This year, for the very first time, Moogfest will partner with SXSW on a day-long program in Austin, TX. With the recent news that Texas lawmakers have proposed legislation similar to HB2, the festival will bring its signature Future Thought and Future Sound experience to SXSW for an exploration of diversity and inclusion.The daytime program includes a Future Thought conversation called OUR DIVERSE FUTURE: Optimism Alongside Discrimination, from NC to TX featuring thought-leaders paving the future across various disciplines as well as a performative Installation by The Holladay Brothers. The nighttime Future Sound portion of the event will feature performances from various electronic artists, some which will be performing at Moogfest 2017 including Suzanne Ciani, Russell E.L. Butler, and Professor Toon.

In addition to the Future Thought Future Sound programming, Moogfest will present a pop-up version of its popular electronic bazaar, the Modular Marketplace. The interactive shop will showcase select instrument makers including Moog Music, Future Retro, Rare Waves, and Switched On. SXSW Festival Programmer Jes Elliott acknowledges that, "SXSW and Moogfest share similar DNA with a deep interest in promoting discovery and convergence. We’re very pleased to have Moogfest return for another year of conversation and music surrounding the intersection of pioneering music and technology."

Now in its 11th iteration, Moogfest remains committed to growing a global community of futurists who explore emerging sound technologies and design radical instruments for change. Since last year, the festival has been based in Durham, North Carolina, alongside a booming technology scene, at the center of the famed Research Triangle. By day, the festival explores Future Thought---a daytime series of presentations, conversations, workshops and installations. By night, Moogfest celebrates ‘Future Sound’ with nighttime performances by early pioneers in electronic music, alongside pop and avant garde experimentalists. In 2016, Moogfest welcomed 40,000 attendees from 22 countries and 41 states (with 5.6 million livestream viewers), despite boycotts and corporate divestment after HB2, the controversial ‘bathroom bill’.

SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.

More details on the Moogfest x SXSW event will be revealed soon. To receive updates and join the global conversation, sign up here: https://goo.gl/14MDMI.

Moogfest will reveal its Music Line-up and Program Highlights on March 7.