It is officially less than a week until South by Southwest’s Music festival begins on March 14—do you have all your concerts mapped out?
With hundreds of musicians en route to the festival—229 coming from Austin alone—choosing who to use your badge on can be a daunting task. Luckily, as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” nearly any show you choose will prove to be quality, especially if you choose a local musician.
We’ve gathered every artist that is based in Austin, plus 19 must-see musicians.
Quick links: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, Y
A
Angélica Rahe | March 16 from 1:00– 1:50 a.m. in Higher Ground
Characterized by gentle acoustics, airy Spanish vocals and carefully placed snaps or castanets, Angélica Rahe’s tunes are a vehicle for romantic dance or closing out the night with some relaxing tunes.
- Adam Ostrar
- alexalone
- Alex Dupree
- Andrea Magee
- And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead
- Annabelle Chairlegs
- Armonía Blindada
- Arod
- Atlas Maior
B
Blackillac | TBA
Newly-minted rap duo Blackillac, which starting making music under the guidance of local legend Gary Clark Jr. in 2018, is comprised of 36-year-old Valin Zamarron, whose stage name is Zeale, and 35-year-old J.J. Shaw, whose stage name is Phranchyze. Catch their hits like “6 Rings” and “Juice it Up.”
BettySoo | March 16, 9:40–10:15 p.m. inThe Venue ATX
An Austin music staple, BettySoo’s “Whisper My Name” showcases the talent that earned her the title of “most gorgeous voice in Texas” from Acoustic Guitar Magazine. Her unique brand of contemporary folk will give listeners a true Texas experience.
- BabiBoi
- Band of Bastards
- Beatnik Bandits
- Beat Root Revival
- Being Dead
- Big Bill
- Bill Converse
- Billy King & The Bad Bad Bad
- Blushing
- BÖNDBREAKR
- Bourgeois Mystics
- The Bright Light Social Hour
- B the Beat
- Buenos Diaz
- Buffalo Hunt
- Buffalo Nichols.
C
Chief Cleopatra | March 16, 9:00–9:40 p.m. in Seven Grand
With soulful vocals, catchy guitar riffs, relatable lyrics and a hint of dream pop, Chief Cleopatra’s repertoire has songs to dance to, cry to and belt out too. This is Cleo’s third time at SXSW—don’t miss songs from her new release, “Luna,” or classic favorites like “Friends” or “Belushi.”
Croy and the Boys | March 17, 5:00–5:30 p.m. in SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake
Austin’s resident hippie cowboys, Croy and the Boys are a politically-charged country music group that delivers hot takes with complex, Father John Misty-esque lyrics. Listen up to their smash-hit (college football fans beware,) “Don’t Let Me Die in Waco,” or “Do They Owe Us a Living?” which tackles living situations in America.
- Calder Allen
- Caleb De Casper
- Calliope Musicals
- The Capitol
- Casino ATX
- Cecilia and The Broken Hearts
- Cha’Keeta B
- Chorizo Funk
- Christian Wiggs
- Clarence James
- Cloudchord
- The Coffee Sergeants
- Cupcake
- Curse Mackey.
D
- Danny B. Harvey & Annie Maire Lewis
- Darden Smith
- Darkbird
- David Shabani
- The Deer
- Deezie Brown
- Density 512
- Diamond Booms
- djbabyroo
- DJ Confucius Jones
- DJ Jamie Dred
- DJ JRO
- DJ SHANI
- DJ Willtothe
- Dominican Jay
- Dossey
E
- El Combo Oscuro
- Ella Ella
- El Tule
- En Orbito
- Eric Tessmer
- Everett Wren
- exociety
- Eyelid Kid
F
- Flesh of Morning
- Flora & Fawna
- Flyjack
- Fragile Rock
- Fuck Money
- fuvk
G
Gina Chavez | March 19, 11:00pm–11:40 p.m. in Cooper's BBQ
A Tiny Desk concert alumna, feature on Brené Brown's podcast, proudly queer Austin native and 12-time Austin music award winner Gina Chavez is a local sensation. Go catch her all-Spanish album “La Que Manda,” or “The Woman in Charge,” as Chavez plays multiple shows throughout the festival.
