Fri, Mar 13

Formed in 2020, Bristol’s melodic alt-indie four-piece Adult Leisure have fast become one of the UK’s most promising new bands. After making an instant impact with debut single ‘Things You Don’t Know Yet’ and acclaimed EPs ‘The Weekend Ritual’ and ‘Present State of Joy and Grief’, championed by BBC Radio 1, Under The Radar Magazine, Wonderland Magazine, The Telegraph, Jake Gosling and RTE, the band now arrive with their debut album ‘The Things You Don’t Know Yet’, released on October 3rd 2025.

Formed in the lockdown winter of 2021, Agatha Is Dead! began as a post-punk experiment between longtime friends Lilly and Noah, who first made music together in their school days. Their shared love for Joy Division, The Cure, Molchat Doma, and Fontaines D.C. laid the foundation for their darkly urgent sound. With the addition of drummer Joey Ramone Hansen−bringing grunge and pop−punk bite−and Arthur on bass, the band played their first shows in 2022 and quickly carved out a place in Berlin's underground scene. The band signed to Berlin label Duchess Box Records in May 2025 and will release their debut EP "order" in on 10th October. The first singles drew attention from big online magazines such as Post-Punk.com and Diffus as well as major radio station airplay and big playlist support from Spotify and Apple Music. This September, the band will embark on their first-ever headline tour with shows in Berlin and Leipzig selling out in advance., marking a new chapter in their journey. Their Berlin show at Privatclub sold out an incredible five months in advance, underscoring the growing excitement surrounding the band. Drawing further inspiration from The Pretty Reckless, DIIV, Liily, and Bloc Party, Agatha Is Dead! have honed a sound that is heavy, hypnotic, and deeply emotional. With their debut EP Order on the horizon, the band are staking their claim in the next wave of alternative rock−grabbing hearts, shaking stages, and refusing to go unnoticed.

DJ Sense, a founding member of "The Aphilliates," gained recognition as TrendsetterSense. Co Creator of the famous brand “Gangsta Grillz & Gangsta Grillz Radio,landing shows on Eminem's Shade 45 and Atlanta's Hot 107.9, reaching over 30million listeners. He then produced the mixtape series"Rhythm &Streets”,collaborating with artists like Monica, Chris Brown, T Pain, Akon, Usher,K.Michelle & more. In 2016, he partnered with Lil Jon, managing his worldwide tour.Trendsetter expands his influence with Chosen Journey, a new chapter in his brandthat merges Faith, Music and Culture. Through this platform, he uplifts artistperspectives in modern media while embracing a transformative path rooted infaith based and purpose driven living.Chosen Journey made history with the first ever Christian Hip Hop set at RollingLoud Miami 2024. Returning with CHOSEN JOURNEY PART II ROLLING LOUD ORLANDO 2026.The Rise of Christian Hip Hop has opened a powerful new doorthat a new generation desires to be filled with a message of fullfillment andinspiration. Catch Trendsetter Sense’s Chosen Journey shows every Sunday from 8-10am ET on HOT 107.9 ATL and SiriusXM Hip Hop Nation 10-12p ET.

Firecracker is a punk rock’n’roll outfit from Bologna, Italy,born in 2020. Their sound fuses the raw edge of punkwith grunge‑driven moods and a straight‑ahead,no‑nonsense attitude. After a lineup shake‑up in 2023,the band tightened its direction, keeping its trademarkgrit while pushing for richer, more dynamicarrangements. April 2025 saw the release of their newEP Not Your City, a record that captures Firecracker’sevolution and marks a new chapter in their sonicjourney.

Austin’s Honey Made delivers a modern, high-energy spin on vintage soul -and funk, channeling legends like James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, and Earth, Wind & Fire while staying rooted in rich R&B traditions. Honey Made calls its take on contemporary RnB, Texas RnB. It is RnB with Texas Heat. Named Best Live Band in Austin by Austin Fit Magazine twice in a row, the band’s dynamic performances have earned them multiple official SXSW showcases, and stages alongside Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, The Soul Rebels, Funk You, and The Spin Doctors. With acclaimed releases including Brand New, Charge It To The Band Fund, and Pass Me By, Honey Made is quickly expanding their reach beyond Austin with their infectious hooks, fearless funk grooves, and a sound that invites every listener into the fold.

JACK FREEMANHouston native Jack Freeman is a standout voice in contemporary R&B, known for his soulful tone and commitment to “making good music and telling the truth.” His third studio album, NINA, released through Freeman Brand and Grammy Award winning producer Bryan-Michael Cox’s creative content company Illustrate New Ideas, marked the beginning of a powerful series inspired by Black women, delving into love, relationships, and resilience. Co-produced and executive produced by Cox, NINA arrived six years after his acclaimed sophomore album Define Love, emerging as a compelling collection of intimate and platonic dialogues and encounters. NINA Deluxe builds on that foundation with nine new tracks that widen the sonic and emotional lens, exploring the good, the bad, and the beautifully complicated sides of love while incorporating house rhythms, bounce influences, and chopped and screwed textures.The project features standout singles including “Shine,” the sultry “U N D R E S S,” with a remix featuring R&B legends Jagged Edge, and “MVP,” co written by Freeman, Adonis & produced by B. Cox, which debuted at No. 29 on the Billboard Adult R&B chart.

Reilly Downes is a torchbearer of modern heartbreak, blending rustbelt grit with cosmic country soul. Hailing from Texas and now rooted in the Chicago music scene, she’s made a name for herself with her “small, but mighty” voice and songs that cut to the bone. Downes has shared the stage with artists like Maggie Rose, Kaitlin Butts, and Jaime Wyatt, and has been featured in Rollingstone.

Sassy 009 is the shape-shifting project from Oslo-based producer, songwriter and vocalist Sunniva Lindgård. After finding early acclaim as a trio with 2017’s Do You Mind EP, Sassy 009 rebooted as a solo vehicle in 2019, later evolving into 2021’s sultry, bass-driven Heart Ego mixtape. But for Lindgård, her album Dreamer+ is her true debut: a concept-driven album pieced together from nearly four years of studio effort, and an ambitious attempt to take complete control of her artistry. Steered by freshly distorted vocals and elements of grunge, shoegaze, ‘90s beatronica and gauzy hyperpop, the album is a record of self-discovery and self-effacement at once, studded with guest contributions from Blood Orange, BEA1991 and Yunè Pinku.

With musical notes that span well beyond genres like bolero, psychedelic, and cumbia, The Animeros not only make their audience hit the dance floor, but they also invite their listeners and tastemakers alike to a glimpse of their rich cultural upbringing.

Yes Sir, No Sir blends atmospheric grooves, anthemic guitars, and baritone-driven melodies into a sound that balances nostalgia with forward momentum. Drawing from 80s new wave, post-punk, and 00s indie rock, the band creates cinematic songs that shift between sparse tension and big, emotional release. Their music explores the moments and relationships that shape a life — from restless youth to reflective adulthood — delivered with earnest energy and unapologetic rock production. Based in Austin and recorded with producer Kevin Butler at Test Tube Audio, YSNS continues to make music built for late-night drives and shared experiences that linger long after the last note.

Growing up in Staghorn Flat, Victoria, Lucky burst onto the scene in flurry of fuzzy guitars and captivating storytelling. Blending the raw energy of alternative rock, with the dreamy haze of modern indie, her music captures the nuances of life's everyday moments and dives deep, putting you right at the centre of her world. Having supported the likes of The Belair Lip Bombs, Hockey Dad, Armlock and Dear Seattle, the Melbourne based artist is set for an exciting 2026 - following the release of her single ‘Lady Beetle’, Lucky is building a devoted audience who are eagerly waiting to see what’s in store next.

Jersey-born Maria Crawford has been paving her way through the Nashville independent music scene since 2014. Now Brooklyn-based, she continues to capture listeners with her fiercely vulnerable songwriting and compelling live performances. Wilby’s debut single “Bad” (2020) gained immediate attention, followed by "Translucent Beauty” (2021), drifting between bedroom pop and indie rock. Her sophomore EP, “Happiest Woman” (2023), marked a shift toward showcasing a full-band production, mirroring the force of Wilby’s live sound. Wilby’s debut album, “Center of Affection” (2025, via Hit the North Records), explores both the cathartic side of indie-rock and the vulnerable side of twangy folk. Wilby has been featured in FLOOD Magazine, Luna Collective, and Ones To Watch, named an Artist to Watch by Atwood Magazine, with support from Seattle’s KEXP and Nashville’s WNXP and Lightning 100.

Samy Sharif moved to Los Angeles in mid 2023 to launch a solo effort after having spent the prior decade in the Chicago-based Alternative quartet, Bonelang.

Sunnitharapper is a Houston-based rapper with confidence you can feel the second she walks in the room. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Missouri City, Texas, she started taking music seriously in high school not because it was trendy, but because it felt natural. She’s had early exposure to the industry through development experiences connected to Mathew Knowles, but her real growth came from figuring it out herself. Trial, error, independent releases, long studio nights all of it shaped her sound. Her music is bold, fun, and direct. It’s about feeling good, looking good, standing on business, and not shrinking for anyone. She doesn’t try to be overly lyrical for validation or overly commercial for approval she makes records that match her personality: confident, feminine, and unapologetic. With a growing streaming presence and consistent visuals, Sunnitharapper is building her brand the organic way by showing up, staying consistent, and connecting with people who genuinely rock with her energy. She’s not chasing trends. She’s building longevity.

Diamond The Body is a Brooklyn-born rapper signed to 1501 Certified Entertainment, known for her bold lyricism, commanding presence, and unapologetic confidence. With a raw, aggressive delivery and sharp, no-filter bars, Diamond brings a fearless energy that cuts through today’s hip-hop landscape.

Born and raised in Southwest Houston, Baby Sam is a faith-driven artist whose story is built on resilience. After surviving a near-fatal accident at six years old and teaching himself to walk again, he turned pain into purpose through music.

Bump the mids and tap the fuzz. Insert sway, conjure a bounce: jangle, thud, chime. A union hall for proletariat pipe dreams. Soundtracks for the world’s longest lunch break. Friends on amaro. Wind chapped melodies pulled thru the fog conduit. Sounds hung in vaped memory, old friends/new feelings. Music for garbage trucks and the babble of brooks. Anchored in Bay Area garage lust and Montana river rock. Rock for now. Rock however. Taste like always. Rock n’ roll for whomever.

t-low is one of the most distinctive voices of the new German music generation. With a raw emotional honesty and a sound rooted in emo rap and alternative pop, he has become a defining figure in the post-Gen-Z youth culture of the German-speaking world. Born and raised in a small town in northern Germany, t-low emerged from SoundCloud culture and quickly gained nationwide attention with his unfiltered lyrics and melodic sensibility. His music explores themes of mental health, love, identity, and existential struggle delivered with a rare vulnerability that resonates deeply with his audience.

The Braymores are an Alternative/Folk Rock group hailing from Chicago, IL. The group features members Matt Tilles (Vocals/Guitar), Keegan Melaniphy (Guitar), Russell Oren (Drums), and Connor Kohanzo (Bass). The band released their first EP ‘Talking to Trees’ in late 2023 followed by their debut LP ‘Who You’d Have Been’ in late 2024, receiving considerable underground buzz and cementing their position in the Chicago scene.

Ronald Rummell Coleman, aka DJ OG Ron C, began his DJ career at parties in his northside neighborhood of 5th Ward in Houston, Texas, while a freshman in high school. In the 12th grade he got a job on the first street team for Houston radio station Majic 102. During his senior year Ron C earned a grant to attend Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, to study communication. He attended Wiley for a year and worked at the school-run radio station KBWC. After being there a year C took a lead at Houston urban station 97.9 The Box in promotions as an intern. In 1994 Ron C was given a paid position at KBXX 97.9 FM. That same year he met Michael "5000" Watts who was also a DJ at the station. On the south side of town a new subgenre of rap that had been created by DJ Screw was so popular that the sound was being played on the north side. Ron C teamed with Watts (who released "party tapes" which are called mixtapes today) to release a screwed and chopped tape of their own. In 1995, Swishahouse was founded as a joint venture between the two DJs. DJ Screw let south-side MCs rap on his tapes and the Swishahouse would soon do the same for rappers on the north side.

As AI becomes central to media and entertainment, safety and trust are non-negotiable. This session explores practical steps for building and scaling trustworthy AI, including model testing, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe and CrunchLabs Founder Mark Rober host the ultimate autonomous robot challenge. This interactive presentation pits audience members against the robot brainchild RJ and Mark teamed up to build, testing human reactions vs machine learning. Can people compete with computers? How is Rivian approaching autonomy? Are people really that slow?!?!?? We’ll find out.

What does it look like when AI agents act on healthcare data autonomously — not just surface insights, but drive decisions? Alex Lirtsman, CEO of CorralData, hosts leaders from Pfizer, Shore Capital, and Skytale Group for a conversation on the next phase of healthcare transformation: moving from passive reporting to autonomous action. Together, they’ll explore what prevents organizations from operationalizing data, how leading operators build foundations so AI can move at speed, and what autonomous execution looks like across pharma, PE-backed platforms, and consumer health.

Join Keke Palmer and the cast of I Love Boosters, Naomi Ackie,Taylour Paige, Eiza González, Poppy Liu and Demi Moore for a live podcast recording of her hit podcast, Baby, this is Keke Palmer.

Founder-led growth is no longer just direct-to-camera content. It is a strategic layer that connects real-world engagement to product development and scalable distribution.

What if the future isn't predicted by one speaker, but imagined by thousands? In this radically inclusive and participatory session, you won't just hear a keynote – you'll co-create one.

As our industry faces the death of monoculture and an increasingly fragmented landscape, it’s time for marketers to move beyond single moments or campaigns and build larger, expansive Worlds. This fireside chat will explore how brands and marketers can leverage different communities (and what it means to be a community insider), drive greater ongoing consumer engagement and loyalty, and explore rich insights when we look at Worlds through a local lens. As part of that, we’ll share Worldbuilding examples of brands steeped in culture, including the award-winning Vaseline Verified campaign.

First they laughed at YouTubers. Now they're panicking over AI-generated videos with wombats and dead celebrities. Welcome to the next chapter. This talk unpacks the hysteria around AI “slop” and reveals what’s actually changing in the creator economy. Spoiler: the future is even weirder, more customized, and deeply personal, and creators who embrace the chaos will win. And remember: it's not slop if someone loves it.

Forget fuzzy predictions. It’s time to get real. What if AI doesn’t unfold the way we expect? In this hands-on, high-energy workshop, you’ll test your strategy against four radically different futures: Growth, Constraint, Transform, and Collapse. You’ll game out scenarios, stress-test decisions, and build a future-ready playbook to lead—not just react—through AI’s uncertainty. Walk away with fresh insights, a sharper strategic lens, and tools to navigate the complexity and opportunity ahead.

Learn how to use your creative skills to spark a cultural movement. From getting arrested in Congress to pulling off an audacious prank in Disneyland, a famous ice cream maker and a cultural theorist teach practical strategies for turning art, design, and media into powerful tools for systemic change. This how-to session reveals the cultural dynamics behind viral activism campaigns and gives creators actionable frameworks for launching movements that matter.

AI is transforming work fast, but humans aren’t always keeping pace. Change rarely stalls on technology; it stalls when people lack clarity, safety, or inclusion. This panel, led by Workhuman, gets practical about the culture mechanics behind transformation. We’ll explore how to gain AI’s speed and scale while amplifying human strengths, build alignment during change, and use everyday signals to measure new ways of working. Expect candid stories, real tradeoffs, and a playbook for keeping humans at the center.

Earning press attention for your film isn’t luck—it’s strategy. This session breaks down how emerging filmmakers and creative teams can grab media attention, secure reviews, and build buzz that lasts. Learn how to best position your film for coverage, connect with the right journalists for your story, and use publicity as a powerful tool to grow your audience. You’ll leave with clear, actionable steps to cut through the noise and earn your film the spotlight it deserves.

When time is tight and the pressure is high, it’s easy for individuals and teams toget stuck in overthinking, indecision, or recycled ideas. This interactive CoreConversation explores how coaching can help break that cycle and create thespace for clearer thinking and forward momentum.

Today’s youngest workers are all in on AI — and ghosting their coworkers. There is a new generational shift in workplace dynamics, where Gen Z and emerging Gen Alphas are forming trust bonds with AI tools faster than with humans. They praise AI’s speed, clarity, and lack of pushback, all while struggling with manager feedback, peer collaboration, and team engagement. This panel explores the psychological and social drivers behind these trends and what they mean for designing inclusive, high-trust workplaces powered by both humans and intelligent systems.

This is a space to pause, breathe, and connect. We bring bubbles for your inner child, stories that spark connection, and space to show up exactly as you are.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Future of Work, Storytelling.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Funding, Immersive Technology, Product Management/Development.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Business Development, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Marketing/Advertising/PR.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Marketing/Advertising/PR, Storytelling, XR.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Content Strategy/Production, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Entrepreneurship, Journalism, Marketing/Advertising/PR, Storytelling, Sustainability.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Product Management/Development, Future of Work.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Art, Entrepreneurship, XR, Funding, Storytelling.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship.

More Analog, Less Noise Please is a facilitated meet up for people working across city building, design, culture, and innovation who are interested in rhythm, pause, and recovery in fast systems. Rooted in urban life and public space, the conversation explores how analog experiences, emotional infrastructure, and informal release valves shape connection and resilience. The meet up is designed as a shared conversation that invites reflection, observation, and exchange around how cities and the systems around them can better support human pace.

