Around 200 bands and artists, whose music styles range from urban to rock to indie-pop, along with over 500 business delegates will travel to the event, many with support from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), PRS for Music Foundation and associated UK creative sector NGOs.  
The artists, who include chart-topper Estelle and the queen of retro pop, VV Brown, will perform at the “British Music Embassy”, a venue organised and co-hosted by UKTI, AIM, PPL and PRS for Music, to showcase the best of British talent.

Phil Patterson, UKTI sector champion for music, said: “South by South West is an incredible gateway of opportunity for the UK’s music industry, when worked strategically. This is something that we at UKTI, along with our British Music industry partners attempt to deliver for the UK industry through our efforts at SXSW. Not only does it offer opportunities for artists hoping to take their music to new global audiences, but it also gives our industry a real chance to develop business internationally. 

“This year, as in previous years, we hope to continue to make the international industry and public alike sit back in awe at the range of talent emerging from the UK.“

Feargal Sharkey, chief executive of UK Music, the umbrella group representing the UK’s commercial industry said: “The UK has a globally-recognised status for producing new, exciting, diverse and successful music. As a nation, it’s something that defines us. Consequently, it’s no surprise that we send more artists and more delegates to Austin than any other country outside of the US. This year is no different; as ever, the depth of talent is truly astonishing, and support provided by the likes of UKTI and the PRS for Music Foundation remains crucial.”  

Bands taking part in this year’s SXSW include: 
•    Biffy Clyro
•    The XX
•    Master Shortie
•    Band of Skulls
•    Everything Everything
•    One Night Only
•    Marina & The Diamonds
•    Cate Le Bon
•    Hudson Mohawke
•    Wave Machines
•    Broadcast 2000
•    Smoke Fairies  
•    Goldheart Assembly
•    The Invisible
•    The Boxer Rebellion   
•    And So I Watch You From Afar 

www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk