SXSW 2022: Music from Germany is coming back to Texas

SXSW invited 14 acts from Germany to perform in unique venues in Austin, TX
The showcases of the German acts are supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) as well as by the International Tour Grants of Initiative Musik with funding from the Federal Commissioner for Culture (BKM)
German companies and institutions represented at the SXSW Creative Industries Expo through the German Pavilion from March 12 to 16

Berlin, March 9, 2022

After a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, Austin, TX is ready to host the South by Southwest Music Festival 2022 in person again. At the 36th edition of SXSW, the German music scene will be represented by 14 acts, who are taking the career- and life-changing opportunity to showcase their talent in front of the world.

Among the musicians from Germany is Berlin-based singer Lie Ning, who dazzles with a timelessly modern and energetic mix of indie, pop, wave, and disco.

Laura Lee is a SXSW veteran. As one half of the iconic German indie punk duo Gurr, she captivated the audience in Austin in 2019 and then immediately played a three-week support tour through North America. She is hoping to repeat this success with her new, self-proclaimed band of misfits Laura Lee & The Jettes.

The Hamburg band Roller Derby is united by their love for chorus guitars, synth pads, and catchy vocals. Unlike the extreme, full-contact sport they are named after, the trio will win over international listeners with their subtle, low-key harmonies.

Sophia Kennedy’s music combines glamour with the morbid charm of Tin Pan Alley show tunes, while fully embracing the deconstructed modernism of club music. The US-born artist’s showcase is presented by Germany’s principal indie label City Slang.

Rapper Albi X from Cologne also takes inspiration from his Congolese roots. He is tearing down boundaries with hip hop in German, French and Lingala. “I’m looking forward to being at SXSW with my whole team and share that experience”, says Albi X. He is one of three acts, along with Cosby and John Moods, awarded special production funding from BMWK. “This funding means a lot to me: it supports my music, my culture and my message that I want to spread. But I don't want to express my gratitude in words – I want to put it into action. I just want to put on the best, most energetic show I've ever played.”

Albi X, Sophia Kennedy, Lie Ning, Laura Lee & The Jettes

All acts from Germany at SXSW 2022:

Tour funding supports artists from Germany

This year, Initiative Musik has provided international tour funding for SXSW 2022 to Ava Vegas, Christina Wheeler, Laure Lee & The Jettes, Lie Ning, Minimal Schlager, Portrait XO, Roller Derby, Sophia Kennedy, and Stella Sommer through funding from the Federal Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM).

In addition to the German acts performing at SXSW Music Festival, a wide selection of companies and institutions from Germany will be represented at the SXSW Creative Industries Expo through the German Pavilion from March 12 to 16.

Since 2010, the German joint presentation at SXSW, organized by Initiative Musik with the support of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Action (BMWK), has given music companies and newcomer bands from Germany the extraordinary opportunity to build international business relations at SXSW, especially in the American music market. Success stories include Milky Chance from Kassel, who started their international career at SXSW. Kim Petras, Meute, Martin Kohlstedt, Fritz Kalkbrenner and Boy also performed at “Germany at SXSW” before their big breakthroughs.

Key dates

SXSW: March 11 - 20, 2022, in Austin, Texas
SXSW Music Festival: March 14 – 20, 2022
German Pavilion: March 13 – 16, 2022, at the Austin Convention Center

A complete list of all artists, partners and delegates from Germany at SXSW as well as a detailed showcase and activity schedule can be found on our website

Press contact

Ines Weissbach
press@german-haus.com

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