Send Sia to SXSW this March!

Hey team,

You probably know me as Sia and know that I make music in all forms, including as a solo artist under my birth name Shoeb Ahmad.

It's been a long winding road from my Belco bedroom to slogging it out DIY style and keeping fairly self-reliant, noting that the "industry" is full of potholes and working the funding mechanisms is fraught with issues too. Tellingly, I've only become moderately more successful with funding applications in the wake of COVID but even then, I would say I'm better at giving advice to others on their apps then actually getting one past the post.

My practice is a slow burn - lots of peaks but more troughs in recent years. Not without contentment though, I think I'm making the most honest and sincere music I've ever made. It speaks to my core and doesn't really concern itself with what should happen right now to be exciting and relevant. I think this is why it's cutting through to the right people, those who listen and can hear something of themselves within the sounds and feel seen.

This all takes me to now - I've been invited to head over to Austin, Texas this March to be an official artist for their music program and onwards to some extra US dates. It's super exciting to think about doing something like this so far along the track (so to speak) but the truth is that with a whole lot of ongoing practical life changes, taking this great opportunity up is a bit financially taxing at present.

It would mean a lot to me if you would consider throwing some spare dollars to help getting me over there and taking that next step on my artist journey. All funds received will go directly towards my travel and accommodation costs for my time in the US between March 10-29.

If you want to holla out, really happy to talk about what I might be able to offer you in return for yr goodwill as well :)