The long-awaited return of SXSW in Austin saw PPL join its British Music Embassy partners this past month and showcase the best new British music. More than 60 British artists performed to audiences at the 700 capacity Cedar Street Courtyard across 12 outstanding showcases. 35 of these acts, including Wet Leg, Mace The Great, Yard Act, W.H. Lung and Nova Twins, received financial support to attend the event through the PRS Foundation International Showcase Fund, of which PPL is a proud partner. Members of our team also travelled to Austin, using the festival to meet with our members from around the world and help them get paid when their music is played. Here are just some of the British Music Embassy’s highlights.
Wet Leg perform to a packed-to-the-rafters British Music Embassy at SXSW. The band were one of the most hyped acts at the festival.
Mace The Great has gone from strength to strength in the last twelve months – he secured a Welsh Music Prize nomination in late 2021, was selected as part of MOBO’s Class of 2022, and was Wales’ Ambassador for Independent Venue Week in January.
Nova Twins ripped through the venue and continued their upward trajectory as one of the UK’s most exciting bands.
Yard Act were awarded the prestigious Grulke Prize for Developing Non-U.S. Act.
W.H. Lung closed the British Music Embassy in style, causing a stage invasion and justifying the buzz around them.
British Music Embassy partners BBC Music Introducing, PPL and PRS for Music at SXSW – L-R Nigel Elderton, Chairman, PRS for Music; Abbie McCarthy, Presenter, BBC Music Introducing; Andrea Czapary Martin, Chief Executive Officer, PRS for Music; Gemma Bradley, Presenter, BBC Music Introducing; Peter Leathem, Chief Executive Officer, PPL
Northern Ireland Music Prize-recognised Cherym bring their guitars and noise to The British Music Embassy stage.
Priya Ragu, BBC Sound of 2022 alumni, creates silky R&B and vibrant electro at SXSW.
Bedroom project turned rock and roll show Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard play to a packed crowd.
Baba Ali introduces his genre-melding musical project to Austin.
Walt Disco playing one of their nine shows at SXSW and leaving their mark on the festival.
