The world’s most renowned music industry showcase SXSW, based in Austin Texas today announced the first wave of acts to be showcased at its 2020 event.
There are some significant Irish candidates. The Murder Capital have gotten the green light, as have Dundalk’s Just Mustard, Lilla Vargen and Pulse College’s Eoin Smith.
Smith is the darkhorse among that list. He is an avant-garde electronic artist, who spent formative years making records in a pressing plant and now works in Dublin’s Pulse College.
In terms of international candidates, there are some wonderful additions. Manchester’s The Orielles are a superb pick, same with Amsterdam’s Mauskovic Dance Band – who have released some superb material this year.
For prospective bands, the final date to apply to play is October 25th. Head on over here if you want to do so.
To register to attend the event, which runs from March 13-22nd, head on over here.

Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.