidtamaoka Oahu-based singer songwriter, BMI award winner, with new album 'Canefield Hero'

Pimpbot -- http://www.myspace.com/pimpbot Honolulu ska/punk underground, DIY, heroes; infectious album "Admit One" out now

These five artists of Hawai'i made the cut from over 10,500 submission for showcasing from around the world with only 1800 playing in 80 venues over four nights in official slots to audiences of 15,000 delegates. But SxSW in its 23rd year also has a wealth daytime parties and special events for them to play as well as a Trade Show where the music industry of Hawai'i has booked a major stand presence to promote the artists, record labels and other music businesses.

After five years of discussions, export strategies and aiming for the right time and artists, 2009 has brought together the music industry of Hawai'i and the Government of Hawai'i in a dynamic, united campaign. Its a crucial event for artists, labels and music businesses to break through to overseas territories as well as the US Mainland via SxSW. A major trade fair stand, extensive advertising and promotions, a series of extra live shows at two key venues and an online Hawai'i Music Directory are key facets of this strategy, with more to be announced in coming weeks as well as dates and venues for all performances.

For images, photos, bios, recordings and other aspects, contact Phil Tripp
E: tripp@immedia.com.au Phone (based in Sydney, Australia) 61 2 955 777 66

Hawai'i Music Directory http://www.immedia.com.au/hawaii debuts March 1

32 Aussie Bands Makes The Most Ever In One Place Overseas At One Time

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +1100

We're happy to announce the largest number of Australian bands ever in one place overseas, which are the 32 artists who accept their invitations to showcase at the world's largest and most prestigious music festival & conference. They play in Austin Texas March 18-22 at South by Southwest Music Festival & Conferences and will be accompanied by more than 250 Australian business delegates.

Out of a total of 52 artists invited to play from Australia, 20 had to drop out so this should be the final list. More then 240 Australian artists applied for the 1800 showcase slots in 70 venues, over 10,500 applied from around the world.

SXSW 2009 AUSTRALIAN ARTISTS SHOWCASING
Anthony Snape, Sydney, NSW
Josh Pyke, Sydney, NSW
The Resignators, Melbourne, Vic
The Fumes, Sydney, NSW
My Disco, Melbourne, VIC
Hell City Glamours, Sydney, NSW
Birds Of Tokyo, Brunswick, VIC
The Boat People, Brisbane, QLD
The Temper Trap, Nth Fitzroy, VIC
Kid Confucius, Sydney, NSW
Dappled Cities, Sydney, NSW
Andy Bull, Sydney, NSW
The Chevelles, Perth, WA
The Hot Kicks, Melbourne, VIC
Red Riders, Sydney, NSW
Blue King Brown, Melbourne, VIC
The Drones, Melbourne, VIC
Youth Group, Newtown, NSW
Naked On the Vague, Sydney, NSW
The Grates, Brisbane, QLD
Andy White, Melbourne, VIC
Angus & Julia Stone, Sydney, NSW
Kara Grainger, Sydney, NSW
Loene Carmen, Sydney, NSW
Infusion, Melbourne, VIC
Lenka, Sydney, NSW
An Horse, Brisbane, QLD
Closure In Moscow, Melbourne, NSW
Miami Horror, Melbourne, VIC
The Lovetones, Sydney, NSW
The Kin, Adelaide, SA
Gabriella Cilmi, Dandenong, VIC

In addition to their official individual evening showcase slots, The Aussie BBQ in its sixth year has already announced ten of their 12 artists to play a seven hour long Friday afternoon tent show in Brush Park with free food and drink.

Josh Pyke
Birds of Tokyo
The Drones
Youth Group
Boat People
Temper Trap
Red Rider
My Disco
The Fumes
The Grates

Stage Mothers, the producers of the Aussie BBQ (voted the best party of SxSW for 2007 and 2008) will also hold two events in Los Angeles & New York. Sunday March 15th is an all day Aussie BBQ event at The Echo, while in New York March 26 it's a free Aussie BBQ from 6 pm to 1 am at The Bell House.

