20 Aussie acts to showcase virtually at SXSW and AmericanaFest UK

Around 20 export-ready Aussie acts will be showcased to the world via two virtual events – the 35^th South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival and music export body Sounds Australia’s presentation at AmericanaFest UK, Close Up.

Yesterday (January 26), SXSW announced the first 100 acts chosen to play at the online showcase, including 10 Australians. The homegrown acts are Alexander Biggs (Melbourne), Alice Skye (Melbourne), Beans (Geelong), Death by Denim (Perth), Didirri (Melbourne), Indigo Sparke (Byron Bay), Kee’ahn (Melbourne), The Merindas (Melbourne), No Money Enterprise (Brisbane) and Shannen James (Melbourne).

SXSW’s global showcases this year include AfroFuture Sounds, New Zealand Music, Roskilde Festival, Taiwan Beats, M for Montreal, Brazil Inspires The Future and Sounds From Spain. Featured speakers include Willie Nelson, Queen Latifah, Mark Mothersbaugh, Wyclef Jean, Matthew McConaughey and Sir Richard Branson. The event will be held digitally between March 16-20.

As for Sounds Australia, Close Up at the sixth AmericanaFest UK will be its first event for 2021. Hosted by export music producer Glenny G, Close Up takes place at 10am AEDT this Thursday (January 28).

Dan Sultan makes a return to the festival, while the others are Andrew Farriss, Beccy Cole, Charlie Collins, Fanny Lumsden, Fenn Wilson, Saije, Tracy McNeil and Troy Cassar-Daley.

The Australian presence at AmericanaFest UK is also bolstered by Emma Swift and Emily Barker as official showcase artists.