Hundreds of gigs, scores of record deals and numerous heavy hitters will deliver speeches as the music industry descends on Austin, Texas, this week.

But among all the chaos, noise and fun of South by Southwest (SXSW), a 19-year-old city student will help to lead a mini-Norwich invasion.

Kamilla Lovett, of Access To Music Norwich, is one of five artists chosen to showcase the east of England's best talent.

It is the first Norwich Sound and Vision event at SXSW and is also aiming to promote the city festival among the international community.

Singer-songwriter Miss Lovett will be joined at Thursday's showcase by Northampton's New Cassettes, Morning Parade, Spycatcher, of Watford, and London-based Bitches, who have released an EP on Norwich recording label Gravy.

Miss Lovett describes her writing as being about 'all sorts of adventures may they be road trips, jump starting robot hearts or haunting ex's like a demented poltergeist'.

She said: 'I am so excited about playing at SXSW this year. It's a massive opportunity and I can't wait to try and get as much out of the experience as possible.'

SXSW is in its 25th-year and has developed into a major networking, showcase and cultural festival for artists across music, film and beyond.

Norwich Sound and Vision was inspired by the conference and will return for a third year from October 11 to 13.

Adrian Cooke, festival director, who has jetted out to Austin for SXSW, said he was looking forward to the event in the USA.

He said: 'It's very much about supporting the artists in Norwich and the surrounding area. It's the first year we've done a showcase and we are taking five bands over there.

'SXSW is the main shop window. It's for emerging talent and the model Norwich Sound and Vision is based on - it's the SXSW for the east of England.

'The Norwich music scene is really vibrant at the moment and we are really grateful to have the opportunity to go to the biggest international music industry event to shout about this and continue to put Norwich on the music map.'

Norwich's SXSW event is funded by the Arts Council. Escalator Music, managed by the Norwich Arts Centre, is a partner.

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