On Thursday March 19 all day is the 'Australian Music Consulate' at Friends on 6th Street in Austin featuring a broad range of the 33 bands above. It's produced by SoundsAustralia, the music industry's peak export body incorporating Austrade, Australia Council For The Arts, Australian Music Industry Network and APRA among others.

From noon to 2 pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday March 18-20 are three Australian artists with 'Aussie Tastes & Tunes' including sampling of food and wine at the largest organic supermarket in the world--Whole Foods Markets.

68 Australian and New Zealand Bands Invited to Showcase at South By Southwest

Tue, 9 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +1100

Largest Contingent Ever Set to Invade US, 34 Accepted Invites So Far

With 48 Australian and 20 New Zealand bands invited so far to play the 23rd South by Southwest Music Festival March 18-22 in Austin Texas, 16 more acts this week have accepted showcase slots in addition to the 18 artists artists announced a fortnight ago. We are only announcing artists which have accepted, not all of the ones that are invited and this is done with artist permission.

AUSTRALIAN NEW ADDITIONS ACCEPTED
Dappled Cities
Resignators
Youth Group
Closure In Moscow
An Horse
Loene Carmen
Paris Wells
Kid Confucius
Red Riders
The Kin

NEW NEW ZEALAND ADDITIONS
The Tutts
The Brunettes
Connan Mockasin
Jackie Bristow
Ross Royce
Bionic Pixie

AUSTRALIAN PREVIOUSLY INVITED & ACCEPTED
Blue King Brown
Anthony Snape
The Boat People
The Fumes
The Chevelles
Birds of Tokyo
The Drones
Infusion
Josh Pyke
Angus and Julia Stone
Naked On The Vague
Andy Bull
My Disco
The Temper Trap
The Grates

NEW ZEALAND PREVIOUS ACCEPTANCES
Elemeno P
Midnight Youth
Kylie Harris

The 68 invited artists is the largest ever from the two countries, up from only five in 2002. With only eight of the invited artists having had to turn down their invitations so far this year due to scheduling, visa or finance issues, it looks to be biggest Antipodean invasion of the US ever.

All up, 9957 artists applied to showcase this year for 1800 slots in 70 venues over five nights. Australian and New Zealand artists comprised over 250 of these submissions. About 2500 were from outside the US and to date, 1450 invitations have been issued, 800 of them international. Over 250 paid delegates aside from bands and support crew are expected to attend and do business with over 120 already registered including labels, promoters, agents, managers & publishers.

Despite the economic crisis, a number of resources have been offered for bands heading over including two sets of grants from the Australia Council, state funding from West Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria through their Arts councils and Austrade's continuing stand presence at the trade fair, advance promotion and publicity for Austin based events. These include the Australian BBQ with up to a dozen acts playing a private party for music business luminaries, a series of lunchtime concerts at the mammoth Whole Foods Market, an opening night party for the Australian contingent and guests plus other programs including a pre-SxSW teleconference 'Boot Camp' to be announced.

For further info, contact Phil Tripp SxSW representative Australia & New Zealand
tripp@sxsw.com or (02) 9577 7766

For information on the world's largest, most prestigious music festival, conference & trade fair, go to
http://www.sxsw.com and http://www.themusic.com.au/sxsw

17 OZ & NZ Artists Revealed of 40 Invited to SxSW So Far

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +1100

40 Invited So Far, More than 60 Will be Invited by December 1

With over 40 Australian and New Zealand bands invited so far to play the 23rd South by Southwest Music Festival March 18-22 in Austin Texas, we can finally reveal the first 17 acts that accepted their showcase invites. They include:

AUSTRALIA
Andy Bull
Angus and Julia Stone
Anthony Snape
Birds of Tokyo
Blue King Brown
The Boat People
The Chevelles
The Drones
The Fumes
Infusion
Josh Pyke
The Kin
My Disco
Naked On The Vague
The Temper Trap

NEW ZEALAND
Elemeno P
Kylie Harris
Midnight Youth

All up, close to 10,000 artists applied to showcase this year for 1800 slots in 70 venues over five nights. About 2500 were from outside the US and to date, 750 invitations have been issued with most of the remainder to be confirmed by December 1. Australian and New Zealand artists comprised over 250 of these submissions and based on past invitation numbers and the high quality of the OZ/NZ artists, more than 60 invitations are likely to be made. Over 250 paid delegates aside from bands and support crew are expected to attend and do business with over 100 already registered.

