Music Gorilla, a revolutionary new service company that provides bands with a simple solution and maximum exposure, is pleased to announce its SXSW Live Label Showcase Series. It will be held from March 16 to 19 at Austin's Coyote Ugly, the closest venue to both the SXSW convention center and official hotel. The four day showcase series will feature 23 of some of Music Gorilla's most promising member bands.

Label showcases have always been a key Music Gorilla strategy to expose and connect member bands with industry representatives.

"At MusicGorilla.com we strive to open doors for our artists," noted Music Gorilla Co-Founder Alexia Helfand. "Industry reps constantly hear bands say 'You have to see us Live'; we provide that opportunity. Sure, we'll provide the ability to showcase for label reps, but at what price? At Music Gorilla, this opportunity is free; in fact we have flown in label reps at our expense to attend showcases.

"At our October showcase at Pianos in NYC, we had a panelist from Epic who took notes and gave feedback to each band. That information was priceless and most of the bands that performed that night have made improvements based on his suggestions."

For Rick Barrio from the band 2nd Day Crush, the feedback they received at the Pianos showcase was as valuable as the exposure. "By having us play their New York City showcase at Pianos', we were able to generate interest from some labels and A&R that are currently waiting on our new recordings. We were also able to get some much needed feedback from Epic Records and that has in turn gave our band even clearer direction."

Music Gorilla has already showcased over 35 bands to industry reps; starting in May 2004 at Antone's in Austin, Texas, featuring Angel Salt, Stealing Silence, By Saturday, Backlit Revolver, Just Cause and Sounds Under Radio.

"I was not only approached by a member of Sony Music Group at the showcase, but have been speaking with him on a regular basis now," remarked Aaron with Backlit Revolver. "He is very interested in the band, and he saw us because of Music Gorilla. Are you promised a deal??? No, but will doors open... Yes!!"

Following is the schedule. (all times are pm, unless otherwise noted)

Thursday, March 16th
7:00 - 7:45 * Milhouse
8:15 - 9:00 * Common Ground (rock)
9:30 - 10:15 * The Dammitheads
10:45 - 11:30 * Wonderful Johnson
12:00 - 12:45 (am) * Tommy Ryan
1:15a - 2:00a (am) * Leiana (rock)

Friday, March 17th
7:00 - 7:45 * 54 Seconds (alternative)
8:15 - 9:00 * 2nd Day Crush (rock)
9:30 - 10:15 * ChristenJ
10:45 - 11:30 * Linus (rock)
12:00 - 12:45 (am) * Lucid Fly (pop)
1:15a - 2:00a (am) * LP (not a Music Gorilla band)

Saturday, March 18th
12:30 - 1:15 * Peyton Ripley
1:45 - 2:30 * Triggerfish (rock)
3:00 - 3:45 * Carmen Menza and Magneeto
4:15 - 5:00 * Fire Bug
5:30 - 6:15 * LP (not a Music Gorilla band)
6:45 - 7:30 * Wired
8:00 - 8:45 * Void (rock)

Sunday, March 19th
12:30 - 1:15 * John Egan
1:45 - 2:30 * Fred Thomas
3:00 - 3:45 * Libra's Rib
4:15 - 5:00 * TBD
5:30 - 6:15 * Void