These are out of 41 acts from around the country. The festival’s Australian representative Phil Tripp told Beat that he expects the numbers to climb up to a record breaking 50.
“This group of artists for 2014 as well as the ones yet to be contracted represent the strongest talent pool I’ve seen since starting with SXSW in 2002,” Tripp said. “We succeed at these showcases because Australian bands are unrelenting through our tradition of taking no prisoners in the beer barns and pub circuits. But even more significant are the two sister festivals for Film (sxsw.com/film) and Interactive (sxsw.com/interactive) which draw two thirds of our national registrants, over 650 in 2013. These take place the week prior to music (March 7-11) and draw 9000 and 33,000 registrants respectively.”
The names heading to Texas from Melbourne are Vance Joy, Oh Mercy, Owl Eyes, Miami Horror, Mia Dyson, Gossling, Money For Rope, Dub Fx, King Parrot, High Tension, Strange Talk, The Delta Riggs, Indian Summer, People Of Letters and Reptiles.
They join Angus and Julia Stone, Boy and Bear, The Preatures, Gang of Youths, Sheppard, DZ Deathrays, The Swiss, Dune Rats, The Griswolds, The Growl, Kid Mac, Kirin J Callinan, Josef Salvat, The John Steel Singers, Wave Racer, The Kite String Tangle, Panama and Seekae among others.
Another 20 from around Australia have also been invited, but have yet to commit.
In its 28th year, SXSW will have over 2000 bands from more than 50 countries playing 100+ venues. (sxsw.com).