Despite the economic crisis, a number of resources have been offered for bands heading over including two sets of grants from the Australia Council, state funding from West Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria through their Arts councils and Austrade's continuing stand presence at the trade fair, advance promotion and publicity for Austin based events. These include the Australian BBQ with up to a dozen acts playing a private party for music business luminaries, a series of lunchtime concerts at the mammoth Whole Foods Market, an opening night party for the Australian contingent and guests plus other programs including a pre-SxSW teleconference 'Boot Camp' to be announced.

For further info, contact Phil Tripp SxSW representative Australia & New Zealand
tripp@sxsw.com or (02) 9577 7766

For information on the world's largest, most prestigious music festival, conference & trade fair, go to
http://www.sxsw.com and http://www.themusic.com.au/sxsw

Next Wave of 27 Australian and New Zealand Bands Set to Invade Top US Festival

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +1100

As the submission deadline closed last week for playing showcases at South by Southwest Music Festival, March 18-22 in Austin Texas, the gate opened for the first group of artists who have been invited to play the world's largest and most prestigious music event with 22 Australian and five New Zealand artists among the opening list of over 300 international artists.

At least another 30 OZ & NZ artists will be invited over the next month, however we can't name any artists invited for privacy reasons until they accept and give permission for their name to be released or let it be known themselves. However, the ones that have been chosen are an excellent cross section of contemporary bands, some of them ARIA winners, some top touring and charting recording artists and many up-and-coming buzz bands as well as eclectic choices.

Since August 1 when applications opened for the 1900 performance slots in 80 clubs over five nights, more than 6000 artists have applied but there will still be another 3000 applications to process since the overseas artist cutoff date precedes the US deadline by two weeks. Last year, 60 OZ & NZ bands were invited out of the 300+ that applied, of which close to 40 actually played the event with excellent outcomes. Other invitees had schedule conflicts, visa issues or budgetary restraints which prevented their acceptance.

This year, over 240 Australian and 35 New Zealand artists applied before the October 25 deadline with the breakdown as follows:

Australian Artists
NSW 69
VIC 58
QLD 34
WA 22
SA 6
TAS 5
NT 3
ACT 0

NZ Artists
Auckland 23
Wellington 5
Christchurch 4
Other 3

Despite the tough economic times and expensive travel, this year's group of artists have the best opportunities to participate due to Federal and State government initiatives to spur music exports. AUSTRADE, which has supported SxSW for over six years has export grants available as well as a large SxSW trade fair stand, promotion in the US and extra performances during SxSW. The Australia Council has specific grants this year for SxSW covering both artists and managers. The WA government, which has led other states in contemporary music funding and travel grants is joined by Arts Victoria's Vic Rocks program, NSW's funding through MusicNSW and new assistance being made available by the Queensland government.

As longtime SxSW rep Phil Tripp explains, "Since 2002, SxSW has had over 200 artists from our side of the world showcase, many of whom have had spectacular international success as a result and others who have kickstarted their export careers early. Based on who has been invited, the focus on Australia which will be peaking as the Baz Luhrman movie paves the way, and continuing government export strategies for music, SxSW looks to be the best for us ever in 2009. We expect over 250 delegates to attend of which 100 are already registered, and with a likely additional 200 artists, crew and management from a projected 40 bands that will be able to play, the Australian Invasion version 6.0 (in years) and 450 in bodies may take our music industry over the top in 2009."

The SXSW MUSIC AND MEDIA CONFERENCE features a legendary festival showcasing more than 1,800 musical acts of all genres from around the globe on over eighty stages in downtown Austin. By day, the Austin Convention Center comes alive with conference registrants doing business in the Trade Show and partaking of a full agenda of informative, provocative panel discussions featuring hundreds of speakers of international stature. In its 23rd year, SXSW remains an essential event on the music industry calendar.

