South by Southwest (SXSW) 2010

Now in its 24th year, the SXSW Music and Media Conference has grown into the must-attend networking event for the 21st century music industry.

The event is a launching pad for new creative content. Showcasing nearly 2,000 musical acts from around the globe at over 80 stages in downtown Austin, SXSW registrants have a first-look at tomorrow's stars.

By day, managers, labels, promoters, press, internet media outlets, artists and other business professionals conduct business in the SXSW Trade Show.

Belfast Rocks

We offered an opportunity of a lifetime to some of our talented musicians and businesses - to perform in front of the most influential audience in the world.

The four bands and their respective labels showcased their work at the prestigious festival in March 2010.

A special Belfast Rocks Showcase event placed the local acts centre stage in front of key figures in the entertainment and creative industry from around the globe. The Belfast line-up included Strait Laces, General Fiasco, And So I Watch You From Afar and Fighting with Wire.

The bands

Straight Laces

Formed in 2008, Strait Laces are one of the most exciting bands to come out of Northern Ireland this year. These three feisty young lads enjoy making spiky-rock-pop and they always pack a punch with their music.

Strait Laces have three BBC sessions already under their belt and regular plays on both Rory McConnell and Huw Stephens shows. They're being hotly tipped as the ones to watch in 2010.

For more information, visit www.straitlaces.com

General Fiasco

General Fiasco are a feisty Northern Irish trio comprising of Owen Strathern on lead vocals and bass, his brother Enda Strathern on lead guitar and vocals and their friend Stephen Leacock on drums.

Their debut album Buildings is due to be released in March 2010, reflecting the frustration felt during their adolescence.

In the past year they’ve played the BBC Electric Proms, supported Snow Patrol, The Pigeon Detectives, The Answer and The Enemy amongst others, and had some of their own headline tours.

For more information, visit www.generalfiasco.co.uk

And So I Watch You From Afar (ASIWYFA)

ASIWYFA's stunning music and optimistic dream state melodies incorporate influences from hip hop, calypso and Ethiopian jazz to Irish folk and rune metal.

In 2009, ASIWYFA played a mammoth 170 gigs all over Europe. Their live performances are hailed as a colossal sonic barrage of apocalyptic proportions.

Smalltown America Records released The Letters EP and this is quickly followed by SXSW, a UK headline tour and a Choice Music Prize nomination.

ASIWYFA have won tributes including Band of the Year from ATL and raving reviews in NME magazine.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/andsoiwatchyoufromafar

Fighting With Wire

Fighting With Wire emerged in 2003 with their grunge and punk influenced sound.

After self releasing a number of limited edition singles in their early career, Fighting With Wire turned to Smalltown America to release their debut album Man Vs Monster in early 2008.

Fighting With Wire are currently in the studio, working on the follow up to their critically acclaimed 2008 album.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/fightingwithwire

Label and promotion

Smalltown America

In 2007 Andrew Ferris established Smalltown America, an independent record label and artist management group.

The company is at the forefront of music rights negotiation, brand synchronisation and digital marketing. Recently, the company has brokered major music deals for Northern Irish artists Fighting With Wire and And So I Watch You From Afar.

For more information on Smalltown America, visit www.smalltownamerica.co.uk

Bruised Fruit (PR)

Bruised Fruit are a social enterprise based in Belfast City Centre who support and promote the Northern Irish Music Industry.

Since 2005 they have worked with over 1000 artists and their flagship live showcase Up In The Attic has helped launch the careers of bands like General Fiasco, Two Door Cinema Club, And So I Watch You From Afar and Joe Echo.

For more information on Bruised Fruit, visit www.bruisedfruitpromotions.com

More information

To find out more about South by Southwest 2010, please visit http://sxsw.com

For further information on our support for the creative industries please contact:

Brendan McGoran
Email: mcgoranb@belfastcity.gov.uk

Supported by the Creative Industries Innovation Fund.

Supported by the Creative Industries Innovation Fund.