First Steps for Scottish Bands on the Road South by Southwest

Scottish Bands are being encouraged to prepare their applications to join the world’s biggest contemporary music industry showcasing and networking event. On 17 and 18 September, the Scottish Arts Council and Cultural Enterprise Office will be holding two training events for artists and managers wishing to showcase at the South by South-West (SXSW) Music Conference in Austin Texas in March 2010.

Everything from visa applications to marketing advice will be covered during the training events which will give bands, artists and managers the opportunity to gain practical knowledge about the application procedure and the chance to speak to those who have successfully showcased at the event in the past.

Advice, mentoring and funding support and will be offered to all selected to attend on the basis of their business readiness and performance potential.  The training events will cover all aspects of SxSW, including details of this year’s ‘Showcasing Scotland’ event, which takes place in Austin as part of the conference and has contributed to the success of bands such as Franz Ferdinand, Primal Scream, Paolo Nuntini and The Fratellis.

Ian Smith, Head of Music at the Scottish Arts Council, said: ‘South by South-West presents a significant opportunity for Scottish bands. By hosting these training events, we aim to provide the support, advice and guidance to ensure that anyone considering applying has the best possible chance for success.’

The events will take place:
THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER – 7pm, ABC2, 300 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow
Speakers: Scott Paterson (Sons & Daughters), Una Johnston (SXSW), Francis Macdonald (Manager of Camera Obscura), Paul Grieve (Paul Grieve Management), Katie Ray (Traffic Control) Stuart Thomas (Scottish Arts Council)

FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER – 2pm, Scottish Arts Council, 12 Manor Place, Edinburgh
Speakers: Tommy Perman & Ziggy Campbell (FOUND), Una Johnston (SxSW), Paul Grieve (Paul Grieve Management), Katie Ray (Traffic Control) Stuart Thomas (Scottish Arts Council)

These events are free of charge but booking is essential. To reserve a place, please email events@culturalenterpriseoffice.co.uk or call 0844 544 9990

Notes to editors

• SXSW, which has been running for 18 years, is attended by more than 7,000 music industry delegates and highlights include live music performances by more than 1,000 artists. SXSW selects the bands it will invite to perform at the showcase on the basis of their musical talent and proven readiness to sell themselves to an international market.
• The Scottish Arts Council serves the people of Scotland by fostering arts of excellence through investment, development, research and advocacy. Our corporate aims are: to support artists to fulfil their creative and business potential; to increase participation in the arts; and to place the arts, culture and creativity at the heart of learning. The organisation was established by Royal Charter in 1994 and is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) investing over £61m each year, including £12.4 million of National Lottery funding. A new organisation, Creative Scotland, will be established in 2010, subject to the passage of legislation. Creative Scotland will grow out of the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen by working with those organisations’ staff.

Contact email(s)

media.office@scottisharts.org.uk

Issued by: Scottish Arts Council