SXSW Site Now Open for Registrations and Hotel Bookings

Mon, 4 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +1000

The South by Southwest website opened on August 1 for delegate registration, hotel bookings and ~~artist submissions for showcases~~ (showcase submissions now closed). We urge you to get in early for lowest prices, best & nearest hotels as well as getting any information on next year's Music, Film or Interactive Festivals and Conferences. It's all at http://www.sxsw.com and an Australasian site with more detailed information for local industry people is at http://www.themusic.com.au/sxsw.

Phil Tripp & IMMEDIA! are Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii representatives for SxSW and can assist with any questions at tripp@sxsw.com (02) 9557 7766.

Here are dates and links to register now or for further information.

MUSIC FESTIVAL & CONFERENCES http://www.sxsw.com/music
Register to Attend http://www.sxsw.com/attend March 18-22, 2009

FILM FESTIVAL & CONFERENCES http://www.sxsw.com/film
Register to Attend http://www.sxsw.com/attend March 13-17, 2009

INTERACTIVE FESTIVAL & CONFERENCES http://www.sxsw.com/interactive
Register to Attend http://www.sxsw.com/attend March 13-17, 2009

HOTELS--http://www.sxsw.com/attend/hotels can only be reserved through the SXSW Housing Desk. Click a hotel's name to see a photo and information unique to that hotel (minimum stay, deposit, cancellation penalty, amenities, etc.) Only accredited SXSW attendees can make a reservation. The online registration process will provide you the option to book a hotel.

APPLY TO SHOWCASE A BAND http://www.sxsw.com/music/shows/apply Submit an online application from our website by clicking the "Apply To Showcase" link on this page OR submit your application though Sonicbids. It's your choice; the deadlines (October 24, 2008 for international artists) and fee ($25 for early submissions, $35 for applications submitted after September 26, 2008) are the same.

SUBMIT YOUR FILM http://www.sxsw.com/film/screenings/submissions in the following categories: Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, Narrative Short, Documentary Short, Animated Short, Experimental Short, and Music Video. Submission price is $25 for shorts and $35 for features until November 14, 2008. At that time prices will increase to $35 for shorts and $45 for features until the final postmark deadline of December 12, 2008.

ENTER YOUR SITE IN WEB AWARDS http://www.sxsw.com/interactive/web_awards/enter Early Entry Deadline: Friday, October 17 - $10 Final Entry Deadline: Friday, December 19 - $25

TRAVEL--Our official travel agent for 5 years is SxSW veteran Brad Thomas of The Travel Bureau. Email brad@travelmanagers.com.au or phone (02) 8062 6442 for the best rates on flights directly to SxSW and via other US UK and European destinations.

Free SxSW Austrade National Teleconference--Tuesday, Aug 12

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +1000

We attach a PDF of Austrade's invitation to the FREE National Video Conference which is conveniently being held in major city Austrade offices on TUESDAY, August 12. In our last email, we said Wednesday--wrong day of the week--but right day of August 12. It's all about the South by Southwest Music Festival and conferences for those hoping to attend as delegates or showcase as artists.

This event follows our three Sydney (August 4), Melbourne (August 5) and Brisbane (August 11) free evening seminars from 6pm-9pm on going to SxSW, which you can see outlined here http://www.themusic.com.au/sxsw/newsDisplay.php?id=56

SxSW - Creating a strategic approach

South by Southwest is a key music event - join us to hear how to effectively use the event to achieve your goals.

Why you should attend this seminar?

* Hear from some of the most experienced participants at South by Southwest to help develop your strategy.
* Gain knowledge of how to pitch your band or artist for a showcase slot.
* Understand the logistic processes to make SxSW work for you.
* Get an idea of the funding, grant and support mechanisms that are in place.
* Receive direct advice, tips, do's and don'ts about the event and gain an understanding of how to get more opportunities to play gigs.
* Get comprehensive take-home notes to help you make the next step in getting to SxSW.

