SXSW GATEWAY TO STARDOM?

Pete Townshend, guitarist for The Who and co-host of the internet program In The Attic, was the keynote speaker at the South By Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas. The internet part of the festival actually opened March 9, and it spans the week. Hot hip-hop artist Chamillionaire was there, as were hundreds of bands looking to solidify their positions in the industry.

The festival is also a good opportunity for industry big wigs to see upcoming talent. James Blunt who was snubbed by every record company, caught the eye of Linda Perry at the South By Southwest festival. He said that the festival wasn’t the launch of his music career, however.

“I mean you know they always talk about the point of discovery, and for me they talk about South By Southwest music festival. I was really lucky that Linda Perry was there. She was the one who signed me to her record label, Custard Records, and then introduce me to different producers, and I got to work with Tom Rothrock. Obviously, there’s a lot of grounds that goes in before that. I think my mother discovered me early on and that was when she sent me off to learn how to play the piano, and then guitar from ther. I’ve been singing songs all my life, writing songs since I was about fourteen, so it’s been a lot of groundwork before it.”

Peter, Bjorn, and John lead the list of new talent at the fest along with The Bravery, Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen and Mastodon. The fest closes its doors this weekend on March 18.