Austinist Previews SXSW: International Moosic

SXSW has truly built a strong reputation around the world, and every year various countries send their top-notch artists to Austin to display their nation’s talent. Scandinavia is one such area with a booming music scene. Danish band Mew and Sverige’s own Loney, Dear (Emil Svanängen) will bring their best to the festival this year. Finland, too, is doing its bit, with the Finnish Moosic Tour. Featuring punk rock from Disco Ensemble and electro-pop from 22-Pistepirkko, the night of Finnish delights also includes KTU and Lodger. Can’t forget about our friends from Norway Bigband, who will be peddling their wares at numerous gigs around town throughout the week.

The Austinist has already done some justice to Asia with our Japan Nite showcase preview as well as an interview with Luminous Orange. China will deliver their goods in the form of Lonely China Day (a “Chinese Sigur Rós”) and Re-TROS (Rebuilding the Rights of Statues). Both bands are scheduled to play Spiro’s on March 14th. We’ve always felt that India has had a sparse representation over the years at SXSW. This year, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations remedies that, and presents Menwhopause at Red 7 on the 15th at 8pm sharp.

The south of the Equator is not to be denied either. South Africa presents Harris Tweed on the 18th at the Hilton Garden Inn, while the Australian Music Collective hosts their annual Bar-B-Q at Brush Square Park on the 16th (RSVP Required). Featuring the likes of Wolf & Cub and Beasts of Bourbon, mixed in with delightful sausage wraps (if last year’s shindig is any indication), this promises to be the big day out for the Aussies in Austin. No broadcast of the Australia vs. New Zealand World Cup match probably, but the New Zealand Industry Commission showcase their country’s finest, including Die! Die! Die! and Cut Off Your Hands at the same venue on the 15th.

We’d like to finnish this international preview by offering two tickets to the Finnish Moosic Tour.

Congratulations to our winners!

Finnish Moosic Tour
Wednesday, March 14th
Uncle Flirty’s Loft (Upstairs at the Drink)

Poster Art courtesy of Finnish Moosic Tour and Menwhopause.