Watershed are eyeing the North American music market after being selected to play at the prestigious South By Southwest Festival (SXSW) in Austin, Texas as well as the Canadian Music week in Toronto Canada.

First up on 13 March is a gig at The Hideout in Toronto, Canada where the band perform as part of Canadian Music Week — another vote-of-confidence in Watershed's global appeal. The second is a bonus unplugged set on 16 March at Madiba's in Brooklyn, New York City.

They then travel down to Texas and play at The Hideout Theatre (617 Congress Ave) in Austin on Thursday 18 March, as part of SXSW's 2010 Showcasing Bands line-up.

According to SXSW, Showcase Bands have to make it through an extensive selection process from the many acts that apply from across the US and the rest of the world.

The North American shows come after Watershed's most recent album, 'Staring At The Ceiling' made an appearance in the music bible, the US magazine Rolling Stone, which refers to Watershed's sound as "feel-good, Mid-Western acoustic rock".

So it follows that SXSW would be a perfect fit for this South African group.

"SXSW has a committee of people who listen to and grade recordings according to originality, technical ability, songwriting skills, career establishment, and overall artistry," the Festival organisers say. "Every recording is graded at least twice, then those with the highest scores are reviewed again and invitations are extended."

This vote of confidence gives Watershed a boost in their intention to launch in North America.

Says frontman Craig Hinds: "We're understandably buzzed to be playing SXSW. It's a festival that has great credibility as well a reputation for being a place to discover new acts and we're preparing for a huge show at The Hideout."

With these North American shows now locked down, Watershed are eyeing a busy 2010. The year includes an April tour of Europe as well as the release of the band's 'A Million Faces' album — a celebration of Watershed's 10-year-anniversary featuring all the group's hits and two brand new tracks.

Watershed will be on tour in the UK and on an extensive concert spree in Germany before returning to South African venues.