Watershed to play SXSW

In South Africa and Europe ‘Watershed’ is  defined  as the band around songwriter and lead singer Craig Hinds.  They are a popular export  of the ‘Rainbow Nation’. 

Now, Watershed is eyeing the North American music market after being selected to play at the prestigious South By Southwest Festival (SXSW) in Austin, Texas as well as the Canadian Music week in Toronto, Canada.

First up on March 13th is a gig at The Hideout in Toronto, Canada where the band performs as part of Canadian Music Week – another vote-of-confidence in Watershed’s global appeal. The second is a bonus unplugged set on March 16th at Madiba’s in Brooklyn, New York City. 

They then travel down to Texas and play at The Hideout Theater ((617 Congress Ave) in Austin on Thursday March 18th, as part of SXSW’s 2010 Showcasing Bands line-up.
According to SXSW, Showcase Bands have to make it through an extensive selection  process from the many acts that apply from across the US and the rest of the world.

So it follows that SXSW would be a perfect fit for this local group.
“SXSW has a committee of people who listen to and grade recordings according to originality, technical ability, songwriting skills, career establishment, and overall artistry,” the Festival says. “Every recording is graded at least twice, then those with the highest scores are reviewed again and invitations are extended.”

This vote of confidence gives Watershed a boost in its intention to launch in North America.
Says, Craig Hinds, “We’re understandably buzzed to be playing SXSW. It’s a festival that has great credibility as well a reputation for being a place to discover new acts and we’re preparing for a huge  show at The Hideout.”

With these North American shows now locked down, Watershed is eyeing a busy 2010. The year includes an April tour of Europe as well as the release of the band’s ‘A Million Faces’ album - a celebration of Watershed’s 10-year-anniversary featuring all Watershed’s hits and two brand new tracks.

Watershed will be on tour in the UK and on an extensive concert spree in Germany  before the band returns to South African venues to consolidate their triumphant accomplishments on all levels, locally AND internationally.

The next generation of dictionaries might want to include the additional entry 4. Watershed (etym.) popular South African piano-based rock band headed by lead singer and songsmith Craig Hinds.