Step into the investor’s shoes in a hands-on workshop, hosted by the Central Texas Angel Network, one of the nation’s leading angel groups. In this interactive session, founders will reverse roles, evaluating pitches from companies CTAN has funded—as well as those we’ve passed on, using CTAN’s processes. You’ll vote on which companies should receive investment and compare your decisions with CTAN’s actual investment choices. By dissecting these examples from an investor's lens, you’ll gain a clear sense of the qualities that drive investments and boost your chances of securing an investment.

One word rarely used to describe synthetic biology is excitement. While the world’s leading scientists have worked tirelessly to combat biodiversity loss, public engagement has lagged behind the urgency of the crisis. Until now that is. Colossal Biosciences is disrupting the scientific landscape by capturing mass attention and inspiring children and young people around the world, using de-extinction and advanced genetic technologies to bring unprecedented attention—and tangible solutions—to the biodiversity crisis. As traditional conservation struggles to keep pace with accelerating species loss, Colossal is redefining what’s possible —including the Colossal BioVault, a genetic repository designed to safeguard biodiversity at unprecedented scale. Protecting more than 10,000 species and preserving over one million biological samples, the BioVault represents a modern-day Noah's Ark and a bold new safeguard against extinction. This isn’t science fiction. It’s the next frontier.

On most platforms, discovery is designed to maximize ad revenue — not creator success. But what if algorithms prioritized creator growth and authentic relationships instead? In this panel, Drew Rowny (VP of Product at Patreon), Dr. Rumman Chowdhury, PhD, and Taylor Lorenz (founder of User Mag and host of the Power User podcast) will unpack how discovery tools can be redesigned to support creators’ businesses first.

Today’s consumers are demanding more than just great products—they want brands that reflect their values and contribute to a cleaner planet and better world. A NielsenIQ study found that purpose-led products average 28% growth vs 20% for non-purpose-led products. From reducing plastic waste to promoting a regenerative world, hear from organizations at the forefront of the sustainability movement who are rewriting the rules of business, driving growth through purpose, and proving that conscious capitalism isn’t just a trend, but the future we’re moving towards—brands can thrive by doing good.

If you work at a small creative agency, you know that it sometimes takes more (or different) people than you have on staff to make your big ideas a reality. You have go-to partners and collaborators and regularly navigate complex systems, making the concept-to-creation pipeline feel seamless for your clients, but you always need to make new connections to bolster that network. This is a space to meet and connect with other small agency innovators to share stories, gain insight, and find new collaborators for your projects!

Taylor Swift isn't just a pop megastar. She is a working woman whose astounding accomplishments defy patriarchal norms. And while not all women can be Beyoncé or Dolly Parton or Reese Witherspoon, the successes of these trailblazing stars help us understand the central role of women in today's economy. Swiftynomics assesses the complex economic lives of everyday American women through the stories of groundbreakers like Taylor Swift, Misty L. Heggeness digs into the data, revealing women's hidden contributions and aspirations—the unexamined value they create by pursuing their own ambitions. She highlights the abundance of productive activity in their daily lives and acknowledges the barriers they still face. Exploring critical reforms regarding caregiving and gendered labor, this book talk will offer advice for women to thrive in an economy that was not built for them.

Check out the SXSW Bookstore to browse the latest work authored by this year’s conference participants. Support your favorite speakers and find something you connect with to take back home. Open daily on the 6th floor of the Hilton Austin Downtown.

The SXSW Pitch provides a platform for early-stage technology startups to present their groundbreaking products and services to a panel of distinguished industry experts, influential media professionals, and leading venture capitalists and angel investors.

History's biggest technology waves, from electrification to the internet, were convergence stories, derived not from single inventions but a combination of them. Today, that pattern repeats where AI, robotics, advanced materials, bioengineering, and energy systems are producing solutions that no single discipline, company, or lab could create alone. Based on the World Economic Forum's Technology Convergence Report, this session unveils the 3C Framework - Combination, Convergence, Compounding - analyzing 246 technologies across 8 advanced technology domains, spotlighting pioneers excelling from this wave of fusion plays. See how convergence unlocks new opportunities and learn to spot, and activate, the next wave before it breaks.

Sometimes the biggest constraints come from inside the house — executive leadership or clients who only see spreadsheets instead of brand-building impact. This session explores strategies for persuasion, covering the skills needed to sell your big idea and get others to buy into your vision. This candid conversation will dive into: the need to spend big for big results, how to get executives to buy in, and ways to execute bold marketing strategies, even in harsh economic times.

As the creator economy accelerates, a new wave of founders is redefining how artists, musicians, and creators build, collaborate, and earn. This panel gathers startup founders who are shaping the next generation of creative tools and platforms to unpack why this space continues to attract such intense entrepreneurial momentum. Expect a candid conversation about what it really takes to design technology for creators— the opportunities waiting to be seized, the missteps to avoid, and the lessons learned from what works, what doesn’t, and why.

Fandoms are powerful, passionate groups that drive culture and conversion. New Deloitte Digital research found that 75% of surveyed U.S. adults consider themselves part of a fandom, proving there’s ample opportunity for brands to connect with truly devoted fans.

Influencer marketing is booming, but no one can answer the most basic question: What is this actually worth? Creators are guessing. Agencies rely on gut checks. Brands spend millions with no clear sense of ROI. The result? A pricing vacuum that erodes trust across the entire ecosystem.

Charlie Chang has built far more than a 1.4M subscriber YouTube channel. He runs a multi-platform media business spanning video, podcasts, courses, websites, and localized content across languages and markets. In this fireside chat, Charlie shares how creators can evolve from solo operators into founder-led companies, design durable revenue models, and build brands that outlast algorithms. Expect practical lessons on scaling teams, owning audiences, and turning your personal brand into a real business.

Science is a human endeavor, built on curiosity and beauty. So science stories are, at heart, human stories. But as we grapple with paradigm-shifting technologies, changing political landscapes and more, what is the future of science storytelling? What kinds of science stories can break through all the noise, and why? Leaders from documentary film, journalism, and public radio will explore today’s science media landscape - the challenges ahead, as well as the opportunities that might emerge.

Join celebrity futurist Faith Popcorn, techno-futurist Sarah DaVanzo, and Delph.Ai, an AI Synthetic Human trained on the minds of female futurists in a boundary-pushing, three-way debate on the future of leadership in the age of intelligent machines. With Faith’s dystopian view, Sarah’s utopian counterpoint, and Delph.Ai’s unexpected input, this session explores the trouble coming as AI challenges the very definition of human agency, influence, and power.

Join Marques Brownlee for a live-taping of his podcast, Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast. Better known as MKBHD, Brownlee has made a name for himself on YouTube reviewing everything from the newest smartphones to electric cars. Pulling from over 10 years of experience covering the tech industry, MKBHD and co-hosts Andrew Manganelli and David Imel will take a deep dive into the latest in tech and what deserves your hard earned cash.

XR is not just a new format—it’s a new language of interactive cinematic storytelling. Join director Doug Liman’s award-winning team 30 Ninjas as they explore how working with Google XR teams they are combining emerging formats like volumetric capture, spatial narrative, 3D engines and real-time Google LLM driven characters are reshaping entertainment from the inside out. Learn how cinematic craft, game mechanics, XR and AI are merging at the highest level to create the future of audience experience and participation—where the viewer isn’t just watching the story, they’re inside it.

AI can write your next caption, but it can’t write your legacy. In this empowering and practical session, we are reminded that real personal brands aren’t built on trends or tools. Rather, they’re built on voice, values, and visibility. Learn what parts of your brand should never be outsourced and how to stay unmistakably you in a world of sameness.

An in-depth look at the gritty formative years of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the singular vision of original guitarist Hillel Slovak. Featuring interviews with bandmates Flea and Anthony Kiedis and others close to Slovak, the film explores the band’s early evolution on the LA music scene and the deep bond of their childhood friendship.

When Jamie, ungovernable 40 something wild child collides with her venomous mother Anne, her life blows up spectacularly leaving her evicted and single. This sends Jamie on a pig in a hurricane journey for “home”; breaking into her Nana’s house to prove it should be hers, a rejected bid to move in with her van dwelling punk rock ex, and a stint in her best friends pied a terre, which ends with Jamie hooking up with her husband.

Set in Poland, Erupcja follows two women as they complicate their romantic lives. Nel lives in Warsaw where she works at a flower shop. When her childhood friend Bethany comes to visit with a new boyfriend, a volcano erupts.

A crew of professional shoplifters take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It’s like community service.

In 2010, reports began surfacing of a masked vigilante in a black-and-gold supersuit stopping crime on the streets of Seattle. His name is Phoenix Jones. Armed with pepper spray, a taser, and a team of costumed crime fighters, he quickly becomes an international media sensation. But when his true identity is exposed by the Seattle Police, the heroic image begins to unravel and his team abandons him. Ten years later, as protesters seize six blocks of Seattle and declare a no cop zone, Phoenix reemerges amid legal trouble and public skepticism. Is he a hero, or a con-artist hiding behind a mask?

Summer 2006, 14-year-old Sid is caught between her own burgeoning sexual curiosity and acceptance from an older group of girls. As she delves deeper into rebellion, she leaves behind a trail of destruction as she goes. Big Girls Don’t Cry is a love letter to all the women that still feel shame scars from this time of their lives; who did things they wished they hadn’t, or didn’t do things they wished they had; to hold up a mirror and say yes; that was f#&*ed up.

“Cookie Queens” is a coming-of-age story about the joys, pressures, and pain points woven into one of America’s most cherished rituals: Girl Scout Cookie season. Captivating, candid, and full of heart, the film follows four girls ages 5-12 as they navigate the annual whirlwind of selling, striving, and succeeding. For these Girl Scouts, selling cookies isn’t just about Thin Mints and sisterhood - it’s a crash course in commercialism. Behind the smiles lie real pressure: long hours, ambitious goals, and weighty expectations. With humor, warmth, and a keen eye for small moments revealing big truths, “Cookie Queens” shows how growing up is shaped by tensions between community and capitalism.

Misty Heggeness will be signing copies of “Swiftynomics: How Women Mastermind and Redefine Our Economy” at the SXSW Bookstore.

Every day, invisible systems shape your decisions, desires, attention, and identity, often without your awareness. This session uncovers 10 hidden truths about how algorithms, AI models, and digital platforms subtly reprogram human behavior. Through real-world examples and sharp analysis, this talk explores how technology influences us psychologically and culturally, and what we can do to remain conscious, critical, and truly in control.

Art House Convergence - a coalition that amplifies & connects community and mission-driven exhibitors - is working to provide filmmakers with best practices and resources for connecting with independent cinemas, with - or without - a traditional distributor.

Explore how generative and agentic AI are transforming entertainment and media, from content creation to distribution. This session will unpack the legal, ethical, and business challenges—especially around IP, fair use, and talent rights—while highlighting new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

Teen birth rates in America’s Heartland are among the highest in the nation. And in the wake of the landmark Dobbs decision, a Christian maternity home in Arkansas becomes a crossroads in the lives of three pregnant teenagers. Filmed over two years with intimate verite access, baby/girls follows Olivia, Grace and Ariana as they give birth and attempt to break the cycle of poverty, addiction, and abuse that has marked their own childhoods. With rare proximity and emotional clarity, baby/girls offers a powerful portrait of young women coming of age in a place where choice, faith, and generational traumas collide.

We will have wasted $96 billion on wellness programs, and stress is still killing productivity. Why? Because most initiatives miss the one thing that matters: how stress hijacks the brain. You don’t need another meditation app. You need to understand what happens in the brain under pressure and what great leaders can do about it. This session introduces Integrated Well-Being Leadership, a science-based approach that helps leaders reduce friction, build clarity, and create workplaces where people can actually think, connect, and perform.

Tottenham Hotspur has redefined what a modern football club can be, emerging as a globally recognised brand built on sport, culture, and partnerships. In this session, Tottenham's Chief Revenue Officer, Ryan Norys will share the Club’s innovative partnership strategy and global stadium vision, before welcoming special guest Rhuigi Villaseñor, Founder of Rhude, to the stage discuss the future of football, fashion, and culture and a live hologram appearance from a Spurs player back in the UK.

Music has long been a powerful storytelling tool, but today’s artists are expanding beyond the song. GRAMMY-nominated artist, actor and visionary Vic Mensa explores how musicality shapes cinematic storytelling across film, episodic content and emerging mediums. Mensa shares insights from still with the smoke–filmed on an iPhone in Senegal, his Orange Tree Series, award-winning film Blue Eyes, and a first look at his forthcoming short film. Designed for musicians, filmmakers and creators who refuse to stay in one lane.

What if we're missing AI's most transformative potential?

Creators face a growing “sound barrier”: a fragmented ecosystem of tools, platforms, and services that often makes creating feel more complicated than it should be. What should be intuitive and fluid can become complex, costly, and disconnected.

A tech titan and a touring musician dig into how AI is making us reconsider creativity—fueling ideas, speeding production, and widening access, while also raising concerns about ownership, authenticity, and sameness. This candid conversation explores where AI elevates human imagination, where it threatens it, and how creators can keep art innovative and human.

What happens when elite athleticism meets cutting-edge technology? This session explores how human performance, innovation, and storytelling converge to push the boundaries of what’s possible in sport and beyond.

In an era of overstimulation and abundance, how can brands position themselves between pleasure and responsibility? This panel brings together leaders from beverages and food to discuss how moderation can become more than a corporate message — a cultural movement. From alcohol to sugar, the conversation explores how industries are reshaping narratives of enjoyment without excess.

Twenty years ago, the music industry faced an existential crisis. Piracy was reshaping consumption, the old model was unraveling, and no clear path forward existed. Spotify was born from a simple but radical belief: that technology could reconnect artists and fans in a way that worked for both. Join Gustav for a look at the future of Spotify’s technological transformation across music, podcasts, and audiobooks, exploring how user control, creator innovation, and thoughtful technology are shaping the next chapter of entertainment.

A new generation of women and underrepresented founders is reshaping the future of health with community-rooted solutions. Presented by Reckitt Catalyst and Entrepreneur-in-Residence Serena Williams, this session spotlights entrepreneurs who are turning lived experience into breakthrough ideas, exploring the barriers they’ve overcome, the models that enable scale, and what it really takes to build lasting, real-world change from the ground up.

Decisions about land, conservation, food and energy systems, and climate are increasingly shaped by data and AI. But how does that information actually enter a decision? How does a farmer decide when to plant, or a policymaker weigh risk and uncertainty? This fireside chat explores how data-driven insights move from analysis to real-world decision-making across very different contexts, and what it takes for data and models to be reliable enough to act on when the stakes are high.

Sports brands have more tools than ever to tell powerful, emotionally resonant stories. By bringing fans closer to the action, they are immersed in the atmosphere, and given deeper access to athlete narratives. New opportunities from emerging technologies – from real-time data and spatial experiences to AI-enhanced content and personalised touchpoints – are reshaping how stories are crafted and delivered. This panel brings together top sports storytellers and technologists to explore the future of fan engagement and narrative innovation.

Radio ad measurement has advanced far beyond traditional metrics, following the path podcasting paved first. As pixel-based attribution reshaped marketer expectations, offline audio is getting a fresh look. This panel explores how radio measurement is becoming smarter, more connected, and more accountable. Leaders from Podscribe, Right Side Up, Gusto, and ESPN will share how context, attention, and cross-platform signals are redefining success—and what marketers need to know to navigate today’s audio landscape.

How do you turn a quick video into a globally recognized brand? Four standout creators share how they used platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to launch lasting IP. They’ll break down their creative processes, growing loyal communities, launching physical products like books and games, and keeping creative control from viral moment to full-fledged brand.

As Gen Z enters the workforce during a time of cultural, technological, and workplace change, the need for career-building spaces that reflect our realities has never been more urgent. The lines between brand, communications, and content continue to blur. Gen Z professionals are being asked to think holistically across platforms, communities, and culture, often without clear mentorship or support. This session will spotlight how we, as young professionals, can build meaningful careers and elevate the standard for inclusive, cross-disciplinary brand storytelling in the process.

Fitness has trainers. Mental health has therapists. Now, death and grief have their own guides. From eco-burials to "grief influencers" leading online communities, death wellness is emerging as the next phase of the wellness industry. In this provocative panel, Grieve Leave founder Rebecca Feinglos, Queer Grief Club founder and death doula Jamie Thrower, Emmy-nominated writer and death doula Darnell Walker, and USA Today wellness editor David Oliver explore how a new generation is embracing dying and grieving with the same intention, aesthetics, and openness as modern wellness culture.

When experts talk about AI risks, they often talk about the loss of human control – but what does that actually mean? And how could it happen? In this fireside chat, physicist Anthony Aguirre and tech ethicist Tristan Harris go beyond surface-level alarm to map out the real mechanisms that could lead humanity to be sidelined by its own creation. From opaque incentives and design choices to systemic misalignment and power concentration, they’ll unpack how humans could lose control over AI and what can still be done to prevent it.

Keith Lee is a nationally recognized digital creator and cultural influencer known for his authentic restaurant reviews, his impact on small businesses, and his community-focused storytelling. He was named TikTok’s Creator of the Year at the first-ever TikTok Awards and was recently listed among TIME’s 100 Most Influential Creators.In this special session, Keith will reflect on his career, how he pivoted from Mixed Martial Arts to being a content creator, and how he's thinking about the future.

