Music
12 Mar 24

Music From Ireland team issue statement as several Irish acts pull out of SXSW

"If an artist chooses not to participate in SXSW this will not have a bearing on future showcasing opportunities for those artists," the statement reads. "Music from Ireland and Culture Ireland actively supports artists' right to freedom of expression, which is fundamental to their role as agents of change in society"

Multiple Irish acts have announced in recent days that they won't be performing at this year's edition of SXSW in Austin, Texas – due to the showcase festival's US Army sponsorship, and the participation of prominent defence contractor RTX Corporation in the event. Now, Music From Ireland (MFI), who fund and co-ordinate the Irish presence, and promote Irish acts, at numerous international showcases, including SXSW, have released a statement of their own.

In response to the artists' decision not to participate, MFI state: "One of Culture Ireland’s (funders of Music From Ireland) and Music from Ireland’s core values is that of artistic freedom of expression and we do not mediate or advise artists in relation to choices they make on any matter whether political, artistic or otherwise."

"If an artist chooses not to participate in SXSW this will not have a bearing on future showcasing opportunities for those artists," the statement continues. "Music from Ireland and Culture Ireland actively supports artists' right to freedom of expression, which is fundamental to their role as agents of change in society."

KNEECAP, SPRINTS, Soda Blonde, Gavin James, Mick Flannery, Chalk, Enola Gay, Conchúr White and Robert Grace have all pulled out of the festival – which is currently underway, and is running until March 16. Many have stated that they are doing so in solidarity with the people of Palestine.

The MFI team go on to announce that they are "facilitating a meeting today (Tuesday) with artists who have travelled to Austin so they may make a decision on how they want to proceed."

"We will support whatever decision they make and update our plans accordingly," they add.

Sharing the statement to social media, MFI have told followers to "stay posted for further developments."

MFI is the Irish Music Export Office, and is run by First Music Contact. This year, MFI have been funded to partner with showcase festivals Eurosonic, SXSW, c/o pop, The Great Escape, Berlin Superbooth, Primavera Pro, A2IM, Pop-Kultur, and Reeperbahn, IFF. MFI is also involved in bringing international delegates to Ireland Music Week.

Our update shared earlier this morning. Stay posted for further developments. https://t.co/f1KKjT8tsP pic.twitter.com/COHysB2kk1

— Music From Ireland (@MusicFrmIreland) March 12, 2024