Born and raised in Amarillo, Darbi Donaldson, 2012 sociology alumna, didn’t leave the country until the summer between her sophomore and junior year, when she studied abroad in London.
Donaldson loved London so much that she decided to do her master’s degree at the University College London. She then worked with an independent label in London, with singer-songwriter Björk, before working with the U.K. leg of the music label BMG, with artists like Louis Tomlinson, 5 Seconds of Summer and Kylie Minogue. She now works with the Australian leg of the music group in Sydney, and many artists she’s currently working with attended SXSW this past week.
“(SXSW is) where my music career started,” Donaldson said. “It’s coming full circle. … (I’ve attended) from an industry side … when at first I was working as a volunteer, … and this year I (got) to send some bands that I’m working with to South By and have them experience … America (for the first time). And I think that’s really beautiful, to experience the U.S. via Austin for the first time at South By.”
BMG-signed Australian artists Dope Lemon and Pacific Avenue performed in SXSW showcases this week.
“Darbi is really cool and always looks after us,” said Harry O’Brien, Pacific Avenue’s lead vocalist and guitarist. “The whole team at BMG is … such a nice little family and it feels like they’re excited to be a part of the project and really move with the vision that we want to go with.”
Donaldson gave the bands plenty of Austin recommendations — BBQ, breakfast tacos and vintage shopping. While strolling down South Congress, Pacific Avenue said they felt grateful to see where one of their label representatives is from.
“Learning about how people have come to work at BMG is really exciting,” O’Brien said. “It’s so many different facets of music, and then they kind of bring that together, which makes a really special label.”
SXSW is Pacific Avenue’s second time in the U.S., but their first time in Texas. The band members said their time in Austin beat their expectations.
“(You) paint a picture in your head,” said Dom Littrich, the band’s drummer. “But then when you’re actually (here), the whole thing comes to life.”
O’Brien said at the BMG showcase at SXSW they met and gained inspiration from other international bands.
“These events are so cool because we’re in our own little bubble of … rock bands,” O’Brien said. “Anywhere you walk into (at SXSW) there’s so many different styles and genres. It helps for a lot of inspiration, … (and) … it’s interesting looking at (music) in a different way.”
Despite having made it in the music industry, Donaldson still holds a special place in her heart for Austin.
“Austin is still my favorite city,” Donaldson said. “I try to get back there every couple years. … I absolutely love it so much and had the best time going to college there.”
