A Margate musician is on a fundraising mission after being asked to play at a well-known American music festival.

Dan Lyons has been invited to play at SXSW festival in Austin, Texas in March and says it is "an honour to be asked to play at such a renowned festival so early on" in his career.

Although it's a solo project, Dan's partner Freya Warsi, both in their 20s, often plays alongside him and is accompanied by a band usually made up of musicians from south London.

A one off band has been put together for the trip, with Sam Doyle on drums, Jeremy Reynolds on bass and Jody Porter on lead guitar.

Dan grew up in Kent and has moved back to the area since leaving for London at the age of 19.

He said: "It's an honour to be asked to play at SXSW, it's one of the biggest festivals in the world and to be able to play to a completely new audience is very exciting.

"Especially when most of the people will have never heard my music before.

"I only got this project together properly last tear, and we haven't even released a single yet, so to be asked so early on is a real tip of the hat.

"Big Moon/22nd Century Boy is coming out on my family label Shaker Records later this month.

"Alongside our Pledgemusic campaign we have been awarded the PRS International Showcase fund, which is supported by The Arts council - amongst many others - which has made the trip a very real possibility.

"From Margate to America!"

In order to make the trip a reality, the band are working hard to raise funds. A Pledgemusic campaign has been set up and the group are offering perks such as CDs, guitar lessons and more.

The fundraiser has hit the 40% mark but the group are appealing for help to hit their target.

To help get Dan and his band to America, click here