Speakers

* MusicNSW's Millie Millgate, who is their Creative Director, is a champion of Australians at SxSW, she ran the Australian Stand in 2008 and has been assisting bands at the event for many years.
* IMMEDIA!'s Phil Tripp, SxSW Australian representative and an expert on using SxSW in Austin.
* Visa Specialist Pam Meyers a leading LA based immigration attorney, a specialist in P-1 & O-1 Visas.
* Stage Mothers' Mary Mihelakos and Glenn Dickie are the people behind the long running Australian BBQ at SxSW, and will share tips about their program of events around the world.
* The Travel Bureau's Brad Thomas, gets more Australians their travel to SxSW than anyone else, will give his top 10 tips for travelling to Austin cost effectively.
* The Australia Council's Sue Spence, Manager, International Market Development, will speak about funding support from the Australia Council.
* The Australian Music Office's Tony George has been leading Australia's efforts in the music industry in the United States and will speak on Austrade's involvement in the event.

Limited places - register now

Don't miss out on the insights at this industry masterclass. Register online today at www.australianmusicoffice.com or call Austrade on 13 28 78.

DATE: TUESDAY August 12

LOCATIONS & TIMES
Adelaide - 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Brisbane - Noon to 2 pm
Darwin - 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Melbourne - Noon to 2 pm
Perth - 10 am to Noon
Sydney - Noon to 2 pm
Hobart - Noon to 2 pm

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
* Artists
* Managers
* Record Labels
* Agents
* Promoters
* Music Publishers
* Online and Mobile Music Mini-Moguls
* Music Geeks and Entrepreneurs

Free SxSW Seminars, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Teleconference

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +1000

A special series of free seminars have been announced for early August in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane for musicians, managers and music entrepreneurs hoping to showcase at or attend the 22nd South by Southwest Music Festival & Conferences to be held March 18-22 in Austin, Texas. Band submissions and delegate registrations start the week of August 4 & these seminars are crucial.

And on Wednesday, August 12, there is a free national videoconference in all capital cities' Austrade offices from noon to 2pm with seven speakers (below).

Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane seminars begin with 6pm networking drinks, followed by a DVD of highlights of SxSW as well as feedback from bands and attendees at 6:30. At 7pm a panel of veteran music business delegates, media who've attended, government arts and music association staff will talk about:

WHO Should Go To SxSW as artists or delegates & what assistance is available.
WHAT Are The SxSW Components--Shows, Conferences, Trade Fair & how to fit in.
WHEN To Best Apply for showcases and how to best submit materials for success.
WHERE To Play other shows, meet music industry contacts and how to network.
HOW To Work The Event with concerts, parties, stand, SxSW/OZ magazine & more.
WHY You Need to Register or Submit Early to get close hotels & start to work it.

The free seminars are walk-up with no pre-registration (do not call venue)

SYDNEY - Monday, August 4, 6pm-9pm
Sydney University, Manning Bar
In conjunction with Drum Media, Austrade & MusicNSW
Panel includes:
Tony George--Austrade Music Office Los Angeles veteran of SxSW
Glenn Dickie--EMI Music, producer of Aussie BBQ at SxSW for six years
Craig Treweek--Street Press Aust. Publisher of Australian Music Guide at SxSW
Millie Millgate--MusicNSW, artist manager and Australian Stand manageress
Phil Tripp--IMMEDIA! SxSW representative and six-time delegate
Brad Thomas--Travel Managers, SxSW Veteran & official SxSW travel agent 5 years
Manning Bar Level 2, Manning House, Manning Road, U of Syd

MELBOURNE - Tuesday, August 5, 6pm-9pm
Corner Hotel Band Room
In conjunction with Inpress, Austrade & Victoria Rocks
Panel includes:
Mary Mihelakos--Stagemothers, producer of Aussie BBQ at SxSW for six years
Leigh Treweek--Street Press Aust. Publisher of Australian Music Guide at SxSW
Jonathan Williamson--Program Manager Victoria Rocks, former artist manager
Phil Tripp--IMMEDIA! SxSW representative and six-time delegate & 1 more TBC
The Corner Hotel 57 Swan Street, Richmond VIC

