Converse Returns To Austin To Unleash The Creative Spirit

Converse Returns To Austin To Unleash The Creative Spirit

Signature Pop-Up Recording Studio And Free Concerts Provide A Platform For Texas ArtistsTo Create And Showcase Their Work

Official Converse SXSW Music Conference Panel Discussion on March 14

Explores Converse's Unique Approach To Helping Emerging Artists

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass., Feb. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, CONVERSE Inc. announced its return to Austin to unleash the creative spirit during the 2014 SXSW Music and Media Conference. "Converse Rubber Tracks in Austin" pop-up studio is back for its third year, from March 3-15, offering Texas-based bands the opportunity to record original music alongside experienced engineers at no cost. Due to the success of Converse Rubber Tracks in Austin, SXSW is presenting a panel discussion on Friday, March 14 entitled "Converse Rubber Tracks: No Strings Attached" that will explore Converse's commitment to providing platforms to support emerging artists. This year also marks the debut of "Converse Rubber Tracks Live" in Austin, which will present a free concert on March 15. In addition, Converse will bring skate, hip-hop and metal cultures together once again at the "Converse X Thrasher Magazine Death Match" March 12-15. Converse is also returning as the presenting sponsor of"The FADER FORT Presented by Converse", the annual 4-day event in Austin from March 12-15.

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Since its Brooklyn opening in July 2011, Converse Rubber Tracks has provided the incredible opportunity for artists 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 great music cities such as Toronto, Austin, Montreal, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Beijing and Mexico City.

"We're so proud to be back in Austin," said Geoff Cottrill, VP/GM of Brand & Segments at Converse. "Each year we discover new artists who are incredibly talented and driven--but simply need a little support. We're really excited to be able to give musicians the opportunity to record for free and a platform to unleash their creative spirit."

Converse Rubber Tracks in Austin / Converse Rubber Tracks Live

Over the last three years, Converse Rubber Tracks has provided Texas-based musicians a unique opportunity during SXSW to record in a state of the art studio and retain the rights to their music, at no cost. Each year, this opportunity has been embraced by local bands that might not otherwise be able to afford studio time. This year, "Converse Rubber Tracks in Austin" pop-up studio will return to its location at Big Orange and Shine Studios from March 3-15 where local Texas bands to will record for free, no strings attached. In addition, "Converse Rubber Tracks Live" will bring its free concert series to Austin with a free show on March 15 featuring Black Angels and White Denim. The lineup for the show will also include previous Converse Rubber Tracks recording artists selected by Black Angels.

"Converse Rubber Tracks: No Strings Attached" Panel at SXSW

Converse Rubber Tracks has been embraced by artists and music communities around the globe, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Austin to name a few, who have benefitted from this unique opportunity. With its success, SXSW has dedicated a panel discussion on Friday, March 14 entitled "Converse Rubber Tracks: No Strings Attached." The panel will discuss Converse's connection to music and commitment to unleashing the creative spirit by providing platforms that help emerging artists. The panel will be moderated by acclaimed advertising Music Director, Gabe McDonough and will feature Geoff Cottrill (Converse VP/GM of Brand & Segments) and emerging artists Whalers (Austin, Texas).

Converse X Thrasher Magazine Death Match

Now in its fifth year, Converse X Thrasher Magazine Death Match has grown into one of the most popular daytime events during SXSW and the only event that brings together music and skateboarding in one place. Taking place at The Scoot Inn, March 12-15, the four day event fuses multiple genres from Metal to Indie Rock to Hip Hop. 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,

Mike Anderson, Don "The Nuge" Nguyen and Louie Lopez. This year's music showcase will feature The Black Lips, Tyler The Creator, Judge, Lil B and many more.



The FADER FORT Presented by Converse

"The FADER FORT Presented by Converse", long positioned as the spot to see live music during its March homestead, returns to Austin for its four-day musical event March 12-15. This will be the third year The FADER and CONVERSE Inc. have partnered to support and showcase emerging artists and culture. The event will feature first time performances and returning emerging and iconic artists that have previously appeared within The FADER throughout the years to help celebrate the media property's 15(th) anniversary. "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-stream 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"(TM) 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 79 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. For more information, visit Converse on the web at media.converse.com.


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SOURCE CONVERSE Inc.

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CONVERSE Inc.

CONTACT: Keith Gulla, Converse, 646-563-7318, keith.gulla@converse.com; Allison Elbl, IDPR, 323-822-4851, aelbl@id-pr.com


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