The world’s largest and most prestigious annual music event – the 2010 South by Southwest Music Conference and Festival to be held March 17-21–has opened the submissions for showcase performances of artists and also registrations of delegates at www.sxsw.com.
It is estimated that over 10,500 artists from over 40 countries will apply for 1800 showcase slots over five days in 85 venues playing to an industry audience of 15,000 SxSW registrants. Details are at www.sxsw.com/music/shows/apply. In 2009, more than 240 Australian and New Zealand artists applied of which over 70 were invited with 47 bands actually playing.
This week, Creative Director Brent Grulke, who oversees all talent booking for SxSW, is a keynote speaker at the AustralAsian Music Business Conference on Saturday August 22 but he won’t be hauling away demos because all applications are online.
Sonicbids (www.sonicbids.com) is the official online music submission partner of the 2010 SXSW Music Conference and Festival. To apply online using Sonicbids, artists can log in to their Sonicbids account and look for SXSW in the Find Gigs section. If you’re not already a member, you can create an account – it’s free for 6 months when you apply to SXSW. From there, you can create your Sonicbids Electronic Press Kit, which SxSW will use to listen to your music and review your press materials. You won’t need to upload any additional materials.
Unlike in the past, this year there will not be a separate international and domestic deadline. All applications must be submitted no later than November 6, 2009. Application fees are US$30 for early submissions, US$40 for applications submitted after September 25, 2009. Australian artists are urged to apply early for early acceptance.
For those needing further information, IMMEDIA! in Sydney has been the SxSW representative for eight years and can handle any inquiries about registration, stands, showbag inserts or other marketing opportunities. Contact tripp@sxsw.com or call (02) 9557 7766. A special Australian & NZ website for localised SxSW info is at www.themusic.com.au/sxsw.
