The Converse Rubber Tracks Experience Lands in Austin for SXSW

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass., March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, CONVERSE Inc. announces that it will bring the Converse Rubber Tracks experience from Brooklyn, NY - where the flagship music studio is based - to Austin, TX for this year's SXSW Music and Media Conference (March 13 – 17).  At SXSW, Converse will provide local artists the opportunity to record at its "Converse Rubber Tracks in Austin" pop-up studio and present several showcases such as the "The Filter and Converse Rubber Tracks Showcase," the "Boston to Austin" music showcase, and the "Converse X Thrasher Death Match" which will shine a light on break-out artists who have already recorded at Converse Rubber Tracks in Brooklyn, NY.

Since the studio opened in Brooklyn last July, Converse Rubber Tracks has been providing emerging artists the opportunity to record in a state-of-the art studio at no cost.  Converse created the studio as a means to support and facilitate an artist's self expression by allowing musicians an opportunity to register online, and if selected, record at Converse Rubber Tracks and in the end retain all the rights to their music.

"We're thrilled to be back in Austin for SXSW, which year after year proves to be a platform for artists to unleash their creative spirit," said Geoff Cottrill, Converse Chief Marketing Officer. "And that's what Converse Rubber Tracks is all about - celebrating young artists and encouraging their artistic development. As part of our mission to give back to the music community, this year, we've brought our one-of-a-kind studio experience to Austin to help local emerging artists gain their footing in the music industry."

Converse Rubber Tracks in Austin

For this year's SXSW, Converse invited Texas-based musicians to apply for an opportunity to record at "Converse Rubber Tracks in Austin" located at Big Orange and Shine Studios. If accepted, Texas musicians of all ages and genres will be able to reserve one of five days (March 13 – 17) with Converse Rubber Tracks at Shine Studios to record original music alongside experienced engineers at no cost. At the end of the recording process, the artists will retain all rights to their work. The studio will also be a destination for exclusive performances and band interviews to be posted on the Converse Facebook page.

Special Music Showcases

Throughout the week, various Converse sponsored artist showcases will highlight musicians who've already been through the recording process. "The Filter and Converse Rubber Tracks Showcase," a highly anticipated showcase, takes place on Thursday, March 15 from 7:00 PM – 1:30 AM at Bar 96 and brings together some of the most buzzed about bands. This year's showcase will feature Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Alberta Cross, Howler as well as Converse Rubber Tracks recording artists  Viva Viva, Yawn and Re-Tros from China. "The Filter and Converse Rubber Tracks Showcase" will also be streamed live via Facebook for music fans that could not make it to Austin.

Converse will once again team up with DigBoston.com on St. Patrick's Day (March 17) to host the "Boston to Austin" music showcase at the 512 Bar on 6th Street. This year's showcase features the Boston band Bad Rabbits who will make the trip to Austin to give a live performance before they head into the studio to record at Converse Rubber Tracks in Brooklyn. Converse Rubber Tracks recording artist Grey Sky Appeal will also perform.

Another SXSW tradition that Converse is proud to be a part of, the "Converse X Thrasher Death Match" will feature three Converse Rubber Tracks recording artists on the bill. The skate invasion features five days of free metal and hip hop concerts in conjunction with a skating competition hosted by Thrasher Magazine. The event underscores Converse's aim to bring skate, hip-hop and metal cultures together through music. Representing the diversity of artists who have recorded at Converse Rubber Tracks are hip-hop act Fresh Daily, punk band Big Ups and rock band Primitive Weapons. Other bands scheduled to perform include Deerhoof, Beach Fossils, Trash Talk, Andrew W.K and OFF. The "Converse X Thrasher Death Match" takes over Austin at The Scoot Inn March 14 to March 18 from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM.

About Converse Rubber Tracks

Converse Rubber Tracks is a state-of-the-art recording studio that is located in the Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY. The 5,200 square-foot, full-service recording space aims to support emerging artists by providing them access to a top-level recording studio at no cost. Artists and bands of all genres and ages from around the world are encouraged to apply and, upon acceptance, may reserve time in the studio to work alongside a team of experienced engineers. Fully equipped with the best instruments and equipment supplied by Converse Rubber Tracks partner Guitar Center, artists will spend time creating their work and in the end retain all the rights to their music. Through Converse Rubber Tracks, Converse is giving back to the creative community that has embraced the brand throughout its over 100 year history. Converse Rubber Tracks provides a platform for artists to unleash their creative spirit that will change the world.

About Converse

Converse Inc., based in N. Andover, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as "America's Original Sports Company"™ and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor® All Star® shoe, the Jack Purcell® shoe and the One Star® shoe.  Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including premium lifestyle men's and women's footwear and apparel.  Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 59 company-owned retail locations in the U.S.  For more information, visit Converse on the web at www.converse.com.

SOURCE Converse Inc.