Golden Dawn Arkestra | March 17, 8:50—9:40 p.m. at SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake
In a word, Golden Dawn Arkestra’s music is funky. With simultaneously timeless and futuristic sights and sounds inspired by Sun Ra Arkestra, the Arkestra makes danceable "sonic vibrations for children of the sun." Listen to “Phenomenal,” “Sama Chaka,” or its newest single, “Success.”
Greyhounds | March 19, 11:30–12:10 p.m. in Creek and the Cave
Marking more than 20 years of making music together, Continental Club staples Andrew Trube and Anthony Farrell are celebrating the release of their 2020 album, “Primates.” A marriage of R&B, soul and funk, Greyhounds is a can’t miss of classic Austin music. Listen to “Amazing,” “What’s On Your Mind,” and “Pick Up the Phone,” off its newest album.
- A Giant Dog
- GO DJ JB
- Go Fever
- Good Looks
- Gothess Jasmine
- Graham Reynolds
- Greenbeard
- Guy Forsyth
H
- Half Dream
- Harry & Emmy
- Heartless Bastards
- Hermajestie The Hung
- Hey Cowboy!
- Honey Made
- Hong Kong Wigs
- House of Lepore
I
- Ill Noddy & Stixkz
- ImyounginBeyou
J
Jackie Venson | March 16, 12:00– 12:40 a.m. in the Saxon Pub
An Austin-legacy musician who was named the first Black “Best Guitarist” by the Austin Music Awards, Jackie Venson is so thoroughly local that she has her own holiday on May 21. A prolific artist, Venson has released two bluesy live and two studio albums in addition to several albums under her side project, jackie the robot. Before you head out, give her newest album, “Love Transcends,” a listen. Venson is performing multiple shows.
Jade Bird | March 11, 12:45–1:00 p.m. in Ballroom D
A United Kingdom native who made Austin her home in 2021, Jade Bird is a one-woman show with an acoustic guitar and soft, yet rapsy voice. The themes in her music are easily recognizable and relatable, while her voice will give you goose bumps. Listen to her new album, “Different Kinds of Light,” or “Lottery,” from her self-titled album.
- James McMurtry
- Jane Leo
- Jake Lloyd
- Jank Sinatra
- Jeska & The Vanity Project
- Jesse Dayton
- jéTexas
- Jim-E-O
- J. Mill
- Jim Stevens
- John Mills Times Ten
- Johnny Chops
- Jon Dee Graham
- Jon Mua
- J Soulja
- JT Donaldson
K
- Kalu and the Electric Joint
- Kathy McCarty
- Katy Kirby
- Kay Odyssey
- Kept
- Kevin Galloway
- Kiko Villamizar
- Kompas Trio
- KVN
- Kydd Jones
L
Ley Line | March 16, 9:00–9:40 p.m. in Stephen F's Bar
Four songstresses bringing together a range of sounds, perspectives and languages, Ley Line brings together a folky mix of Austinites Kate and Emilie and twin sisters Maddy and Lydia. The group draws inspiration from Brazil, Latin America and West Africa, taking you all over the world without leaving your seat.
Lord Friday the 13th | March 19, 7:00—7:30 p.m. at Hotel Vegas
Welcome to Lord Friday Land: a spooky trash-glam-punk experience held by siblings Felix on vocals and Sloane Lenz on guitar. With a background in visual arts, Lord Friday is bringing a new kind of punk rock with its first EP, “Irrational Anthem.” The band’s first single, “Bigots Beware,” is a good place to start.
Louisianna Purchase | TBD
Possibly Austin’s most famous face in drag, Louisianna Purchase has been named the Austin Chronicle’s “Best Drag Performer” and made it to the top four on season three of the Boulet Brothers Dragula. The femme fatale of Austin is making her way to the big screen so don’t miss her ascent!
