Memphis Music Ambassador Program

What is Ambassadors?

Memphis Ambassadors brings Memphis artists to major music industry gatherings around the country. The program will launch in 2009 with a Memphis caravan to represent the city at the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas. Participating artists work together to promote Memphis and Memphis music.

SXSW

“I couldn’t imagine dealing with all the ins and outs of South By Southwest without the Memphis Music Foundation support system. They’ve helped me concentrate on my performance and maximize networking opportunities. I’m very thankful to Memphis Music for making this a stress free experience and I am looking forward to representing the great Memphis music legacy.” writer, producer, and performer Al Kapone.

The Memphis Music Foundation offered free SXSW registration to qualifying musical acts last fall with a goal of increasing the number of quality Memphis bands applying to and playing at the annual festival. Memphis-based applicants rose by a measure of fifty-seven percent up from last year, supported by the Foundation’s Memphis Music at South By Southwest initiative.

The Foundation teamed up with SXSW to present a panel to Memphis bands accepted to SXSW on getting the most out of SXSW. All of the bands were also offered media training from Memphis’s Obsidian PR. The Memphis Music Foundation also worked with bands performing on its showcases to help attract industry representatives who can help individual bands reach the next level in their careers.

Artists from Memphis that have been accepted in the festival this year include: 8 Ball and MJG, Al Kapone, Amy Lavere, Bar-Kays, Bo-Keys, Cory Branan, Jump Back Jake, Lord T and Eloise, Colour Revolt (oxford), Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele (oxford), Free Sol, Harlan t Bobo, Hill Country Revue, J Blackfoot & The Soul Children, Jack Oblivian and the Tennessee Tearjerkers, John Paul Keith & the One Four Fives, Lover!, Lucero, No Comply, Pnuma Trio, River City Tanlines, Ron Franklin, Susan Marshall, The Barbaras, The City Champs, The Limes, The Magic Kids, The Third Man, and Tunnel Clones.

Memphis Music@SXSW sponsors include Memphis on the Flipside, Ardent Records, Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission, Archer Records, and St. Blues Guitars.

The Memphis Music Foundation Presents Memphis Music @ SXSW Lineup

  • Jack Oblivian and the Tennesse Tearjerkers
  • River City Tanlines
  • Al Kapone
  • Free Sol
  • 8 Ball & MJG
  • Lucero
  • The Bar Kays
  • Thursday, March 19 at The Dirty Dog on Sixth Street