Five Korean indie bands will fly to Austin, Texas, in March to take to the stages of the South by SouthWest Music Festival, according to the state-run Korea Creative Content Agency.

The Barberettes, [su:m], EE, Asian Chairshot and Eastern Sidekick were handpicked by SXSW director James Minor during the Seoul International Music Fair, or MU:CON, hosted by the KOCCA from Oct. 6-8 in Itaewon, Seoul. 

At the annual MU:CON, which brought in international music scouts from around the world, six more local acts won the chance to showcase their music at three other major music festivals ― France’s MIDEM, Singapore’s Music Matters and Canadian Music Week. They include IDIOTAPE and Glen Check, both invited to the Singaporean fair; Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio and Loro’s, both invited to the French festival.

Three renowned music producers, who participated in the Seoul event, also chose one team apiece to work with.

Rodaidh McDonald, a producer at the U.K.-based independent music label XL Recordings, chose local crossover band Jambinai and will produce the band’s digital single, the KOCCA said. Similarly, Tony Maserati who has worked with Beyonce and Usher will pair up with Sultan of the Disco, while Jimmy Douglass, famous for working with Snoop Dogg and Justin Timberlake, will work with the Solutions.

By Lee Sun-young (milaya@heraldcorp.com)