Norwegian bands have for several years made a strong showing at the South By Southwest Festival (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. With more than 13,000 industry representatives in attendance, the festival is a great opportunity to promote Norwegian music abroad.
"South By Southwest is an important showcase arena, and I am very pleased that so many Norwegian artists are invited every year. This shows that Norwegian music has a good reputation internationally," wrote Inger Dirdal, Managing Director of Music Export Norway, in a press release.
The Norwegian “delegation” includes Marit Larsen, who enjoyed great international success in the early 2000s with the pop-duo M2M and more recently in Europe with her solo career. She is joined by well-established acts such as Sondre Lerche and Casio Kids, as well as a number of exciting up-and-coming bands.
Marit Larsen performing "If a song could get me you" on a train in Oslo. The rockers in
Kvelertak released their debut album last summer to critical acclaim, and are now looking to promote the second album at SXSW.
"We have lots of fans in the United States, so it’s about time we get over there. It’s exciting," said singer Erlend Hjelvik to Norwegian daily Verdens Gang.
SXSW provides an excellent venue for ambitious bands, but it nevertheless takes a lot of effort to be recognized among all the talent.
"With around 2,000 artists participating at the event, it goes without saying that it is difficult to attract attention from the international music industry and press," Dirdal said.
The South By South Southwest festival takes place from March 11-20 in Austin, Texas. The following Norwegian bands are scheduled to perform:
Altaar
Benea Reach
Casiokids
Datarock
Death Crush
Forza
Harry`s Gym
DE Håker Flaten
Kvelertak
Marit Larsen
The Megaphonic Thrift
Mylittlepony
Nico D & Admiral P
Serpentine
Simon Says No!
Sondre Lerche
Tôg
Youth Pictures Of Florence Henderson
Årabrot
Silje Nes