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SXSW INFO MEET-UPS IN SYD & MELB

sxswSouth by South West (aka SXSW) is the huge annual conference for music, interactive and film professionals, which takes place in Austin, Texas.

While the organisers of the Australian contingent just opened artist submissions July 8 for bands to apply to showcase at the South by Southwest Music Festival & Conference  March 17-22 in Austin, Texas (http://sxsw.com), they will open registration & hotels for SXSW 2015 in early August.

To assist those who are thinking of making the trip, they are holding SXSW Meet ‘n’ Greet free events in Melbourne & Sydney (August 12 & 13) for music artists & professionals as well as those wanting to attend the Interactive and Film Festivals which precede Music March 13-16.

First up is Melbourne’s Corner Hotel 5:30 Tuesday August 12 (57 Swan St., Richmond) with an hour of networking drinks, followed by a panel of SXSW veterans and experts divulging tips & secrets with a Q&A until 9pm.  And to kick it off, it’s Taco Tuesday at The Corner, SXSW’s favourite Melbourne venue.  No RSVP necessary.

Speakers include:
Brad Thomas   SXSW Travel Agent—Entertainment Travel Partners
Millie Millgate–Executive Producer Sounds Australia
Paul Cashmere–Executive Producer Noise11.com
Andrew Mast–Managing Editor TheMusic
With 2 more speakers TBA
moderated by Phil Tripp—SXSW Representative

The exercise is repeated in Sydney 5:30 Wednesday August 13 at the Newtown Social Club (387 King St., Newtown) with an hour of networking drinks, followed by a panel of SXSW veterans and experts divulging tips & secrets with a Q&A until 9pm.  Both events are free and open to all comers.  No RSVP necessary.

Speakers include
Gregg Donovan   Manager–Airbourne, Grinspoon, Boy & Bear, Josh Pyke & more
Brad Thomas   SXSW Travel Agent—Entertainment Travel Partners
Shaun O’Connor   Technologist–Publicis Mojo, formerly TBWA
Glenn Dickie    Export Music Producer–Sounds Australia
Larry Heath   Founder & Editor—The AU Review
Jackie Kralj    Digital Music Strategist–Digirascal
moderated by Phil Tripp—SXSW Representative

 The official travel agent, Brad Thomas of entertainment Travel Partners and a 10 year veteran of SXSW, will be in attendance at both shows giving tips on saving money, hotels outside the grid, direct flights to Austin via LAX or Dallas and much more.   He is constantly unearthing great deals like this week’s Qantas SYD/LAX/SYD $1299 economy or lower business fares.  His email is bradt@travelpartners.com.au and phone (02) 9280 3767.

SXSW veteran Phil Tripp will be at both shows but is also available to answer any queries as the SXSW 12 -year representative for Australia, NZ and Hawaii.  Email is tripp@sxsw.com and phone (041) 22 666 77.

For artists wanting to showcase, the submission process starts with an online EPK application exclusively through Sonicbids for US$33 at http://www.sonicbids.com/find-gigs/sxsw/.  The price rises to US$45 from September 12 and submissions close October 10.  It’s best for Australian acts to apply early when listening committee members have more time to spend on international acts submitted before the last minute rush, making it easier to apply for state and Federal grants as well as US visas.

In its 29th year, from unsigned bands to indie and major label headliners, SXSW continues to be the premier music event that sets the tone and direction of the industry by introducing the hottest new talent, and showcasing the new directions and sounds of the most important musical acts in the world, while providing an ideal environment for bands to learn from and meet the music industry professionals that can help them further their careers.

 For Australian artists, support is given for extra concerts, the Aussie BBQ all day event, networking breakfasts and other sessions as well as a stand presence in the SXSW Trade Fair exhibition through industry and government supported export body SoundsAustralia.  Grants at state level are available and the Australia Council has additional funding support for bands and managers to attend SXSW.  In the past decade more than 400 Australian bands have played at SXSW with many obtaining record and publishing deals, management, agency representation and festival slots as well as touring connections.

Registration and hotel reservations for delegates open early August at http://sxsw.com/attend

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