OVERHEARD @ SXSW: Ukraine trio struggles to perform • Lizzo takes on Texas • 2022 Pitch Winners • Zora • more

“A Ukrainian pop trio scheduled to perform at SXSW is missing two of its members – because they might be called to fight the invading Russian military…Only the band’s female lead singer, Oleksandra Zaritska – known as Sasha – will make it to Austin, Axios has learned.”

“Kazka – Ukrainian for “fairytale” – is best known for the hit “Plakala,” which was the first Ukrainian-language video to get over 200 million views on YouTube.”

Austin businesses hope for much needed post-pandemic bump

“Before the pandemic, South By accounted for up to 50 percent of annual income for venues, bars and restaurants,” said Cody Cowan, executive director of Red River Cultural District, a nonprofit organization that represents a cultural hot spot neighborhood in the heart of the city.” (NBC)

Lizzo takes on Texas in keynote

SXSW Announces 2022 startup Pitch Winners

“What do you envision for your company’s future?” is a typical question for startups. And many of the 45 companies pitching in nine categories during the 14th annual SXSW Pitch Event showed they had a clear strategy for where they want to take their business next.

2022 SXSW Pitch Winners

• Artificial Intelligence, Robotics & Voice: Hume AI
• Enterprise & Smart Data: Syrup Tech
• Entertainment, Gaming & Content: Action Face
• Extended Reality & Immersive Technology: MATSUKO
• Future of Work: Anthill
• Health, Wearables & Wellbeing: Sonavi Labs
• Innovative World Technologies: Hilos
• Smart Cities, Transportation & Logistics: JusticeText
• Social & Culture: MOGL
• Best Speed Pitch: Unpacking
• Winner of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Sonavi Labs
• Best in Show: Hilos

Water & Music Zora Panel

A local sounds off

Mojo Nixon doc debuts

MORE: SXSW IRL triggers post-covid creativity boom: Megan Thee Stallion VR, an indie soul Wind Down, Bandsintown Big Break, big ass Bunny in a big ass dome + a Music Tech Meetup

Bruce Houghton is Founder and Editor of Hypebot and MusicThinkTank and serves as a Senior Advisor to Bandsintown which acquired both publications in 2019. He is the Founder and President of the Skyline Artists Agency and a professor for the Berklee College Of Music.