SXSW 2025 is slowly creeping up… and the fest gave us a good holiday treat with their second round of showcase artists including Big Freedia, Freak Slug and many more.
SXSW 2025 announced their first set of artists back in October, which featured amazing artists like Justin Morales and MELLT. The second wave of artists takes its hit and it’s a doozy! From SXSW alumni to absolute newcomers, this wave features something for all. Check out some of our fave picks from the latest round of SXSW artists:
Big Freedia (New Orleans LA)
Big Freedia stands on BUSINESS. Known for their revolutionary mark on the well-known NOLA genre called bounce music, Big Freedia will be bringing the bounce to Austin this March. The queen diva has been prominent in the media and has appeared in shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race and Nailed It! The singer has also been previously named Artist Ambassador for US Independent Venue Week, which makes her appearance at SXSW so fitting. We’re excited to see what she brings to the table, as well as who she’ll bring along for the ride.
Her New Knife (Philadelphia PA)
Shoegaze music has slowly but surely been making its way back in to the realm of mainstream. With bands like Slowdive, Frost Children and Julie making waves in the scene, Her New Knife fits the description. Based out of Philadelphia, this four-piece band forms a mesmerizing experience through their raw yet intense musical elements that takes you on a psychedelic ride. With their up-and-coming status, their appearance at the fest is definitely much anticipated by fellow shoegaze fans.
Freak Slug (Manchester UK-ENGLAND)
Freak Slug serves as the solo project of singer Xenya Genovese, who debuted their EP titled VIDEOS in 2020. Genovese has since then released numerous EPs, including the bubbly I’m in Love in 2022 and the blossoming Viva La Vulva in 2023. Freak Slug has noted inspirations such as Ride, Mazzy Star and other artists formed in the 90s. The singer has mastered the combination of grunge and joy, as heard in her debut album I Blow Out Big Candles.
Ken Pomeroy (Tulsa OK)
Ken Pomeroy, the future queen of folk music. For fans of Big Thief, Wilderado, John Denver, or Tommy Prine, this singer is sure to blow your mind with her acute musicality, adjacent storytelling and majestic voice. Most notably, Pomeroy’s track titled “Wall of Death” was featured in the latest Twisters official film soundtrack. The singer is authentic in all ways possible, making her a worthy addition to the SXSW lineup.
Shallowater (Houston TX)
Houston’s very own Shallowater will be taking over the Austin streets and spreading their Raw West Texas dirtgaze sound. The band was a local staple in the city of Houston, and eventually made their way to large stages opening for artists like Ethel Cain. Shallowater released their perfectly-executed debut album titled There is a Well in 2023, and also performed a few unofficial SXSW showcases in 2024. Well, it’s 2025 – and the trio will now be playing OFFICIALLY at SXSW this year.
MORE ARTISTS TO CHECK OUT
| Paris death Hilton (Tokyo JAPAN) | Polo Perks <3 <3 <3 (Harlem NY) | The Criticals (Nashville TN) |
| Zamaera (Kuala Lumpur MALAYSIA) | Ribbon Skirt (Montreal CANADA) | Coldwave (Adelaide AUSTRALIA) |
| MAGNA (Medellin COLOMBIA) | Glue Trip (São Paulo BRAZIL) | lúpína (Reykjavik ICELAND) |
| Jopy (Brighton UK-ENGLAND) | Chlöe’s Clue (Valencia SPAIN) | Strawberry Launch (New York NY) |
| Freak Slug (Manchester UK-ENGLAND) | Squid The Kid (Melbourne AUSTRALIA) | BLACKGOLD (UK-ENGLAND) |
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.
