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SXSW Amends Artist Contract Following Uproar From Bands & Industry

The controversial clause has been removed

SXSW has removed a controversial 'deportation clause' from its artist contract following protests among the music industry.

As Pitchfork reports, up until recently, the contract acts would sign stated the festival would notify US immigration authorities if they believed an international artist had acted in a way that “adversely affect the viability of their official SXSW showcase”.

The above clause was, in part, intended to deter any international acts taking part in unofficial showcases, but that section of the contract has now been removed.


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SXSW received widespread backlash over the matter last year after US indie pop act Told Slant cancelled their appearance at the festival due to the terms, which was followed by an open letter that demanded the clause be removed and the festival apologise.

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SXSW is currently taking place in Austin with a number of Aussie acts, including Amy Shark, Gang Of Youths, Dean Lewis and Stella Donnelly, all making the trip.