See below for BMI’s complete SXSW line-up. For more information, go to www.bmi.com/sxsw and use #BMISXSW to join the conversation on social media.
BMI HOWDY TEXAS PRESENTS: RAY BENSON’S 68TH BIRTHDAY BASH
Tuesday, March 12th | 7PM
RSVP required for entry
The BMI Howdy Texas party is back and bigger than ever! BMI kicks off its weeklong schedule of SXSW events with the annual inaugural party, this time in conjunction with Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel. Hosted by Mr. Benson himself, the outdoor block party will feature performances by BMI singer/songwriters Katie Pruitt, Robert Ellis, Ray Benson and a handful of special surprise appearances. Previous guests include Willie Nelson, George Strait, The Avett Brothers and Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The event will be held in the GSD&M Parking Lot (828 W 6th St) and sponsored by the Texas Music Office and Austin Music Movement.
YETI X BMI DAY PARTY
Wednesday, March 13th | 12PM
RSVP required but does not guarantee entry, venue subject to capacity limits
The music starts early in the day and continues well into the evening at the Yeti x BMI Day Party. Soul, country, indie, pop and alt-rock converge when Logan Ledger, Willie Jones, Billy Strings, Illiterate Light, Katie Schecter, Wafia, JP Saxe, Jackie Venson, Republican Hair and Tomar & the FCs take the stage. Building on the success of previous years, this year’s day party will have an expanded presence, taking place on both the indoor and outdoor stages at the Yeti Flagship store (220 S Congress Ave).
CLAIM & LICENSE MUSIC ON SOCIAL MEDIA – A SXSW PANEL DISCUSSION
Wednesday, March 13th | 3:30pm
Official SXSW Event / SXSW badge required
In 2016, the big question was: Are social media platforms going to obtain music licenses and pay for music uploaded to their services? In 2019, many platforms have now obtained the proper licenses to play and share music, but that was only the first step. Now, the question is: Where is the money going and how are the creators and artists getting paid? With multiple copyright owners, writers, labels and publishers involved, the answer isn’t simple. David Levin, Vice President of Digital Licensing at BMI, will discuss alongside Bob Bruderman, SVP, Global Digital Partnerships at Kobalt Music Publishing, with additional participants to be announced soon. The discussion will take place at the Austin Convention Center, room 11AB (500 E. Cesar Chavez St).
BMI PRESENTS: SONIDOS ALTERNOS
Wednesday, March 13th | 8PM
Official SXSW Event / SXSW badge or paid ticket required for entry
Speakeasy (412 Congress Ave) is the place to be to catch some of the best emerging artists on the thriving Latin music scene. The beats will be pumping nonstop with sets by El Mañana, Alih Jey, Jona Camacho, Ximena Sariñana, Cimafunk, Mahya Veray Y Su Trama. If last year’s showcase was any indication, attendees will want to arrive early or risk missing out on a tremendous night of fun, dancing and infectious music.
BMI OFFICIAL SHOWCASE
Thursday, March 14th | 7pm
Official SXSW Event / SXSW badge or paid ticket required for entry
The highly anticipated BMI Official Showcase is a SX staple, known for presenting a stellar lineup of emerging musical talent. Stop by Swan Dive (615 Red River St.) and catch sets by Chloe Lilac, Briston Maroney, Liza Owen, Just Loud and Liily. With such an impressive roster of acts from across the musical spectrum, this is the place to discover new favorites before everyone else.
BMI ACOUSTIC BRUNCH
Friday, March 15th | 10am
RSVP required for entry
Everyone’s favorite brunch spot returns to the beautiful back lawn of the Four Seasons (98 San Jacinto Blvd.) The location will once again transform into an idyllic musical sanctuary, featuring performances by James Droll, Taylor Janzen, Jake Wesley Rogers, Lily & Madeleine, YOLA and SYML. Austin’s own Lauren Petrowski of Fox 7 will host. Audio Network, Royalty Exchange, Topo Chico, High Brew Coffee, Austin Music Movement, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, Southwest Airlines and the Texas Music Office are partners.