The Converse Rubber Tracks Experience Returns To Austin For SXSW

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass., Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, CONVERSE Inc. announces the Converse Rubber Tracks experience will return to Austin, TX for the 2013 SXSW Music and Media Conference. This year, Converse has extended the recording time to two weeks, offering Texas bands the opportunity to record for free, March 4-15 as part of its expanded brand experience. Converse will also bring skate, hip-hop and metal cultures together at the "Converse X Thrasher Magazine Death Match" and return as the presenting sponsor of "The FADER FORT Presented by Converse".

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130226/NY66757LOGO )

Since its Brooklyn opening in July 2011, Converse Rubber Tracks has provided over 420 emerging artists the opportunity to record in a state-of-the art studio at no cost.  Converse Rubber Tracks supports artistic expression by allowing musicians across all genres an opportunity to record for free and retain all the rights to their music. In the last two years, Converse has brought the Converse Rubber Tracks pop up studio from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, Montreal and Toronto.

"We're excited to be back in Austin for SXSW," said Geoff Cottrill, Converse Chief Marketing Officer. "Our goal as a brand is to be useful to artists and help them unleash their creative spirit. This is what Converse Rubber Tracks is all about—giving rising artists the encouragement and support they need to develop their artistry. And with over twice the bands participating this year, we're looking forward to providing this great platform to more Texas artists."

Converse has expanded its special invitation to Texas-based musicians to apply for an opportunity to record at "Converse Rubber Tracks in Austin" located at Big Orange and Shine Studios. These musicians of varying ages and musical genres will be able to record original music alongside experienced engineers. The studio will also be a destination for exclusive performances by additional artists and band interviews available exclusively on Converse social media outlets.

Now in its fourth year, "Converse X Thrasher Magazine Death Match" has grown into one of the most popular initiatives at SXSW and is the only event to bring together music and skateboarding in one place. Taking place at The Scoot Inn from March 13-16, the event features free concerts in conjunction with a skateboarding competition hosted by Thrasher Magazine. Scheduled to appear at this year's Converse X Thrasher Magazine Death Match will be Converse Skateboarding Ambassadors Kenny Anderson, Sammy Baca, Mike Anderson, Ben Raemers and Julian Davidson. This year's music showcase will feature The Black Angels, The Adolescents, King Tuff, Mac Demarco and Trash Talk as well as past Converse Rubber Tracks recording artists Low Fat Getting High, All Eyes West, Heliotropes, Grey Sky Appeal, Fresh Daily, Flatbush Zombies and many more.

"The FADER FORT Presented by Converse" returns to SXSW with its four-day showcase March 13-16. Sponsors and confirmed acts will be announced in the weeks leading up to the festival.  "The FADER FORT Presented by Converse" will be viewable to audiences worldwide via a live-stream that will continue during the entire festival. For more information about the live-steam and artists scheduled to perform visit www.TheFader.com/FORT.

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 lifestyle men's, women's and children's footwear, apparel and accessories. Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 78 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. For more information, visit media.converse.com.

SOURCE Converse Inc.