SXSW 2026 features a wide range of Texas artists – from lighthearted indie to screamo metalcore, there artists from city to city all have something to prove.
It’s no surprise that some of the greatest musicians were born and raised in the great state of Texas, starting their careers in garages or street corners. Although, artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, ZZ Top, Beyonce, and of course, Pantera, didn’t climb up the ladder overnight. They started off as a local treasure and eventually blew up from there.
In no favorited order, here are 10 artists from the lone star state that you are guaranteed to love.
Laredo Two (Dallas, TX)
Laredo Two is reaching for the stars with their haunting guitar tone and harmonic rock ballads, they are destined to take over the DFW. “Hollow Voices”, their first song of a two part release produced by Eddie Ashworth, burnishes their master sound and lyricism. Ashworth, the engineer behind Sublime’s iconic self-titled album, finally wrapped up the masters of Laredo Two’s upcoming single, “Familiar”. Rumor has it, it’s their best song yet. Their cult following is crawling out of the grave for this long awaited release set for February 6th. Dallas’ little secret gem is ready to be shattered and shared.
Bright Light Social Hour (Austin, TX)
Blues rock group Bright Light Social Hour is set to be one of Austin’s most prominent bands. Their southern psychedelic groove is hypnotic, with one listen, they pull you into their hallucinogenic creation. Their song, “Sweet Madelene” is a perfect example of this ambiophonic feeling. They have perfected making their listener feel a sense of euphoria with every song by surrounding them with their resonating tones.
Junkyard Cat (Houston, TX)
Houston’s very own Junkyard Cat is jumping off the deep end with their blissful indie melodies. Although their journey is just beginning, it’s only up from here for these cats. Their songs “Henry” and “Talk About It Later” have been all over local for you pages and regardless of how many times you’ve heard it, you still can’t help but listen to the song over and over again.
Midnight Thirty (Dallas, TX)
Best paired with a beer under the beating sun, Midnight Thirty brings a good time with their bluesy groove. Every audience is enraptured by their hypnotic mind warp of a performance. Their irresistibly danceable swing fuses into each other’s instruments creating a divertable listening experience. Tracks off of their self titled album, Midnight Thirty such as “Southern Comfort”, “Cease Fire”, and “Speckle” share a similar funky flow that you just can’t get enough of.
Summer Salt (Dallas, TX)
From Dallas, Summer Salts soulful indie tunes deserve to be heard by everyone. It’s ironic to throw them into Surf-pop while they are deep in the heart of Texas with no ocean in sight. Their first album, Happy Camper, is easily a no-skip album, evidenced by fan favorites, “Speaking Sonar”, “Revvin’ my CJ-7” and “Heart and My Car”. But they didn’t stop there, every release since then is coated with colorful reverb and sunkissed nostalgia. It’s summer even in the coldest winters with Summer Salt’s vibrant musicianship.
Waiting 4 April (Dallas, TX)
The emo revival is coming back to Dallas with Waiting 4 April. Grasping at inspiration from Peirce the Veil, Waiting 4 April is definitely a local favorite. Their song “You & I” encapsulates their bending emotional sound and rigid instrumentation superbly. Their assiduous attention to their work and audience is quite proficient, leading them to this incline of popularity. Beginning next month, Waiting 4 April will be hitting the road to thrash with fans starting locally and eventually making their way all the way around the US.
Gene Ross (Dallas, TX)
DFW Metalcore is flourishing in the tattooed arms of Gene Ross. With the recent release of their EP “Life is a game <so play it>”, this five piece is the talk of the town with their growing exuberant live performances throughout Dallas. The streets of Deep Ellum are growing with metalcore screamo bands, but Gene Ross is sure to make a breakthrough. Their aim to produce a quality production shows through each song on their EP. Sooner rather than later, I’ve got a feeling this quintet will be expanding their territory not just over Texas, but around the country for their sound.
Spoon (Austin, TX)
This next group may not be new to your ears, especially to University of Texas alumni. Spoon came to be right on campus grounds in the 90’s and remains a staple to Austin. Their pure rock ‘n roll edge is not fronted. A perfect example would be their fourth track, “Don’t You Evah” off of their album Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, with its harmonizing guitar and punchy beat. Spoon remains timeless with their most recent singles, “Chateau Blues” and “Guess I’m Fallin in Love”.
Max Diaz (Houston, TX)
Based in Houston, Max Diaz has pulled from a handful of genres over the years making him hard not to like. The year 2020 put Diaz on the map for his single indie anthem “Connie”. Since then, indie morphed into alternative rock and quickly moved over to themes of punk and metal. His most recent album, “Metanoia” breaks through borders with his rebellious storytelling and invasive sound. His country mocking metal track “SC*MFUCK” highlights his newfound complexity and genre mixing, how could you not dig it?
Valice (Austin, TX)
Described as “Complex yet irresistibly danceable”, Austin’s five piece group Valice couldn’t be closer to this description. Their eclectic and bright spirited sound reflects the city they call home. Their newest single, “Drive On” is risque with a bouncy instrumentation following. Their music is erratic, straying from each other’s sound but always finding a medium in indie electro, rock and even 1880’s jamboree. With an odd rotation of genres, Valice makes it their own with their addictive layering and strains.
SXSW 2026 will be taking place from March 12th through March 18th. View SXSW Badge levels + prices + more information here.
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I am a Touring Concert Photographer based in Dallas. I have a love for physical media such as collaging and mixed media. I personally work with Laredo Two as their photographer and Your Neighbors as their touring photographer! My top three artists are easily The Backseat Lovers, Radiohead and Inhaler! When I'm not shooting, I’am playing animal crossing or playing guitar.
