SaskMusic is preparing to head south for annual international market export event, South by South West (SXSW), Austin TX. “The world’s leading music industry event” offers attendees the opportunity to explore the future of the music industry during the day through important panels discussions, talks, trade show, gear expo and other activities. At night, the music festival showcases over 2200 artists, including over 500 international acts from 60+ countries.
SXSW’s innovative approach melds music, film, and interactive industries together into one enormous business and networking opportunity. With over 30,000 delegates to the music conference component alone – and millions attending the festival – SaskMusic partners with Canadian music industry associations to present targeted events, at which artists who have been selected by SXSW organizers represent Canada.
SaskMusic sustains an international market presence by representing and showcasing Saskatchewan talent at a number of highly respected music industry events annually, including The Great Escape (Brighton UK), Reeperbahn (Hamburg DE), and Folk Alliance International (Montreal QC), among others.
Western Canada at Canada House – Thursday March 14
Presented by SaskMusic with partners under the BreakOut West brand
At Bungalow, 92 Rainey St, Austin
An afternoon of Western Canadian artists showcases, including Saskatchewan’s Close Talker, (2pm), who was selected for an official showcase by SXSW organizers.
Later that day, Close Talker’s official showcase will take place at Edwin’s, 700 E 6th St, Austin, March 14 at 11pm.
For more information on this initiative, contact Mike Dawson, Executive Director, mike@saskmusic.org.
Our participation is made possible through Creative Saskatchewan's Market & Export Development Grant Program
About Close Talker
Close Talker is an indie rock band from Saskatoon. The band has toured throughout North America and Europe, gaining the attention and praise of notable publications such as NPR, Billboard, Clash, Spin, Q Magazine, and Consequence of Sound. Having recently won Alternative Artist of the Year at the Saskatchewan Music Awards, the band is poised for a breakthrough 2019. Beyond Close Talker’s recordings and videos, the music comes to life with the band’s iconic live show, leaving audiences around the world satisfied, having left all inhibitions behind. The band works tirelessly on evolving every aspect of their craft, which has led to their strongest and most confident song to date: Half Past Nine.
About Canada House
Canada House is presented by Canadian Blast, an initiative of CIMA (the Canadian Independent Music Association) with support from the Government of Canada and the Ontario Media Development Corporation. Canadian Blast is a project that seeks to connect Canadian music professionals with other industry professionals around the world via showcases, meetings and events.
About Creative Saskatchewan
Creative Saskatchewan is dedicated to the growth and commercial viability of Saskatchewan's creative industries; visual arts and craft, publishing, music and sound recording, live performing arts, and screen-based media. Creative Saskatchewan's funding programs are designed to introduce Saskatchewan's creative products to the global marketplace. The agency facilitates the expansion of a business environment advantageous to the growth of the creative industry and to the growth of new employment, investment and production opportunities in Saskatchewan, and encourages and supports innovation, invention and excellence in the creative industry by stimulating creative production and new models of collaboration.
