Since 1987, creatives from all different industries and backgrounds have gathered annually in Austin, Texas, for an event that explores the future of entertainment and media. South by Southwest, or SXSW, has grown into one of the biggest cultural events in the world, attracting musicians, filmmakers, artists, tastemakers, thought leaders in technology, journalists and more. The scale is impressive, too, with over 2,000 acts performing at over 100 venues across the city.
A major part of what put SXSW on the map is discovery. Media, A&Rs and industry executives wander the streets of Austin looking for the next culture-defining generation of artists. In 2007, Amy Winehouse played a slew of shows around Austin, boosting her ascent. In 2001, the White Stripes played a set ahead of their breakout third album, ‘White Blood Cells,’ which set them on a course to stardom; Jack White returned in 2012, with his Third Man Records roster, to throw a massive party. Anderson .Paak played in 2016 before racking up Grammy Awards, both as a solo artist and with Bruno Mars in Silk Sonic.
R&B vocalist SZA and Atlanta rapper Young Thug performed memorable sets in 2015 and 2016 respectively, introducing them to broader audiences. In 2022, alt rock-meets-country artist MJ Lenderman turned heads with his showcase performance. Artists ranging from John Mayer to HAIM and M.I.A all had breakout SXSW runs, generating attention that propelled their careers. At the 2025 edition, rising hip-hop act Samara Cyn and Dublin rock band Gurriers both had big moments in the spotlight.
With SXSW 2026 fast approaching, we’ve put together a guide of artists who are ready to hit the festival. Whether you’re making the trip or just dreaming of it, we’ve assembled a collection of tracks we think are worthy of being on your radar. From soothing folk to pumping dance-rock and out-there jazz, let us take you to the streets of Austin.
LISTEN TO THE FESTIVAL RADAR: SXSW 2026 PLAYLIST ON SOUNDCLOUD NOW
Jasmine Jethwa, “I Believe in Love”
A trained dancer from South London, Jasmine Jethwa’s acoustic folk pop is inspired by acts like Eagles and Tracy Chapman.
Quinn XCII, “Dodged A Bullet”
On his seventh album, 2025’s ‘LOOK! I’m Alive,’ Michigan-based vocalist and musician Quinn XCII brings together his love of Motown with acoustic pop, indie rock and folk. You can hear more about the making of this project in Quinn XCII’s exclusive Voice Notes.
BigXthaPlug, Ella Langley, “Hell At Night”
Charismatic Texan rapper BigXthaPlug experiments with country music on this collaboration with Alabama’s Ella Langley.
Reaper, “UP”
Electronic producer and vocalist Reaper dedicated his 2025 project, ‘SHARK,’ to the memory of his late brother.
Whitelands, “Heat of the Summer”
London-based alternative rock band Whitelands bring shoegaze and dream-pop into their catchy sound. This track features on 2026’s ‘Blank Space.’
MT Jones, “I Don’t Understand”
Hailing from Liverpool, UK, musician and vocalist MT Jones goes all-in on a smokey, 1960s-style of soulful R&B.
Sofia and the Antoinettes, “Hi My Love”
British alternative pop vocalist Sofia and the Antoinettes released her debut EP, ‘Women Who Love Too Much,’ in 2025.
Bayonne, “Multiphase”
Austin’s very own Bayonne is an electronic producer and vocalist known for his layered one-man live performances; this is his latest track, released in February 2026.
Two Man Giant Squid, “I Was a DJ in 2015”
Coming out of the Brooklyn post-punk scene, Two Man Giant Squid bring an indie-dance edge to this track from their self-titled 2025 album.
Hannah Lili, “Ur Girlfriend’s a Lawyer”
Welsh indie rock vocalist and musician Hannah Lili got her break opening for Coldplay in 2023. This January 2026 track is her latest, energetic release.
Adult DVD, “Real Tree Lee”
Adult DVD is a dance-punk band from Leeds, UK. This track from January 2026 is their latest, and doubles as their first on Fat Possum Records.
Girl Tones, “Volcano”
British sisters Kenzie and Laila were classically trained on cello and piano, but switched to guitar and drums to form Girl Tones.
TTSSFU, “Upstairs”
Formerly of Manchester post-punk band Duvet, TTSSFU has gone solo; 2025’s ‘Blown’ is her latest album.
Still Blank, “Ain’t Quite Right (unresolved)”
After a chance meeting in Liverpool, Hawaiian vocalist-musician Jordy and British guitarist Ben formed Still Blank. Their 2025 self-titled album explores shoegaze, psychedelic folk and post-punk.
Chalk, “Tongue”
Belfast band Chalk brings a stomping energy to alternative rock, with elements of EBM and industrial. Their latest EP is 2025’s ‘Conditions III.’
Luca Eck, “SYNAPSE”
Berlin-based Luca Eck brings a sexy, electroclash-inspired edge to the hard techno scene. Their latest release is 2025 EP ‘FLESH.’
KUOKO, “Friends Don’t Break Up”
Following her 2023 album, ‘TROUBLESHOOTER,’ German dance-pop vocalist, DJ and producer KUOKO shares her latest track, which was released in February 2026.
Sassy 009, Blood Orange, “Tell Me”
Oslo’s Sassy 009 mixes dance, pop and trip-hop on her 2026 debut album, ‘Dreamer+.’ This track features British artist Blood Orange.
JayaHadADream, “Nothing’s Changed”
Jamaican-Irish rap vocalist JayaHadADream showcases her love for British rap heritage, particularly The Streets, on this diaristic track.
Javiera Electra, “El tiempo y la distancia entregan mucho más de lo que yo podría”
With her blend of art-pop and alternative rock, Chilean vocalist Javiera Electra brings an original perspective to Latin music.
Kofi Stone, Maverick Sabre, “Venice”
A rapper based in Birmingham, UK, Kofi Stone brings an old soul’s energy. He collaborates with Maverick Sabre on this track from his 2025 album, ‘All The Flowers Have Bloomed.’
Booqoo, “DONE IT”
New Orleans vocalist Booqoo mixes R&B, pop and hip-hop with a cheeky flair. Her latest album is 2023’s ‘Deeper.’
sosocamo, “200”
After building a DIY following on SoundCloud, North Carolina rapper sosocamo is on the rise. In February 2026, he released his latest album, ‘big country.’
Armanii, “WINE”
Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, vocalist Armanii brings a soulful vibe to his modern dancehall sound, which is on full display on his 2025 album, ‘THE IMPACT.’
Mackwood, “Master Changes”
British drummer and producer Mackwood blends electronic rhythms with alternative jazz drumming on his 2024 album, ‘Master Changes.’
Fuerza Regida, “Por Eso Ojos”
Recent Grammy Award winners Fuerza Regida are an American, regional Mexican band who released their latest album, ‘111XPANTIA,’ in 2025.
Oscar Ortiz, “LHTL”
Vocalist and musician Oscar Ortiz brings piano and guitar into his regional Mexican sound.
runo plum, “sickness”
An indie rock artist from Minneapolis, runo plum released this song on her 2025 album, ‘patching.’
Hannah Cohen, “Earthstar”
On her 2025 album ‘Earthstar Mountain,’ folk artist Hannah Cohen weaves tender lyrics through tactile instrumentation.
Deloyd Elze, “Trucker Speed”
Bringing traditional American songwriting into an acoustic-electronic sound palette, Florida’s Deloyd Elze’s 2025 project ‘A Horse Named Proletariat’ carries emotional weight.
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