VC money isn't flowing like it used to, but great products still deserve to launch. Crowdfunding is one of the most powerful tools a founder can use in 2026, but most get it totally wrong. This fireside chat brings together top Kickstarter consultancy LaunchBoom's CEO Mark Pecota and Austin-based hardware brand Xebec's CEO Alex Levine to show you how to crowdfund the right way. Learn why just hitting "launch" won't cut it and tactical tips on how to build momentum before day one and the operational strategies brands like Xebec use to win every launch.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Storytelling, Future of Work, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion".

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Entrepreneurship, Future of Work, Nonprofits.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Storytelling, Marketing/Advertising/PR.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in A&R, Music Tech, Marketing/PR.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Marketing/Advertising/PR, Storytelling.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Women in Music, Sync/Licensing.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Marketing/Advertising/PR, Business Development.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Music Tech, Women in Music, Publishing.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Journalism.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Sync/Licensing.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Entrepreneurship, Marketing/Advertising/PR, Storytelling.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Entrepreneurship, Marketing/Advertising/PR, Nonprofits.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Distribution, Music Tech, Data.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Publishing, Sync/Licensing, Women in Music.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Immersive Technology, XR, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in A&R, Audio/Production (Recording/Mixing/Mastering), Contracts & Agreements, Data, Education, Distribution, Emerging Technologies, Health & Wellness, IP & Copyright, Management, Songwriting, Streaming & Programming, Sync/Licensing, Women in Music, Startups, Publishing, Music Tech, Nonprofits.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in A&R, Women in Music, Contracts & Agreements.

Toxic leaders can look successful on the surface while quietly poisoning teams and cultures. This research-backed session reveals how to spot early warning signs of toxic leadership, recognize eight common toxic personas, and take courageous action to prevent damage. Learn how to build a healthier, more human-centered workplace where trust and engagement thrive—and where toxic behaviors are addressed before they take root.

An extension of our popular Mentor Sessions, our Round Table Sessions not only allow attendees to learn from the industry experts that sit at each of the three tables in this session but they also allow attendees to learn from the questions and experiences of their peers as well. This Round Table Session will bring together industry experts and SXSW attendees for an enlightening discussion on Programming.

With the help of his family, a comedy writer battles PTSD after the tragic death of his sister.

The SXSW Pitch provides a platform for early-stage technology startups to present their groundbreaking products and services to a panel of distinguished industry experts, influential media professionals, and leading venture capitalists and angel investors.On Friday, March 13, five innovative companies will take the stage in Salon FGH at the JW Marriott, showcasing their ideas, innovations, and entrepreneurial vision before a live audience and judging panel. Come be inspired by the next generation of tech innovators shaping the future.

Want to get your music placed in TV, film, or games?

Back by popular demand, the Creative Industry Meet Up returns to SXSW. Ready to tap into the creative pulse of a global industry? While the UK is home to one of the world’s most vibrant creator economies, the real value comes from exchanging ideas across borders from the US, UK, and beyond. This meetup connects innovators, brand leaders, and founders worldwide. No pitches, no panels, just real conversations shaping the future of creativity together.

We’ve spent a decade making cars "smartphones on wheels," but the next era is about AI-defined mobility. And while the industry talks about "software-defined vehicles," the real breakthrough lies in the marriage of high-performance compute and intelligent systems. This conversation explores how Rivian is building a proprietary hardware-software stack to create vehicles that don't just react to the world, but actively anticipate the needs of the adventurer. We’re moving beyond "smart" features toward a world where the car’s local processing power drives performance and supports safety features and presence, even at the edge of the map.

The rapid pace of data center development is testing the ability of utilities to keep pace while providing the steady 24/7 power to businesses and consumers. What if AI data centers could evolve beyond passive electricity users and provide power back to the grid, bolstering grid reliability, resilience, and affordability for all consumers? An EPRI-led effort aims to demonstrate the technologies, policies, and tools to make data center flexibility a reality in different markets. Learn more about data center flexibility in a fireside chat with EPRI and Google.

The traditional Hollywood studio model is a top-down relic. Asylm Studios is flipping the script by handing the keys of the institution back to the people who actually make the magic. From A-list stars to the drivers and cleaners, Asylm is built on a ‘equity-for-all' ecosystem where every contributor is a literal stakeholder.

90% of CPG startups flame out within two years. This panel is for the scrappy founders and CEOs determined not to be a statistic. Hear from leaders who clawed their way from pre-revenue chaos to nine figures, and who know the secret sauce to sustaining viral and culturally relevant high-growth brands. No BS. No fairy tales. Just hard-won lessons from the trenches on what it really takes to scale in one of the most ruthless industries.

The road can be a tough place, and especially for young artists early in their careers. In 2025, the Country Music Association made a major investment to sustain industry-focused mental health organizations with Amber Health delivering those resources directly to emerging artists on the road. This panel shares the story behind that collaboration—how rising country star Wyatt Flores, his manager William Dyer, CMA’s Tiffany Kerns and Dr. Chayim Newman of Amber Health joined forces to reimagine tour support and pioneer a new, replicable model for artist care in country music.

We are obsessed with romantic love. But relationship dynamics in America are changing and other forms of love—from platonic to filial to digital—are taking priority in our lives. These loves aren't secondary, they shape our identities and steer our decisions. There's a reckoning that romantic love can't and shouldn't fulfill all your needs. In a culture where gender roles, dating trends, and intimacy are being renegotiated in real time, how should brands respond?

Curious about crypto but unsure where to start? You're not alone. This meet up is a safe, beginner-friendly space to ask real questions and meet everyday people using crypto in practical ways. Join the National Cryptocurrency Association’s VP of External Affairs, Ali Tager, to demystify how people are using crypto – and why 76% of American crypto users say it has made a positive impact on their everyday lives. No bros, no pros, and no company pitches. Whether you've taken the first step or are trying to figure out what blockchain even means, come ready to share ideas, learn and connect.

As AI agents begin to discover, recommend, and even purchase on behalf of consumers, the traditional path to purchase is being upended. This session explores the rise of agentic commerce and how it’s reshaping the consumer journey, from search and consideration to checkout. We’ll examine the infrastructure enabling these agents, the implications for brand visibility and trust, and how marketers, platforms, and technologists must adapt to stay relevant when AI shops for us.

American Doctor is a vérité non-fiction film following three prominent physicians–Palestinian, Jewish and Zoroastrian—friends who couldn’t be more different but are bound by the shared oath to heal. Dr. Thaer Ahmad is measured, Dr. Mark Perlmutter is blunt, and Dr. Feroze Sidhwa is steeped in scholarship. Filmed in unfolding, on-the-ground scenes, the story follows them from a Gazan hospital under siege, to the halls of Congress. Together they fight to keep a promise to their Palestinian colleagues and patients, which is to continue the struggle where it matters most: the United States.

Susan McPherson will be signing copies of “The Lost Art of Connecting” at the SXSW Bookstore.

Most people fear reptiles. A few are fascinated. And a handful will stop at nothing to have them. Collectors call it "the fever"— the relentless drive to chase what is bigger, rarer, deadlier. That fever created a billion-dollar criminal enterprise that spanned six continents over 50 years. Director Eric Goode ("Tiger King," "Chimp Crazy") follows his first love, reptiles, into the dark and gonzo underworld of exotic animal smuggling. As he digs deeper, he uncovers an empire built on obsession, filled with smugglers, collectors, and the animal cops trying to stop them.

This official SXSW meet-up brings together emerging artists, managers, and music industryprofessionals to connect, exchange insights, and build meaningful relationships. In a collaborative and welcoming setting, attendees can discuss career growth, industry trends, and creative strategy while expanding their networks. Whether discovering new talent or forming new partnerships, this session creates space for community, mentorship, and future collaboration across the musicindustry.

Radium Dolls are one of Australia’s most exciting rising rock bands, known for explosive live shows, razor-sharp lyricism, and a sound that balances grit, heart, and swagger in equal measure. Formed in Brisbane the four-piece have built a fiercely independent momentum, with their debut album "Legal Speed" (2024) earning national airplay, critical acclaim, and a Queensland Album of the Year nomination. Their sophomore album "Wound Up" debuted at #2 on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart, marking a major breakthrough and driving another fully sold-out national tour. The band have achieved major streaming and editorial success with singles including “Scorching Heat”, “Golden Boy", "Moving" and "Daddy", while their breakout track “Tractor Parts” has recently surpassed one million streams. The band has even caught the attention of music tastemaker Derrick Gee who named Radium Dolls his “favourite band of the moment”. With their debut American tour ahead and SXSW appearances, Radium Dolls are poised to introduce North America to the next era of Australian rock.

‘The Family Battenberg have perfected a filthy, fuzzy psychedelic sound that they’ve coined as “spider rock.” (The Face)The Family Battenberg's 'Anteater' single, released in April 2025, is an independent release by the Cardiff based four-piece. The track was written in just a day, and it was recorded at Tom Rees’ (Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard) studio while he was on holiday. To master the recording the group sought out long-time collaborator Eddie Al-Shakarchi (Boy Azooga, Loathe, Swim Deep.)

Laura Hambley Lovett will be signing copies of “I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and escaping a Toxic Boss” at the SXSW Bookstore.

Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg is joined by Sean Fennessey, Host of The Big Picture podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation about his extraordinary body of work, the future of movies and moviegoing, and his upcoming film, Disclosure Day. Across Spielberg’s 60+ year career, he has frequently returned to stories about alien races, the threat of technology to the natural world, the mystery of space, and social panic. With Disclosure Day, he once again ventures into the unknown.

patching, the intimate debut LP from Minneapolis-based singer and songwriter runo plum, gracefully captures the contraction, expansion and release of an intense period of emotional repair, in soft-edged, radiating indie rock. The record’s unbridled sincerity isn’t anything new for runo plum, who’s been writing and quietly sharing bedroom dispatches of her intricate folk for a half-decade. During the pandemic years, she steadily caught the ears of a widening circle of listeners and began independently releasing a series of singles and EPs, all while cutting her teeth on the live side supporting Searows, Angel Olsen and Hovvdy.

This is a live broadcast of the session happening in the Hilton Austin Salon HJK. The Simulcast can be viewed in any of the following locations: Hilton Austin Downtown: Salon B Austin Marriott Downtown: Waller Ballroom C JW Marriott: Salon D The LINE: Topaz Ballroom 1-3 Omni Downtown: Bridge Ballroom AB Downright Austin: Capital Room ABCD Fairmont: Next Stage (Manchester Ballroom) Innovation Clubhouse Film & TV Clubhouse Music Clubhouse SP House

Famous Friend is the sun-bleached, indie surf solo project of ASCAP award-winning artist and producer Zachariah Carlson. Born out of the fame-soaked dreamscape of West Los Angeles, Famous Friend began as an alter-ego, a playful mirror of the city’s obsession with image. His music blends washed-out indie surf guitars with sparkling dream pop production and post-punk drums, balancing joy and heartbreak in equal measure.

Adult DVD, the Leeds based six piece have become known for their relentless output of euphoric hooks and grooves along with a relentless touring schedule that has taken them to Glastonbury, Greenman, End Of The Road and several European festivals this Summer.Formed by vocalist Harry Hanson and synth-player Greg Lonsdale, the project quickly expanded to a full band with Danny Blackburn (guitar/synth), Jake Williams (synth), Jonathan Newell (drums), and George Manson (bass). From the outset, their tongue-in-cheek lyrics, pulsating electronics, big choruses and unique production style (their releases are all self-produced) set them apart from the indie-rock landscape. Few songs capture the chaotic fun of Adult DVD more than their first release ‘Bill Murray’ - now a firm fan favourite and sing along moment at every festival set. First ‘proper’ single ‘Do Something’ from their 'Next Day Shipping' EP earned a spot on the BBC 6 Music B-list and support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing and Radio X. Subsequent single ‘Because I Like It’ also landed onto the 6 Music B-list, and accompanying live performance from the BBC’s 6 Music festival.Adult DVD’s live shows are fast becoming legendary. From sold-out hometown headline gigs at Brudenell Social Club and Belgrave Music Hall (2 in the round shows in one day) to storming sets at The Great Escape, Deer Shed Festival, and Live at Leeds, their performances are high-energy and unmissable.Whether tapping into their love for chorus-centric indie or the influence of acid house floor fillers, DJing, or remixing their musical contemporaries their core appeal remains consistent: undeniable humour, bold danceable instrumentals and instantly memorable songwriting."

In 1979, David Greenberger, a recent art school grad became activities director at a Boston nursing home. David began interviewing the residents, rejecting pat questions with the unexpected: "Which do you prefer – coffee or meat?," “What is embarrassment?,” and “How close can you get to a penguin?” The result was The Duplex Planet, an early ‘zine characterized by humor, warmth and sincerity. Today David’s work takes the form of spoken word shows and recordings. Beyond the Duplex Planet explores notions of aging and its intersection with art and community. It’s also a slightly ironic look at the life of an artist devoted to documenting the elderly who is himself in his senior years.

Bill Burr brings his long-running Monday Morning Podcast to a live Austin crowd at Esther’s Follies. ****YONDR FAN ADVISORY*** **This event will be a phone-free experience. Use of cellphones, smart watches, smart accessories, cameras, or recording devices will not be permitted in the performance space. Upon arrival at the venue, all phones, smart watches, and accessories will be secured in Yondr pouches that will be opened at the end of the event. Guests maintain possession of their belongings at all times and can access their phones throughout the event at designated Phone Use Areas in the venue. All phones will be re-secured in Yondr pouches before returning to the event space. Anyone seen using a non-permitted device during the performance will be escorted out of the venue. Guests are encouraged to bring a credit card for purchases inside the venue. We appreciate your cooperation in creating a phone-free viewing experience.

Next of Kin is an alt-country trio with a sound that blends country-tinged soundscapes, rich three-part harmonies, and honest storytelling.

An intimate look into Jack Johnson’s evolution from surfer to filmmaker to world-renowned musician. The documentary traces how his early years making surf films with close friends became a foundation for a much broader creative life, capturing moments in and out of the water that later surfaced in his songwriting. Blending rare footage from those formative surf films and Johnson's personal and family archives with present-day reflections, the film weaves together how lived experience, friendship, and exploration shaped the sound and stories behind the music.

Step into the future of content creation with this hands-on workshop exploring 4D Gaussian Splatting—the next evolution in volumetric video. Learn how real-time volumetric capture is transforming live streaming, XR experiences, and immersive storytelling. From filming with multi-camera rigs to compressing, rendering, and deploying in platforms like Unreal Engine, Unity, SuperSplat, and UVRSE, you'll discover how this cutting-edge tech brings people, performances, and places into fully spatialized digital worlds.

To separate yourself from AI slop and connect with customers, you need authentic, relevant messages.But customers say things about how they behave & what they want that just aren’t true. And their insistence compromises your marketing. Discover 7 current, common lies customers tell, plus the brain science backed ways to counteract them. Jammed with proven research and in-market examples, this session reveals exactly how to avoid messaging landmines at a time when what you say and how you say it makes all the difference. Don’t do what people claim they want. Do what science shows will work.

Step into the future with three XR and SXSW veterans as they pull back the curtain on the special 10th anniversary edition of the XR Experience, a SXSW highlight since 2016. Deep dive into cutting-edge immersive tech, storytelling, and AI innovations. Gain exclusive insights into this year’s standout projects and discover how XR and AI are reshaping industries like entertainment, healthcare, retail, and education. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, learn how to make the most of your time at the exhibition and connect with creators and industry leaders.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Acting, Agents & Managers, Development.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Agents & Managers, Development, Producers/Production, "Sales, Acquisitions, & Distribution".

Artist Demo Listening Sessions, Presented by Discovr Radio, at SXSW are an interactive format where attendees have the opportunity to play demos for music experts, sparking real-time feedback and meaningful industry connections. You must be present to have your music in the running to be heard! SXSW attendees not having demos played are encouraged to attend and listen in on the fun! Each session will be followed up a social hour. Physical submissions will not be accepted at the door. Demo’s will be played on a first-come, first-served basis and attendees must submit their demo’s prior to the day of the session by 11:59pm. Please carefully read and fill out the form below to officially submit your demo: https://airtable.com/appYFNh7bkKd8nmwh/pagfBEWaVPizme5jr/form

As inclusivity becomes politicized, how can storytellers create both authentic and commercially viable narratives? CAA and New America join forces to discuss craft, courage, and the future of inclusive storytelling! An examination on what it takes to tell culturally grounded stories that resonate broadly, drive impact, and reflect the full complexity of American life amid institutional and political backlash. CAA will preview their "Full Story Initiative Digital Toolkit"- a groundbreaking resource connecting storytellers to trusted experts and community partners for stronger narrative impact.

What if your beliefs, not circumstances, determined your limits? Grounded in cutting-edge science and powerful stories, this session explores how beliefs shape reality by altering perception, performance, and physical experience. Learn how neuroscience-backed frameworks of Attention, Anticipation, and Agency can transform limitations into strengths, overcome negative narratives, and unlock extraordinary results in leadership, creativity, business, and personal life—without magical thinking.

