Top Artists From the Netherlands Set to Perform at 2011 SXSW

TOP ARTISTS FROM THE NETHERLANDS SET TO PERFORM AT 2011 SXSW

FEATURING: LAURA JANSEN, THE BLACK ATLANTIC,
DEATH LETTERS, GO BACK TO THE ZOO, DE STAAT

The Netherlands is coming to SXSW and they are looking to make an impact on one of the largest festivals the U.S. has to offer. The Dutch Impact party will offer an exceptional line up of Dutch artists including including, Laura Jansen (Decca Records), The Black Atlantic (Beep! Beep! Back Up the Truck), Death Letters (Silent Voice Records), Go Back to the Zoo (Universal) and De Staat (Mascot Music).

MusicXport.nl will be hosting the Dutch Impact event offering free food, drinks and live performances from five top acts haling from the Lowlands. The event will be held on March 18th at the West Tent in Brush Square Park from 5-8p.m.. Badges are welcome to the event. Leave your business card at the door and win the Dutch Impact Prize-pack.

For more information on the artists performing at the Dutch Impact SXSW showcase, as well as their complete performance lists, please scroll down.

LAURA JANSEN

(For fans of Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, and Regina Spektor)
Watch "Single Girls"
Facebook | Official Site | Twitter
Jansen, a Dutch-born, Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and musician, chronicles those little things, like cutting her hair, buying pink floral sheets, and venturing out for a drink with the guy down the hall, on "Single Girls" - the deceptively simple, but emotionally devastating first single from Bells, Jansen's upcoming debut album for Universal's Decca Records. A dreamy collection of piano-driven alt-pop songs, Bells has already gone platinum in Jansen's native Holland, propelled by "Single Girls" and a stunning cover of Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody," which has spent more than a year lodged in the Top 10 on the Dutch singles chart. In the U.S., Jansen is a fixture in the constellation of artists associated with Los Angeles nightclub The Hotel Cafe - a musical haven, creative incubator, and ultimately, national launching pad for such confessional-minded artists as Sara Bareilles, Priscilla Ahn, and Joshua Radin, whom Jansen toured with in 2008 and will hit the road with again in 2011.

- March 18, 1:10 PM, Berklee College of Music Party, Friends Bar
- March 18, 05:00 PM, Dutch Impact Party, West Tent
- March 19, 12:40 PM, Universal Music Group Party, The Speakeasy
- March 19, TBA, Hotel Cafe Showcase, St David’s Historic Sanctuary

THE BLACK ATLANTIC

(For fans of Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes and Sigor Ros)
Watch "Fragile Meadow"
Facebook | Official Site | Twitter
The Black Atlantic is the Groningen, The Netherlands based folk-pop band formed around singer and songwriter Geert van der Velde. Their music is an ambient mix of acoustic instruments; repetitive piano, softstrummed guitars and gental percussion, relying heavily on multi-layered vocal harmonies. Repetition of deep and introspective lyrics sung through quiet harmonies make for a meditative listening experience. The Black Atlantics music often gets compared to Bon Iver, Sigur Ros or Fleet Foxes.

- March 16, TBA, Esther's Follies
- March 18, TBA, Sonicbids, The Planetary Group Showcase, Maggie Mae's
- March 18, 05:00 PM, Dutch Impact Party, West Tent

DEATH LETTERS

(For fans of At The Drive-In, Trail of Dead, Baroness, The Thermals, Death Cab for Cutie)
Watch "Schizophrenic"
Facebook | Official Site | Twitter
During the Great Depression of the 30's, American blues hero Son House wrote and recorded his signature song "Death Letter". Somewhat 76 years later in 2006, singer/guitarist Duende Ariza Lora (19 yrs old) and drummer Victor Brandt (18 yrs old) borrowed the name for their band, inspired by the song's characteristic raw emotion and urgent rhythm. Also influenced by groups like The Thermals, Oceansize, Death Cab for Cutie, Cult of Luna and At The Drive- In, Death Letters aren't even close to their twenties yet, but are already bursting with talent and growing experience.

- March 16, 08:00 PM, Habana Calle 6 Patio
- March 18, 05:00 PM, Dutch Impact Party, West Tent
- March 18, TBA, Party Frenchie Smith Records, Guero's

GO BACK TO THE ZOO

(For fans of Strokes, Early Kings of Leon, Libertines)
Watch "I'm the Night (See You Later)"
Official Site | Twitter
Out of friendship Go Back To The Zoo was born, and even before releasing an album they quickly became successful in Holland Two of their single releases became "megahit" on 3FM, the biggest and most influential radio station of the Netherlands. They got signed to Universal Music and in August 2010 they released their debut album Benny Blisto, which entered the charts at nr 3. Last summer they played at over 60 festivals in the Netherlands and Germany, and the club tour that followed in fall was completely sold out months in advance. At the moment, Go Back To The Zoo is preparing for their second and larger club tour, writing songs for their second album and expanding their territory.

- March 16, TBA, Valhalla
- March 18, TBA, Dutch Impact Party, West Tent
- March 19, 07:00 PM, Radisson Hotel & Suites
- TBA, TBA, South By Sam's Town Point

DE STAAT

(For fans of elastic psychofunk and dancing women)
Watch "Sweatshop"
Facebook | Official Site | Twitter
The story of De Staat proves that humble beginnings can lead to great things. It all started as a one man project by the Dutch singer, musician and composer Torre Florim. As a graduating project from his studies "Music Production" he wrote, played and produced the stunning debut album "Wait For Evolution". Though before it was even released, De Staat was already a full grown band. Since then – early 2009 – the band established itself as the most exciting new rock band that Holland had to offer in a very long time. Their concerts got unanimous rave reviews. Their stage reputation grew so fast that within a year the band played festivals from the likes of Sziget, Pinkpop, Lowlands, Dour and took on the acclaimed John Peel Stage at Glastonbury.

- March 18, 05:00 PM, Dutch Impact Party, West Tent
- March 19, 12:00 AM, BD Rileys