Showcase FAQ

Q: How do I apply to perform at the SXSW Music Festival?
Q: Does it make a difference if I apply through SXSW or through Sonicbids?
Q: What is the deadline for applying?
Q: How much does it cost to apply?
Q: I want to apply via the SXSW website. How do I do that?
Q: What information do you need on the application?
Q: What happens after I submit my application via SXSW?
Q: How do I apply through Sonicbids?
Q: What should I include in the digital press kit request on my SXSW Artist Admin page?
Q: How will I know if you've gotten all the materials I’ve uploaded to my SXSW Artist Admin site?
Q: I am in a band located outside of the USA. What do I need to know about showcasing?
Q: I work with several bands. Do I have to apply separately for each one?
Q: I have a label. How do I request a night (or partial night) to showcase several of my bands?
Q: I submitted my band last year and it wasn't chosen. May I resubmit?
Q: If selected to showcase, does my act receive any compensation from SXSW?
Q: What is the difference between a Music Festival "registration" and a Music Festival Showcase "application?"
Q: What is the difference between an Artist Wristband and a Badge?
Q: When will I find out if my band has been accepted for a showcase?
Q: How are bands chosen to play the music festival?
Q: If I don't get a showcase, should I still come to your conference?
Q: If my act is accepted for SXSW 2008, can I schedule non-SXSW Austin shows around my SXSW performance?
Q: I've applied for a Music Festival showcase. How do I reserve hotel rooms for my act in case we're selected?

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Q: How do I apply to perform at the SXSW Music Festival?
A: All artists interested in performing at SXSW 2008 must complete an online application, either through the SXSW e-commerce system or through Sonicbids.
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Q: Does it make a difference if I apply through SXSW or through Sonicbids?
A: If you apply via the SXSW website, you will need to upload mp3s, a photo, and press kit information to a SXSW Artist Admin web page created for you. You will receive details on how to access this page once you submit your initial application.

If you have a Sonicbids account (or wish to create one) and apply via Sonicbids, you will not have to upload any materials. We will use your Sonicbids EPK to access your music and information.

Application fees and deadlines are the same whether you apply via the SXSW web site or Sonicbids.
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Q: What is the deadline for applying?
A: The deadline for international artists is October 26, 2007. The deadline for US artists is November 9, 2007. These deadlines are the same for all applicants.

To be considered for a showcase, you must have your application completed and, if applying through the SXSW website, your music and press materials uploaded by the appropriate deadline. We strongly recommend you complete your application and upload materials sooner rather than later. We cannot evaluate your music until you upload it.
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Q: How much does it cost to apply?
A: The early application cost is US $20 (through October 5, 2007). From October 6 - November 9, 2007, the cost increases to US $30. SXSW accepts payment via Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diner's Club. Please check Sonicbids for the payment methods they accept. Sonicbids accepts Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
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Q: I want to apply via the SXSW website. How do I do that?
A: Click the Music Festival Showcase Application link on this website. This will direct you to the SXSW e-commerce system. You will need to create a username and password to access the system. Once you log in, click the Music Festival Showcase Application logo. A popup window will open. Make sure to fill out all of the required fields and to click through all of the "next" buttons.

After entering all the requested information, the popup window will close and your application will be listed in your e-commerce shopping cart. Make sure to click the big green CHECKOUT button. (If you have a coupon, click the “Redeem Coupon” link and enter your coupon number.) Add your credit card information and click "Purchase Now." Your application will now be listed in your E-commerce shopping cart with the word "submitted" in the status column.

If you have to stop to retrieve or check information while you are filling out the application, you can click the cancel button at any time and return to the form later. The popup window will close and your partial application will be listed in your Shopping Cart with an "Add Assignment Info" or "Change Assignment Info" link (depending on how far along you get) by it.

Your application is not complete until you enter your payment information and see the word" submitted" in your shopping cart status field.
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Q: What information do you need on the application?
A: If applying via the SXSW website, you will need to provide the following:

• Details about the applying act (hometown, number of performers, URL of act's website, etc.)


