We’d like to welcome back the folks from Armed Forces Entertainment, who’ve been participating in SXSW for the past few years and are coming back to join us in 2009. They’re a lot hipper than the name might imply… think a contemporary USO that books artists from Kid Rock and the Gin Blossoms to up-and-coming bands they meet at South by Southwest to tour around the world. Melissa Welch gives us an update.
Photo: Stephen Kellogg

1. Tell us a little about Armed Forces Entertainment. You guys offer a great service to new artists. Fill us in.

We have the coolest job in the world. We get to work with some of the most talented up-and-coming artists in the US. We scout them, select them, and book them to tour around the world to perform and bring a piece of home to our troops serving overseas.

2. Who are some of the bands you consider success stories? Any that you’ve found at SXSW?

There are so many. The one that comes to the top of my mind is Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers — they are awesome. A really good mix of alternative rock/Americana. We hooked up with them last year when they were playing a SXSW showcase at the Thirsty Nickel. They are traveling to Europe to play for our troops in March 2009.

3. Where are some of the most intriguing places you’ve taken bands? Any crazy stories?

We have taken bands to some of the coolest places in the world, from the Egyptian pyramids to Honduras to the Middle East. Bands get to experience the culture of each location where they perform, get to meet the locals, tour the sites. And, well, as for stories, we have a saying: “What happens on an Armed Forces Entertainment tour, stays on the tour.” Really, it’s one the most incredible experiences a rising artist can have, trust me. I toured with a Chicago-based band, Hello Dave, to the Middle East. That tour ranks up there as one the best memories of my life.

4. How do bands get on board with you?

All they need to do is go to www.armedforcesentertainment.com and click on tour with us. The application is easy to navigate, but does require an EPK. So artists need to have their promo photos, MP3s, video and biographies ready to upload.

5. What music do you all listen to in the office?

Hmm…you name it. John Mayer, Nina Simone, Pat Green, Jack Johnson, Little Wayne, Ludacris, Beatles, Norah Jones, Kid Rock, Kings of Leon, Dave Matthews, Charlie Robison, My Morning Jacket, Cake, Virginia Coalition, Urban Sophisticates, Five Star Iris, Subrosa Union.

Original post by val

Posted: December 22nd, 2008 under Music Marketing.
Comments: none

We would like to welcome first time exhibitors in the Music Trade Show, Robertson Taylor Insurance Brokers. Representing one of the first companies to sign up for the upcoming ‘09 show, Mark Shore of Robertson Taylor is very eager to interact with the registrants, play some softball and have a great time at SXSW. Oh, and we are in total agreement regarding the treatment of french fries…

1. Tell us a bit about Robertson Taylor Insurance.

Robertson Taylor Insurance Brokers are a leader in the Entertainment Insurance industry. We insure many of the major touring bands in the world today.

2. What made you guys decide to exhibit at SXSW 09?

We thought that since we work with many clients in the music industry SXSW would be a great why to reach industry insiders who may need our expertise.

3. You are extremely excited about the SX Softball Tournament. Where does all this enthusiasm come from? A long history of softball playing perhaps?

I do play softball often as I am in a few leagues. I also umpire games for Los Angeles Municipal Sports. The SXSW Softball Tournament gives me (The weekend athlete) a chance to be on the field and compete for the title of champion. At 45 years old I only have a few games left in my body. LOL!!

4. Is there anyone in your office that gets picked on for their taste in music? If so, why?

I do some times. I like a lot of RAP and Hip Hop with some Sinatra mixed in.

5. I recently learned that there are many schools of thought regarding which condiments belong on a hamburger. Do you have an opinion on the subject?

Burgers need mustard, ketchup, lettuce, tomatoes and extra pickles are a must. By the way fries need a mustard and ketchup mix for dipping.

Original post by val

Posted: December 3rd, 2008 under Music Marketing.
Comments: none

MusiCares has been involved with SXSW for many years now. They are a wonderful organization that we are proud to work with. If you are unfamiliar with their work, please read the interview with Shireen Janti and then be sure to visit them in the Music Trade Show!

1. What is MusiCares all about?

MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares’ services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated
with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.

2. The MusiCares Foundation has been represented at SXSW for many years now. What is your favorite memory from a past event?

