The long-awaited SXSW Conference and Festivals makes its highly anticipated return to stages across Austin on March 10-15, 2025. The SXSW Music Festival brings together artists, industry professionals and music aficionados from around the world to network, enhance their careers and celebrate the magic of live music – from legendary performers to emerging new talent.
Among the 300+ showcasing artists who are set to perform this March are over 100 musicians who call the Live Music Capital of the World® home. Here are 10 of those Austin-based artists we recommend putting on your must-watch list at this year's music festival. Be sure to buy your pass for the festival and explore the full schedule.
1. BLAKCHYL
A fixture in the local hip-hop scene, Blakchyl (formerly T-Fly) has shared stages with legends like Talib Kweli and Scarface across three European tours, while her latest album "Better Than I Imagined" and recent deal with Tru Thoughts Records showcase her evolution as a queer artist reshaping the genre.
Details: 10:00 PM on March 13, 2025 at Lefty's Brick Bar
2. CHICOSELFIE
Bringing fresh energy to Austin's music scene, Chicoselfie delivers an exhilarating fusion of Latin music and indie pop, drawing from the rich cultural landscapes of Mexico and Argentina.
Details: 10:00 PM on March 14, 2025 at Lefty's Brick Bar
3. FAARIS
Pakistani-American artist Faaris, born and raised in Austin, made waves with his 2023 album "Change of Scenery," which blended witty lyrics with groovy instrumentation on standout tracks like the French Touch-infused "No Going Back" and the future funk of "Clueless."
Details: 9:00 PM on March 15, 2025 at Lefty's Brick Bar
4. J'CUUZI
J'cuuzi transcends the simple label of "band," delivering high-octane performances that blend serrated post-punk guitar and pulsing electro beats, while their members—adorned in handmade couture with anime-esque proportions—perform against a surreal backdrop of domestic furniture including a bedazzled ironing board.
Details: 1:00 AM on March 15 at Chess Club; 10:00 PM on March 15, 2025 at Elysium
5. JARON MARSHALL
Austin-based artist JaRon Marshall fuses jazz and R&B into what BET calls "futuristic vibes to soul music," touring internationally at prestigious venues from Winter Jazzfest to Ronnie Scott's while collaborating with Black Pumas as their keyboardist.
Details: 11:00 PM on March 11, 2025 at Cooper's BBQ; 12:30 AM on March 16, 2025 at Antone's
6. ILUVII
lluvii is a neo-soul art rock collective with a touch of prog, hailing from Austin, TX. Most recently, they were nominated for Best Latin Band in the 2025 Austin Music Awards. In 2024, they released 'Tierra La Luz', another entry in their cumbia-infused dreamy rock catalog.
Details: 7:00 PM on March 14, 2025 at Lefty's Brick Bar; 1:00 AM on March 16, 2025 at Las Perlas
7. PEDAL STEEL NOAH
Austin-based prodigy Noah Faulkner, 17, rose to fame through viral Instagram videos featuring pedal steel covers of '80s and '90s hits, attracting attention from music legends like R.E.M., Johnny Marr, and Duran Duran while touring with his band, performing with the Polyphonic Spree and Modest Mouse, and earning coverage in The New York Times.
Details: Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake on March 9, 2025; 1:00 AM on March 12, 2025 at Continental Club
8. PEELANDER-Z
The Japanese action comic punk band PEELANDER-Z, formed in New York City in 1998 and now based in Austin, has built a legendary reputation through appearances at major festivals like Bonnaroo and Warped Tour, features on Comedy Central and Netflix, and coverage in Rolling Stone and NPR.
Details: 1:20 AM on March 15, 2025 at Valhalla
9. URBAN HEAT
Austin's Urban Heat, formed just five years ago by singer/multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Horstmann, has rapidly risen to prominence with their infectious darkwave anthems and explosive live performances featuring Horstmann's melodic baritone backed by the powerful rhythm section of Kevin Naquin and Paxel Foley.
Details: 11:00 PM on March 15, 2025 at Elysium
10. NEMEGATA
The band's magnetic presence and unique sound—blending cumbia, bullerengue, and Andean melodies with '60s and '70s influences from Africa, South America, and the Caribbean—has earned them multiple Austin Music Award nominations and appearances at major festivals like ACL and Levitation between 2022 and 2024.
Details: 9:00 PM on March 11, 2025 at The 13th Floor
OTHER LOCAL ARTISTS
Interested in discovering more local talent at this year's showcase? Check out the growing list of artists below and at sxsw.com:
To hear more from these artists, listen to the Spotify playlist below. To discover even more local Austin musicians, check out our Music Austin Spotify channel and keep up with the latest happenings @MusicAustin!