• A designated Primary Contact. Make sure the Primary Contact is someone who has regular communication with the artist (preferably either the artist or artist's manager) and that the email address is functional and frequently checked. SXSW will be sending all correspondence to the Primary Contact. Be sure to set email spam filters to allow mail from sxsw.com.


• If applicable, name/address/phone/email for the act's record label representative and/or booking agent

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Q: What happens after I submit my application via the SXSW website?
A: Once your online application is submitted via the SXSW e-commerce site, your Primary Contact will get an email with instructions about how to access your unique SXSW Artist Admin web page to upload music (MP3 files), a biography, photo, and a press kit to the SXSW server. There are instructions at your Artist Admin web page to guide you through the uploading process.

Please note that SXSW will only accept applications electronically -- do not mail SXSW any CDs or printed materials.
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Q: How do I apply through Sonicbids?
A: If you have a Sonicbids account, you can apply to SXSW by logging into that account and clicking the SXSW link in "Top Opportunities." The cost to apply is the same as on the SXSW website. You'll need to complete some SXSW-specific questions about label and booking representation and that's it. Once done, your Sonicbids Primary Contact will receive an email from SXSW confirming receipt of your application. The next SXSW email your Primary Contact can expect will be your status notification (by February 1, 2008 at the latest). You'll only hear from us before that time if we encounter a problem or require more information.

NOTE: SXSW advises you to be wary of any companies or individuals who offer to help you get a SXSW Music Festival showcase for a fee. The only ways to apply for a SXSW Music showcase are via our online application or through Sonicbids. The only cost for applying for a showcase is the application fee, listed above. If you or your representative is not dealing directly with the SXSW Music Festival office regarding to your show, it is unlikely that it is an actual SXSW Music showcase.
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Q: What should I include in the digital press kit request on my SXSW Artist Admin page?
A: You should upload any mentions, reviews, notices, or articles about your band that have appeared in newspapers, magazines, etc. We can accept .doc, .pdf, .txt, .jpg and other file formats noted.

You may also provide up to 10 links (in the special "add URLs area") for any mentions and reviews that exist online (for example, on a newspaper's or magazine's website).

You also need to upload one .jpg format photo.
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Q: How will I know if you've gotten all the materials I’ve uploaded to my SXSW Artist Admin site?
A: Each time you upload a file, you'll see a progress wheel tracking the upload. When the entire file has been received on our SXSW server, the progress wheel with disappear and you will see the file name listed as a link to the right of the upload button. You can revise any information you enter, so if you get a rave review after you apply, you can add it to your Artist Admin web page.
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Q: I am in a band located outside of the USA. What do I need to know about showcasing?
A: SXSW showcased over 400 international acts last year, so please apply early. The deadline for international artists to complete applications is October 26, 2007. If you apply through the SXSW website, your music and materials must be uploaded by the deadline date. Be aware of visa and travel requirements. SXSW prioritizes the processing of international band applications because of the additional time needed for acts outside the U.S. to prepare their trip.
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Q: I work with several bands. Do I have to apply separately for each one?
A: Yes. You must submit a separate application, either via the SXSW website or Sonicbids, and pay a separate fee for each artist. If applying via the SXSW website, you will need to upload music and press materials on each artist's unique SXSW Artist Admin web page.
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Q: I have a label. How do I request a night (or partial night) to showcase several of my bands?
A: First, submit separate applications and if applying through the SXSW website, upload appropriate materials for each act. Then, send an email to musfest with this subject line: Label Showcase Request for [Add The Name of Your Label Here] Please list your acts in the body of the email (along with any other pertinent details).
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Q: I submitted my band last year and it wasn't chosen. May I resubmit?
A: Yes. You may resubmit yearly, and SXSW has invited many bands that have applied and been turned down in the past.
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Q: If selected to showcase, does my act receive any compensation from SXSW?
A: Yes. If your act is selected for a SXSW 2007 showcase, you can choose to receive either cash or a SXSW Music registration package (one band badge per act plus artist wristbands for band members only - no managers, label representatives, crew, etc.). If accepted, you will receive details about both options in your notification email.
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Q: What are the difference between a Music Festival "registration" and a Music Festival Showcase "application?"
A: An "application" is the way to be considered for a showcase performance slot at the SXSW Music Festival. A "registration" is the badge purchased by individuals to attend the various SXSW Music events (music conference panels, workshops, mentor sessions, the Trade Show, Music Festival, Softball Tournament/BBQ, and other special activities). You do not need to purchase a registration badge to apply for a showcase, and if you are offered a showcase, you may choose cash or a registration package as payment for your showcase.