Most conference connections start with the same question: "so what do you do?" But the ones that feel effortless happen when you show up as who you are, not what you do. Two speakers with completely opposite approaches show you what actually works at SXSW. Adam figured out how to have strangers approach him all day at his first South by without starting a single conversation. Sally's quiet at first, but somehow ends up getting invited places by strangers within minutes of meeting them. You won't just hear about it … you'll do it. Whether you're outgoing or anxious, you'll leave knowing people you'll actually want to hang out with the rest of the week.

Grace Wells breaks down how she turned scrappy parody commercials into a full-blown creative career. She’ll walk through her process for producing viral-quality product videos using minimal equipment, a sharp eye, and a lot of imagination. Attendees will learn how creativity, not budget, drives reach—and how to use humor, storyboarding, and craft to make content that brands and audiences love.

Across the industry there are several misconceptions about virtual production. It’s a VFX tool. It’s only good for car scenes or sci-fi. It’s too expensive for independent films. It’s a silver bullet that can fix all problems. In this session our panel will bust these myths and provide insight into how filmmakers can truly benefit from virtual production and how it’s changing the film and TV production landscape. And to put it to the test, the session will end with our panel breaking down a film treatment live to show how filmmakers can plan a shoot to get the most out of virtual production.

What does it take to transform a true story into a compelling podcast? Short answer, dedication. In the form of spoken word, podcasts can bring to light hidden truths, scandals and injustices... rallying audiences behind a cause and sparking outrage. And this, in the best instances, leads to change. Join Paul Holes (Finding the Lost Girls), Leon Neyfakh (OnlyFantasy), and Laura Beil (Dr. Death Season 5), veteran podcast hosts from the true crime and non-fiction podcast space, as they reveal the behind the scenes of bringing these stories to life. They’ll share everything from the realities of tracking down reluctant or dangerous sources and navigating legal challenges, to structuring serialized narratives that both inspire and entertain. They'll explore how these stories can help hold power accountable, amplify marginalized voices, and spark cultural shifts. You'll hear about the unglamorous work of research and fact-checking, the ethical dilemmas of telling stories about real people and their trauma, and the moments when a case cracks wide open. Whether you're an aspiring podcast creator or a devoted listener, you'll gain insight into both the mechanics of investigative narration and the unexpected human impact of the stories we tell.

Universities are among the most powerful assets for a city — generating research breakthroughs, producing talent, shaping culture, and anchoring neighborhoods. Turning that presence into powerful engines of innovation, talent, and economic growth requires strategy and partnership. In this conversation, mayors from cities with major universities share how they are leveraging these relationships to drive startup ecosystems, attract investment, nurture creativity, and build economic opportunity. This session offers a behind-the-scenes look at how city halls and campuses are defining the future.

This interactive meetup flips the traditional panel format by turning attendees into speakers. In three fast-paced rounds, volunteers from the audience will take the stage to introduce themselves and answer two curated questions from the hosts. This peer-led format encourages cross-sector dialogue, surfaces unexpected insights, and empowers emerging voices in sustainability, circularity, regenerative systems, and climate action. The session ends with guided, field-specific networking designed to foster collaboration and diversify professional connections within the climate space.

Drew de Leon, a 15-year music industry veteran, leads a presentation dedicated to customizing your 2026 digital marketing rollout. This session will over key areas such as artist branding, defining your fans, building your community, developing a consistent content strategy, and mapping out a release plan to set your music catalog up for long-term success.

What will it take to win the future? We’re suffocated by noise, minimized by algorithms, and living in fear of being replaced by technology. The cocoon of technology is making us lose touch with the messy, irreplaceable spark of real connection. In this provocative featured session, SXSW favorite Rohit Bhargava reveals five counterintuitive secrets from his most recent trend research about how we bond, trust, and remain indispensable in the modern world. The people who understand people always win. If you believe this, then this session is your key to becoming one of them.

For their first-ever SXSW appearance, The All-American Rejects will share how their sold-out House Party Tour reimagined live music by performing in backyards, skateparks and unique spaces for fans and artists. Once a staple of the major label system, the band is now fully independent—writing, recording, and releasing on their own terms. In this session, they’ll explore how artists can break into touring without gatekeepers and build community-driven experiences outside traditional venues.

Join Disney for a candid, forward-looking conversation on staying culturally relevant and driving growth in a rapidly changing market. Drawing from real-world experience at the intersection of commerce, creativity and global trends, this session will tackle the essential question for any organization: "How can brands remain meaningful and resilient for future generations?"

What if your future leaders are already working inside your company - and they haven’t even graduated yet? Forward‑thinking organizations aren’t waiting for talent to emerge. They’re helping shape it.  Companies of all sizes are using work-integrated programs to build stronger talent pipelines, fuel innovation, and cultivate future-ready skill sets. In this candid conversation, you’ll learn why hands-on experience is quickly becoming one of the most valuable credentials and how organizations that invest early gain not just future-ready talent, but a strategic advantage.

In today’s evolving music landscape, the right partnership can be a game-changer. This panel will explore how modern label services companies are going above and beyond to provide marketing muscle, data insights, creative support, and funding to help artists and labels scale - whether they’re building from the ground up or already operating at a global level. Join industry leaders as they unpack what makes an effective distribution partnership, the evolving expectations on both sides, and how true collaboration can amplify impact in today’s independent era.

If you ask someone their favorite version of The Great Gatsby, they might say Leonardo DiCaprio as few know there was a 1926 version that no longer exists. This session dives into how archives and AI are transforming how we preserve, discover, and give new life to forgotten film history. With insights from expert film archivists from leading production companies , we'll explore how AI-powered metadata tools are modernizing cultural preservation, making once-lost footage more accessible for creators and audiences alike.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Producers/Production, Publicity & Marketing, "Sales, Acquisitions, & Distribution".

Join Valentina Primo and Victoria Kuketz, two Obama Scholars advancing cross-sector social impact, for intimate conversations on what it really takes to build initiatives that move the needle. The meetup aims to bridge foundations, corporations, and institutions driving social impact across different levels, from tech innovations, to AI policy, to investors backing the bold ideas shaping the future. Expect sharp questions, real-world insights, and a forward-looking take on what’s next in innovation.

What if you lost the ability to speak forever and then found it again? This session offers a preview of an 11-part docuseries spotlighting people living with permanent voice loss and how, through AI technology, they speak again to their family, friends, and now the world. During the panel, you’ll witness a woman use her AI-restored voice live on stage and learn how voices can be recreated from home videos or even a single voicemail. You will walk away with a deeper understanding of how this work expands access, restores identity, and helps shape a more human-centered AI future.

From the Aer Lingus College Football Classic to the Ryder Cup and Rugby World Cup, Ireland uses sport to build global connections. This panel explores how sports tech—analytics, wearables, and blockchain—enhances performance and fan engagement while amplifying the impact of these diplomatic events. With the market projected at €59.3B by 2030, discover how tech and diplomacy together drive culture, innovation, and business growth.

As the WNBA prepares to tip off its expansion into Canada, this panel will take audiences behind the curtain of launching the Toronto Tempo (the first team outside the USA). With just months to go before their inaugural game in 2026, the Tempo’s CMO and CRO will share insights into the decisions that have defined the early stages of building a professional sports team. From defining a brand to selling founding sponsorships and shaping community partnerships, this conversation explores the intersection of sport, business, and culture at a defining moment for women’s sports.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Legal, Doc Filmmakers, Narrative Filmmakers.

This session is for professionals who are ready to go beyond the traditional 9–5 and explore what's possible as a creator, founder, or thought leader—especially on LinkedIn. Whether you're side-hustling, recently laid off, building a business, or simply curious about showing up more intentionally online, this session will help you take the next step with confidence.LinkedIn is where the creator economy meets real opportunity.Join us in Austin to connect with fellow creators, exchange strategies, and build relationships that elevate your presence—online and off.

Today’s wealthiest consumers are rewriting the rules of luxury—and leaving behind digital traces. This panel explores how AI and signal-based inteligence platforms like Prxy AI help brands like Ritz Carlton decode the emotional, behavioral, and cultural drivers of UHNW audiences. With voices from Prxy AI, Team One/Publicis, and Ritz Carlton, we’ll show how data storytelling, agency strategy, and hospitality intersect to create truly bespoke engagement.

Love to make movies, shows or digital media content? Do you have a project to produce in Texas? Are you wanting to connect with the Texas production community and beyond? If so, the Texas Film Commission invites you to come chat about ways to make it happen. Let’s talk about locations, local production crews, vendors, grants, incentives, new technologies and the creative community in the Lone Star State. We want to share with you the many resources that Texas has to offer as a destination for your next project.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Nonprofits, Future of Work, Funding.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Space Exploration, Storytelling.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Live Events, Marketing/PR, Music Tech.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Entrepreneurship, Business Development, Marketing/Advertising/PR.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Storytelling, Marketing/Advertising/PR, Business Development.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Product Management/Development, Marketing/Advertising/PR, Storytelling.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Future of Work.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Contracts & Agreements, Distribution, Emerging Technologies, Marketing/PR, Management, Women in Music.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Marketing/PR, Management, Music Tech.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Content Strategy/Production, Storytelling, Nonprofits.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Future of Work, Business Development.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Sync/Licensing, Women in Music, Songwriting, Publishing, A&R.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in IP & Copyright, Music Tech, Startups.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in A&R, Publishing.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Contracts & Agreements, Sync/Licensing, Publishing.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Sync/Licensing, Publishing.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Business Development, Content Strategy/Production, Entrepreneurship, Funding, Nonprofits, Storytelling, Sustainability.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Acting, Producers/Production, Narrative Filmmakers.

Exceptional storytelling that captivates, surprises, and excites.

Let's be honest, pitching clients for new business is a slog.  Whether you're seeking new partners or locked in a 5-way competition, there is a way to cut through the madness and remain calm. This workshop will focus on human connection, now more important than ever in the age of AI. We will share hands-on tools for deepening client relationships, getting the right flow in your pitch, collaborating with your team, and standing out in a world of sameness. The facilitators have years of experience on both sides of the pitch table: at Frog, McKinsey, Philips, and Publicis Sapient.

What if AI helped us connect more deeply with each other, not just with a chatbot? This hands-on workshop introduces the 5 Principles for Prosocial AI, a new framework for designing tech that strengthens identity, agency, and real-world relationships. Then, we play The AI Effect, a fast-paced card game that challenges you to debate, design, and reflect: when does AI bring us closer, and when does it pull us apart? Come for the research-backed design; stay for the playful friction, ethical dilemmas, and radical imagination.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Publicity & Marketing.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Critics/Journalists, Publicity & Marketing, "Sales, Acquisitions, & Distribution".

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Publicity & Marketing.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Publicity & Marketing, "Sales, Acquisitions, & Distribution".

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Marketing/Advertising/PR, Content Strategy/Production.

An extension of our popular Mentor Sessions, our Round Table Sessions not only allow attendees to learn from the industry experts that sit at each of the three tables in this session but they also allow attendees to learn from the questions and experiences of their peers as well. This Round Table Session will bring together industry experts and SXSW attendees for an enlightening discussion on Sales, Acquisitions, and Distribution.

With more than 4 million indexed podcasts worldwide, it feels like everyone has a podcast… but should they? Join our panel of audio industry experts for a provocative conversation on the low barrier to entry vs. the high bar for success in podcasting. Hear direct insights on how to break through, when to pass on (or bet on) the right talent, and what it actually takes to make, market, and monetize your show for sustainable success.

Texas has always been the frontier of America’s biggest ideas - from cattle drives to microchips, music revolutions to moonshots. In 2026, the frontier is shifting upward, and the call for the New Space Cowboy is here. In this era of commercial space, the next giant leap won’t be driven by astronauts, but welders, coders, machinists, technicians, scientists, mission operators, and dreamers. And no place on Earth is better positioned to cultivate this next gen of talent. Join the Space Workforce Incubator for Texas for a meetup that blends the spirit of the Wild West with the future's promise.

Discover how to turn purpose into action through rapid collaboration. In this interactive workshop, participants uncover their company’s unique “superpower” and use it to design a purpose-driven prototype addressing a real community need. Through guided exercises, folks will learn to align creativity with impact, build shared value between corporate and community goals, and craft a compelling pitch to bring their prototype to life. Experience how purpose-driven sprint work can empower employees through meaningful volunteerism and opportunities to create lasting social change.

The SXSW Pitch provides a platform for early-stage technology startups to present their groundbreaking products and services to a panel of distinguished industry experts, influential media professionals, and leading venture capitalists and angel investors.

I dive into what it really takes to build a high-growth startup without a dollar of venture capital, both in this session and in my new book, Bootstrapping Bronto. I introduce fresh frameworks and practical models for bootstrapping—brought to life through the story of starting Bronto Software, growing it year by year on our own terms, and ultimately selling it to NetSuite/Oracle for $200 million. The result is equal parts practical playbook and behind-the-scenes story.

How do we keep space sustainable as it gets more crowded? Enter the Space Superhighway: a network of in-space robots that will keep spacecraft fueled, repaired, upgraded and built in orbit. Just like highways rely on gas stations, tow trucks and repair shops, space will need support systems to be accessible for future generations. This tech is real TODAY. Our panel convenes accomplished doers from startups working to extend the life of satellites, reduce space debris and build a future where space is safe, scalable and sustainable for exploration and economic development to benefit society.

We’re entering an era where resilience—not raw growth—determines success. This session unveils the Prosperity Index, a groundbreaking tool that ranks U.S. cities across five future-critical dimensions: population renewal, climate resilience, automation readiness, social cohesion, and governance foresight. In a time of climate disruption, demographic decline, and AI-driven change, discover which cities are rising, which are falling behind, and how data, design, and long-term thinking can future-proof communities and economies.

Since the fall of Roe, federal protections for reproductive rights are gone. What happens now is being decided state by state. This panel brings together powerhouse women leading the way on reproductive rights across the country. They’re not waiting on Congress; they’re building the future of reproductive freedom right now.

Today, Explained is Vox's award-winning daily news explainer podcast. Every weekday, the show takes on one essential news story that defines our moment, and brings listeners the context they need to understand it. Join Vox’s Astead Herndon live for a conversation with a special guest.

Is the United States losing its edge in global innovation? In this high-energy continuation of last year’s SXSW session, Congressman Gabe Amo and VC Matthew Weinberg delve further into how Trump-era research cuts, clean energy rollbacks, and talent restrictions have created lasting consequences for U.S. competitiveness and opened the door for China to surge ahead. Blending policy insight with on-the-ground investor perspective, this advanced fireside chat asks: How do we revamp a system with no Plan B, and what bold, bipartisan moves can win our future back before it’s too late?

While venture activity has cooled across the U.S., Texas continues to attract a surge of technical talent, ambitious founders, and fresh capital. Valuations remain strong for breakout companies, especially those pioneering the next wave of AI-driven disruption. Join leading VC partners as they unpack the data and explore what’s fueling the state's continued rise.

Think you know Gen Z and how they behave? This session will invite you to think again.

Open-source models like MusicGen and LLaRK have made it possible for anyone to generate music trained on unlicensed datasets, with no metadata, no audit trail, and no path to compensation. This panel unpacks the growing attribution crisis: how metadata is breaking down, how local models make enforcement impossible, and how startups and regulators are working to rebuild trust and traceability. Can ethical licensing survive when the tools of mass creation are in everyone’s hands?

A new generation of parents, teens, and reformers are fighting back against Big Tech’s agenda to define the future of human connection. From Kristin, a mother pursuing legislative reform after losing her son, to Trisha, a young programmer building technology to stop cyberbullying, the film reveals how deeply the attention economy is reshaping us. Blending intimate human stories with insights from leading experts in tech reform and digital wellbeing, "Your Attention Please" asks some of the most urgent questions of our time: Can we reclaim our autonomy? Can technology be redesigned to serve humanity? And what does a healthier relationship with the digital world look like for us and our kids?

Growing up in Staghorn Flat, Victoria, Lucky burst onto the scene in flurry of fuzzy guitars and captivating storytelling. Blending the raw energy of alternative rock, with the dreamy haze of modern indie, her music captures the nuances of life's everyday moments and dives deep, putting you right at the centre of her world. Having supported the likes of The Belair Lip Bombs, Hockey Dad, Armlock and Dear Seattle, the Melbourne based artist is set for an exciting 2026 - following the release of her single ‘Lady Beetle’, Lucky is building a devoted audience who are eagerly waiting to see what’s in store next.

From the flickering screens of Hollywood horror, to the haunted cane fields of colonial Haiti, "Black Zombie" unearths the buried origins of the zombie, reclaiming it as a symbol of survival and spiritual resistance.

Nola, a sous chef searching for stability, is barely holding her life together. After a brutal Friday night shift, she crashes her bike and wakes to find her estranged father, Cyrus, now unhoused, standing over her. Taking him in forces long-buried wounds to the surface. As past and present collide, Nola is pulled into a reckoning with grief, forgiveness, and the fragile possibility of repair.

Vivian Tu will be signing copies of “Well Endowed” at the SXSW Bookstore.

Taylor Lumpkin, the songwriter behind Bubba Lucky, is originally from Louisiana but has spent over a decade Participating in the Austin music scene.

