A Novocastrian at heart, musician Beth Brown has found herself Stateside exploring a music career brimming with potential. Fusing blues with soul, folk and rock n roll, Brown will be bringing her entertaining set to Austin for SXSW this month. Before her official showcases, Beth tells us some more about her time in Nashville (where she is currently based) and how she anticipates her SXSW debut.
Have you played SXSW before? How are you anticipating heading to Austin?
It’s my SXSW debut. I’ve been living in Nashville for 1.5 years and everyone keeps telling me I’ll love Austin. It’s an artist’s and musician’s city and really welcoming to songwriting and the live original music scene.
Tell us about (any) new music you might be hoping to showcase in Austin – how long has that been in the making for?
I’ve been working on an album with Brad Jones in Nashville for 18 months. He’s an incredible producer and engineer and behind some of my favourite Australian albums; Missy Higgins‘ Ol Razzle Dazzle, Bob Evans‘ Suburban Songbook and Busby Marou‘s Farewell Fitzroy. This year at SXSW is all about road testing song’s from the debut album Dream Coat (to be released September 2017) on our audience.
SXSW can often be a platform for new musicians to gain exposure and also link up with potential collaborators/discover new artists themselves. What’s exciting you the most about heading over, as a creative?
I’ve been given an official showcase opportunity right at the perfect time, we are in the last stages of recording the album, so I’m looking to solidify relationships to disseminate the music out there to as many people possible. I’m looking to recruit a team around me heading into the album release; management, bookings and sync, the whole shebang.
Have you worked much in the American market before? How different would you say your experiences have been over there vs back home?
Yes I’ve lived and worked from the US the past one and a half years. To be honest from what I’ve experienced the US American music industry is open doors. It largely rides on meritocracy, which is why it’s such a gem. I was astonished to be ushered into sessions straight off the plane to RCA studio’s working on projects with John Legend‘s producer Shannon Sanders and being personally welcomed by Fred Gretsch as the first Australian Female Gretsch Feature Artist. I am astonished at how positively Australians are received here in Nashville, it’s become my home away from home.
The band and I will be spending the whole month of March in Texas. I’m looking forward to setting up base before the conference and making the most of my days attending affiliate events. There is so much going on so I’m definitely going in with an agenda.
Have you performed at any of these sorts of festivals before?
Yes, I’ve been a feature artist at Americana Fest 2015 & 2016, last year performing alongside Australian acts Kasey Chambers, C.W. Stoneking, Ruby Boots and Jordy Lane.
If you’ve seen the SXSW line up – who are you looking forward to checking out?
Love me some Peking Duk.
How would you say the Australian presence is growing at these international showcase events – what would you say it’s doing for our industry?
Although my official showcase came directly from SXSW, when Sounds Australia found out they offered me showcase and welcomed me onboard the team. This body is pivotal to the ongoing success and showcasing of artists overseas.
Do you have any upcoming releases you’d like to plug for Aussie audiences?
We’ve just released a debut single called “Easy”. The song was written and recorded in Nashville by Butterfly Boucher and Brad Jones and has a pretty awesome video clip that’s just been released filmed by EPIK. Check it out on Spotify, iTunes and You Tube.
BETH BROWN SXSW SHOWCASES
March 15th | Stephen F’s Bar @ 11pm
March 18th | B.D Riley’s Sound Gallery @ 4:30pm/
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