British stars set to align at South by Southwest

Tags: Ambassadors | events | music

myplace Ambassador Ras Kwame's Urban Music Showcase is tipped to be one of the highlights of the British Music Embassy this year at the renowned South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas.

The leading music trade festival, now in it's 24^th year, runs from the 15^th to the 21^st of March, and showcases nearly 2000 musical acts from all over the world at more than 80 stages in downtown Austin. Industry giants AIM, PPL, PRS for Music and UKTI, organize the British Music Embassy to provide a platform for British talent.

Feargal Sharkey, chief executive of UK Music, said: "The depth of talent is truly astonishing, and support provided by the likes of UKTI and the PRS for Music Foundation remains crucial."

The BBC 1 and 1 Extra DJ will be performing alongside Estelle, VV Brown, Master Shortie, Maverick Sabre, and Bubbz after the British Music Launch Party. The Showcase and Launch Party are firsts for British music at South by Southwest, and are expected to attract massive attendance.

Mr. Sharkey said: "The UK is globally-recognized for producing exciting, diverse and successful music. As a nation, it's something that defines us. Consequently, it's no surprise we send more artists and more delegates to Austin than any other country outside of the US."

Ras's fellow Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens is presenting the British Music @SXSW Launch Party, which is invitation only, so expected to be full of celebrity faces. The party will feature Band of Skulls, Everything Everything, and Smoke Fairies.

South by Southwest is a massive networking event, which industry managers and scouts, promoters and the press, sign up to in the search for the ‘next big thing' in music, and where artists hope to get recognized. The festival organisers also host panel discussions and celebrity interviews featuring hundreds of well known speakers from around the world.

Phil Patterson, UKTI sector champion for music, said: "South by Southwest is an incredible gateway of opportunity for the UK's music industry. Not only does it offer opportunities for artists hoping to take their music to new global audiences, but it also gives our industry a real chance to develop business internationally."

This year the British Music Embassy will be showcasing:   The XX Master Shortie Band of Skulls Everything Everything One Night Only Marina and The Diamonds Cate Le Bon Hudson Mohawke Wave Machines Broadcast 2000 Smoke Fairies Goldheart Assembly The Invisible The Boxer Rebellion And So I Watch You From Afar   Mr. Patterson said: "This year, as in previous years, we hope to make the international industry and public alike sit back in awe at the range of talent emerging from the UK."   For the full schedule of events and acts performing at the British Music Embassy see: http://britishmusic.biz/SXSW