BRISBANE- Monday, August 11, 6pm-9pm
The Troubadour
In conjunction with Qmusic, Austrade and Time Off magazine
Panel includes:
Simon Homer--Owner of Plus 1 Records and SxSW veteran
Nick Croker--Business Manager, Musicadium; SxSW attendee 2007
Leigh Treweek--Street Press Aust. Publisher of Australian Music Guide at SxSW
Chris Pickering--Singer songwriter
Phil Tripp--IMMEDIA! SxSW representative and six-time delegate
The Troubadour 322 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Pre-register your interest with Qmusic roxy@qmusic.com.au (07) 3257 0013

NATIONAL AUSTRADE VIDEO CONFERENCE Tuesday, August 12, Noon to 2pm
held at Austrade offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth

A videoteleconference between key cities and Los Angeles on how to best use Austrade resources in advance in Australia, through the Australian Music Office in LA and on the ground in Austin. Tips on visas, travel, showcasing, publicity, promotion, professional business strategies, pre and post event grants through Austrade, Australia Council new export programs, state and others will be discussed.

Speakers include:
Tony George--Austrade Music Office Los Angeles veteran of SxSW, now in Sydney
Pam Meyer--US Visa specialist from Los Angeles
Leigh Treweek--Street Press Aust. Publisher of Australian Music Guide at SxSW
Phil Tripp--IMMEDIA! SxSW representative and six-time delegate & 1 more TBC
Millie Millgate--MusicNSW, artist manager and Australian Stand manageress
Glenn Dickie and Mary Mihelakos--Stagemothers & producers of the Aussie BBQ
Brad Thomas--Travel Managers, SxSW Veteran & official SxSW travel agent 5 years
and a member of Australia Council to explain their new contemporary music grants

For further information, email Phil Tripp at tripp@sxsw.com (02) 9557 7766
Go to http://www.themusic.com.au/sxsw and http://www.sxsw.com/music

SxSW 2009 Opens for Regos and Band Submissions August 5

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +1000

Get in early... only four weeks to go to start to register as a delegate, get a hotel or submit a band for showcasing. We've been notified by the South by Southwest Music Festivals & Conferences scheduled for March 18-22 of the opening of registration for delegates and artist showcase submissions the week of August 4. Some important information:

AUGUST 11 (Monday)--FREE SxSW SEMINAR IN BRISBANE WITH QMUSIC starting at 6pm with drinks, 6:30 seminar presentation to 9pm with panel of veterans on how to best apply for showcases, make use of state and federal government initiatives, market through the Australian Music Office in LA and Austin and make the best use of SxSW as a delegate, standholder, band or business. Tentatively confirmed for the Troubador in Brunswick St. Mall, Fortitude Valley. Email roxy@qmusic.com.au for final details or call (07) 3257 0013 to register your interest.

AUGUST 12 (Tuesday)--FREE NATIONAL VIDEOCONFERENCE with AUSTRADE starts at noon (AEST) at their offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane with a panel of SxSW veterans on how to strategise participation & best submit artist showcase applications. A great two-hour advance networking opportunity. Email matthew.proft@austrade.com.au to confirm your place and get time & location.

Now here are details about registration, artist submissions & marketing

1. SXSW MUSIC REGISTRATION RATES: From when the website opens August 4 (US time--August 5 our time), the lowest-price early bird rate for the music event is US$550, which goes up to US$600 September 26, US$625 November 14, $650 January 16 and $695 as a walk- up rate from February 13. Go to http://www.sxsw.com.

2. SXSW MUSIC FESTIVAL ARTIST SUBMISSIONS: These are all being done online at starting the week of August 4 and closing October 15. We highly recommend that you apply early so you are heard by fresh ears in Austin and not wait until they are inundated and tired towards the end. You can apply through Sonicbids or directly online at http://www.sxsw.com. We do NOT take submissions through our Australian rep NOR do we want to receive any mail or email demos or samples.

3. SXSW FILM & INTERACTIVE REGISTRATIONS: Many music clients also attend the SxSW Film Festival & Conferences the week before (March 13-17) the music event. Early bird rates from August 4 - September 26 are as follows
PLATINUM--(Music, Film & Interactive)--$850 to attend all 3 shows & trade fairs.
GOLD--(Film & Interactive only)--$550 to attend those two but NOT the music event.
FILM--$300 for full delegates badge for Film Festival, Conference & Trade Fair
INTERACTIVE--$375 for the IA Festival, Conference & Trade Fair only.

