The 22-year-old returned home last week after performing five shows at the Austin festival, which is considered one of the premier global showcases for emerging talent.

Record label executives and taste-masters flock to SXSW in droves searching for the next big thing.

Therefore it’s seen as a prime opportunity for artists to illustrate their talent. 

“We made a lot of connections and hopefully we get something out of it,” Forsyth said from the New England town of Deepwater, en route to Bluesfest in Byron Bay.

“Regardless, it was a good learning experience for us. It showed us how big the world is and it’s easy to get stuck in Australia.

“It opened our eyes up to the rest of the world and how diverse and incredible the music scenes are everywhere.”

Forsyth’s brand of alt-country doesn’t readily fit into the typically more-commercial Australian country scene, despite the success of her 2015 EP Black Bird.

However, the SXSW experience convinced her she’s moving in the right direction with her upcoming debut album Dawn Of The Dark, which is released on May 25. 

“It’s opened my eyes up to the potential and the anything-is-possible idea,” she said. “It’s kind of expanded my mindset and rather than put me in a box.”

The trip to Austin also convinced Forsyth to push her album internationally.

“Regardless, I think the Australian country music scene is always going to be home for my music,” she said.

“In reaching out to larger markets, I think I’ve already set that intention by being alt-country.

“Even in the sounds of the record, it was just nice knowing there’s other people doing it.”

Forsyth will support Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont on their Highway Sky tour through April, before playing the Paddock Sessions at Wollombi on April 28. 

Dates for her own album tour will be announced shortly.