For me, the true harbinger of spring is the arrival of the SXSW conference and festival in Austin, Texas. Or rather, spring begins for me when I arrive in Austin for the annual event. With upwards of 1,000 artists and tens of thousands of attendees from around the world, SXSW is the world’s premiere music conference. Even better, it’s one heck of a party.
Over the next few days I’ll be sharing some of my highlights from SXSW 2025.
LEGENDARY SPOTS, LOST HAUNTS
As a long-time SXSW attendee, I continue to be struck by the evolution of the festival venues. Rainey Street, an area just south of the Convention Center, exploded onto the scene what seems like just a few years ago. One could wander up and down the street to catch a diverse array of stellar artists. This year? Nothing. The street has been overtaken by large apartment and condo buildings. Similarly, 6th Street – the original SXSW epicenter – was a ghost town.
But even as some areas faded, a few stalwarts endured. South Congress—despite its own wave of gentrification—remains a hub for great venues, as do the Red River Street corridor and East Austin. Traveling between these geographically dispersed districts isn’t always easy, but it’s reassuring to have familiar favorites.
MUSICAL THEMES: KEEPIN’ IT INDIE
In a world of increasing uncertainty and unrest, SXSW provided a few days of musical respite. The spotlight was on indie musicians, especially those with a strong melodic focus. Pop songs abounded, from power to punk to folk. It was uplifting and energizing, with an emphasis on the politics of the personal over sweeping national or global narratives. Among the standouts were Candi Jenkins, Baby Said, and Casey Lowery, representing Americana, rock, and indie pop respectively.
There was also a focus on youth, instilling confidence that our musical future is in great hands. On the Americana front were artists like Joelton Mayfield, Brittany Spencer, Palmyra, and Tyler-James Kelly. The next generation of pop stars were equally represented in the form of Cap Carter and Melanie MacLaren, among others. And for those who wanted to rock, Himalayas and Master Peace unleashed a glorious fury.
BANGERS AND SMASH
SXSW has a strong history of international artist representation and this year UK came to play. The sprawling indoor/outdoor venue Palm Door on Sixth was christened “British Music Embassy” and featured upwards of 50 artists from England, Ireland, and Scotland. Among them were some of my favorite discoveries of the week, including the aforementioned Baby Said, Master Peace, and Casey Lowery.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BASS PLAYER?
I’m not sure whether it was a budgetary or artistic decision, but I was surprised by the number of artists that didn’t have a bass player in the band. While they had bass backing tracks, generally managed by the drummer, it wasn’t quite the same. How about we show the bass player some love?
Pictures from top to bottom: Radio Free Alice, Cap Carter, Baby Said, Master Peace
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.