Hawaii Goes to SXSW

South By Southwest (SXSW) is one of the nation’s largest music, film, and interactive festivals. Now in its 23rd year, it now draws over 11,000 people to Austin, Texas each year. Among them, many of Hawaii musicians, filmmakers, and online entrepreneurs.

Some of the musicians making the trek this March include Anuhea, John Cruz, One Right Turn, Pimpbot and David Tamaoka. And the state of Hawaii is working directly with SXSW organizers to raise the profile of Hawaiian musicians.

Performances have been scheduled at Roy’s in Austin as well as at Whole Foods Market, and the plan is to set up in-store, TV, and radio appearances. And an online Hawaii Music Industry Directory is being developed. Everyone from artists to distributors, labels to venues are encouraged to submit a free listing. The directory will be available online next month, and will ultimately go to DBEDT and Hawaiian Academy of Recording Arts (HARA) to further build industry interaction.

I’m planning to attend SXSW for the first time this year, as part of the Wondermill team.  I love music and movies, but the geek in me is most excited about SXSW Interactive.  I know there will be a lot of local tech heads making the trip, so if you are, let’s connect!  I’ve set up the Hawaii Goes to SXSW wiki where you can add your name, links, and notes.