Top Bands and Artists Scheduled for SXSW 2025 Music Festival
From legendary musicians to new and innovative artists pushing musical boundaries, this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin features a diverse lineup catering to every music lover’s taste. With a fusion of EDM, electropunk, country, grunge, indie, gothic, rap, hip-hop, Americana, R&B, and more, attendees are in for a colorful and genre-defying experience.
Among the standout performers at SXSW 2025 is Koe Wetzel, a rising star in the country music scene. Known for combining grunge and outlaw country with polished pop production, Wetzel’s unique sound is paving the way for the evolution of the genre, with upcoming shows alongside Morgan Wallen setting the stage for his mainstream breakthrough.
Coldwave, a dynamic six-piece indie rock band hailing from Adelaide, Australia, offers a vibrant blend of soaring guitars, swelling horns, and distinctive vocals, reminiscent of the post-punk era. With tracks like “The Ants” b/w “Italia ’06,” Coldwave captures the essence of an emerging sound that resonates with fans of Black Country, New Road and similar acts.
Brooklyn-based Quelle Rox, a self-proclaimed “chonga” artist, brings a refreshing twist to the music scene with her signature “Spanglish Dream Pop” style. Tracks like “apareces de la nada” and “mas bonita” transport listeners to a neon-hued dreamscape, blending spacey synth textures, wobbly guitars, and vintage R&B-inspired vocals for a truly immersive experience.
DIE SLOW Entertainment, a collaborative effort of three hip-hop groups from Austin, showcases a diverse range of talents united by their shared motto of “Stay humble but stay hungry.” With core members like Sertified, SouthSide Hippie, WKDZD, and Clova, the collective’s latest single, “Still Holdin,'” offers a glimpse into their distinct yet harmonious fusion of styles and cultural backgrounds.
Terraplana, a Brazilian shoegaze band, teases their upcoming sophomore record, “Natural,” with the release of lead single “Charlie.” The track’s evocative blend of quiet-loud dynamics, lush guitar leads, and ethereal vocals promises an engaging sonic journey influenced by shoegaze, grunge, emo, and Britpop elements.
Returning to SXSW after over a decade, France’s Kap Bambino embarks on a new chapter with their electrifying electropunk sound. With a reputation for high-octane performances and an anticipated record release in March 2025, the duo embraces chiptune and hyperpop influences while staying true to their raw and energetic musical roots.
Cardinals from Ireland bring a refreshing blend of indie rock, Irish trad folk, and shoegaze, drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Andy Warhol and Phil Spector. Tracks like “Roseland” and “Get It” showcase the band’s unique fusion of traditional and contemporary rock elements, setting them apart as rock traditionalists with a modern twist.
Milwaukee-based Sebastian Oliva, also known as Chan, breaks boundaries with his EDM tracks that blend Mexican music styles with dance beats. Whether remixing regional Mexican tunes or creating original tracks infused with banda, cumbia, and merengue, Chan’s infectious rhythms and eclectic soundscapes are a dance floor delight that showcases his impressive musical journey and cultural fusion.
luvis, a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter from Kyoto, offers a genre-crossing blend of R&B, soul, jazz, and indie rock. With influences ranging from My Bloody Valentine and Boards of Canada to Minako Yoshida and Haruomi Hosono, luvis’ distinctive style captivates listeners with its accessible yet complex sound, reminiscent of indie pop acts while maintaining a unique and versatile musical identity.
FILLY from Austria emerges as a breakout artist with her latest single, setting the stage for international acclaim. Following a successful summer, FILLY’s music resonates with fans worldwide, showcasing her potential for American success and paving the way for a promising musical career.