British Music Embassy @ SXSW Announces BBC Showcases + New Venue at Cedar Street Courtyard

BRITISH MUSIC EMBASSY TO HOSTOUTSTANDING UK TALENT AT SXSW 2020ANNOUNCES BBC MUSIC INTRODUCING & BBC RADIO 6 SHOWCASESNEW VENUE AT CEDAR STREET COURTYARD

New York, NY (February 10, 2020) – The British Music Embassy will once again return to Austin to host some of the UK’s finest emerging talents at SXSW 2020 next month, this time with the new and larger home of Cedar Street Courtyard to host ten days of activity.

Now in its 13th year, the British Music Embassy is the official UK residency at SXSW and hosts several events and showcases throughout the convention, which runs from March 13-22. Each year, the British Music Embassy takes over a venue for the week, playing host to some of the most exciting UK talents at SXSW and will once again be the gold standard for international showcasing in 2020.

There will be six official SXSW nighttime showcases in partnership with AIM, BBC Music, the BPI, the Department for International Trade (DIT), PPL, PRS for Music and the PRS Foundation. Combined with a number of day parties, and events during interactive, this means 58 sets from some of the best UK new artists, many of whom are performing on North American soil for the first time. With a diverse spread of brilliant acts ranging from brand new grassroots bands to more established artists, these showcases have become a firm favourite for thousands of SXSW fans. Radio 1’s Huw Stephens will again host the BBC Music Introducing / PRS Foundation show on Thursday, March 19, bringing six exciting new acts who are being supported by BBC Introducing this year:Self EsteemAaron SmithKnucksArlo ParksThe OriellesSteam DownLegendary DJ Steve Lamacq will also be hosting a BBC Radio 6 Music showcase (in Association with the BPI) on Wednesday, March 18:Bang Bang RomeoPigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs PigsJehnny Beth The Murder CapitalBEABADOOBEE Details of further acts appearing at the British Music Embassy will be released in the coming days.

The partners involved in the showcases at the British Music Embassy have spoken about the importance of the event to the UK music industry.

Tom Kiehl, Acting CEO of UK Music, said:“UK Music is proud to be part of the fantastic British Music Embassy at SXSW and a partner atthe event for a second year. Music contributes £5.2 billion to the UK economy and brings enjoyment to millions at home and around the world. This promises to be another fantastic global showcase of outstanding UK talent.”

James Stirling, Head of BBC Music, said:“BBC Music is proud to showcase a selection of the most talented emerging British artists at SXSW. “We have a successful record of delivering great talent to the US and many of the artists have used the opportunity as a springboard for US success. Working alongside our fantastic partners, I am confident this year will bring a similar result.”

Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive of BPI & BRIT Awards, said:“British music has fans the world over. Streaming means our artists can reach them more quickly, but its global nature also means that they face unprecedented competition. “Major events such as SXSW are taking on greater significance in showcasing the talents of breakthrough artists, so the BPI is delighted to once again participate in the British Music Embassy.”

Peter Leathem, Chief Executive Officer of PPL, said:“SXSW is one of the most important musical showcases in the world. It offers artists the chanceto expand their audience internationally, make industry connections and meet other like-mindedcreators, all of which could take their careers to the next level. “We are proud to help provide such a platform for a truly talented line-up of performers.”

Nigel Elderton, PRS for Music Chairman, said:“I am incredibly happy that PRS for Music is once again partnering with the British MusicEmbassy for another spectacular showcase of British songwriting at SXSW. The level of talentand breadth of musical variety we see at this showcase year after year is nothing short ofastounding and we are proud to be able to support these up and coming music creators, at thishugely important stage of their career.”

Jude McArdle, Membership Manager, AIM said:“2020 is an exciting year for us as a British Music Partner at SXSW. Our first rodeo partneringon a BBC Music Introducing showcase will give us a chance to bring some of the most exciting grassroots talents to the world stage, and we can’t wait to set up at the British Music Embassy’snew home, Cedar Street Courtyard.”

Joe Frankland, CEO of PRS Foundation, said:“Performing overseas at industry showcase events has a huge impact on artist careers, enablingthem to export to new markets, secure new business and to reach new audiences. SXSW is one of the biggest industry events in the world and we’re delighted to be supporting 36 talented UK music creators to attend the festival this year through our International Showcase Fund which is funded by Department for International Trade, British Underground, Arts Council England, PPL, the Musicians’ Union, Creative Scotland, Wales Arts International, Arts Council of Wales, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland. We’re also very much looking forward to celebrating the fifth year of our BBC Music Introducing and PRS Foundation showcase which will see a further four brilliant UK artists supported to perform at the iconic British Music Embassy.”