Published: 10 Feb 2017
Scottish artists include Anna Meredith, Happy Meals, PAWS, Pinact, Pooches, Sam Gellaitry, Spinning Coin, The Spook School and Womps.
The PRS for Music Foundation have announced details of the 37 talented artists supported through the International Showcase Fund to perform at this year’s SXSW Music Festival.
This news, which sees a record number of UK artists travelling to Austin, Texas with support from the showcase fund, is thanks to new contributions from PPL, Creative Scotland and Wales Arts International who recently joined Department for International Trade, British Underground, Arts Council England, Musicians Union and Pledge Music as partners of the fund.
There’s a snapshot here of the many different types of music that are breaking through the surface of the scene- Alan Morrison, Head of Music
Taking place from 13 to 16 March 2017, the annual SXSW event combines music, film and interactive conferences and festivals. Scottish artists Anna Meredith, Happy Meals, PAWS, Pinact, Pooches, Sam Gellaitry, Spinning Coin, The Spook School and Womps are among the acts being supported to perform through the International Showcase Fund. Other Scottish acts announced by SXSW include Be Charlotte, Catholic Action and Elle Exxe.
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland, said: "There’s clearly a big appetite for Scottish talent at SXSW, and this year the festival has invited some of our most exciting emerging bands to play in Austin. Creative Scotland’s partnership with the PRS Foundation’s International Showcase Fund is designed to help Scottish musicians make a splash at festivals and expos all over the world, and it’s great to see so many of them heading to Texas this March, where they’ll be able to grab the attention of key figures in the music industry.
"From the catchy adrenalin rush of The Spook School, to the crunchy guitar chords of PAWS, the electro uplift of Sam Gellaitry and the crossover hedonism of Anna Meredith, there’s a snapshot here of the many different types of music that are breaking through the surface of the scene. Fingers crossed that the SXSW class of 2017 hits the big time."
Vanessa Reed Chief Executive of PRS Foundation, said: “Through new partnerships this year with PPL, Creative Scotland and Wales Arts International we are able to reach more talented artists than ever before and to respond to their increasing demand for support to attend this career changing, North American industry event.
"Over 150 UK artists have been invited to attend SXSW this year, demonstrating that British music is in high demand and remains one of the UK’s greatest success stories on an international stage. I look forward to following the exceptionally diverse range of artists we’re funding this year – from jazz and urban to indie and electronic, and the business and creative step-change they can achieve through their trip."
To help artists make the most of their time at the festival PRS Foundation is hosting, with support from PPL, a pre-SXSW Meet Up / Drinks / Workshop day on Thursday 16th February 2017 for all artists, bands and managers looking to attend the festival. Artists, bands and managers interested should RSVP via Eventbrite.
The 37 supported artists are: Alice Jemima, Anna Meredith, Buggsy, Chain Of Flowers, Charlie Cunningham, Dan Bettridge, Dave, Doe, Dream Wife, Fifi Rong, Fizzy Blood, Flamingods, Frisco (Boy Better Know), GoGo Penguin, Happy Meals, L.A. Salami, Let's Eat Grandma, Logan Sama, Meilyr Jones, Muncie Girls, PAWS, Pinact, Pooches, Rude Kid, Safone, Sam Gellaitry, Sarathy Korwar, shame, She Drew The Gun, Spinning Coin, Sundara Karma, SuperGlu, Sweat, The Japanese House, The Sandinistas, The Spook School and WOMPS.
Sophie Bambrough, Media Relations & PR Officer, Creative Scotland
07747606146/ sophie.bambrough@creativescotland.com
Liam McMahon, PRS Foundation Communications Manager:
02037414741/ liam@prsformusicfoundation.com
Bhavesh Patel, PRS Foundation Programme Manager
02037414527/ bhavesh@prsformusicfoundation
