In our never ending quest to help artists like you get awesome gigs, we caught up with SXSW alumni, ZE REBELLE, to hear her advice about playing one of the biggest festivals in the world. ZE REBELLE had some awesome experiences to share with us and a few helpful tips. Check it out.
Tell us a bit about your SXSW festival experience. What were the highs? Surprises? Etc.
It was my 2nd time being invited to perform. When I was invited in 2010, I couldn't make it because of the lack of time and money so I started preparing from then that I wanted to make it there in March 2011. So, you can only imagine my excitement finally getting to perform in Austin. If I can sum the whole experience in a word, it would be 'overwhelming.' There was just so much to do and so many people to meet and in between all of that, I also had to save energy for my performances but I loved every second of it. I was lucky to have had my producer and his friends who came all the way from Belgium to support me.
I gave my CD to Blaqstarr, who loved it and he got me in the studio with him to sing on his track with Mos Def. I also met Bob Geldof and Perez Hilton in person, which was great. My shows at SXSW were my very first in the US, which meant I was anxious to know how the audience would react. People ended up dancing on stage with me, even tho they were there to see Heavy Metal bands... which was surprising and AWESOME :)
What impact did playing SXSW have on your career?
I signed on with a manager in LA. Plus, I got featured on MTV Iggy and CNN! and on the main page too.
Besides that, of course, SXSW gave me the opportunity to go on my 1st ever North American tour. I was even picked by an Austin 360 critic's must-see acts. Back home, nobody wants to listen to my crap. I'm a Malaysian Idol reject. And I've struggled to prove myself by going to Europe and Australia where I have found my audience. People who appreciate what I do. For me, being able to say that I have played at a festival as huge as SXSW is a major breakthrough. I have the confidence now and am working on returning for a bigger tour.
If you were going to play the festival again, what would you do differently?
I would start preparing before SXSW even confirms my slot on Sonicbids. I think there's enough time if you're from the US because you don't have all the visa and travel issues to handle but as an international artist coming from so far away, you best get everything ready ahead of time if you don't want to stress out at the last minute. That, and lots of self-promotion because nobody's actually going to do it for you.
What advice would you give to other bands applying to play SXSW?
Applying is the first big step. And then, you need to plan how you're going to get people to your show. Bring a lot of CDs to give away and know how to tell a wannabe-producer who's just trying to score a free CD from you, from the ones who are legit. Be prepared, be yourself... and most importantly, have fun!
Do you want to play at SXSW 2012? Submit your application here.
