A MERSEY musical delegation will broadcast debates live from Texas tomorrow as part of one of the world’s most important industry showcases.

South by Southwest (SxSW), held in the Texan capital Austin, includes a series of concerts as well as conferences about music, film and technology.

This year a delegation from the North West, backed by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and Northwest Vision and Media, is attending the event to promote the region’s music industry.

And two debates on new technology in music will be broadcast live online as part of the NorthernNet connects Sound City project.

The debates will include representatives from Getty Images, Intel, the BBC and Big Brother creator Endemol.

The first debate, called Is Content King?, will discuss how creative firms can value and sell their content, while the second will discuss the importance of “Punk attitude” in the music business.

The debates have been organised by the team behind the Liverpool Sound City music festival and conference. Organisers hope the Mersey event will become the UK equivalent of SxSW.

Dave Pichilingi, festival director at Liverpool Sound City, said: “We are delighted to be able to connect businesses from the North of England with key delegates and organisations attending SXSW in Texas.

“Sound City is all about offering meaningful opportunities for ‘doing the business’ in the field of music, media and technology.

“NorthernNet has given us the unique tools to be able to engage people in a business effective way even though they are separated by thousands of miles.”