Grace Sorensen is one of the fastest independent-rising stars in the music scene. As a multi-hyphenate singer, songwriter, and dancer, she’s been dubbed "Austin's Wonderkid" and “Austin’s R&B Cool Girl” by the Austin Chronicle and KUTX. In her young career she has already been featured on Joe Budden’s “Sleeper Picks,” collaborated with BLK ODYSSY, been inducted to the Recording Academy's Class of 2025, played Austin City Limits Festival, SXSW Austin & London, and surpassed one million organic streams on her single "Digits.” She debuted her versatile album "BLUEPRINT" February 2025 and has exciting expectation of new collaborations, visual projects, and records.

Sean and Kim Harrison are a suburban couple about to divorce. By renting their guest house to a quiet Middle Eastern brother and sister, Amir and Jahan Razi, they find a perfect solution: raise money to fix and sell their house, then separate. But when bizarre occurrences begin to add up – mysterious lights, missing animals, glimpses of unexplainable tech – in the days before the President’s upcoming visit to town, their guests' strange behavior starts to seem suspicious and potentially dangerous. As Sean and Kim investigate their new tenants, they rediscover the emotional connection they once shared. But reconciliation may come at a significant cost in this timely and provocative thriller.

The amalgamation of four distinct voices from Adelaide, The Tullamarines tell their stories through a shared perspective that feels intimate, honest, and quietly uplifting. Josh, Angus, Benny and Lucinda met on the local gig circuit, quickly bonding over a mutual love of songwriting and collaboration. From those early connections, they’ve crafted a sound that reflects each member’s individual sensibilities - a style they affectionately call cosy-pop. Their songs move through life’s highs and lows with the warmth of an old friend, inviting listeners into their living room, putting the kettle on, and sitting with whatever feeling the day brings. That sense of closeness runs through both their recorded work and their live shows. Having appeared on festival line-ups including Beyond The Valley, Laneway Festival, Spin Off Festival and New Year’s Eve on the Hill, and toured extensively alongside artists such as Old Mervs, The Preatures, Ball Park Music and Alex Lahey, The Tullamarines continue to build a reputation for heartfelt songwriting and deeply human performances.

Three sisters from rural New Hampshire formed a band in the late 1960s, but not by choice. Betty, Dorothy, and Helen Wiggin had no interest in playing music. In fact, they had no musical abilities at all. It was their father Austin, inspired by a prophecy, who became convinced that his girls would become rock stars. He pulled his daughters out of school, bought them a pair of cheap guitars and a drum kit, dubbed them The Shaggs, and basically commanded them to make music. In 1969, he brought the girls to a storefront recording studio outside of Boston, and the result is one of the most head-scratching and polarizing albums ever committed to vinyl. "We Are The Shaggs" is their story.

A boy discovers he can control the global telephone system by whistling a magic tone. Born blind and yearning for connection, his early obsession with the telephone sparks a subculture that shapes the future of hacking and technology.

Cleo is new to Sparks, Nevada when she discovers a cigarette vending machine that inexplicably produces a book on Jean-Luc Godard. When she meets the Crop soon after, Cleo’s morphed into a cinephile, and when she learns of the Crop’s reservoir visits, she’s certain that she could time travel and meet Godard in 60s Paris. Crop leader Antoine is enamored with Cleo but rankled by her insinuations that Crop life is boring. When Cleo disappears at the reservoir, Antoine calls into question his own sense of purpose, before unexpected adventures materialize—a shootout, a dreamy gay barbecue—until Cleo returns to Sparks and the Crop must figure out where she’s been and if she’s lost her mind.

A father-to-be tries to figure out what is happening with the AI insanity, exploring the existential dangers and stunning promise of this technology that humanity has created.

When Washington state became the first in the world to legalize human composting, entrepreneur Micah Truman puts it all on the line to build the world's first large-scale terramation facility. But when the conventional deathcare industry resists, he is forced to pivot, and must learn to care for the grieving while transforming his business. Alongside Funeral Directors, Brie Smith and Katey Houston, he begins to understand the double bottom line is the only way to truly profit. What begins as an ambitious venture becomes personal as they rediscover human connection, ritual, and legacy.

Montréal’s Atsuko Chiba offer “pounding, angular rock” (BrooklynVegan), venturesomely crossing genre-defining borders with a cohesive and hypnotic blend of post-rock, progressive rock, and krautrock, weaving together a rich sonic tapestry that subverts through offbeat songwriting. In concert, they combine their unique brand of experimental rock with video and light installations triggered in real time by the band. While touring Canada, the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom with their telepathic audiovisual tempest, the outfit have shared the stage with the likes of ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Big Business, King Buffalo, and Duchess Says, also playing notable events such as Portals Festival, SXSW, and M for Montreal. Since 2013, they have released three full-length albums (Jinn, Trace, and Water, It Feels Like It’s Growing), two EPs (Figure and Ground and The Memory Empire), as well as a slew of singles. After offering booming tracks “Pope’s Cocaine” and “Climax Therapy” in the Summer of 2025, the five-piece unveil Atsuko Chiba on April 24th, 2026 via Mothland.

Henry will be signing copies of “Future Normal” at the SXSW Bookstore.

"Do You Love Me" is a playful and personal journey through Lebanon’s audiovisual memory, composed entirely of archival footage. It is a love letter to Beirut, spanning 70 years of film, TV, home videos, and photography, exploring the Lebanese collective psyche - marked by joy and intimacy, destruction and loss. Through the eyes of citizens, filmmakers and artists, the film reconstructs a fragmented history in a country without a national archive, celebrating creative expression as both resistance, renewal and a way to preserve memory.

Rohit will be signing copies of “Non-Obvious Thinking & Future Normal” at the SXSW Bookstore.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way stories are told. From shaping narratives to influencing how communities consume and share information, AI is rapidly rewriting the rules of culture, media, and connection. This panel will discuss the intersection of technology and storytelling, and the risks of leaving the American Muslim and other underrepresented communities behind, and what’s at stake if access to these tools are not available to those who need them the most.

Solo founders don't need MBAs, VC connections, or permission anymore. The gatekeepers are gone.But access isn't the bottleneck. Uncertainty is. Most founders fail because once they've built, they have no way to know what to do next. The tools got democratized. The knowledge didn't.Join Oana Ruxandra (former Chief Digital Officer, Warner Music Group) and Dan McComas (former Head of Product, Reddit), cofounders who've built from zero and scaled to hundreds of millions of users, on what comes after access and why the next decade of company building won't look anything like the last.

As AI handles logic and efficiency, what survival skills do humans have left? TED Speaker Daniel Lismore, Forbes' #1 Futurist Jonathan Brill, and multimedia artist Marco Palou explore how art transitions from elite profession to essential practice: a way of staying human in an automated world.Attendees will learn:

As AI becomes a collaborator at work, it’s reshaping how people find meaning, connect, and contribute. This panel explores how belonging evolves in Human+AI teams and the behaviors and mindsets leaders must model to inspire trust, motivation, and performance. Talent and leadership experts will discuss how to design emotionally intelligent cultures, the human skills that matter most in an AI world, and how to ensure people feel valued for what only they can uniquely bring to an AI-augmented workplace.

Today’s creators aren’t just reacting to Hollywood, they’re shaping it. As audiences seek authenticity, creators have become the new gatekeepers of what’s seen, shared, and celebrated. From viral interviews to creator-led red carpets, this session dives into how creators can build influence in the entertainment world — crafting content that connects, collaborating with celebrities, studios, and brands, and turning partnerships into genuine growth. Hear from leading creators and industry insiders on how to build your voice, expand your reach, and become part of the next wave driving entertainment forward.

Join us on an exploration of how fandom now drives what becomes the next blockbuster, bestseller, or breakout moment. As audiences seek belonging and identity in an increasingly fragmented digital world, fan communities have emerged as the true tastemakers of culture. Spanning entertainment, media, and brands, this panel examines how participation and passion are reshaping how culture is created, discovered, and marketed. Reception to follow--stay to meet the speakers!

After unnerving the populace of the West Side of Los Angeles on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David and Jeff Schaffer decided to cast a wider net on a grander subject - the History of the United States.

After years of doomscrolling and algorithmic slop, BuzzFeed founder Jonah Peretti believes the internet is overdue for a reset, and for the first time he will share his plan to make the internet fun again. We’ll take you behind the scenes of BuzzFeed’s AI incubator where we are creating a new medium for content, self-expression, and social connection. We’ll start with big picture ideas you can apply to your business. Then you’ll see live demos of new products and attendees will get special access to the latest from our lab. You’ll see how AI-powered experiences can create shared cultural moments and help people explore the world together, creating a better alternative to filter bubbles and doomscrolling. We are transforming our business with a new approach to AI, and you can join us to think about how to transform your own work to maximize creativity, human connection, and growth.

From the team behind Good Mythical Morning comes Last Meals – the hit food-interview series where guests share the meal they'd want to eat before they die. Following crowd-favorite live tapings at Cannes and The Infatuation’s EEEEEATSCON 2025, Last Meals Live brings its signature blend of humor, heart, and existential reflection to SXSW. Featuring a special guest(s) tied to the festival, this session promises big questions, viral social media moments and a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Development, Doc Filmmakers, Funding/Artist Support, International, Narrative Filmmakers, Producers/Production.

People often feel powerless to create social change. Issues like climate change, misinformation, and the erosion of democracy are “wicked” problems. They are complex, multifaceted, global challenges with no simple solutions. How can anyone make a difference when it comes to problems like these? Drawing from philosophy, history, and contemporary social science, this talk offers tools for thinking in new ways about how individuals can help create transformative social change. Each of us can make a difference, but not in the ways we usually think.

Some chase the spotlight. Others become the strategy behind it. This panel showcases powerhouse women in entertainment who have mastered marketing, management, and executive leadership across the music industry—while applying that expertise to build personal brands and businesses that work for them. From artist development to campaign execution, they’ve driven culture behind the scenes and on center stage. Attendees will gain actionable insights tailored for artists, creatives, managers, and execs aiming for lasting success.

How do high-impact collabs between YouTube creators and brands come together? Go behind the scenes with Adam W, a YouTube creator with more than 21M subscribers, and Ryan Deter, CEO of Influential, to unpack what goes into campaigns that land with audiences and ignite brand growth.

“Testing” in Creative has a bad reputation, but that’s because the way most of it is framed and conducted is shit. It relies on likes and dislikes, dampening the soul of the work - making Creative vanilla. But not in our world. Here, winning Creative comes when brilliant brains are inspired by research; we elevate Creative by exploring unknown unknowns and using Creative to stimulate - and to power stronger ideas. Testing is no threat to creativity, it’s a catalyst. We’ll prove that research is invaluable through dialogue and perspectives from brand, agency, and research leaders – providing strategies to supercharge your work so it really lands in an age when your work has to hit harder than ever.

In a world flooded with content, does “brand” still matter?

Latin America’s AI startup landscape is rapidly growing, driven by innovation, market expansion, and resilient founders. This meetup connects Latin American AI startup leaders, innovators, and venture capitalists to exchange insights on the unique entrepreneurial environment and regional challenges. It emphasizes community-building among founders with shared backgrounds, focusing on networking, mutual support, and growth. Topics include local market opportunities, investment navigation, and cross-border expansion.

Ever feel like you’re doing all the “right” things—yet still feel stuck? The problem isn’t effort or ambition. It’s the unseen beliefs shaping how you show up at work. In this eye-opening talk, Harvard Business Press author and host of the Coaching Real Leaders podcast, Muriel M. Wilkins, pulls back the curtain on what holds even the highest achievers back. Drawing from her bestselling book, Leadership Unblocked, she reveals seven beliefs that limit leadership potential—and offers a practical roadmap to break through them and lead with greater impact and ease.

Lew Apollo is a rising force in modern soul, captivating audiences with his soul-stirring melodies and poignant songwriting. KUTX praised him as “the perfect summer vibe,” a fitting description for an artist whose music blends hypnotic guitar, cinematic production, and a sultry, smoky voice into lush, resonant soundscapes. Originally hailing from rural Barnum, MN, Lew’s artistry is deeply rooted in his home state’s heritage, fusing the legacies of Bob Dylan and Prince with modern influences like Hozier, Leon Bridges, and Labrinth.The tragic loss of his father in 2022 profoundly shaped Lew’s songwriting, catalyzing a body of work that confronts themes of grief, isolation, and resilience while offering hope and connection. His debut EP JUNGLE, produced by BLK ODYSSY, introduced him as a bold new voice and fueled a run of sold-out shows at iconic Austin venues like The Pershing and Antone’s.Since then, Lew has taken his music to wider audiences, touring in support of Los Lonely Boys and earning airplay on KUTX with his single “Diamonds and Gold” as well as “Let the Light In” from his debut album. Self-produced from start to finish, Fool’s Gold has already surpassed 300,000 streams in under two months and is creating buzz for its fearless vulnerability and lush production. Press outlets have echoed the excitement: AMP Music declared “Lew Apollo will be a force in the R&B and pop stratospheres. Be warned,” while Earmilk praised how “Apollo’s signature smoky voice sets the tone for a sultry soundscape.” With his clear vision and unwavering dedication to using music as a vessel for healing, Lew Apollo is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting new voices to watch in soul.

"Hello, how can I help you?" Standard questions that once started human conversations are now chatbot prompts. As AI embeds in workplaces worldwide, how are these tools transforming professional interactions and workplace culture? What risks are encoded in systems mediating communication between colleagues and customers? This panel examines the EU's framework for compliant AI deployment, emerging hiring trends, and shifting skill demands. From voice interfaces to decision-making algorithms, discover how workplace AI is being designed-and what it means for workers, employers, and society.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Sync/Licensing, A&R, Publishing.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Sync/Licensing, Women in Music, Sales & Sponsorships.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Live Events, Management, Music Tech.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in A&R, Live Events, Touring.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in A&R, Distribution, Management.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Storytelling.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Accessibility, Nonprofits, Funding, Future of Work, Business Development.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Management, Women in Music, Marketing/PR, Distribution.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Coding.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Marketing/PR.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in A&R, Management, Touring.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Ethics, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Journalism.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Entrepreneurship, Marketing/Advertising/PR.

Jonathan and Ben Wymer, Senior Director of Global Brand Experience at Snap Inc., will explore how artists are experimenting with immersive technologies and smart glasses; the story behind his striking red portrait of King Charles and its unexpected cultural impact; and what his groundbreaking AR collaboration with Spectacles, premiering in the US at SXSW, reveals about how we might experience art in museums through wearable devices and new digital layers in the years ahead.

From Hollywood to Helsinki, film and TV productions are chasing the best talent and shooting locations — but what happens when creativity meets border control? This panel dives into the real-world challenges of global filmmaking, from navigating immigration laws and work permits to managing international crews — all within a tight budget and timeline. Join experts from the immigration and entertainment industries as they explore how the entertainment industry is adapting to a borderless future.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Producers/Production, Programming, Narrative Filmmakers.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Funding/Artist Support, Programming, VR/XR Filmmaking.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Development, Programming, International, Narrative Filmmakers, Producers/Production, Funding/Artist Support.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in "Sales, Acquisitions, & Distribution", Programming, Critics/Journalists.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Doc Filmmakers, Programming, Producers/Production, "Sales, Acquisitions, & Distribution".

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in International, Programming, Critics/Journalists.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Doc Filmmakers, International, Narrative Filmmakers, Producers/Production, Programming, Publicity & Marketing.

Robin Arzón is the Vice President of Fitness Programming and Head Instructor at Peloton, a 27x marathon and ultra-marathon runner, founder of the Swagger Society media company, two-time New York Times bestselling author, MasterClass Instructor, and proud Latina, mother, and wife.

Rock fans are famously loyal. These fans don’t just attend festivals for a headliner, they come for the entire lineup. They know the small-font bands, have playlists ready, and pride themselves on discovering new acts. Danny Wimmer Presents and friends take you backstage to reveal how they sell out rock’s most popular festivals, including Louder Than Life, Welcome to Rockville, Aftershock, and more. It takes a helluva lot more than a killer lineup. It takes innovations uniquely suited to the genre that simplifies, personalizes, and rewards fans. Discover the tech shaping the future of rock.

An extension of our popular Mentor Sessions, our Round Table Sessions not only allow attendees to learn from the industry experts that sit at each of the three tables in this session but they also allow attendees to learn from the questions and experiences of their peers as well. This Round Table Session will bring together industry experts and SXSW attendees for an enlightening discussion on Casting.

Monarch butterflies are experiencing severe declines, but AI-powered computer vision offers new hope for their conservation. This session explores how machine learning aids in identifying milkweed and invasive species, supporting precise conservation efforts across millions of acres. Learn how innovative image analysis is transforming vegetation management and habitat monitoring by combining technology and ecology to protect iconic pollinators, and why this approach is vital for maintaining biodiversity resilience.

Sober Space is a welcoming gathering place for people in all forms of recovery during SXSW 2026. This space hosts all-format recovery meetings for Friends of Bill and all SXSW attendees who are seeking a supportive meeting environment during the festival. Participants are invited to sit together and share experience, strength, and hope in a confidential, judgment-free setting. Meetings are facilitated by The SIMS Foundation alongside trusted leaders from the recovery community.

Nigerian-born, London-based singer, songwriter, musician, and producer Steven Bamidele is known for his distinctive reverb-drenched falsetto, synth textures, and syncopated beats. Citing the influences of contemporary creators Frank Ocean, Tyler the Creator, Solange and Childish Gambino, he puts social commentary and artistic narratives at the forefront of his music.

The SXSW Pitch provides a platform for early-stage technology startups to present their groundbreaking products and services to a panel of distinguished industry experts, influential media professionals, and leading venture capitalists and angel investors.

