South by Southwest (SXSW) most recently announced their first round of showcasing artists including Justin Morales, Twin Shadow and many more.
South by Southwest, or also known as SXSW, is one of Austin’s favorite festivals that focuses on film, music and other industry trends. SXSW 2024 was a success despite the boycott happening against the festival at the time. After the fest concluded, SXSW organizers quietly announced that they would no longer partner with the military or with weapons manufacturers. With that in mind, SXSW 2025 is gearing up for a massive spike in participating musicians and killer showcases.
On October 29, 2024, the festival announced its first round of artists set to perform at different SXSW showcases all over Austin. Here are a few of our picks of who you need to check out in 2025:
Justin Morales (Cuernavaca, Mexico)
As mentioned a lot on our blog, Regional Music has been making its comeback and its better than ever. With artists like Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera, Junior H, and many more taking over the scene, it was no surprise to see that SXSW would follow the music trend. Justin Morales is a newcomer to the genre of Regional Music who has released numerous singles that touch upon the beloved ‘corrido’ genre. Morales has made appearances at well-known festivals in Mexico, so it’s exciting to see his crossover to the Lone Star State. In 2024, SXSW + Rolling Stone hosted Peso Pluma as a last minute surprise act, so we’re wondering what this year will have in store for the genre.
MELLT (Cardiff, Wales)
This ‘mind-bending’ alt-pop from Cardiff is sure to blow your mind. They released their debut album Mae’n Hawdd Pan Ti’n Ifanc in 2018, followed by their sophomore album Dim Dwywaith in 2023. Their sound is so unique and vast through intricate riffs and rhythmic cadences, a great addition to the alternative genre. With influences from bands like The Clash, The Band and The Replacements, Mellt is the perfect band if you need to check out some post-punk / slacker-rock at this year’s SXSW.
Twin Shadow (Los Angeles, CA)
If you had an indie kid phase, you definitely had a Twin Shadow track on your playlist. Twin Shadow, A.K.A the solo project of musician George Lewis Jr., is a standout act that mastered the blend of synth-pop, indie rock, and R&B. Known for hits like “Saturdays” and “Five Seconds,” his music combines lush instrumentation with emotional depth. Twin Shadow’s live performances are energetic, soulful, and deeply engaging – making this true visionary a worthy addition to this year’s SXSW lineup.
La Sécurité (Montreal, QC, Canada)
Montreal’s very own La Sécurité brings a fresh edge to post-punk and new wave through amusing grooves, angular guitars, and hypnotic vocals. Their music is equal parts bold and danceable, creating an irresistible blend that captures the spirit of Montreal’s vibrant scene. Known for high-energy live performances, they turn every stage into a pulsing, electrifying experience. Perfect for fans of Le Tigre or Talking Heads, La Sécurité is a must-see act redefining the punk and new wave landscape at SXSW.
KAP BAMBINO (Bordeaux, France)
French electro-punk duo Kap Bambino delivers raw, high-energy performances with catchy synths, pounding beats, and commanding vocals. Known for pushing the boundaries of electronic music, their intense, chaotic sound has earned them a cult following all over the world. Their immersive live shows blend punk attitude with rave energy, creating an unforgettable experience. Perfect for fans of Crystal Castles or The Prodigy, Kap Bambino is a must-see act at SXSW this year.
MORE ARTISTS TO CHECK OUT
| Soda Blonde (Dublin, Ireland) | Nature TV (Brighton, England) | Dune Rats (Brisbane AUSTRALIA) |
| Bummer Camp (New York, NY) | Kombilesa Mi (Palenque, Colombia) | Vanessa Zamora (San Diego, CA) |
| The Philharmonik (Sacramento, CA) | Honeyglaze (London, England) | fantasy of a broken heart (Brooklyn, NY) |
| Annie-Claude Deschênes (Montreal, QC, Canada) | CDSM (Atlanta, GA) | XAMIYA (Tokyo, Japan) |
SXSW 2025 will be taking place from March 7th through March 15th. View SXSW Badge levels + prices + more information here.
CHECK OUT OFF RECORD MEDIA’S 2024 COVERAGE 🙂
I'm a full-time music journalist/photographer from Houston, number one Paramore fan and Husky dog owner. I have a B.S in Radio-Television-Film from UT Austin and a M.A in Mass Communications from the University of Houston, which makes me smart! On top of being an avid concert-goer and movie fanatic, I love bonding with others over the power of local music and media.
