South By Southwest Opens 2015 Artist Applications

The annual South By Southwest Music Conference And Festival has officially opened the gates on artist applications for next year's event, to be held in Austin, Texas, from March 17 to 22, 2015.

Applications can be uploaded by artists, managers, agents or labels in electronic press-kit form from today, for $US33 (about $35) until September 12, at which point the application fee rises to $US45. Entries close entirely on October 10.

SXSW 2015 stands to be a massive opportunity for the chosen ones, being granted the opportunity to perform for nearly 30,000 industry and media delegates, as well as thousands of fans.

The event has previously hosted acts such as Lady Gaga, Dave Grohl, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Nicks, Smokey Robinson, Blondie, Kanye West, Iggy Pop, Depeche Mode, Prince, as well as Aussies such as Vance Joy, Gold Fields and Atlas Genius, and about half a printer ream's worth of other high-profile performers, at all stages of their careers.

Although next year's drawcards have not yet been announced, the festival has launched the SXSWfm online radio station, which is presently stocked with hits'n'highlights from previous years' guests, but will be updated to reflect the music of 2015's Showcasing Artists as the event draws nearer.

More than 2300 musical acts are expected to perform at next year's SXSW, the event's 29th incarnation. For more details about the festival, check the SXSW website.