TORI Forsyth wasn’t entirely sure what she was signing up for when she agreed to play Texas’ South By South West Festival.
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Following some research, the Kurri Kurri dark-country star knows it’ll be the biggest opportunity of her rapidly-rising career.
“I went into this not knowing a great deal about this festival, which is to my disadvantage, but also to my advantage I feel,” Forsyth said when asked about feeling the pressure.
“When I told the band I was playing SXSW they were crazy about the idea and signed up within a day and said ‘we’re coming with you’.
“I know they have looked into this a lot more than I have and I don’t think I understand entirely how much pressure it’ll be and that’s a good thing.
“We’re ready to go and everything’s in place. As soon as you’re on stage, it’s fine. But I’m sure the build-up will be pretty nervy.”
SXSW, in the southern US musical hub of Austin, is a 10-date showcase of music, film and interactive media that brings together some of the world’s best emerging artistic talents.
But most importantly, the city is literally teeming with music industry figures. Agents, producers and promoters, all searching for the next star.
For the 22-year-old Forsyth, who is preparing to release her debut album Dawn Of The Dark on May 25, SXSW presents a massive opportunity.
She will perform several shows throughout the week with her band The Spurs to promote Dawn Of The Dark and the latest single In The Morning.
“It’s basically got everybody who knows everybody in the one spot for a week,” she said. “Like Amy Winehouse got discovered at SXSW.
“It’s just about chance spotings from important people who can take you high places if they like what you’re doing.”
Follow Tori Forsyth’s journey at SXSW from March 11 to 18 through her online diary blog published on the Newcastle Herald website.
Josh Leeson
Josh Leeson is an entertainment and features journalist, specialising in music, at the Newcastle Herald. He first joined the masthead in 2008 after stints at the Namoi Valley Independent and Port Stephens Examiner and has previously covered sport including the Asian Cup, A-League, Surfest, cricket and rugby league.
Josh Leeson is an entertainment and features journalist, specialising in music, at the Newcastle Herald. He first joined the masthead in 2008 after stints at the Namoi Valley Independent and Port Stephens Examiner and has previously covered sport including the Asian Cup, A-League, Surfest, cricket and rugby league.