- Lesly Reynaga
- Letting Up Despite Great Faults
- Ley Line
- LHF Lil Ke
- Lion Heights
- Lisa Morales
- Little Mazarn
- The Living Pies
- Lolita Lynne
- Los Kurados
M
Mike Melinoe | March 16, 1:00–1:30 a.m. in Pour Choices
Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, Mike Melinoe grew up on jazz and gospel music and is making his foray into rap with the help of major musicians, like JaRon Marshall of Black Pumas. Melinoe has a long history with SXSW—even before he was a performer, he would journey to Texas to hand out CDs during the festival. Start out with “Vacation” and “Floss,” from his EP “MUR IDAW.”
Mobley | TBA
A true one-man-band, Mobley is a songwriter, producer, artist and filmmaker who has worked alongside major acts like Cold War Kids and James Black. Beware–his rock and pop tunes will get stuck in your head after just one listen. His newest EP, “Young & Dying in the Occident Supreme,” was written during a stint in Thailand, reflecting on the state of America from the outside.
- Madison Baker
- Magna Carda
- Mama Duke
- Mass Minor
- Mélat
- Me ND Adam
- Miggy & Tje
- Motenko
- Mother Falcon
- Mouthfeel
- my education
N
- NAGAVALLI
- NECKBOLT
- Nemegata
- Nez tha Villian
- Nolan Potter's Nightmare
- Noodles
- Nook Turner
- Novv
- Nuevo
O
P
Primo the Alien | March 16, 1:00–1:55 a.m. in Saxon Pub
Expect an energetic set from Primo the Alien, who was one of the bands who had their sets canceled on the first Friday of ACL 2021. A colorful electro-pop artist, multi-instrumentalist and self-producer, Primo’s sound transcends genres. Listen to her newest release, “Sad Blue,” before her full-length album drops later this year.
- Pale Dian
- PASTEL GHOST
- Patricia Vonne
- Peelander-Z
- Pleasure Venom
Q
- Quentin and the Past Lives
R
- Ringo Deathstarr
- Robynn Shayne
S
Sir Woman | March 16, 11:00–11:40 p.m. in Continental Club
The solo project of Wild Child vocalist Kelsey Wilson, Sir Woman has more pop, more vocals and more attitude. You may have caught her at the latest ACL or one of the many shows she’s done around town. Start out with her immensely popular song “Highroad” then move to “Blame It on the Water,” and newest single “Get What You Want.”
Superfónicos | March 16, 11:00–11:40 p.m. in Hotel Vegas
A sound inspired by Indigenous, African and Colombian Roots, Superfónicos is produced by Adrian Quesada, who is half of Black Pumas. The eight-piece band describes themselves as having a rhythmic Afropop sound, with Spanish vocals. Start with “Carroña,” its latest single.
- Sailor Poon
- San Gabriel
- San Saba County
- Semihelix
- Shaun Solo
- Shiela
- Shirt Off Fe
- Shooks
- The Sideshow Tragedy
- Sixteen Deluxe
- Skylar T
- S. L. Houser
- Slano Drags
- Star Parks
- Stefon Osae
- Sue Foley
- Sun June
- Susannah Joffe
- Sweet Spirit
T
The Teeta | March 18, 10:15–10:35 p.m. in Vaquero Taquero
If you haven’t already heard one of The Teeta’s prolific albums, or caught his interactive art installation "The Teeta World," you’ve got another chance at SXSW. Expect a colorful, visual set with songs from his newest album “24.”
- Tatiana Cholula
- TC Superstar
- TEDDYTHELEGACY
- The Tender Things
- Tequila Rock Revolution
- Tetractys New Music
- Thee Unemployed
- Think No Think
- The Tiarras
- Tody Castillo
- Tomar and the FCs
- Tribe Mafia
- Troller
- Trucha Soul
- Tru Lyrics
- The Truth Experiment
U
V
W
- Warren Hood
- We Don't Ride Llamas
- Weird Wolves
- The Western Express
- Western Youth
- White Denim
- Whitney Rose
- Whookilledkenny
- Wil Cope
- Will and the Wilderness
- William Harries Graham
- World Music Unleashed
And that's just the locals!