4. HOTELS!!!! MOST IMPORTANT!!!! The main hotels sell out very early and if you want to have a booking in a nearby room in the city, you MUST do this at the time of registration. It is advised that you register very early and once registered, you can pick your hotel out of what stock remains. If you leave this to January, your hotel may be 25 or more kilometres OUT OF TOWN!

5. STANDS, BAG INSERTS, DIRECTORY ADS & MAGAZINE ADS These are still being finalised, but to give you an idea of costs of having your own stand, placing an insert in the show bags, advertising in the Directory or SxSW Magazine, use the following prices (in US$) as a guideline only. Prices subject to change.

3m x 3m STAND--MUSIC--$1900-$2500 FILM & IA--$1100-$1600 BOTH--$2700-$3300
6m x 3m STAND--MUSIC--$2800-$3800 FILM & IA--$1600-$2400 BOTH--$3300-$4600
Other configurations are available---Triple, Endcaps, etc.

DIRECTORY ADS--MUSIC From $960-$4800 FILM or INTERACTIVE-$488-$2290
BIG BAG INSERTS--MUSIC (Non-Publication) $1200-$1500 (Publication) $2800-$3500
FILM or IA (Non-Publication) $675-$850 (Publication) $1450-$1800
ADVERTISE IN THE SxSW QUARTERLY MAGAZINE--From $565 quarter page to $2235 FP.

2008 Australian Music Guide Available Online Now

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +1100

Australian Music Guide Moves From IMMEDIA! to Street Press Australia

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +1100

After four years of publishing the annual Australian Music Guide--a 15,500 copy newsprint magazine distributed free at South by Southwest Music Festival (SxSW) each year--IMMEDIA!'s Phil Tripp has sold the title to Street Press Australia--owners of Drum Media, Drum Perth, Inpress and other music or youth lifestyle titles. The AMG has been a key propaganda tool of homegrown artists and music businesses in print and online at http://www.themusic.com.au/sxsw/amg.php.

SPA takes over four months out from the 22nd SxSW to market the magazine to Australian artists and businesses keen to have a presence in the 36 page publication which will be inserted in over 12,500 delegate showbags as well as having 3000 copies available free in record and book retailers, venues and other key outlets in Austin Texas through SxSW Week March 12-16.

SPA intends to expand the AMG to serve as a promotional tool at future overseas trade fairs, conferences and music festivals with plans to have individualised editions for events such as MIDEM, Popkomm, CMJ, Canadian Music Week and other appropriate industry gatherings. As Publisher Phil Tripp states, "We've been proud to have developed this media asset alongside AUSTRADE's export efforts to being Australian music and artists to the fore in the US. We believe that their music business sense and publishing passion means that Craig and Leigh Treweek's Street Press Australia publishing empire will take AMG even further globally."

As Craig Treweek sees it, "SxSW is a crucial event for Australian music and we went this year, and plan to be there in 2008, to take our national music media network's power into that market and give even more momentum to the 40+ artists that will be showcasing at the event and support the business efforts of over 250 music industry delegates at the critical trade fair and conference."

Leigh Treweek has new strategies to put in place for the print and online publication. "While Phil has carved out a valuable niche with SxSW as a music evangelist for Australia, we see the need for a united Australian business presence at a variety of global music conferences, trade fairs and showcase festivals. We intend to take the AMG to the next level by increasing its print run, size and online reach beyond the US and into other territories such as Europe, the UK and Canada."

Over the past four years, the AMG has featured editorial on Doing Business With Australia, A Bluffer's Guide to Australian Music, Profiles on Showcasing Australian Artists, a Mini-Directory of the Australian Music Industry and much more. All four previous issues are now collector's items but can be viewed in their entirety as PDFs online at http://www.themusic.com.au/sxsw/amg.php.

Cover image is at http://www.themusic.com.au/sxsw/pdf/amg/2007/amg07_cover.pdf. Contact Leigh Treweek at the SPA Melbourne headquarters on leigh@streetpress.com.au (03) 9421 4499