"The South by Southwest Music & Media Conference has long been the music industry's most telling barometer -- the best way to forecast pop-music trends and spot promising up-and-comers certain to make noise in the months to follow." Chicago Sun-Times, March 17, 2003.

Well, where does the time go? As with everything else, the pages of the international music industry calendar flip with amazing, and seemingly increasing speed. Una Johnston, SXSW European Manager informs us that due to stringent border security, SXSW Music has prioritised the processing of international Music Festival applicants. In order to facilitate the review process, the deadline for international showcase applications is October 31st. So if you want to your act to be one of the over one thousand showcasing artists and solo acts from all over the world to perform on one of the 50 stages over the course of five nights, March 17 - 21, 2004 in Austin, Texas, and you haven’t yet applied get your entries in quick. You can save time and $10 by using a check (U.S. bank only) or credit card with the online showcase application available at: http://www.sxsw.com/music/showcase/ US final applications must be in by November 7, 2003.

SXSW has brought together musicians, record company executives, club owners, radio programmers, journalists, publicists and countless other people working in the music industry for 18 years now.

A staggering number of acts have benefited from appearing on the most extensive showcase programmes of any of the better-known trade and public events, and I can tell you from personal experience that it’s good fun, (even the time that I came of worst in an encounter with a high powered rifle, but that’s another story!). SXSW 2004 will take place March 17-21, 2004 at the Austin Convention Centre and on stages throughout downtown Austin. In addition to the music festival, the conference will gather music business professionals to participate in panel discussions, workshops, one-on-one interviews and the Trade Show. For more information, e-mail sxsw@sxsw.com or call 512/467-7979.

Keynote Speaker:

South By Southwest has announced that the keynote speaker for the 2004 Music Conference will be Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid, president & CEO of Arista Records. Reid's address at SXSW 2004 continues a longstanding tradition of innovative and visionary music notables presenting candid and instructive comments, this speech will address the inescapable and undeniable fact that the old music industry is transforming into something new altogether. The keynote address kicks off three days of panels and workshops on Thursday March 18, 2004 at the Austin Convention Centre

The Conference Registration Deadline for the cheaper price of $375 as compared to the $525 walk-up price is November 14th. SXSW have maintained the same pricing structure in 2004 as in 2003. Register online at http://www.sxsw.com/attend/: To contact SXSW European Manager, email <una@sxsw.com>