News and Updates

New State Of Music For World's Most Prestigious Music Festival--Hawai'i @ SxSW

6th February, 2009

New State Of Music For World's Most Prestigious Music Festival--Hawai'i @ SxSW

In its 50th year as America's 50th state, the islands of Hawai'i have often been thought of as another country by some US citizens and media pundits--until Barack Obama came along and put it on the map in its rightful place. Similarly, the music of this paradise has traditionally been perceived as hula dances, falsetto singing, ukuleles and soft guitars, but the coming appearance in March of five diverse contemporary music artists of Hawai'i at South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin will create a new awareness and appreciation of fresh, young and modern music styles that have evolved from their vibrant culture.

The five artists of the first major Hawai'i SxSW showcases March 18-22 are:

John Cruz -- http://www.johncruz.com Top live draw in national tours, 2008 Contemporary Album of the Year & a Grammy

Anuhea -- http://www.myspace.com/anuheajams Maui's songbird of soul, R&B, Jazz, Blues & Pop; album debut 'Anuhea' in March

One Right Turn -- http://www.onerightturn.com
Alt-rock pop musical family affair with a 4-CD box set of band & 3 solo albums

David Tamaoka -- http://www.myspace.com/davidtamaoka Oahu-based singer songwriter, BMI award winner, with new album 'Canefield Hero'

Pimpbot -- http://www.myspace.com/pimpbot Honolulu ska/punk underground, DIY, heroes; infectious album "Admit One" out now

These five artists of Hawai'i made the cut from over 10,500 submission for showcasing from around the world with only 1800 playing in 80 venues over four nights in official slots to audiences of 15,000 delegates. But SxSW in its 23rd year also has a wealth daytime parties and special events for them to play as well as a Trade Show where the music industry of Hawai'i has booked a major stand presence to promote the artists, record labels and other music businesses.

After five years of discussions, export strategies and aiming for the right time and artists, 2009 has brought together the music industry of Hawai'i and the Government of Hawai'i in a dynamic, united campaign. Its a crucial event for artists, labels and music businesses to break through to overseas territories as well as the US Mainland via SxSW. A major trade fair stand, extensive advertising and promotions, a series of extra live shows at two key venues and an online Hawai'i Music Directory are key facets of this strategy, with more to be announced in coming weeks as well as dates and venues for all performances.

For images, photos, bios, recordings and other aspects, contact Phil Tripp
E: tripp@immedia.com.au Phone (based in Sydney, Australia) 61 2 955 777 66

Hawai'i Music Directory http://www.immedia.com.au/hawaii debuts March 1