Aussie Artists React To 2020 SXSW Cancellation

The unprecedented cancellation of SXSW over the weekend was a difficult pill to swallow not just for the music industry as a whole but for the 43 Australian artists primed to perform. 

In a statement issued on Saturday, Sounds Australia Executive Producer Millie Millgate spoke of the devastating effects the cancellation would have on artists. 

"We are most heartbroken and feel for the 43 Australian artists who were due to showcase at this year’s SXSW festival," she said. 

"It is a huge achievement to have been selected from the 7,000 plus artists that apply each year. To have lost this opportunity after spending several months and thousands of dollars preparing, and planning is devastating."

The Music reached out to a number of artists on the line-up about what the cancellation meant to them specifically. Here's what they had to say. 

San Mei

"It was heartbreaking when SXSW announced they were cancelling the festival this year. There’s a big lead up of planning and outlay of finances that go into playing SXSW, especially for international artists. However, after playing SXSW for the first time last year and having such a wonderful experience, I’m more determined than ever to make it back there as soon as I can. Although I’m disappointed not to be going this year, I understand the difficult position the SXSW team was put in and will continue to support their amazing event."

Jaguar Jonze

"Of course, it's a shame that out of all the 34 years of SXSW, this is the first year for it to be cancelled. I always have the outlook of resilience and fortitude though, and think that there are still so many opportunities that is worth the trip and it was because of SXSW that these other opportunities had popped up in the first place. We still have five-six shows in other cities. I'm writing this as we wait for our flight to Los Angeles with a really positive attitude, I'm excited for the experience."

Alexander Biggs

"SXSW is an almost mythic pilgrimage, and one I was excited to make this year. My heart goes out to all the indie bands that have lost so much, both financially and in opportunity, and to the artist managers that have worked so hard. I guess we’ll never be able to truly quantify what a loss in opportunity this has been.

"The decision to cancel was clearly not made lightly, and I have the festival to thank for trying to push through. It’s concerning what this could mean for festivals in both the near future, and the year to follow. 

"As to what’s next — we’ll all keep making art. Doing the thing! It’s a sad loss for show biz but the music and the intention remain."

Alice Skye

“Like everyone we’re a mix of sad, grateful for all the behind the scenes work put in to getting us ready for it and most of all hopeful for next time” 

Pub Choir

"We’re already in LA and looking forward to our three remaining US shows (including a sold-out night at the The Bell House in Brooklyn, New York). Of course we are disappointed that SXSW has been cancelled but we will settle for bragging rights to having been included on their most elusive, and rarest ever line-up. We’ll remain an enigma to our Austin fans for now!"

The Lazy Eyes 

"Although we are sad we can't go overseas for the first time to perform at SXSW, we hope that this is a step towards improving the whole crazy situation around coronavirus. Safety first!" 

Jamie-Lee Dimes

"I have spent the last 13 months recording my debut full length album, and am currently already in Austin, Texas rehearsing with my band who also flew in from California ahead of SXSW. Thankfully I've still got tour dates planned here in the US to look forward to, but it’s a bit devastating to get out of bed and face the world right now being so far away from home, already in Texas.

"A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to get to a moment like this in a very cut-throat industry. A lot of time, money, risks, sacrifice, rejection, quick highs and lows and inconsistent 'living on a dream' realities. 

"Many artists - myself included - deal with mental health issues, so when an event takes up so much mental energy, risk, sacrifice, discipline, and strategy and cancels a week before it starts, it’s very detrimental. Not just to careers, to our livelihood and to our bank accounts, but to our mental health. Much as I appreciate the need to safeguard everyone's physical health, there are so many knock-on effects, especially for independent and self-managed artists like me - it's difficult not to feel degraded and let down."

The cancellation of SXSW is just one instance of how COVID-19 is impacting the music industry. For ongoing coverage, follow the link here.