South By Southwest 2025: March 12 Recap

The Music Portion of South by Southwest is officially in full swing, as Wednesday had multiple showcases to choose from with artists including Julien Baker, Big Freedia, Fleshwater and more.

Featured Session: Balloonerism – A Film Based On The Album By Mac Miller

Today, Miller McCormick, Samuel Mason, and Hana Shimizu were joined by Alexandra Thurmond, to discuss the film “Balloonerism”. “Balloonerism” is an animated film inspired by Mac Miller’s posthumous album of the same title. It features a group of friends who race against time, into adulthood, and have to grapple with complicated feelings of growing up.

Samuel Mason, director of the film, shared how he was particularly inspired by Mac Millers album, and his creative process behind the project. Miller McCormick, the creative director, and late ra pper’s brother, shared childhood photos of drawings, and explained the parallels between the rappers childhood to the movie. Shimizu also shared parts of the creative process, and Thurmond moderated the panel. – Isha Merchant

Marshall Day Party (Presented by Resound)

Next, The Molotov’s took the stage at Mohawk. They immediately took over the showcase with their infectious energy. The British band made the venue theirs as they raced around the stage, and impressed the audience with their playing. They superseded every expectation you would have from listening to their studio records, and completely blew away the crowd with their energy.

They are currently going on a Europe tour, and will be performing alongside the Sex Pistols for some of the dates. Check them out, you will not be disappointed. – Isha Merchant

New Zealand @ SXSW 

Ending off the New Zealand showcase at the 13th floor, Borderline performed, packing the venue with curious fans. The band had more of an indie rock/pop feel, yet were danceable and fun, with fans all over the venue dancing along to the bands infectious energy.

Although the stage was small, their presence superseded that, with the bass player stepping into the crowd, and the main singer constantly interacting with the crowd. They brought a well deserved funk sound to the stage, ending off the New Zealand House on a good note. – Isha Merchant

Rivian’s Electric Roadhouse Presents Julien Baker x Torres

Julien Baker and Mackenzie Ruth Scott, also known as Torres, performed a surprise set at Austin’s Rivian Electric Roadhouse, for one of the duo’s first shows together. From the get go, Baker and Torres voices blended together perfectly as they each complimented each other’s musicality. This dynamic interchange between their performances created a captivating and energized set. They performed singles like “Sugar in the Tank” and “Sylvia,” as well as new and (currently) unreleased tracks “Dirt,” “No Desert Flower” and “Tuesday.” Baker and Torres’ joint album titled Send a Prayer My Way will be released on April 18, 2025, and fans got to get a glimpse of their upcoming tour. – Keylee Paz

Do512 x C3 Management Showcase

Jack’s Mannequin energized the crowd at Stubb’s Bar-B-Q during the South by Southwest music festival, captivating them with a fusion of piano-rock and poignantly personal lyrics. The band set the tone for the evening with “The Mixed Tape,” sending the audience back to the height of their popularity during the early 2000s. Andrew McMahon enthralled the crowd with his signature soaring vocals and dynamic stage presence throughout the night.

The band performed “Bruised” and “Dark Blue,” which resonated on a deeply personal level, each proving a testament to the band’s skill at conveying raw emotion. Cheers erupted as McMahon switched gears, introducing new music, with “Maps for the Getaway” providing the band’s proof that they had come far as musicians. They closed their set with a chilling version of “Swim,” encouraging the crowd to sing along with the chorus line. The show closed with the fan favorite “Caves,” sparking a mad roar throughout the crowd.

Jack’s Mannequin’s set at SXSW served as a poignant reminder of the band’s legacy in the alt rock scene. – Keylee Paz

Politics House at Cheer Up Charlie’s

Big Freedia’s set at Politics House amounted to a frantic blast of New Orleans bounce, as her forceful personality and compelling energy held the crowd up. From the beginning, Freedia had the crowd under her spell, jumping right into the frantic “NOLA Babies,” an affectionate tribute to NOLA that set the tone immediately. As the catchy beat to “Betty Bussit” saturated the room, the crowd got to bouncing and twerking at the command of the queen.

Freedia’s “$100 Bill” had the whole crowd waving their hands in thrill, and “N.O. Bounce” showed Austin why she’s the queen of Bounce music. Freedia wrapped up the set with the inspirational anthem “I Am Who I Am,” sending the SXSW attendees home pumped and contemplating the undeniable charm of bounce music. Cheer Up Charlie’s was the perfect place for the event, Big Freedia showed everyone who was the HBIC. – Keylee Paz

JBL Sound Bodega

The point of JBL is to blast music people want to listen to. They’re making it a point to bring it to you live with their JBL Sound Bodega pop-up at South By Southwest (SXSW). On Wednesday, Off Record Media had the pleasure of dropping by 3TEN as they played host to JBL’s showcase for sets by Sierra Spirit, Mon Rovia and Grace Bowers and the Hodge Podge. 

The whole pop-up was set up like a classic bodega, with fruit stands, a magazine rack and even bright orange shopping baskets to sell the experience, the JBL Flip 7 and Charge 6 portable speakers placed front and center. However, JBL products were not for sale. Instead, guests could plan to win free speakers, swag or concert passes. Although cheers could be heard periodically as people won big, the real star of the show was the music. 

In a stage framed by 94 different-colored portable speakers, Sierra Spirit took the stage first, opening with the introspective “ghost.”