We dream of reproductive liberation for all communities, within Texas and beyond. Hear from Abortion Funds who advocate daily for abortion seekers and provide folks with compassionate support to make healthcare decisions that are best for them, regardless of age, income level, zip code, documentation status, or gender identity. Join us to learn how to fight back against anti-abortion policymakers and stigma strategically so we can co-create a future where all people have the power and resources to care for and affirm their bodies, identities and health for themselves and their families.

After 30 years of continuous operation, the International Space Station is going away, and fast. What comes next? Enter Axiom Space. Against all odds, this Houston startup flew four crewed commercial missions to the ISS, led record-breaking research, engaged more than 31 nations in the pursuit of space access and partnered with Prada, Oakley, Nokia, and NASA all in pursuit of building the world’s first commercial space station. The dream of living and working in space is no longer distant. Welcome to the space industrialization era—the time is now to transcend Earth.

The Groove Effect explores the deeper dynamics behind communities that truly transform people. Drawing from two decades building Groove Cruise, Jason Beukema shares the 8 Waves he’s observed when environments are intentionally designed for connection, creativity, belonging, and purpose. This Core Conversation examines how those waves unfold and how founders, creators, and culture builders can design experiences that move people from spectator to participant to lifelong advocate.

The explosive documentary The Age of Disclosure revealed an 80-year cover up of the existence of non-human intelligent life and has led to a historic Presidential directive for disclosure. This panel on the film’s impact will feature Dan Farah, the director/producer of the film, Jay Stratton, the former director of the U.S. Government’s Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF), Hal Puthoff Ph.D., senior scientist for multiple U.S. Government UAP programs, and be moderated by investigative reporter / author Leslie Kean.

How do you make a film about the weaponization of NDAs when people are prohibited from even admitting they signed one? This panel will examine how the film My NDA was made and how the filmmakers attempted to mitigate the risks faced by the film’s participants and the production itself. Panelists will discuss the thorny documentary ethics challenges that come into play when subjects are taking legal risks that could potentially lead to significant consequences.

With the FIFA World Cup 26 kicking off in less than 100 days, the time is now for the most popular game globally to reach its full potential stateside. The world’s biggest sporting event has the opportunity to elevate soccer in the US to new heights and build future sustainability for growth far beyond the event.

Netflix’s Director of Unscripted Casting Rich Leist helped launch Netflix’s first in-house unscripted casting team, giving him a front-row seat to what platforms are actually looking for when they decide who gets on screen. Joining him is Matt Nagorner, formerly a Warner Bros. unscripted talent lead and now co-president of IM Trying Productions, where he develops personality-driven unscripted series and formats.

What are the vibes? This presentation will unpack the idea of a "vibe" - an aesthetic appraisal of a situation - and how these vibes can "shift." These shifts are dictated by cultural and political undercurrents, by current events, but most importantly by developments in technology. In a rapidly changing landscape with more sophisticated generative AI and social media algorithms, the vibes are shifting almost too fast to keep up. New meme genres, political movements, and ideological upheavals are occurring - and this talk will explain how and why.

Your AI assistant has the keys to everything – email, finances, sensitive systems – but operates in shadows you can't see, a problem that continues to grow as companies unleash agentic AI faster than they can build safeguards. This panel will explore how AI agents are changing the way we think about work and how we trust technology. We'll ask: What happens when an AI assistant, designed to help, accidentally (or intentionally) steps out of line? How do we even know what they're up to when they operate independently? And how can we stop AI agents from becoming the next insider threat?

Each year billions of dollars are invested in finding and building the next generation of great companies. So how do you increase your chances of being found and funded? Carta has conducted an analysis of data from tens of thousands of startups in its network since 2018, offering a bird’s eye view of the top trends in startup funding and job distribution. Discover whether employees are still getting meaningful equity, if founder ownership has improved or worsened over the last 5 years, and what you need to know to navigate these challenges as you build and pitch your company.

As YouTube becomes the fastest-growing podcast platform and creators scramble to add video to their podcasts, a critical question emerges: Is pure audio dead? In this head-to-head debate, industry leaders will argue whether podcasting must evolve into a visual medium to survive, or if audio's unique intimacy and convenience will always have a place in our media landscape. We'll explore how creators and networks are navigating this visual-first world—from adding cameras to intimate conversations to leveraging video clips for social discovery while preserving audio's storytelling magic.

patching, the intimate debut LP from Minneapolis-based singer and songwriter runo plum, gracefully captures the contraction, expansion and release of an intense period of emotional repair, in soft-edged, radiating indie rock. The record’s unbridled sincerity isn’t anything new for runo plum, who’s been writing and quietly sharing bedroom dispatches of her intricate folk for a half-decade. During the pandemic years, she steadily caught the ears of a widening circle of listeners and began independently releasing a series of singles and EPs, all while cutting her teeth on the live side supporting Searows, Angel Olsen and Hovvdy.

Nir Eyal will be signing copies of “Beyond Belief: The Science-Backed Way to Stop Limiting Yourself and Achieve Breakthrough Results” at the SXSW Bookstore.

Nancy Harhut will be signing copies of “Using Behavioral Science in Marketing” at the SXSW Bookstore.

Muriel M. Wilkins will be signing copies of “Leadership Unblocked” at the SXSW Bookstore.

Moments after surviving an all-out attack from the Le Domas family, Grace discovers she’s reached the next level of the nightmarish game — and this time with her estranged sister Faith at her side. Grace has one chance to survive, keep her sister alive, and claim the High Seat of the Council that controls the world. Four rival families are hunting her for the throne, and whoever wins rules it all.

The SXSW Pitch provides a platform for early-stage technology startups to present their groundbreaking products and services to a panel of distinguished industry experts, influential media professionals, and leading venture capitalists and angel investors.

"Adam's Apple" is an intimate, collaborative documentary told through the dual perspectives of Adam, a transgender teen, and his mother, visual artist Amy Jenkins, that offers an authentic and tender counterpoint to the hostility facing trans youth today. Adam’s journey balances the milestones of gender transition with the rhythms of adolescence. As Adam asserts his identity and steps out into the world, his parents grapple with the challenges of raising a teen while learning to let go. Through a visually poetic approach, the film transforms a deeply personal archive, collected over two decades, into a powerful, joyful testament to the beauty and difficulty of reckoning with profound change.

FIRST THEY CAME FOR MY COLLEGE tells the inside story of the right-wing campaign to “reconquer” higher education in America. New College of Florida was the first public college to be transformed by a political coup—a blueprint for our new era of unprecedented censorship and political interference in academia. By embedding with the student newspaper, an outspoken professor, and students from all sides of the political spectrum, this verité feature reveals a microcosm of America's culture wars and serves as an essential document for students today grappling with their moment in history.

Timid dork Edie accidentally takes the spotlight when she starts a punk band with her fellow “turds”, becoming an icon to the rest of the losers at her all-girls Catholic school while managing to piss off the hot girls, the nuns, and the horniest altar boy you’ve ever seen.

Exceptional storytelling that captivates, surprises, and excites.

From her crumbling estate on the Potomac, Yolanda Signorelli von Braunhut is engaged in a David-and-Goliath battle to wrest control of her late husband Harold’s iconic toy Amazing Live Sea Monkeys! back from the corporate men who she insists stole them from her. Harold von Braunhut and Yolanda Signorelli worked together for forty years before Harold - a genius magician, scientist and inventor – passed away and left his iconic novelty toy in Yolanda’s care. Yolanda alone possesses the true Sea-Monkeys secret formula and she alone must free them, not only from their captors, but also from the stain of her husband’s dark legacy.

The Smiths have gathered once again on their quaint family farm to make the latest in a string of low-budget horror movies. No, the movies aren't particularly "successful." Some might even call them "bad." But at least the family is together, and that's what matters to Jack and Ellen. Their adult children, on the other hand - Trent and Ula - are working up the courage to leave this particular family tradition behind. Simmering family dysfunction turns to pure chaos when a real dead body shows up on set. Can they come together to keep the movie on track, or will this be the Smith family's final act?

Mickey spent the last ten years exploring her transition process within the conservative context of Sinaloa, Mexico. Through digital archives, artistic reenactments, and deeply personal encounters, the film moves between tenderness and rage, transforming memory into an act of freedom. An exploration of self-perception and a non-punitive confrontation with the past.

"The Oldest Person in the World" is a decade-long global journey that chronicles the ever-changing record holders of the title of oldest person alive. What begins as a portrait of longevity becomes a meditation on the passage of time, the randomness of fate, and the joy and profound human experience of being alive.

Mariae Cassandra is an Australian singer songwriter from Perth, Western Australia, rapidly emerging as one of the country’s most compelling new voices. First capturing attention through her online songwriting videos and viral moments across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, Mariae’s ability to pair intimate storytelling with hook driven pop has resonated with a growing global audience.

The unsolved murder of Billy London, a gay adult film performer brutally killed in West Hollywood, was an urban legend for 33 years. A documentary intended to honor his life took an unexpected turn when members of the community joined forces to uncover overlooked clues, and seek a resolution to the mystery of who killed him. Drawing on a rare trove of VHS and personal footage, the film reveals a chilling overlap between the victim and some of the suspects who were captured on camera in films made in the narrow window of Billy's death.

"Daughters of the Forest" is a story of entanglements: between humans and mushrooms; the visible and the invisible; generational knowledge and modern science. This sci-fi documentary invites us to reconsider the experiences of both human and non-human inhabitants of our world. We follow Lis and Juli, two young scientists from indigenous communities that have long lived in symbiosis with the many mushrooms in their regions. The world they know is changing, and their pursuits are threatened by deforestation, lack of opportunity, and loss. Still, they share how mushrooms show us different possibilities of coexistence, helping them overcome obstacles to reshape their lives and futures.

Sometimes it takes the end of something to know what is really at stake. Joe, Giorgia, and Lorri are all grappling with the possible end of an intimate friendship at vastly different stages of life: a cross-country move, a mental health crisis, and a shift into empty-nesting have forced them each to reevaluate the support they need from those closest to them. Chronicling three different friendships over the course of three years, "One Another" brings together verite with a wealth of personal archives to intertwine their journeys as they search for what it really means for us to care for each other. The result is a story of change, heartache, and connection in this ode to platonic love.

It’s a Friday night and college students Jack and Montgomery have got big plans: They’re going to do drugs and order pizza. But when the home-made drug they ingest turns out to be MUCH wilder than they thought, the simple journey down two flights of stairs to retrieve their pie becomes a mind-bindingly transformative quest. Still though, how hard can it be? The only thing in their way is a broken elevator, Montgomery’s social anxiety, the fact that everybody in the school hates Jack, a sociopathic RA, a vengeful butterfly, a robot with a dream, and this insane drug that has absolutely no regard for the basic laws of reality.

The comedy institution Cracked is coming to SXSW for its first official showcase and special LIVE taping celebrating an exciting roster of emerging comedians. Presented in partnership with Netflix's MATING SEASON, an adult animated romantic comedy – set in the animal world – about love, sex, relationships, and the universal need to find a partner and perpetuate the species – starring bears, raccoons, deer, foxes and a host of other horny, lovable forest critters.

Fish Hunt is the musical project of New York native Lucy Mondello. Equipped with a unique affinity for all things careful and sensitive, Lucy’s songwriting is rich and thoughtful, think a homemade meal or a patchwork quilt. She found her voice listening to such artists as Modest Mouse, Johanna Warren, and Animal Collective, which has led her to a unique sonic palette that’s all her own. Her sophomore release, Self Taught, sees her adding to the quilt in a big way, collaborating with many of her musical contemporaries to create a dynamic record that is as courageous as it is cozy. In addition to her own work, Lucy has also played in the live bands of artists Claud, Diet Cig, and waveform*. Recently released LP: Self Taught, January 12th 2024. Upcoming LP: Fall 2026.

FOX Entertainment Studios presents one of SXSW’s most anticipated comedy showcases, celebrating the world premiere of Plantman & Blondie, from FOX’s Tideline and Mountain Top Pictures. Hosted by Emmy and Grammy-nominated comedian, actor and director Bill Burr, the evening embodies the bold, fearless spirit of the FOX comedy brand while spotlighting the breakout ensemble from the film: Frankie Quiñones, Cory Loykasek, Donny Divanian, Kirk Fox, and Brent Weinbach. ****YONDR FAN ADVISORY*** This event will be a phone-free experience. Use of cellphones, smart watches, smart accessories, cameras, or recording devices will not be permitted in the performance space. Upon arrival at the venue, all phones, smart watches, and accessories will be secured in Yondr pouches that will be opened at the end of the event. Guests maintain possession of their belongings at all times and can access their phones throughout the event at designated Phone Use Areas in the venue. All phones will be re-secured in Yondr pouches before returning to the event space. Anyone seen using a non-permitted device during the performance will be escorted out of the venue. Guests are encouraged to bring a credit card for purchases inside the venue. We appreciate your cooperation in creating a phone-free viewing experience.

Jonny Tex is a Boston art rock project with a Western streak. Once a messy country cover act kicked off mid-residency, they’ve reemerged with tight songs, dry humor, and a steadier hand on the wheel. Their music blends kraut rock pulse with pop precision and Western undertones, delivered with blunt conviction, more sermon than confession.

REJAY, singer-songwriter from Niseko, Hokkaido. During her childhood, she was influenced by her Australian father and grew up listening to many different genres of music. She started writing her melodies and lyrics at the age of 13. With a video she uploaded on YouTube, her singing voice attracted the ears of JQ from Nulbarich. After she moved to Tokyo, she started her career under the production of JQ. She has a one-of-a-kind voice that combines the extremes of shadow and transparency.

someshiit is a Taiwanese hip-hop artist known for his unique blend of bedroom rap and live band arrangements. Drawing influence from UK, Japanese, and Korean hip-hop, he emerged in 2019 with the breakout single “Those Who Told Me to Quit Smoking Are All Dead” (5M+ views on YouTube), the track’s poetic and raw storytelling quickly resonated with a new generation of listeners. His debut album ‘A FOOL’ pushed even further, fusing gritty lyricism with lush, genre-blurring production alongside collaborators like Samjoo (deca joins), Sam Yang, and Pei-Yu Hung, earning him Best New Artist at the Golden Melody Awards, Taiwan’s most prestigious music honor. From TV screens “The Rappers 2” to major Taiwanese festival stages like Megaport, Vagabond, and FireBall Fest, he weaves lush live-band arrangements as the backbone of his sound, layered with razor-sharp, prose-like lyricism that cuts straight to the core. His self-produced shows consistently sell out, including his first overseas performance in Hong Kong, proving that his music’s emotional gravity transcends borders. Internationally, he has worked alongside acclaimed Japanese rapper maco marets and South Korean psychedelic band CHS, garnering attention from various media outlets and hip-hop labels. With a reimagined EP set to drop in 2025 marking six years since his breakout hit, someshiit isn’t just evolving, he’s shaping a new creative language for Mandarin rap, redefining its boundaries one verse at a time.

#WhileBlack is an urgent documentary that centers on one of the most viral videos of our time: George Floyd’s murder, seen 1.4 billion times in 12 days, sparking protests in over 2,000 cities worldwide. With exclusive access to Darnella Frazier and others like Diamond Reynolds, who livestreamed Philando Castile’s killing, the film reveals how social platforms and corporations profit from viral Black trauma, while survivors endure lasting psychological and physical danger. #WhileBlack is a powerful meditation on modern witnessing, exposing the human cost of viral footage while asking urgent questions about race, technology, and accountability.

Taking over sweaty New York venues and curbside congregations, bloodsports has become an undeniable force with their latest lineup—Sam Murphy (guitar/vocals), Jeremy Mock (guitar), Liv Eriksen (bass/vocals), and Scott Hale (drums)—finding solace in sonic strain where angular sedition collides with economical melodies that ease the weight of self-destruction. Their long-awaited debut album Anything Can Be A Hammer marks a bold evolution, embracing a more dynamic, mature approach as the band balances experimentation and curiosity with rhythmic blows and emotional depth; fragile yet abundant, the record leans into patience and interior tension, with Murphy’s lyricism blurring the line between what we know and what we think we know—it’s an album with blood in its veins and a finger on the pulse. The release quickly caught fire with praise from Stereogum, Vice, Alternative Press, Consequence, and more, leading to a support slot on They Are Gutting A Body of Water’s sold-out album release show and performances alongside Starcleaner Reunion and Brutus VII. In 2026, the Brooklyn four-piece is set to take their hard-hitting live show to SXSW, across the country, and around the world.

Hi Austin! I’m DJ Anupi, an Austin local with over 12 years in the music scene. My passion for DJing began in high school, driven by a desire to blend beats from the East and West and bring the best of both worlds together. Growing up listening to mostly Bollywood/South Asian music, I gravitated toward fusing global sounds with western styles. I started by creating mashups and quickly discovered my love for bringing people together and creating memories on the dance floor. What began as DJing high school dances soon evolved into spinning downtown on 6th Street, and eventually launching my own sound and events company. Through this journey, I’ve DJed everything from weddings and corporate events to large-scale public parties across Texas and the U.S. Running my events company gave me the opportunity to experience music from many cultures and styles around the world, further shaping my identity as a fusion DJ. Today, my style blends global rhythms and modern beats designed to move crowds and create memories. Recently, I’ve also stepped into music production, crafting remixes that I’m excited to start sharing on SoundCloud.
Looking forward to SXSW 2026! See you on the dance floor!

