The annual South By SouthWest Music Festival, which is often referred to as the Sundance of indie music, is kicking off in Austin this week. SXSW traditionally hosts some of the hottest independent and recently signed acts from around the country. This year a record number of international artists are descending upon this Texas town.

From Brits to Uzbekis, New Zealanders to Nigerians, SXSW 2005 expects the largest participation to date by international artists, representing about 25% of the total acts performing this year.

Leading off the pack is the Finnish cello trio Apocalyptica whose first album was a collection of Metallica covers. Seven years later, complete with original compositions that reflect the group's die-hard love for metal and with millions of albums sold, Apocalyptica's new album debuted on the Finnish charts this January at #5. And the cello looks to be a popular instrument at SXSW this year. French-Canadian Jorane is a beguiling vocalist and virtuosic cellist forging a new singer-songwriter blend that includes lyrics in a language invented by the artist.

The 16-piece Nigerian ensemble Seyi Solagbade & Blackfaceband will make their American debut at SXSW with Palongo, a locally-forged genre that blends Hi Life, Juju, jazz with rock and other regional rhythms.

Another great year for Latin acts, SXSW 2005 welcomes Inspector, a rockin' band that hails from Monterrey, Mexico's fertile hybrid ska scene. Barcelona's Ojos de Brujo are bringing their DJ set to International Hip Hop Night at SXSW. Always open and ready to experiment, Ojos de Brujo mixes flamenco with hip-hop, funk, reggae, ragga and Cuban són.

Many SXSW Japanese faves are returning this year including Shonen Knife and Petty Booka. Garage punk trio Guitar Wolf, who are particularly popular in Brazil, bring their loud, chaotic and charismatic charm back to SXSW after a few years' hiatus.

A large French delegation spanning an array of musical genres includes Phoenix, a band that US audiences have already discovered on the "Lost in Translation" movie soundtrack. Uncut Magazine calls Phoenix..."..undoubtedly the best post-French house, 'seventies country-rock concept of modern love songs you're ever likely to hear."

With last year's runaway SXSW success story of Scottish band Franz Ferdinand, the bar is set high for Glaswegians Biffy Clyro, a young trio who play angular post-hardcore/alt rock loaded with complex melodies and a wiser-than-their-years sense of dynamics.

In what has widely been billed as the strongest Irish lineup at South By South (SXSW) to date, a number of Ireland's hottest emerging acts will also descend on Austin to showcase to the some of the most influential players in the music industry. Appropriately, on St. Patrick's Day, the Soho Lounge (217 E 6th St, Austin TX), will host the following acts from the Emerald Isle:


MAINLINE:

"The most sought after act in the Emerald Isle. Responsible for a mass exodus from London as the Capital's A&R Executives made their way to Dublin to begin their courtships with the band." -BBC RADIO 6 (AUG 2004)


MONO BAND:

Mono Band is the new solo project by Noel Hogan, songwriter and guitarist with the Cranberries. SXSW will be their debut U.S. live appearance.


THE IMMEDIATE:

From Dublin, The Immediate have an angular swagger that's pure Franz Ferdinand, but they match it with stumbling bursts of sheer pop joy where they all seem to throb and boil with excitement to a point where the record itself starts to shudder.


THE THINGS:

One of the most talked about live acts from Ireland infamous for their unique brand of sleazy rock and roll. Recent support slots for the Rapture, Thin Lizzy, The Damned, The Raveonettes, The Fall, SLF, British Sea Power, The Warlocks, Babyshambles, The Rakes, Har Mar Superstar and Peaches, to name a few.

BELLX1:

Following on from The Thrills, BELLX1 is the latest Irish band to be featured on the hit show, "The O.C." Their debut album was described as the best thing to come out of Ireland in years.

JESSIE & LAYLA:

"It's the kind of sunny west coast music that comes with a clean conscience, a beating heart and a decent tune. A thorough and highly efficient debut" - The Irish Times

And as if nearly 300 showcases by acts from around the world weren't enough, SXSW 2005 will also debut its first-ever "All Music is World" night, co-hosted by the French Music Office, Public Radio International and KUT-FM. The showcase will feature performances by Keren Ann (France), Cheikh Tidiane Seck (Mali), Piccola Orchestra Avion Travel (Italy), and Diedre (France) along with surprise guests.