As the artist application deadline approaches in just a few days, there’s not much time left to apply for the 2017 SXSW Music Festival. As the music festival’s exclusive application platform for the tenth year in a row, Sonicbids has brought thousands of artists to Austin, including Royal Teeth, San Cisco, and Wild Cub. Last year, over 2,200 acts showcased for over 30,000 industry professionals, including almost 3,000 media representative and thousands of fans.
Do you know what it takes to get selected as a showcasing artist for SXSW 2017? Below are three tips from the experts.
1. Keep your application precise
"Think of it as a pitch or résumé. We want to know as much about the artist as possible, so provide thorough information about yourself while being succinct. Be sure to offer more than one song. Keeping everything up-to-date is extremely important!" – Elliott Usrey, SXSW Music Festival Tech Specialist
2. Don't leave anything blank
"Providing a complete EPK for us to review is the best way to show us what you’ve achieved. Leaving your 'calendar' section blank or unfinished, for instance, leaves the impression that you have never left your hometown or toured, and that you’re not actively performing. Skipping over the 'press' section and not including any links to reviews sends the message that no one has written about you. Take your time completing your application and EPK, so that we can view the full scope of your career." – James Minor, Head of SXSW Music Festival
3. Your EPK should be unmistakably you
"What's most important for your EPK is being sure you have a strong, unique identity that is unmistakably you. You don't have to set yourself on fire or pull some Kanye shenanigans – just make great music that couldn't come from anyone else, and craft your identity for your press kit around that." – Gentlemen Hall, SXSW veterans
Submit your application for the 2017 SXSW Music Festival by October 21, 2016!