Georgia Webster grew up in a small town in western Massachusetts, where quiet days and wide-open space gave her the freedom to write songs from a young age. With a guitar in hand and artists like Taylor Swift and Avril Lavigne in her headphones, she found her voice early, and it didn’t take long for others to notice. After building a devoted audience online, Georgia made the move to Nashville, where she found herself opening for artists Kelsea Ballerini & Ingrid Andress.

Isak Thomas and The Stoop Boys is a soul/funk collective of artists primarily based out of Austin, Texas, and Nashville. Originally founded in Boston, MA, by Isak “Thomas” Kotecki (keyboard/guitar/vocals) in 2017, Isak began collaborating with close friends from music school, Connor Frawley (bass/vocals) and John Cattini (lead guitar/vocals), with a shared love of ’70s soul, funk, and rock music.When the three eventually moved their separate ways across the country, they continued to convene once a year for a week of writing and recording. This tradition has stayed true through three EPs and two albums, garnering millions of streams and features such as KUTX’s Song of the Day.The group has a unique take on its writing process, with every member serving as a rotating writer and vocalist, centered around native Austinite Isak Kotecki as producer. In the latest full album release, 'The Stoop Boys', the group saw the addition of Armando Baeza (drums/vocals) and Logan “Wildman” Garza (vocals/percussion), also joining as writers.The Stoop Boys aim to bring music that feels like yesterday, hits like today, and sticks with you tomorrow.

We're first generation Indian-Americans from Texas, who grew up blending our Desi roots with our American culture through music and dance.With over 25 years of training in various dance styles such as Bollywood, Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Bhangra, Garba/Raas and Hip Hop., we came together and added a modern touch to our style, transitioning to Bollywood Fusion, Semi-Classical, Tollywood and more!

The band 'Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai' is a three-piece band formed in Japan in 2004.While active within Japan under the kanji name '打首獄門同好会' (Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai),representing Japanese culture, they operate internationally under the more easily pronounceable name 'GOKUMON.'

Lovpune is a queer indie-electronic pop artist who moved from conservative Texas to Los Angeles. She channels that transformation into late-night soundscapes perfect for empty highways and midnight dance floor connections. Writing and producing her own music, she creates infectious hooks wrapped in shimmering melodies. Lovpune is a soundtrack to stories of chosen family and authentic self-discovery.

Faaris is a Pakistani-American hip-hop artist from Austin, Texas, known for blending introspective lyricism with smooth, genre-fluid production. He has cited inspiration from contemporary hip-hop, indie pop, and alternative R&B while also embracing elements of his South Asian heritage. His music often explores themes of identity, ambition, relationships, and personal growth, delivered through melodic flows and emotionally reflective storytelling.

Czechia raised, UK based, Aiko is an alt pop artist with music talking about confidence and empowerment and a high energetic performance as a duo together with the drummer Kat Almagro. Highlights include:- representing Czechia at Eurovision 2024- headline European tour with 23 stops, multiple sold out stops in cities like London, Warsaw, or Paris- performing at SXSW, Japan EXPO, Sziget festival, Rock for people, and many more- appearing on Times Square as part of the Spotify Equal programme, editorial playlisting, face of the Glow playlist- music in the Netflix show Elite, Love Island UK and multiple MTV series- latest album accumulated over 10 million streams- mentions in Vogue, Harpers Bazaaar, The Rolling Stone UK, Austin Chronicle, Elle and many more

Big Fat Head is a byproduct of 21st century indulgence and a band consumed by sin. Based in Columbus, Ohio, this five-piece rock outfit has been categorized as “post-post-post punk” and “skuzz rock” by fans and enemies alike. First conceived by frontman Nate Wilder during a weekend visit in jail, a consistent live band was ultimately formed with partner Olivia Stefanoff and close friends Jordan Latas, Stanic Russ, and Felicity Gunn in the aftermath of Covid. Since 2021, Big Fat Head has maintained loyalty to their homegrown tape label and oft slept-on Ohio rock scene, self-released over 40 songs, played nearly 200 shows, with over 75 out of town. While sharing a scene in the shadow of Ohio legends like Devo, Breeders, Times New Viking, etc. with bands like Golomb, Villagerrr, Winston Hightower, DANA, & countless others, Big Fat Head carved their own niche-within-a-niche and found opportunities opening for national acts such as Being Dead, TAGABOW, Sweeping Promises, Wishy, Bnny, GOON, Speedy Ortiz, Lewsberg, & more. With two finished albums in their back pocket and no outside support to date, Big Fat Head embarks to Austin, Texas looking for love with their hearts on their sleeves.

Buddy Red is the Southern blues artist delivering the raw, cinematic sound of the Black American experience. A vocalist, guitarist, and preacher of truth, he stands where the cosmic mystique of Jimi Hendrix meets the uncompromising funk of James Brown and the psychedelic scope of Pink Floyd. A fixture of Atlanta's legendary Northside Tavern, Buddy is a vital voice recognized for his visceral guitar work and impassioned storytelling, captivating live and digital audiences alike.

Raised by his grandparents in Greensburg, Kentucky, Chase McDaniel is one of Nashville’s most determined singer-songwriters — proof that grit and heart still matter. After graduating from the University of Louisville, he moved to Nashville to chase Country music dreams, only to be sidelined by the pandemic. Jobless and down to his last $12, he nearly gave up before a friend loaned him enough to stay afloat. McDaniel worked double shifts, slept four hours a night, and wrote with producer and best friend Jerry Jacobs whenever he could.That relentless work ethic paid off. He hit #1 on the Billboard Country Digital Song Sales and iTunes Country charts with “Project” and reached #3 all-genre on iTunes with “Your Daughter.” Signed to Big Machine Records, McDaniel released his debut EP Blame It All On Country Music and has since taken his Country-rock sound and rich baritone to sold-out crowds nationwide. With “Burned Down Heaven” at Country radio and new music like “Risk It All,” McDaniel’s mission is simple: help others find the light.

David Sigala, better known for his stage name “Dirty Dave” has dominated the music industry with his high energy sets in various dance floors across the US. His enthusiasm for music and passion for moving crowds sets him apart from other entertainers. Based out of Salt Lake City, this influential DJ is taking the industry by storm with his versatile open-format sets.

When FEET self-released their debut album in 2019, the group offered up a particularly oblique title: What’s Inside Is More Than Just Ham. But once listeners delved into the record, they found sloshing’s of guitar music that careered wildly between indie, psych, and subtle shades of new wave across an exciting and unpredictable 35 minutes. Since then, FEET have seen prominent live shows have seen them supporting the likes of Inhaler and even The Rolling Stones at their huge 2022 Hyde Park shows. The bands second album "Make It Up" garnered further critical acclaim with the band being invited to perform a BBC 6Music Live session off the back of the single releases Greasy Boy, Why Would I Lie and The Real Thing.

Austin alt-pop trio Glass Mansions create music that moves — propulsive beats, heavy synths, and intimate pop melodies led by the sultry, unmistakable voice of Jayna Doyle.

Multi-GRAMMY nominated singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress returns with the release of her latest single "Now I Know" off her forthcoming 3rd studio album due later this year.

Mariae Cassandra is an Australian singer songwriter from Perth, Western Australia, rapidly emerging as one of the country’s most compelling new voices. First capturing attention through her online songwriting videos and viral moments across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, Mariae’s ability to pair intimate storytelling with hook driven pop has resonated with a growing global audience.

Blending folktronica with and leftfield pop, the duo Our Shame (凹與山) consists of producer/singer-songwriter Estelle H and percussionist Isan, seeks something spiritual in the modern day technology addiction from an East Asian perspective. Their debut album ‘Modern Problem’, an independently produced fusion of electro-folk and retrowave, the album has earned recognition from music editors across Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, finding its way into many curated playlists and Spotify Viral 50. On their second album, ‘Hidden Album’(2025), Our Shame approach it like wallflowers at an underground rave, documenting the unspeakable with a quiet but unflinching lens. Built on a foundation of folktronica and synth-pop, their palette stretches from acoustic guitars and field recordings to splashes of Trip-hop, UK Garage and techno. With a unique mix of soulful vocals, synthesizers, guitars, drum machines, their sound fuses the cold textures of digital precision with the warmth of analog tones. The duo has performed at notable events like Reeperbahn Festival 2024 (Germany), Minami Wheel (Japan), Megaport Festival (Taiwan) and Sonik Philippines.

PSH (Peneři strýčka Homeboye)PSH are one of the most influential and iconic hip hop groups in the history of Czech rap. Formed in the mid-1990s, the trio Orion, Vladimir 518, and DJ Mike Trafik helped define the sound, attitude, and visual language of the genre in Central Europe. Known for raw lyricism, uncompromising authenticity, and a deep connection to urban culture, PSH have remained relevant for nearly three decades.With classic albums such as Repertoár, Rap’n’Roll, and The Best of, PSH built a legacy that goes far beyond music—shaping street culture, fashion, and visual art. Their live shows are intense, energetic, and unapologetically real, driven by strong crowd interaction and a timeless sound rooted in boom bap and modern hip hop alike.

Randy Perez is a producer and DJ based in Phoenix, Arizona. Growing up just outside of Madison, Wisconsin, Randy found his love and passion for music in the local garage band scene, finding him spending countless hours studying classic rock, punk, and metal.

Irish/Brighton-based artist Sarah Crean is an indie-pop singer-songwriter whose music combines emotional clarity with layered, melodic arrangements. Her 2023 EP Death by Laundry featured the breakout single “2:00am,” now streamed over 7.5 million times on Spotify, and earned support from BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 1, The Line of Best Fit, Clash, Nialler9, and Spotify editorial playlists. The first single from her upcoming album, “22 Angel,” has already reached 80,000 streams and was featured on New Pop UK.

Jersey-born Maria Crawford has been paving her way through the Nashville independent music scene since 2014. Now Brooklyn-based, she continues to capture listeners with her fiercely vulnerable songwriting and compelling live performances. Wilby’s debut single “Bad” (2020) gained immediate attention, followed by "Translucent Beauty” (2021), drifting between bedroom pop and indie rock. Her sophomore EP, “Happiest Woman” (2023), marked a shift toward showcasing a full-band production, mirroring the force of Wilby’s live sound. Wilby’s debut album, “Center of Affection” (2025, via Hit the North Records), explores both the cathartic side of indie-rock and the vulnerable side of twangy folk. Wilby has been featured in FLOOD Magazine, Luna Collective, and Ones To Watch, named an Artist to Watch by Atwood Magazine, with support from Seattle’s KEXP and Nashville’s WNXP and Lightning 100.

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Wyatt Flores is “one of the genre’s most conspicuous new voices" (Billboard). Following the release of his full-length debut album, Welcome to the Plains, Flores continues to gain widespread attention, having appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, NPR Music’s “Tiny Desk Concert” series, PBS’ “Austin City Limits and CBS' Mornings' "Saturday Sessions,” while the album landed on several “Best of” lists including NPR, RollingStone and more. Known for his electric concerts, Flores recently released his first live album, Live At Cain’s Ballroom, and will continue to tour through this summer with his “Drive All Night Tour.” Born and raised in Oklahoma, the Mexican-American artist has established himself as one of country music’s most vital voices. He’s been recognized as one of Rolling Stone’s 25 “Future of Music” artists, was nominated for Emerging Act of the Year at the 2024 Americana Awards, was selected as Amazon’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year, included in Spotify’s Hot Country Class of 2024. Additionally, Flores has garnered over 1 billion streams to date. Flores is currently working on new music to be released later this year.

Foolish Ty is a versatile melodic Rap/R&B artist from Austin, Texas. Making his first appearance at SXSW he looks forward to introducing a new audience to his unique sound that has amassed him over 100,000 streams across all platforms.

Fine Food Market is the folk dream-pop project of Montreal-based multi-disciplinary artist Sophie Perras. Drawing from her training as a classical pianist and inspired by the sound of her beloved PSR3000 keyboard, the songs of Fine Food Market are intuitive, emotional, and fun.

BARTLY is an Austin-based soul-Americana artist whose commanding vocals and emotionally resonant songwriting position him at the forefront of Texas’s next wave of breakout talent. Blending the raw storytelling of Americana with the polish and groove of modern soul — infused with a contemporary indie-rock edge — he draws comparisons to Chris Stapleton, Marcus King, Leon Bridges, and Bruno Mars while carving out a sound distinctly his own.

Emerging from Austin. LouieV T is a new up and coming hip-hop/ rap artist in Texas. He creates a cinematic sound using gritty bars and catchy beats creating a raw and unique form of rap. His soulful rhythm gives a captivating appeal leaving audience wanting more. Listen now on all streaming platforms.

“Rich with honesty and unbridled emotion” (Rolling Stone UK), Amie Blu feels perfectly at home in a new wave of alternative artists - Mk.gee, Dijon, SZA - whose casual handle on genre nonetheless feels completely rooted in classic, crafted songwriting. Born of French heritage in South East London, Amie cut her teeth in community projects growing up - ArtsTrain, Flames Collective – whilst developing her sound, and sense of self, across 2024 mixtape how we lose. Introspective but frank, songs like ‘everything about her’ showed a poetic brand of realism - and soulful, stop-you-in-your-tracks voice - way beyond Amie Blu’s years. Since then, Amie has opened for Joy Crookes, Jacob Banks, Faye Webster and sold-out her own headline dates as she builds up to 2025's debut album, when all is said and done. Featuring acclaimed singles like 'swimming in pity', 'shadow', and 'missing everything', it's a record drenched in feeling; startling explorations of love, loss, depression and human connection, but ultimately about the relationship with the self. Far from an exploration of endings, when all is said and done is the start of something truly special from Amie Blu.

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LilJayFromDaO is a rising reality rap artist from Austin, Texas, known for blending raw street perspective with authentic Texas storytelling. Rooted in real-life experience, his music reflects the resilience, ambition, and culture of the city that shaped him, delivering records that connect across generations and communities. His sound carries the grit of Southern hip-hop while remaining energetic, accessible, and purpose-driven.

meg elsier is an indie-rock singer, songwriter, and visual artist based in New York City. One of the most exciting new voices in the indie-rock scene, meg juxtaposes sweet vocals and opulent melodies with grungy guitars and weighty production. Keen wit and self-awareness shine through her lyrics, seamlessly weaving into the fabric of her ethereal shoegaze sound.

Swapmeet are an Adelaide/Kaurna Country based four piece who are set to release their debut album in 2026. With indie rock foundations, characterised by sonic experimentation, and a punk spirit, Swapmeet are known in the local and international circuit for their playful, chaotic onstage presence.

Rapper Blakchyl's (formerly known as T-Fly) is a talented, community-minded wordsmith, having come up in the local hip hop community collaborating with music collectives, nonprofits and filmmakers. The queer artist has three European tours under her belt plus opening slots for Talib Kweli, Snow Tha Product, Jean Grae, Bizzy Bone and Scarface and her new album Better Than I Imagined (produced by The Mask), was accompanied by a short film and dropped in July. Always indefatigable, she recently landed a deal with Brighton, UK-based Tru Thought Records as well as an Austin Chronicle cover, was nominated for Best Hip Hop Artist, released an EP (Call Me Sometimes) and played a Waterloo Records in-store. It all comes down to her"powerful and effervescent songs" (CultureMap) and her love for the craft and it's community.

Chiara Savasta is a singer-songwriter from Montreal. Born in the suburbs of the city, onto a generation burdened by anxiety and desillusion, Chiara would sit in her room and romanticize her life through songwriting.

Inspired by her culturally rich & diverse upbringing, between her Pakistani-Muslim heritage to her formative days in Chicago, REHMA's sonic worlds are eclectic & vibrant. The singer-songwriter artfully weaves her powerful vocals with poetic lyricism, floating between pop, dance, and R&B, to create a singular soundscape & aesthetic that she coins as "desi-futurism"Off the back a buzzing 2024, with a massive feature on Coke Studio (100M+ views across platforms), the cover of EQUAL Pakistan & a top slot on the Best Of Fresh Finds Year-End List), & earned co-signs from Savan Kotecha, Natasha Noorani, Zulfi, Sid Sriram & more. She's cemented herself as a promising creative force, not only in the rising South Asian diaspora, but across global pop music. Her forthcoming project, ANOMALY, is a refreshing take on modern pop & a timely, urgent coming of age story from the Pakistani-Muslim multi-hyphenate as she navigates her identity, religion, sexuality, and femininity.

Alina Pash is a Ukrainian artist now based in Los Angeles, building a bold new live experience in the U.S.—a mystic rap-based opera that fuses deep-root Ukrainian ritual, ethnic vocal power, and modern bass/electronic production. Her performances feel like ceremony: cinematic, high-voltage, and emotionally precise—where folklore meets the club, and tradition becomes future music.

"Basht. are an Irish band whose backgrounds collide into something heavy and hungry." - DORK

The members of Blanky would be like dogs to step on. Yeah, don’t worry, it’s just dogs. The scent of these sad puppies is on the nose of resentment and a mutual love for creating is the one thing covering their tracks. Suckers for lifestyles past and urban devitalization, Blanky abandoned their birthplace of Asheville, NC to be somewhere a little less perfect. They found no better a place to skip town to than Kansas City, Kansas. Their sound is a combination of elements encompassing folk-rock, garage, surf and 90’s alternative that will leave you lost in the languor left of a perfect day gone past. With the vocals and lyrics of lead songwriter Anthony Cunard at the forefront, their music conjures up scenes of a stereotypical Kansas summer; unending plains, smoky old pool halls and golden hour sunlight. While the soft/loud/soft dynamics of their songs may be a nod to the likes of The Pixies or The Breeders their roots are closer to less widely known acts such as Roland s. Howard or Charlie Megira. As underdogs championing a forgotten sound these sad pups are used to being alone but are not averse to an audience while howling at the moon.

