About The Festival

Twenty Years of South By Southwest

Now celebrating twenty years in the business, South by Southwest has a long standing reputation as a springboard for new acts.

In recent years the festival has helped launch the careers of a bunch of highly successful artists like The Darkness, The White Stripes and Franz Ferdinand. It also provides a valuable showcase for established acts and offers a feast of music for fans of all genres, from country to metal, punk to hip hop, rock to reggae.

Every evening for four nights, 1100 musical acts from around the globe perform on 52 stages in downtown Austin, Texas. During the daytime, a huge music conference takes place featuring an agenda of informative and provocative panel discussions with international speakers.

1100 musical acts from around the globe perform on 52 stages in downtown Austin, Texas.

All human life is here. Walk along Austin's main drag, 6th Street, and you'll hear music coming out of what seems like every door. Everything from indie pop, metal, country, bluegrass, rap - all these and many more get a look in.

Austin bills itself as the live music capital of the world, with good reason. Since the 60s it's provided a haven to musicians from all over Texas and beyond. Venues are everywhere - from alternative rock shacks like Emos to the more traditional delights of the Broken Spoke (with regular line dancing!). And there's no shortage of bands to play in them.

South by Southwest has played a major part in launching the careers of numerous bands. The Darkness played there twice, saving up the plane fare and sleeping on floors. Norah Jones got her first break in Austin, while last year showcased the talents of new hopefuls the Kaiser Chiefs, Hot Hot Heat and The Bravery.

The festival also provides a valuable shop window for British acts keen to break into the American market. Franz Ferdinand and The Futureheads both found their pulling power across the pond increased by hotly tipped shows at SxSW.

Radio 2, 6 Music and Radio 1 are once again broadcasting live from the festival, bringing a host of great live music to the UK, with guests and sessions dropping into many of the shows too.