Aussies invade Austin

A record number of Australians performed at this years SXSW festival in Austin, Texas:

Celebrating its 18th years, the SXSW festival says it had more Antipodean artists and music professionals in North America in one town over one week than have ever been in the US and Canada at one time in history.

The annual SXSW conference gives relatively obscure artists from around the world a chance to showcase their skills before an international audience during a week of concerts, forums, speeches and parties.

Australian artists and attendees were supported by Austrade who invested in a major 36-square-metre stand.

Austrade also sponsored a private barbecue and concert on March 18 featuring eight of the Australian artists.

The line-up included the John Butler Trio, Missy Higgins, Little Birdy and The Morning After Girls.

Sounds great but, if any of the acts hit it big, will they pay back Austrade?