The 30th edition of SXSW drew to a close in the Texas capital, with the Italian delegation making its strongest showing to date at world's leading music industry event. For the 3rd year running the Italy @ SXSW initiative cast a spotlight on the country's latest talents, showcasing today's music made in Italy to the assembled international music business attendees.

"Aperitivo Italiano", the official Italy @ SXSW music day party, was featured in the Wall Street Journal which cited the set by brand new band BIRTHH. The 19 year old Alice Bisi fronted act from Florence also drawing media picks from the influential NPR (National Public Radio) network and tastemaker Los Angeles radio station KCRW. Top executives from the likes of Glassnote Records and United Talent Agency were treated to experience a slice of the Italian lifestyle at local hotspot Numero 28, over live and DJ sets by showcasing acts Platonick Dive, Moustache Prawn, Kalàscima, Brothers in Law, Joan Thiele, and special guest DJ Luca De Gennaro.

SXSW Music Festival highlights included the Puglia Sounds sponsored group Kalàscima receiving a standing ovation following their scorching set on the WOMEX curated stage to an audience of world music aficionados including programmers from New York city's prominent globalFEST concert to local influencer KUT radio. Also under the Puglia Sounds banner, Moustache Prawn received the honor to be selected among the handful of acts to perform on the prestigious International Day Stage from among thousands of annual submissions. Additionally, Italian music fans will be able to see the set of singer-songwriter Joan Thiele, which was captured as part of a tour documentary on the up and coming artist by Red Bull.

Organized by FIMI the Italian Music Industry Federation, ITA the Italian Trade Agency and Puglia Sounds, the Italy @ SXSW Trade Show Stand served as the networking hub for Italian music professionals with their counterparts in the global industry. Under the flag of FIMI and ITA, five startups — Multiplay, Travel Appeal, Stylum, Rokivo and Souldesigner — joined the Italy @ SXSW Trade Show Stand, showing off Italian innovation at SXSW Interactive for the first time.

Already looking forward to Italy @ SXSW 2017, recently appointed Los Angeles Trade Commissioner Florindo Blandolino met over espresso in Austin with SXSW Film international programmer Jim Kolmar with an eye towards bringing Italy's rich film activities into next year's fold, with Puglia Sounds likewise meeting with the Windish Agency exploring future opportunities on the music side.