We have had the privilege of attending SXSW for several years now. I must say that every year has been special with it’s success and rewards. Last year was particularly wonderful, as a music manager happened to walk by our booth, inquired about our services and realized that we could help one of his band members who was struggling with substance abuse addiction. We were able to help his band member that very same day and place him in treatment. He got the help, education and support he needed to get his life back on track and live a sober life. This story is one of the miracles that makes MusiCares what it is.

3. Besides the exhibition, what are you most looking forward to while in Austin, TX for SXSW?

Attending our SHR (Safe Harbor Room) and listening to the wonderful, diverse music along with the fantastic food venues!

4. Who is your hands down, favorite music artist of all time?

That is a tough one, I love so many of them, I could not choose.

5. Sweet or savory? Which type of food do you often crave?

Both! Smile

Original post by val

Posted: November 26th, 2008 under Music Marketing.
Comments: none

Every year, SXSW is lucky enough to have a network of Alternative News Weeklies from across the U.S. and Canada that help us in our grass roots approach to really connecting with those communities that our Co-Sponsors serve. With the help of over 40 regional alt weeklies, SXSW is able to stand by its commitment to regional, independent and emerging talent. So a big thanks is in order for our Co-Sponsors, who support SXSW in being the best stepping stone it can be for all of the brilliant indie talent out there waiting to be discovered. Find out more about these fine publications and which of them serve you and your area with news, culture, entertainment, local happenings and so much more.

Original post by val

Posted: November 21st, 2008 under Music Marketing.
Comments: none

After meeting some of the Indaba folks at CMJ in 2007, we convinced them to join us for SXSW 2008. And surprise! They had a great time and we happy to announce that they will be back again for ‘09. So make sure to visit them in the Music Trade Show or say ‘hi’ if see them on the streets. They promise they will be walking around in Indaba T-shirts. Wow, these guys are so on top of it, they already have their outfits planned…

1) Briefly, what is Indaba?

Indaba Music is a social network for musicians and a web application that enables artists to make music online with people all over the world. Using Indaba, musicians can combine, mix, and edit tracks recorded in different places, whether it’s for hire, for experimentation, or just for fun.

2) Any new and exciting developments folks should know about?

We just launched an exciting program with K-OS, an incredibly innovative artist managed by Nettwerk Music Group in Canada. K-OS is releasing two new albums in the spring, each created from the same component audio stems, but one that he recorded and mixed and one that he crowd-sourced through contests on Indaba. If you visit Indaba Music, you can enter all 11 K-OS contests, download all the stems to mix yourself (or use our in-browser mixing console), and compete not only for $11,000 but for 11 spots on the actual album, which is being distributed by Universal. This is a huge opportunity for artists all over the world to get noticed and get tremendous exposure as part of a major label release.

3) This being your sophomore year to participate at SXSW, any advice for rookie exhibitors and participants?

We’ve learned so much: Try to go to Music AND Interactive. The more sharing techies and artists can do the better it will be for everyone! Also, say hi to everyone. People are here to meet people they don’t know, so don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to anyone and everyone.

4) Who was your favorite band or artist that you during SXSW 08?

Well, across all Indabans I think the most exciting show was N*E*R*D. There were only a few hundred people, they went on around 2:30/3:00am, and were incredible. They aren’t exactly a “new to us” or “independent” band, though, which is what we really love to explore at SXSW, so some indie highlights include: Black Moth Super Rainbow, Deer Tick, and Crystal Castles.

5) When you aren’t busy changing the way people go about making and sharing music, what are you most likely doing?

Playing with our newest team member Bayo, he’s a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, and we named him after a Nigerian Indaba member who took part in the first international collaboration on the site soon after it launched. Aside from that we see a lot of shows in NYC, play music together and fight over who controls the office music.

Original post by val

Posted: November 18th, 2008 under Music Marketing.
Comments: none

ArtistData is going to be exhibiting in the Music Trade Show again in ‘09. They have been enjoying some deserved acclaim this year, and look forward acquiring even more happy users. We hit up Brenden Mulligan for some more information on ArtistData as well as his views on a couple of very controversial topics concerning the world today.

