SXSW 2026 Recap
SXSW 2026 (March 12–18, 2026)
SXSW 2026
Showcasing artists are the beating heart of the 40th anniversary of SXSW Music Festival (Austin, Texas, from March 12–18, 2026). Hundreds of musicians from around the world bring new sounds, big energy, and some truly unforgettable live moments to stages all across Austin. SXSW Music Festival and Conference is all about celebrating international artists and global scenes, with both emerging talent and iconic names from a vast array of genres.
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My fifteenth year down at SXSW—and still the best festival in the world. This year was a little different: all tracks (film, interactive, music) combined into one week, with music running Thursday to Wednesday. Plus, with the Austin Convention Center under construction, the tech showcases and speakers were spread all over the city.
Day parties delivered—especially Paste Magazine at High Noon. Big thanks to owner of Paste, Josh Jackson, for always organizing a spectacular event. Other standout daytime events included British Music Embassy (Palm Door on 6th), German Haus, Casa Argentina, and Hotel Vegas, which had some of the best music and free swag/food throughout the festival.
All right—let’s cut to the chase. As always, the magic was in the rising artists and global acts.
Top 20 shows:
- FEET – The “new Rolling Stones.” Caught them 5 times—best live band of the fest. Happy Mondays + Strokes energy, and George Haverson working the tambourine like a pro.
- Mt. Jones – Hard to believe he was playing covers not long ago. St. Paul & The Broken Bones-type vocals with serious guitar chops.
- Sofia and the Antoinettes – Working with Amy Winehouse’s former manager. Next-level live presence and a full throwback star quality ❤️.
- Sun Byrd – Norwegian soul done right—Otis Redding meets St. Paul & The Broken Bones. One of the smoothest sets all week. Thank you, Erik Jansen, for the recommendation.
- Alicia Creti – Biggest surprise. Caught her at the Billboard party at Mohawk—jazzy, deeper Olivia Dean-style vocals that stop you in your tracks.
- Steven Bamidele – Jazzy R&B version of Michael Kiwanuka. Saw him as part of the British Music Embassy—super polished set. Big thanks to Phil Patterson for organizing these showcase events every year.
- The Tremolo Beer Gut – Played Low Down Lounge and absolutely ripped—surf rock with serious edge.
- The Gringos – From frat shows to SXSW buzz. Feel-good surf rock. “Fading” is a must-listen, and Jacob Reina’s vocals are something special.
- KELS – Soulful R&B/blues mix with a stunning voice (“Gone,” “Just Let Me Go” live). Somehow still independent and owning it.
- Radium Dolls – Aussie Clash meets Blur. High-energy stage performance.
- Buddy Red – The next Jimi Hendrix—and somehow also T.I.’s oldest son. Wild guitar talent.
- Grace Sorensen – One of Austin’s best. New album tied to a film—caught her at Waterloo Records in-store.
- Amri – London-born soul—“Brew You Tea” is the track. Feels like she’s on the verge of a big breakout.
- Werkha – Incredible multi-instrumentalist. Great sax/drums—easy to see why he’s a Steve Lamacq favorite.
- Spacestation – Icelandic Ramones vibes—guitar pumping with strong vocals in Icelandic.
- Cazayoux (Austin Trombone Shorty with every instrument you can imagine)
- The Kellows
- Cq Wrestling
- Men Al Tol (Oasis/Verve vocals)
- Los Juanos (San Antonio)
Honorable Mentions: Holly McCave, The Braymores, The Haunted Youth, Francesca Blanchard
10 artists that I missed: Somebody Someone, Neomi, Noamz, Easy Honey, Cootie Catcher, Glaze, The Dumes, Honey I’m Home, Mypilotis, The Bures Band. Mega stars like Jack Johnson, Hermanos Gutierrez, Noah Kahan, Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, Alanis Morissette, Calvin Harris, and others also performed during SXSW, but all my time was spent seeing up-and-coming bands.
Can’t wait till next year! Also have SXSW London and New Colossus Festival (organized by Lio of Kanine Records) in my sights.
Let me know some of your favorites in the comments if you attended SXSW or if you gave some of these artists above a spin.
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