Aussies Break Out At Great Escape

The Great Escape in the UK set a new attendance record – 5,000 music execs and 11,000 attendees. It’s a boon for Australian acts, considering Australia was the event’s spotlight country.

Sarah Blasko (who’s based in Europe this year), Paul Dempsey, Eskimo Joe and Angus and Julia Stone drew large crowds.

Half a dozen labels showed interest in Philadelphia Grand Jury, including Sire founder Seymour Stein.

Export company Sounds Australia introduced its Aussie BBQ showcase, a feature at South By Southwest for a decade.

Artist managers Bill Cullen and Catherine Haridy were among panelists who advised attendees how to break into Australia, the world’s eighth-largest recorded music market.