My last day of SXSW and I found myself wanting to saviour each moment. Turning off my phone and walking downtown, it felt as though I was truly appreciating the small details for the first time. The pick up trucks, the way people smile as you walk past, the local family run sports bars, kids playing instruments on the streets.

The thought of returning to reality made me grateful for every second but sad that such a spontaneous adventure would soon come to an end. With temperatures hitting 32 degrees I did what any Brit would do, cancelled my planned sessions in the air-conditioned Convention Centre and headed for Fader Fort to sizzle in the sun.

Already wishing we were back at Fader Fort 😍💕✨ #SXSW #sxsw2018 #faderfort

A post shared by MFN 🌵 (@musicfestivalnews) on Mar 18, 2018 at 9:49am PDT

Continue reading My SXSW Diary 2018 :: Day Six :: Rae Sremmurd, G Flip, Lucy Dacus →

With every booker and promoter wanting them on their showcase, I headed down to Austin Convention Centre to meet Lola Marsh before their second show of many at SXSW. These guys are high on life and their music is finding its way around the world.

An honest and lovely interview talking music, fashion, fate and chance meetings made me fall in love with them. No ego, pure talent and big hearts. Drawing comparison to Lana Del Rey, you can expect big things from Lola Marsh.

SXSW CAM: Day 5 📹✨ #sxsw

A post shared by MFN 🌵 (@musicfestivalnews) on Mar 17, 2018 at 1:32pm PDT

Continue reading My SXSW Diary 2018 :: Day Five :: Kim Petras, Khalid, AJ Tracey →

As Austin turns up the heat, so does SXSW. To really hustle, your heart has to be in it. With some acts playing up to six showcases in four days, you realise the hunger and thirst not only for success in the music business but to have voices heard is remarkable.

Packed streets filled with every type of artist, manager, A&R, agent, promoter, publicist, media and music fan. The locals are friendly, welcoming and share community spirit. I head over to Aloft Hotel for Universal Music Group’s exclusive all-female emerging artist showcase headlined by Bishop Briggs.

Acoustic set from @thatgirlbishop for Aloft Hotels X UMG all-female led emerging artist showcase 💁‍♀️💘💙 #SXSW #bishopbriggs #sxsw2018

A post shared by MFN 🌵 (@musicfestivalnews) on Mar 14, 2018 at 6:20pm PDT

Continue reading My SXSW Diary 2018 :: Day Four :: Bishop Briggs, Sam Fender, Superorganism →

Four hours sleep and back at it. The music industry’s work hard, play hard tactic applies here. With The Fader heading up one of the best parties in the city, I wait in line for over an hour in 30 degree heat to get my Fader Fort wristband.

There’s something special about wandering around in cities you feel lost in. Sixth Street is the craziest street in Austin. Think of Camden on a Saturday afternoon in summer. Located within the city’s urban core, Sixth Street is the heart of SXSW and it marches to its own beat night and day. I spend an hour here people watching.

SXSW CAM: Day 3 📹✨ #sxsw

A post shared by MFN 🌵 (@musicfestivalnews) on Mar 14, 2018 at 6:12pm PDT

Continue reading My SXSW Diary 2018 :: Day Three :: Pale Waves, Billie Eilish, Dermot Kennedy →

Waking up and remembering through a jet lagged haze that you’re in Austin, Texas for SXSW is the best feeling. Early start, I meet for breakfast tacos with the hard-working Maxie Gedge from PRS Foundation – the UK’s leading independent charitable funder of new music and talent development.

Not only do PRS Foundation help fund SXSW for UK artists including Shame, Nilufer Yanya, Jade Bird and Jerry Williams – they recently launched Keychange initiative, bringing together 45 international festivals and conferences to make the pledge for a 50/50 gender balance across their line-ups, conferences and commissions by 2022.

This city 😍❤. #SXSW

A post shared by MFN 🌵 (@musicfestivalnews) on Mar 13, 2018 at 12:23pm PDT

Continue reading My SXSW Diary 2018 :: Day Two :: Noah Cyrus, Nilüfer Yanya →

After losing trainers, wellies and hats to the rivers of mud at some of last years festivals, I decided it was time to hit The States and discover music on a new terrain. Granted this decision isn’t as simple as buying a last minute ticket to Lovebox and jumping on the tube to Victoria Park.

After two emergency passport appointments, one Air BnB booking fail and a layover in Atlanta, I finally arrived in Texas. Sitting in the back of an uber alone at 3am and driving across Austin, running only on adrenaline and with Haim on the radio – I knew this was going to be the trip of a lifetime. Cue the happy tears.

#SXSW I’m ready ❣ #nosleep 🤩

A post shared by Hayley Thompson 🦋 (@hayleyyt_) on Mar 11, 2018 at 2:47pm PDT

Continue reading My SXSW Diary 2018 :: Day One :: Ludacris & Thutmose →