SXSWORLD

The World Comes to SXSW Last year, over 50 nations were musically represented at SXSW, and this year we expect another banner year for international artists. SXSW MUSIC News + Notes Merge Records Returns to SXSW in 2011 Merge Records has been a favorite around SXSW for years, and we are happy to announce its return in 2011. Apex Manor, Telekinesis, Wye Oak, Wild Flag and Versus are all scheduled to perform on the Merge showcase, currently sched- uled for The Parish on Thursday night, March 17. The wide range of sounds from these bands defines this fearless label that has been at the forefront of indie rock for nearly 20 years. What are the Gear Alley Speed Sets? Operating out of the Gear Alley Expo Lounge and Bar in Exhibit Hall 2 of the Austin Convention Center, Speed Sets are designed as informal and quick showcases for SXSW artists. Produced in con- junction with the likes of Sounds Australia, New Zealand Music and Team Clermont, these shows are also a chance for presenters to spot- light some of their top acts. Speed Sets will host five to six bands daily, starting at 4pm, from Wednesday, March 16 through Saturday, March 19. For more information, contact sales@sxsw.com. 16 Chico Trujilo Domino Records at SXSW 2011 AUSTRA Started in the U.K. in 1993 and now an indie power- house, Domino Records returns as a SXSW show- case presenter for the first time since 2008. The Kills will headline the Domino show, scheduled for Emo's Main Room on Thursday, March 17, with AUSTRA, King Creosote, Anna Calvi, Cass McCombs and Owen Pallett also on the schedule. Chile is presenting an exclusive show- case of top Chilean acts including: Inverness, Prosistas, Gepe, Intimate Stranger, Chico Trujilo and Matias Aguayo. Canada will have a huge presence once again, with the province of Quebec presenting its own venue for four nights, and Manitoba will present a night of bands from its province. Australia, New Zealand, Panama, Norway, Iran, India, Greenland, Denmark, Spain, South Africa, France and Brazil are just some of the other nations who will be represented by SXSW performers. Polyvinyl Returns to SXSW Casiokids Starting out in 1994 as Polyvinyl Press, a fanzine created by high-schoolers Matt Lunsford and Darcie Knight to document the burgeoning Champaign-Urbana, Illinois music scene, Polyvinyl Records is an renowned indie label with a diverse family of bands. This year, Polyvinyl will bring acts such as Asobi Seksu, Casiokids, Starfucker, Shugo Tokumaru, Joan of Arc, and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin to SXSW. Vancouver's Teen Daze comes to SXSW Vancouver-based producer Teen Daze takes you on a summery escape through tripped out, synth-drenched dance beats and vague, minimalist lyrics. This mysterious lo-fi mastermind made a big splash in the chill-wave pool with 2010's EP, Four More Years and uses quick sampling to create diluted dance beats and sun-shiney vibes that float along on subdued lyrical content and looped, synth-heavy choruses. Teen Daze's debut single "Shine on You Crazy White Cap" was leaked through his Tumblr account and was subsequently featured on Pitchfork, launching an internet buzz. His remixes of songs by Twin Sister and Local Natives have further showcased his ability to build soft pulsating dance beats that trigger visions of a year-round beach party. SXSW is excited to present this up-and-coming talent at this year's SXSW Music Festival. Find out more at sxsw.com/music. SXSW Music Adds Tuesday Showcases To celebrate our 25th Anniversary, SXSW presents a limited number of Tuesday night showcases. See our online schedule at sxsw.com and plan to attend! SXSW ORLD / F EBRUAR Y 2011 Vibe Magazine hosts four nights at Venue 222 Vibe, the magazine and online platform that has been covering and defining hip-hop for 20 years, will take over Venue 222, (formerly known as Ace's Lounge) for four nights of diverse, urban programming. Bliss & Eso Tech N9ne After last year's Respect the West show- case, curated by the Cashmere Agency, proved to be one of SXSW's hottest hip-hop events, Vibe returns with artists such as Tech N9ne, Killer Mike, Chiddy Bang, DAM, Bliss & Eso and XV scheduled for SXSW 2011.

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