ArtistData was a featured company
at Chicago’s TECH Cocktail 9

Original post by val

Posted: November 12th, 2008 under Music Marketing.
Comments: none

No one could ever accuse SXSW of being a hoity-toity event, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have class. In fact, each year, we kick off our Music Conference with a fantastic four-course Welcome Dinner at the Four Seasons hotel. This beautiful and lavish dinner offers registrants the opportunity to get into town, make some preliminary acquaintances and indulge in a fine meal. This coveted experience is an absolute must. Once the conference officially kicks off, registrants may not have another chance to catch their breath, have an intimate conversation, or eat a balanced meal, until everything is all said and done. So be sure to reserve a seat at the dinner when you purchase your registrations. Or contact reg@sxsw.com if you’ve already registered, but would still like to come.

Also, the Welcome Dinner is a fantastic opportunity for some lucky company to make the first impression on SXSW registrants. For information on how your company can be the Official Presenter of the 2009 Welcome Dinner, contact luann@sxsw.com.

Original post by val

Posted: November 10th, 2008 under Music Marketing.
Comments: none

Everyone please meet Brett Trach of A to Z Media. A to Z are long time participants of SXSW, making the trip from New York City to Austin, to exhibit in the 2009 SXSW Music Trade Show yet again. We are excited to have them back. Be sure to pay them a visit when you visit the show in March.

1. What is your job at A to Z Media?

Director, Sales & Marketing - basically convince folks to let us make
their cds, dvds and vinyl for them. Which is easier than you think because
we’re VERY VERY good at what we do.

2. What is it that brings you back to SXSW year after year?

Simple answer, it’s the opportunity to meet fine folks like yourselves.

3. With so many trips to SXSW under your belt, are there any Austin bars, restaurants, areas that you just have to visit when you are you here?

Yes, a couple trips to Gueros and El Soy y La Luna will be made. And its usually inevitable that a bet will be settled on the shuffle boards at Buffalo Billiards.

4. Say you could organize the concert of your dreams. Which three acts would perform?

Oh great, time to be judged…. I’ll go with The Long Winters, Squeeze, Elvis Costello.

5. It seems that most people, even those that don’t usually cook, have one thing that they can cook and cook well. What is your signature dish?

Easy answer - linguine & clam sauce. It’s just ridiculous how good it is. Seriously.

Original post by val

Posted: November 6th, 2008 under Music Marketing.
Comments: none

Looking for the fastest, most effective way to submit to SXSW? Well, you should be. Sonicbids lets you quickly and easily create an electronic press kit (EPK) and send it with the click of a mouse.

The best part is that when you use Sonicbids to submit to SXSW, you get a free three-month trial that allows you to keep submitting your EPK to any number of gigs in a huge network of listings. You can always submit directly through sxsw.com but if you submit on Sonicbids you get a sweet deal. Get started now at www.sonicbids.com/sxsw.

The deadline to apply to play at SXSW 2009 is this Friday, November 7th.

Original post by melissa

Posted: November 3rd, 2008 under Music Marketing.
Comments: none

Hello everyone! Meet the folks of a brand new, local company, eager to get up and running. They hope to make a big impact during SXSW 09, so please come and visit them in the Music Trade Show. Let’s all welcome Bandize.com to the industry!

1. Bandize is a new company. Tell us a little bit about it.

Bandize.com solves a surprisingly overlooked problem: in order to reach potential fans and eventually sell music, you must be organized enough to do so. We have created an entire suite of tools all available and packaged in one smooth, cohesive web application. Some of our major features include: band-specific accounting, tour booking, contact management, task assignments, and many, many more.

2. What made you guys decide to exhibit at SXSW 09?

We decided to exhibit at SXSW because it is the world’s best conference…and it’s right down the street!

3. What other SXSW activities do you look forward to participating in?

As always, we look forward to walking around downtown and trying to see as many bands as we possibly can.

4. Do you play any musical instruments? If not, which instrument do you most wish you could play and why?

Absolutely everyone in our office has been in a band at some point. Most of us still are and love every minute of it. Some of us have even played previous SXSW showcases numerous times. Not that it counts, but when we’re taking a break from coding, we fire up the Guitar Hero “World Tour” and have a quick jam session….then it’s quickly back to work, of course!

5. As an Austin local, do you have any recommendation for visiting registrants on who serves up the best TexMex food?

Guero’s. Guero’s. Guero’s.

Original post by val

Posted: October 29th, 2008 under Music Marketing.
Comments: none