All acts who apply to showcase but are not invited to perform will be offered the opportunity to purchase registration badges at the lowest registration rate, after notification of status. There are no refunds on purchased registrations (and no exceptions) if you buy a registration at a higher rate or purchase a registration and then decide not to attend if you are not offered a showcase.
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Q: What is the difference between an Artist Wristband and a badge?
A: A badge enables you to attend music panels (Wednesday- Saturday) and SXSW special events. It also gives you first priority access to all SXSW music showcases. Artist Wristbands get you into all SXSW music shows, the trade show (Wednesday - Saturday), and Wednesday crash courses and Music Biz 101 panels. (Please note: entrance to all SXSW activities is on a space available basis.)
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Q: When will I find out if my band has been accepted for a showcase?
A: Acts who complete applications and if applying via the SXSW website, upload music and materials by our deadlines (October 26, 2007 for international artists, November 9, 2007 for US-based artists) will be notified of showcase status by February 1, 2008. Your notification will come via email to your Primary Contact.

We will try to notify you sooner rather than later. International artists have an earlier submission deadline so you can be notified in time to facilitate obtaining Visas.

Due the large volume of applications received (over 8000 last year), we ask that you do not call or email the SXSW office to inquire about the status of your showcase application. If you have not heard from the music festival by February 1, 2008, please first check your email spam filter to see if the email has ended up there, and if it has not, please notify SXSW by email.
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Q: How are bands chosen to play the music festival?
A: SXSW has a committee of people who listen to and grade recordings according to originality, technical ability, songwriting skills, career establishment, and overall artistry. Every recording is graded at least twice, then those with the highest scores are reviewed again and invitations are extended.
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Q: If I don't get a showcase, should I still come to your conference?
A: Opportunities for performers do not stop at showcases. SXSW Music Festival and Conference offers informative panels and the Trade Show gives you opportunities to network. Remember, even if you are not given a showcase, you can purchase a SXSW Music registration at the lowest price and access the many benefits of SXSW.
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Q: If my act is accepted for SXSW 2008, can I schedule non-SXSW Austin shows around my SXSW performance?
A: Many artists schedule private parties, record in-stores, and radio performances during the week of SXSW, and you may want to consider doing so, also. But please help make your official showcase a successful one: a showcase slot at the SXSW Festival is a valuable commodity. Consider the effect that other performances may have on the attendance at your official show. Help maximize attendance of media and registrants, and focus the public attention on your SXSW showcase. It is SXSW's desire that your SXSW showcase experience be a positive one.

To that end, SXSW asks that you limit other appearances (private parties and record in-stores). Also be aware that acts may not perform any public shows in Austin between March 12-15, 2008. (A public show is any show that charges admission to the general public and/or is advertised in any media available to the general public and/or any show that occurs between 7p and 2am.)

You also agree to notify SXSW of other performances during SXSW so SXSW can avoid scheduling conflicts with your official showcase. If you have questions, please contact SXSW.
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Q: I've applied for a Music Festival showcase. How do I reserve hotel rooms for my act in case we're selected?
A: Because over 8000 artists apply for showcases, the SXSW Housing Desk cannot book hotel rooms for artists until they have been offered a showcase However, the Housing Desk blocks enough hotel rooms to accommodate all showcasing artists who need them. There will be hotel rooms available for you and your bandmates when SXSW extends showcase invitations. Your acceptance email will contain details on how to book hotels.

If you purchase a conference registration, you can reserve a hotel room immediately; however, that registration fee is nonrefundable. If you want to purchase a registration, please wait until you have been notified of your showcase status. Artists who are not given a showcase will have the opportunity to purchase a SXSW Music registration at the lowest price for the season.
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Still have questions? Please email: musfest at sxsw.com.