A showcase at South by Southwest or a slot on the Japan Nite tour can be a great way to launch a band Stateside — or a great waste of time and money.
Puffy: J-pop duo Puffy's 2000 SXSW showcase was followed by years of well-attended tours, Stateside album releases, their own animated show on Cartoon Network and an ad campaign for Gap.
Lolita No.18: Though less successful here, Lolita No.18 earned a reputation abroad as Japan's snottiest punk band, playing SXSW several times since 1996 and recording with members of The Ramones and Toy Dolls.