contributed by Fiona Bloom of The Bloom Effect
SXSW- The biggest music festival and conference world-wide has a SOUL focus for 2008
It’s very exciting to be part of a growing movement and genre that’s finally getting wide attention from the major players in the industry and conferences/festivals that in past have had a strong presence in Indie Rock and Rap are turning to other sounds and styles.
This year in Austin- SXSW- the sound and style of SOUL is clearly quite prominent.
Several of the acts are coming in from all over The U.S.A including: Maya Azucena, Russell Taylor, Melissa Young, Choklate, Yahzarah, J*Davey, Yahzarah Purple St. James, Renee Sebastian, Heavy, Jennifer Johns and others.
The SOUL showcases are just the beginning or hopeful beginning of an increasing SOUL Industry Movement at SXSW where the likes of journalists, execs, producers, web portals, DJ’s, and lots more 
artists can gather from around the world and network and make new deals.
The Soul showcases are programmed by Fiona Bloom of The Bloom Effect with the help of Matt Sonzala of SXSW and Bavu Blakes of ME Television/Smooth- the plan is to make enough noise and impact and a great reception from media and fans that going forward- SOUL is in the house!
SXSW Soul is sponsored by I GOT SOUL and Fusicology.
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