15 more Australian acts announced for SXSW, Federal Government set to announce “massive” investment

Fifteen more Australian acts made the cut to perform at South By Southwest in Austin, Texas next year.

The second announcement of acts, topped by The Black Sorrows, was released overnight for the March 12-18 meet. 

The acts will play around numerous venues in the music city, competing with thousands from countries around the world to grab the eye and ear of industry decision makers.

Those on the list will now face a number of challenges before they accept the invitation, including having to apply for funding from various sources in Australia, checking to see if their schedules allow the SXSW involvement, and be approved entry into the United States.

This year 70 acts were invited and only about 40 actually showcased.

At the same time, the Federal Government is due to announce a huge investment in Australia’s presence at SXSW through the G’Day Australia brand on December 1.

According to the festival’s Australian, New Zealand and Hawaii representative, Phil Tripp, the Lucille’s club on Rainey St will be turned into an all-inclusive hub called Australia House.

It will include showcases, panels, networking opportunities with global influencers, the now-iconic Aussie BBQ, start-up pitch sessions, tourism tie-ups wine and beer tasting, and a coffee bar.

Tripp told TMN called the Government’s involvement a “massive investment”, and that Australia was one of the few countries getting this kind of support.

“The Australian Government started in music at SXSW and has graduated to tech and innovative support to further the Australian brand there," he said.

“This is going to Australia to another whole new level and pull the innovation community onto the global stage even further.”

The Federal Government’s involvement in SXSW began in 2002 through Austrade, allowing the number of showcasing acts to rise from five to 40.

It also sponsored Sounds Australia’s BBQ event, now a well-recognised feature in similar trade events around the world.

LIST OF ACTS IN THE SECOND ROUND ANNOUNCEMENT

Alice Ivy (Melbourne) 

The Black Sorrows (Melbourne)

Bloods (Sydney)

Didirri (Melbourne)

The Elliotts (Melbourne)

ELSZ (Sydney)

Gordi (Canowindra) 

The Heart Collectors (Tyalgum) 

Mallrat (Brisbane)

Small Island Big Song (Melbourne)

The Teskey Brothers (Melbourne) 

Thandi Phoenix (Sydney)

Tori Forsyth (Congewai) 

Vacations (Newcastle)

WILSN (Melbourne)

Also on the list from the other side of the pond representing New Zealand were HEX from Wellington.