SONG CONTEST BLOG

As an artist, getting your ass on stage and performing to as many people as often as possible is key.  In the US, SXSW is arguably the largest draw of both music fans and artists, certainly independent artists.  Should you get on a SXSW stage?  Of course you should.  However, assuming that you are not yet well known, playing live at an over-crowded and super competitive event has its limitations.  Sometimes, you have to get off the stage in order to truly make an impact and, year after year, I’m seeing more independent artists attending music conferences, on their own behalf, and with their business hat on.  Although the largest of the lot, Midem in Cannes and Popkomm in Berlin, also offer a variety of live performance opportunities to acts big and small, the true event value is in the aimless wondering between the booths and random handshakes with industry professionals.  I’m not joking.  You’ll meet a lot more people on the floor than on stage.  If you meet someone who wants to hear you play, both Midem and Popkomm have listening rooms big enough for you to perform acoustically.  If nothing else, attending these events will teach you a lot about the current music market and provide you with the confidence to approach prospective partners who may [or may not] invest in your next recording, touring, licensing, or writing initiative.  You never know.

Related post: RedGorilla

South by South West in Austin, Texas, is one of the largest music events in the world – and a truly fun weekend for fans and musicians alike.  For artists, access to Austin’s best venues is a career development must and Tinderbox Music, in association with RedGorilla, provides the means to get new acts on stage at a set-up cost that’s lower than the spectator entry fee into SXSW.  RedGorilla caters to the Austin venues that are not included in the SXSW line-up, mainly due to festival logistics issues.  Each year, these venues open their doors for artists to enjoy the SXSW reception and provide attending music fans with a free alternative.  Last year, RedGorilla hosted 300 acts at eight different venues.  In 2009, showcases will take place from Wednesday, March 18th, to Saturday, March 21st, on Austin’s 6th Street, right in the heart of the action.  Tinderbox Music has a number of slots open for interested parties.  RedGorilla is an unsanctioned event and not a part of SXSW.

For booking details, contact:
Jon Delange
jon[at]tinderboxmusic.com
 (612) 375 1113