Dressed in eclectic, layered street clothes, the artist performed with only a guitarist and a backing track, making her storytelling center-stage in the performance. As she sang about love, social causes and sorrow, listeners could almost feel as if they were just talking to a friend… if they friend happened to be a crooner. 

Her mix of original music with a cover of Radiohead’s “Creep” was well received, and a perfect primer for Mon Rovia. Anyone who’s lived through the past 10 years of pop culture may feel a pang of trauma when they see a ukulele in someone’s hands, but listeners can put those fears to rest when it comes to Mon Rovia. 

“Liberia, West Africa is where I was born during the civil war, rescued from there during a tumultuous time,” Rovia said. “Me and my brothers survived a lot. These songs are tales, stories from then as well as the present times.” 

His soft stomping, clear notes and narrative style reminds one of some of Sufian Stevens’ more stripped-down work, especially with tracks like “To Watch the World Spin Without You” and “Heavy Foot.” 

A huge standout was Grace Bowers & the Hodge Podge. The multi-piece until the stage ready to rock. Everyone from the drummers to the guitarists sang, at least a harmony or two, while not losing sight of their instruments. 

At a glance, one may not be sure who the lead of the act is supposed to be. They eye naturally try to gravitate toward the lead singer, but can’t help being torn away toward the lead guitar. The eye would be right, as the force behind the mop of blonde curls is in fact Grace Bowers, a hyper-talented 18-year-old guitarist who already has a Jimmy Page air and the digits to back it up. The band took the crowd on a trip though rock ‘n’ roll, funk and blues with a mix of covers and originals as their vessels. – Cynthia Zelaya

Warner Music Showcase 

As one of the top record label and entertainment conglomerates in the nation, the New York-based company makes it a point to celebrate its wide array of genres and listeners at showcases like South By Southwest. On Wednesday, they had a showcase just for Latino Audiences at the infamous Mala Vida. 

Walking into Mala Vida feels like stepping into a Texas edition of Un verano sin ti, from the neon signs to the textured floors. Off Record Media had dropped by to check out the buzz surrounding Sofía Reyes and Angelina Victoria. 

Victoria took to the stage first, dressed in a short leather vaquera-styled dress with pale bronze hardware. Undeniably beautiful, she’d attracted a lot of fans pushing to the front of the outdoor stage, calling out declarations off love or asking for her hand in marriage.  

She took it all in stride, opening with “Regresar el tiempo,” quickly winning over other members of the audience that may not be as familiar with her. She’s charismatic, sticking to the very edge of the stage for the most part as to make the maximum amount of contact. The stage lights weren’t blinding, so she was able to see the pit was well as they were able to see her. 

The Chicago-born singer was full of special treats for fans that night, perfornnimg songs off hher upcoming album “Mejor nada” and giving away free merchandise before diging into a handful of extremely solid Selena Quintanilla covers.  

While Victoria and her band mingled with the people in the upstairs VIP area, Austin radio personalities from Univision’s Que Buena 104.3 and subsidiary TelevisaUnivision’s 107.7 introduced Reyes. 

Reyes is no stranger to putting on a big show, touting collaborations with Becky G, Jason Derulo, Rita Ora and more already under her belt. The Mexican singer commanded the stage dressed in boho-chic, surrounded by a talented band that seemed just as into her music as she was. 

“Mal de amores” really brought out the energy in the down, with people clapping and singing along. Unfortunately, the most excited fan in the front row, center stage, froze up completely when the microphone was put in front of his face for the chorus. Star-struck, he’ll have a hard time forgetting the evening.  

Following a break for a series of acoustic songs on a prop couch with her guitarist, she treated fans so something a little newer, including a sultry one that sampled a classic reggaeton hit and a live debut of a collaboration with Alan Walker, “Old Habit,” both well-received. – Cynthia Zelaya 

Antone’s Live List Official Showcase

The walls of Antone’s are no stranger to icons ringing their tunes within. The tradition continued on Wednesday, when Off Record Media was lucky enough to drop in on NIVA’s Live List Official showcase to see Joe P and SNACKTIME.

Hailing from New Jersey, Joe P was a breath of fresh air with their classic rock flair. Dressed in leather jackets, sharp blazers, and all things interesting while still keeping it understated, the band put on a real back-to-roots performance worthy of the venue. 

Not much for talking to the crowd outside of hello, goodbye and thank you, the band hopped from song to song such as “Leaves” and the TikTok-famous “Fighting in the Car.” Regardless, the band gave it their everything, and the energy was infectious with fans and new friends alike. 

After they closed out under a barrage of flashing lights and screaming guitars, the crowd got a short break before the next act came on. 

Philadelphia sent their best when it comes to SNACKTIME. The band seems to hold a sampling of all that’s right with the city- from brass to bass guitar- and everything in between. 

They were interactive with the audience, calling for a dance session in the middle of a parted crowd, but they were equally as interactive with each other. They would go from shining as individuals to locking into a phrase or moving imperfect unison so fast it might give you whiplash. It was funny and unifying, the refreshing nature of experiencing an act with abnormally talented individuals that don’t take themselves seriously.

Although they drew the most noise from the crowd when playing covers like Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” (Drake can’t even catch a break at South By smh), they shined the brightest through originals like “ Gotta Get Funky.” 

Whether you’re in town for South by Southwest or you’re strolling though Austin at a later date, take a load off at Antone’s. The probability that there’ll be something stellar playing from their stage is more likely than not. – Cynthia Zelaya