Looking for a show to catch or a live band to listen to while in Austin? South Congress is bustling with buskers and bands. East Austin invites you to visit its many art galleries and DIY stages. Austin’s famous Red River Cultural District spans a three-block radius and brings together some of the hottest stages in the city. Our local music and entertainment scene is globally known, as Austin wears the crown of Live Music Capital of the World®, boasting some of the best indoor and outdoor live music experiences a city can offer. Whether you’re venue hopping through Downtown where indie artists shred nightly or are exploring what makes South Austin weird, our robust live music culture is waiting to be discovered. Here's just a sampling of the diverse local musicians and bands that help make up Austin's unique live music DNA.

Indie & Rock

Austin has a little bit of indie-rock-everything. For a punk rock edge, check out Die Spitz, an all-female-fronted punk band that is taking Austin by storm. For something a bit more experimental with a touch of post-punk, Austin's own Being Dead is becoming one of the most unique bands to emerge from the local music scene. See either band on stage at Mohawk, Hotel Vegas or even Radio Coffee & Beer in East Austin. 

Latin & Tejano

For those interested in diving deeper into Austin’s Latin roots, check out Superfónicos, an Afro-Colombian funk band that's been tearing it up since 2016. Though based in Austin, the band's Colombian heritage shines through its music, highlighting the country's coastal sounds and the celebration of the human spirit. Chicano soul artist Midnight Navy is making waves as a versatile multi-instrumentalist who seamlessly blends bedroom pop, R&B and cumbia into his distinctive sound. This talented musician has been garnering significant recognition in Austin's diverse music scene, including a performance and the iconic Austin City Limits music festival. His captivating live shows demonstrate his instrumental prowess and ability to connect with audiences through emotionally resonant lyrics and hypnotic grooves. Other artists to keep an eye out for are Lesley Renaga, Conjuntos los Pinkys and Grupo Fantasma.

Blues & Soul

Austin’s famous legacy of blues and soul music continues. You don't want to miss Austin's resident "Queen of Soul," Tameca Jones, who consistently delivers hit after hit. The Black Pumas bring psychedelic soul to the city, wowing crowds at some of Austin's most iconic music venues. The multi-talented Jackie Venson is a local music celebrity and a rising star on both national and global levels. And Austin’s longtime favorite, Miss Lavelle White, has been delivering soulful hits since the 1950s and ‘60s. While you’re here, don’t miss the young and talented Peterson Brothers jamming on stage at legendary venues such as The Continental Club or Antone’s (while you’re there, be sure to order one of their famous po’boys!).

Country & Americana

While Austin is home to a bevy of honky-tonks, it also offers an eclectic pool of country music heavyweights such as female-led country rock band Madam Radar and Aaron McDonnell, who is beginning to draw hefty crowds in the Austin country music scene. Chaparelle is another Austin country group, weaving together themes of love and what it means to be a Texan. The city is also proudly home to the king of “swamp funk” known as Shinyribs. See these bands and many others on local stages at The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. (AGBG) or White Horse!

Electronic & Dance

Austin’s underground electronic and dance scene is supported in part by local staples such as electronic synth label Holodeck Records. LP Giobbi is an electronic artist with two albums under her belt and has already been named DJ Mag’s Best Producer of 2023, NPR’s Favorite New Musicians of 2023, Spotify RADAR’s Artists to Watch, and achieved many more accomplishments. Felt Out is another bedroom pop band with electronic sounds weaving through their discography which launched in 2016. Their debut album, Superfluid, contains pop songs with synths, wind instruments, airy vocals and lush arrangements that blend seamlessly with electronic ambient beats. 

Folk

Seeing local folk fixtures like Honey Luck or Bob Schneider at The Saxon Pub are just two examples of the many opportunities to see Austin’s diverse folk music community in action. Jon Muq and Large Brush Collection are two more artists who have been showcasing their talents in the local scene with their innovative takes on folk tradition. Find these bands and many others all over the city at esteemed venues such as The Little Longhorn Saloon.

Jazz

Austin’s lively jazz community includes everyone from University of Texas jazz students cutting their teeth at jazz jams at the Volstead to skilled greats such as Ephraim Owens, Andre Hayward, and Daniel Dufour. Live jazz can also be found at Austin’s many distilleries, cideries and biergartens, as well as Austin jazz club Monks, Parker Jazz Club or the infamous and local favorite Elephant Room.

Pop

Austin is a welcoming place for all types of pop music lovers, whether you enjoy the sweet melodies and vocal progressions of indie goddess Vonne or the energetic, electronic pop tunes of bilingual artist SOBBRS. Primo the Alien, Mobley and Quentin Arispe are other Austin artists growing the pop movement, inviting both young and more experienced musicians to the stage.

Hip-Hop/R&B

Austin’s rap scene is burgeoning with talent in every direction. Magna Carda, a local hip-hop staple, holds a three-year consecutive record for being voted “Best Hip-Hop Performing Band” at The Austin Chronicle’s Austin Music Awards. Rap artist Mama Duke is the founder of a local hub for hip-hop music called ATX Social Club—and watch out—she can spit bars with agility and power. Last but certainly not least, up-and-coming rap duo Geto Gala can hold his own in a room of heavyweights. You can find these artists performing all over the city from The Far Out Lounge in South Austin to venues within the Red River Cultural District. If you're seeing some string-bending, crowd-pleasing rock-and-soul, get your tickets to the next Sam Houston & Blk Odyssy show at one of the many venues around town.

World Music

As a city with a proud multicultural background, the genre of world music is celebrated through a number of artists such as Afro-Colombian cumbia artist Kiko Villamizar. Also check out one of the first West African female djembe musicians Aicha Wambaya who calls Austin home. Or listen to the brilliant lyricism of multilingual female folk group Ley Line. Lastly, if you’re looking for a worldly experience, go see local favorite Atash, a band that features an amalgamation of some of Austin’s greatest musical talents. There's a good chance you can catch any one of these artists performing at Sahara Lounge, where you also won't want to miss the Sahara Allstars band.

Learn more about Austin's Music Scene, including where to find some of the city's best music venues and record stores, as well as the latest details on upcoming events and festivals.