Canadians Blast into SXSW 2013

Discover new music and connect with Canadian music business professionals at the Canadian Blast BBQ, Canada House and Canada Stand.

TORONTO – February 25, 2013 – The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) proudly presents Canadian Blast at South by Southwest 2013 in Austin, Texas, as CIMA plays host to music professionals from around the world.

This year marks the 8th anniversary of the Canadian Blast BBQ at Brush Square Park, the buzzing Canada Stand at the Austin Convention Centre and the return of Canada House at its new location, Friends Bar at 6th and Brazos. Each event offers SXSW delegates opportunities to see and hear the best up-and-coming Canadian talent and connect with Canada’s music industry professionals.

“Canadian Blast is going to be very special this year in Austin,” says Stuart Johnston, President of CIMA. “Each year we return to SXSW, the positive response grows and grows. As usual, Canadian Blast initiatives in Austin are a huge asset to our artist and industry membership as well as our partners and supporters. It’s an unbeatable place for artists to shine and industry members to forge valuable relationships and business deals and I expect this to be the best year yet.”

CIMA’s SXSW 2013 festivities kick off with the 8th annual Canadian Blast BBQ & Showcase on Wednesday, March 13, 2pm to 6pm, at Brush Square Park right across from the Hilton and Austin Convention Centre. The BBQ is a SXSW tradition featuring warm Canadian hospitality alongside the best emerging independent artists in the country. This year’s BBQ performers include Hannah Georgas, Paper Lions, Hey Ocean!, Rah Rah, Daniel Romano and The Trews. The event is open to all Platinum and Music badge holders.

The music, networking and fun continue at Canada House at its new location at Friends Bar starting Thursday, March 14 through Saturday March 16, from noon to 6pm daily. Situated right in the middle of all the action at 208 E. 6th Street (@ Brazos Street), Canada House features bands from all corners of Canada. This year’s performances include:

THURSDAY

MARCH 14

12pm Bumstead Records Showcase

  • Tim Chaisson
  • Two Hours Traffic
  • Poor Young Things
  • The Trews

3pm Manitoba Showcase

  • Boats
  • Chic Gamine
  • Royal Canoe
  • Imaginary Cities

FRIDAY

MARCH 15

12pm Nova Scotia Showcase

  • Jenn Grant
  • In-Flight Safety
  • Ben Caplan
  • Dusted
  • Tom Fun Orchestra

 

3pm OMDC presents The ONTARIO Showcase

  • Whitehorse
  • The Wilderness of Manitoba
  • Poor Young Things
  • The Darcys

SATURDAY

MARCH 16

12pm CIMA Indie Spotlight

  • Teenage Kicks
  • Folly and the Hunter
  • Wildlife
  • Wilderness of Manitoba
  • Martha Johnson (of Martha and the Muffins)

3pm BC Showcase

  • Christopher Smith
  • Bend Sinister
  • Fine Times
  • The Belle Game
  • Humans

 

Canada Stand at the SXSW Trade Show is the place for filmmakers, developers, producers and other industry professionals to connect with Canadian artists and companies to develop new relationships and forge new partnerships. Canada Stand will be open daily at the Austin Convention Centre (Stand #1007, 1009/1106, 1108) from Sunday, March 10 through Wednesday, March 13.

About Canadian Blast at SXSW
Canadian Blast, an initiative of the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), includes a range of performances, business services and events around the globe providing access to the trendsetting, vibrant and internationally focused Canadian music industry.

Canadian Blast at SXSW 2013 is the result of the efforts of many individuals and companies, including CIMA’s partners and sponsors: Audio-Video Licensing Agency Inc. (AVLA), Canadian Music Week (CMW), the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR), the Government of Canada (through GOA/DFAIT and MEC/Canadian Heritage), Harvard Broadcasting, Music Managers Forum (Canada), Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC), the Radio Starmaker Fund, and the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN). CIMA would also like to acknowledge the support of MuchFACT exclusively sponsored by Much and MuchMore.

About CIMA
The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) is the national trade association representing the English-language, Canadian-owned sector of the independent music industry. CIMA works proactively to assist the independent sector to expand business opportunities and partnerships in the international marketplace by providing strategic support for Canadian companies at trade missions, key international trade shows and conferences around the world.

For more information: www.canadianblast.com/sxsw2013

MEDIA CONTACT:

Leah Selvidge
OWCPR
512-775-6255
leah@otherworldly.com

CIMA CONTACT:

Stuart Johnston
President
416-485-3152 ext. 232
stuart@cimamusic.ca

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