Amsterdam-based shoegaze outfit Honey I’m Home has feared they are cursed ever since their rehearsal space burned down the day before their first show, but recent happenings might have you believe the curse has lifted. Early 2026 they’re named as the #1 emerging act at Europe’s leading showcase festival (ESNS): “Honey I’m Home is the coolest new band from the Netherlands. The packed room gets their faces melted off, but at times also gets a breather in the shape of a beautiful verse. The unexpected breaks, original melodies and smart tempo changes give the set its own, authentic sound.”

Modern Cinema Master is a four-piece band formed in Taipei, whose sound is heavily influenced by the independent rock of the 1990s. Their music is driven by sharp noise, post-punk energy, and lo-fi anthems. Since 2019, the band has remained true to its roots, focusing wholeheartedly on creation. To date, they have released two EPs, three singles, and two double-CD albums, amassing more than forty original songs. Their live performances are equally renowned, frequently selling out thousand-capacity venues in Taiwan and China. In 2025, they were invited to perform at the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival in Korea, where they received an enthusiastic response. Modern Cinema Master’s music is simultaneously raw and refined, pairing poetic, thought-provoking lyrics with a powerful sonic edge. Their track “I Want to Kill Romance and Murder Poetry” earned Taiwan’s most prestigious independent music award for Best Rock Song, with the jury praising it as “savagely precise, capturing the very essence of rock.” Blending fierce, driving melodies with blunt, hard-hitting lyrics, The Modern Cinema Masters fuse critique and irony into one powerful voice, a sound that captures the essence of our times.

Olivia Ellen Lloyd will try anything once. From flight attendant school in Dallas to producing theater in New York City and teaching in Guatemala, Lloyd sought an adventurous life, but struggled to find a greater sense of purpose. That is, until she found her way back to music. Lloyd channels her restless spirit into songs that pay homage to her Appalachian roots while charting fresh territory for a sound that is uniquely her own.

An action-packed thriller where five ballerinas, stranded in a remote forest, take shelter at an unsettling roadside inn. They must weaponize years of brutal training, turning grace, discipline, and even pointe shoes into tools for survival.

REDZED is a Czech rap-metal outlier turning underground chaos into global momentum. Writing and producing everything himself — from raw guitar riffs to hard-hitting beats — he fuses serrated modern rap with the weight of late-’90s/’00s metal. The result is a dark, cinematic crossover that speaks fluent mosh pit and playlist alike.

SMITTY is a DJ/Producer out of Houston, Texas. His genres range from deep house to garage, and his style combines high energy buildups and memorable sound design. He currently lives in College Station, where he performs weekly at various bars, clubs and lounges. He has been a DJ for a couple of years, and in that time has also learned music production, hoping to bring exciting energy and new ideas to the scene.

Subpar Snatch is a fierce, unapologetic punk rock powerhouse from Austin, Texas, delivering high-energy anthems that punch as hard as they play. Known for blistering bass riffs, riotous rhythms, and unapologetically raw lyrics, the band turns every stage into a sweaty, cathartic release for the crowd. These self-proclaimed shit asses draw on influences like Riot Grrrl and modern garage punk, Subpar Snatch blends ferocity with fun — their live shows are equal parts mosh pit and inside joke, fueled by razor-sharp wit and pure, unfiltered passion. They’ve built a loyal following through electrifying performances at local venues, roller derby bouts, and DIY festivals, creating an inclusive space for rebels, misfits, and anyone who wants to scream along.With a reputation for turning chaos into community, Subpar Snatch is ready to bring their high-octane, Texas rebellion to a stage near you. "Subpar" is anything but.

Anastasia Hera is a rap artist and songwriter blending sharp lyricism, bold storytelling, and magnetic stage presence. Her music turns lived experience into incisive, emotionally resonant songs that explore identity, resilience, and power with clarity and edge. Rooted in authenticity and driven by artistic intention, Anastasia Hera is emerging as a distinctive voice shaping the next wave of independent hip-hop.

amri fuses her Indian roots into putting a spin on her much-loved Soul and R&B to create a fresh, new, jazzy, colourful sound. Branching into a range of sounds built in Carnatic melodies, amri balances relatable lyrics to a fun, fresh groove. Born and primarily brought up in London alongside Guernsey, she draws from these experiences in her writing. With so many inspirations she branches from, her soulful, sweet melodies will surely hold a piece of something you love and play over in your head!

Gavin Copeland is a Texas-based singer and songwriter blending modern pop and hip-hop with Southern-rooted storytelling. Since releasing his debut music in 2025, he has built a rapidly growing audience through organic fan engagement, earning millions of streams and a strong digital following without paid marketing. His songs balance emotional clarity with polished production, positioning him as a notable emerging voice in the independent music space.

Searching. Playfulness. Rediscovery of the once known. These thoughts permeate through Hanorah’s creative impulse. The multidisciplinary Canadian artist, chiefly known for herpowerful emotive voice, transforms the old into the new as she charts waters at once familiar and unknown. Weaving influences from RnB, rock, and shoegaze, she’s ready to redefine what soul music can be, exploring new sonic landscapes as she creates something both fresh and timeless.

In 1980, an ingenious boobie-trapped ticking time bomb - filled with 1,000 pounds of dynamite - was wheeled in the front doors of Harvey’s Wagon Wheel Casino in Lake Tahoe. Along with the bomb was a note demanding $3 million within 24 hours. While the bomb squad attempts to disarm the explosive, the FBI races the clock to deliver the ransom and simultaneously catch the extortionists. Nothing goes as planned, and each step uncovers darker secrets and suspicions of a deeper motive.

An intimate, arresting portrait of cyclist Moriah Wilson—raised by a fierce, loving family—whose singular drive becomes her superpower, carrying her to athletic brilliance and, devastatingly, toward a life cut short by murder.

On their debut EP ‘The Weight,’ the Lafayette, Louisiana, four-piece reaches full definition, distilling themes of desire, insecurity, and disconnection into five tightly wound, melody-driven songs released by Julia’s War Recordings, the legendary Philly label founded by Doug Dulgarian of TAGABOW. Across the EP, bandleader Kylie Gaspard’s deeply direct vocal delivery cuts through dense riffs, grounding their songs with her gritty, emotional lyrics. Having recently shared stages with genre titans like Dinosaur Jr., Whirr, Nothing, and Narrow Head, Cashier are building a reputation for a massive sound that resonates far beyond their bayou home.

Formed in the heart of Dallas but born on the highway, Cure for Paranoia came together during a “doomsday road trip” intended to be their last. Having recently been diagnosed with bipolar paranoid schizophrenia, frontman Cameron McCloud found clarity in a hot-boxed rental car; making music with collaborators Jay Analog and Tomahawk Jonez gave him peace of mind. “He said, ‘this is my cure for paranoia.’ Instantly, everyone’s eyes lit up,” a pivotal realization that cemented the group’s moniker. When the predicted earth-shattering meteor failed to hit, inspiration struck instead. As Jonez recalls, “On the way from Amarillo to Colorado Springs, like eight songs got written.”

DEAD DEER HIGH follows a team of high school slam poets and their English teacher as they prepare for a national poetry competition one year after a tragedy changed their lives forever. A powerful story of healing, poetry, and resilience in the face of tragedy, Dead Deer High was directed, written, produced, and edited by teachers.

Dramos is a New Jersey based DJ and producer redefining Latin club music through an East Coast lens. Rooted in Puerto Rican heritage, his sound blends Latin club rhythms, house structure, and global dance energy into a modern expression of diaspora identity. His performances are immersive and rhythm-driven, built as cultural experiences that connect tradition with forward-thinking electronic production.Working at the intersection of ancestral rhythm and contemporary club architecture, Dramos moves fluidly between salsa-house hybrids, Latin tech grooves, percussive house, and broader Latin club influences. Live percussion textures, melodic phrasing drawn from classic Latin music, and driving low-end foundations sit at the core of his sound, creating records and sets that feel intentional, kinetic, and emotionally charged rather than trend-driven.His releases have appeared on internationally respected labels including Dim Mak, Armada, Enhanced, and Stealth Records. With a growing catalog of original productions and hybrid Salsa-House and Latin club records, Dramos is carving out a distinct lane within global dance culture that centers identity, movement, and evolution.

Enfants is a four-piece Japanese alternative rock band formed in 2022. Their name, pronounced "En-fant," means "children" in French.

Exceptional storytelling that captivates, surprises, and excites.

Sunshine Spazz is a garage rock power trio with hints of punk and blues from Ocean County, New Jersey. Ryan Rutter (guitar/vocals) and Michael Rutter (bass) are brothers by blood, and that can be felt in the music as they battle for their tones to be heard, whether the fuzzy bass prevails or the reverberating, delayed guitar grabs your sonic sensations. Jamie Lawler (drums) is the glue of the band, as well as the moderator that keeps The Rutter Brothers from turning the musical space into a combat ring. Sunshine Spazz's self-titled debut album released in November of 2023, and allowed them to complete two interstate runs, as well as the opportunity to play Asbury Park's Sea.Hear.Now Festival in September of 2024 alongside acts like Bruce Springsteen, Action Bronson, The Gaslight Anthem, Illiterate Light, and many more. With singles to be released in fall and winter of 2025, and an album release in January 2026, the three boys bonded by rock will be hitting the road much more. Their new album packs a punch that is a beautiful release in dealing with grief. After losing a very dear friend, Sunshine Spazz has transformed this project into a creative coping mechanism and a tribute that reflects the depth of their bond that once was. It goes to show that what seemingly ends, actually continues energetically.

Wendy's life is thrown into chaos when her boyfriend, Jack, who is older and divorced with children, insists they take space to evaluate the relationship. During their break, Wendy unexpectedly runs into her ex, Chuck, forcing the three of them into a confusing and volatile triangle. The film was shot on 35mm on location in Alaska.

Hailing from the vibrant music hub of South Austin, Texas, Jarrett S. Williams, better known as Clova Rap Game Yoda, has been a dynamic force in the music industry for over a decade. His journey began with the legendary Austin supergroup Die Slo Ent, alongside Sertified, Southside Hippie, and WKDZD, laying a solid foundation for his solo career. A staple in the ATX scene, Clova has graced the stages of renowned festivals like SXSW and A3C(ATL), sharing the spotlight with a diverse range of acclaimed artists including Talib Kweli, Dave Chappelle , Lil Flip, Curren$y , Niko Is, Rah Digga,Mo3, Devin The Dude, Coast Contra and more.

BORN AND RAISED IN AUSTIN, TEXAS, SERTIFIED GREW UP SURROUNDED BY THE PULSE OF HIS CITY'S EVOLVING HIP HOP SCENE LONG BEFORE HE EVER TOUCHED A STAGE. WHAT BEGAN AS A KID FREESTYLING ON THE SOUTHSIDE TURNED INTO A LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO ELEVATING HIS CRAFT, HIS CITY, AND THE CULTURE THAT RAISED HIM.

“I like that the better joy sound’s evolving; it’s what we do as people, so it’s only natural the sound grows with me” says Bria Keely, better known by her stage name - better joy. A vivid indie-pop guitar project backed by a band, better joy fuses sparky melodies with strong guitars and pulsating bass lines, coated in lyrics that delve deep into all things vulnerable. The upcoming EP ‘at dusk’, a sister EP to her debut ‘heading into blue’, reflects a moment in her life “where I just stopped trying to please anyone or caring whether the music I wrote ‘fit’ a mold. It’s not on anyone else to define what better joy is: it’s on me”.

Born and raised Austinite Kydd Jones is described by the Austin Chronicle as a "longtime linchpin of Austin hip-hop" that Texas Monthly says "has been representing the city for years." The producer/singer-songwriter has written with and produced for artists like Kirko Bangz and Gary Clark Jr with a festival resume that includes the Billboard Hot 100 Fest at Jones Beach in New York; the Art of Rap Fest at Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta, Georgia; the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival; and NXNE in Toronto.

Global pop and R&B artist Shreea Kaul is an artist to remember. She is paving the way for a new genre to emerge, seamlessly blending her South Asian roots with modern pop and R&B. Her viral single Tere Bina sparked over 100,000 Instagram Reels and 30,000 YouTube Shorts, while her self directed music video surpassed 1 million views. Her album Cruel Intentions followed, crossing 13 million streams within just four months of release, marking a major breakout moment in her career and cementing her as a multi-talented visionary. Shreea Kaul continues to establish herself as one of the most promising voices from the South Asian diaspora.

Carroll’s worldview is dominated by the threat of catastrophe and the decline of morality in the face of human extinction. Then he steps on a rusty nail. He stumbles through the modern world, searching for romance, shedding toxic friendships, and fighting for truth... all while struggling to maintain his deteriorating health and sanity. As his moral crusade edges closer to self-destruction, Carroll is confronted with the ultimate existential question: are we really doomed, or is he just dying of tetanus?

Andy Arthur Smith is a singer, songwriter, and internet force of nature with 5.1M followers on TikTok (100M+ likes) and 1.1M on Instagram. Often described as “Jim Carrey meets Jacob Collier,” he combines elastic, absurd humor with mind-blowing musical ability by delivering powerhouse vocals, tight harmonies, and genre-jumping arrangements that feel as hilarious as they are impressive.

CorMae started as a social media ad and a dream and now has evolved into an up and coming punk and riot grrrl inspired band. The band started in February 2024, and has been steadily making its way into the Austin music scene ever since. Starting with a pop-forward garage rock EP, Cutie Core, released in April of 2025 and ending last year with a bang in October 2025 with the release of their more punk-forward EP “Hot Damn!” and an extra bonus punkified cover of Sheb Woolley’s “Purple People Eater,” CorMae are swiftly becoming an Austin Punk mainstay. The band are nominated by the Austin Chronicle for ATX’s 2025 Best Punk Band and you may also know them from opening shows for the likes of Of Montreal, Murder City Devils, and Pretty Girls Make Graves in 2025. CorMae’s songs are written about life, love, social, and economic struggles and their live show is aimed at commiserating on these issues with the audience. CorMae aims to build a community of friends and fans of all ages, creeds, races, and genders. After all, who doesn’t need a little cathartic shouting or a little dancing every once in a while?

Lance, Clay, and Darby have spent their childhoods drinking, wreaking havoc, and filming crude stunts in their small town. Everyone hates them. Wanting to finally prove their lives have meaning, the boys set out to make a “real movie” and in the process are forced to confront emotions and experiences they’ve never considered: love, loss, and ultimately, what it means to grow up.

**DJ EXILE** has played a pivotal role in elevating Latin music within the nightlife scene of Las Vegas. As an official DJ on Jennifer Lopez’s *“It’s My Party”* tour, he brought his high-energy sound to arenas across the country, solidifying his presence on a national stage.

Down-on-his-luck drummer Mauro flees a trail of bad decisions and lands on his sister Isa’s couch in Boston. With no money and nowhere to go, he begins busking as a bucket drummer. As playing on the streets brings small wins, he falls back in love with the freedom and pounding momentum that made him chase music in the first place. But Mauro pushes his luck pursuing a secret relationship that endangers his bond with Isa, and bit by bit draws everyone else into his own feral shortcomings. Set to the rhythms of the street, DOWNBEAT is a raw, high-energy portrait of an artist using music as escape and the collateral damage left behind when movement replaces growth.

Flesh Juicer is Taiwan’s most iconic heavy metal band, formed in 2006 in Taichung. Blending Deathcore and Hardcore with electronic textures and traditional pentatonic scales, they’ve forged a distinctive Taiwanese metal sound rooted in local culture. Their music draws inspiration from folk religion, temple processions, and social realities, transforming raw energy into a visceral expression of contemporary Taiwan.Flesh Juicer’s work has consistently earned critical acclaim both in Taiwan and internationally. Their debut album ‘GIGO’ (2015) won the Golden Indie Music Award for Best Rock Album, while ‘Deep Sea Fairy Tale’ (2018) earned nominations at the AIM Independent Music Awards（US）. In 2021, ‘GOLDEN Taizi BRO’ swept three GIMA trophies, Best Live Performance, Best Band, and Best Album, solidifying their status as Taiwan’s metal powerhouse.

Good Flying Birds is a jangling, noisy guitar-pop group based in the Midwest, USA. It began in 2023 with a collection of 4-track cassette recordings and stop-motion videos uploaded to YouTube under the name “Talulah God,” along with a chaotic and colorful, GIF-infested website. Over the following months, songs were uploaded fairly frequently, eventually catching the attention of influential label operator Martin Meyer. In early 2025, Talulah’s Tape was released on Rotten Apple, a collection of home recordings from 2020–2024. It showcased a wide-ranging love for the history of independent guitar music, clever and melodic songwriting, and an approachable twee-punk charm. Following the success of the tape and gaining a reputation as a must-see live act, they signed with Carpark and Smoking Room, who co-released Talulah’s Tape in late 2025. The influence of jangly lo-fi/DIY heavyweights who came before like Guided By Voices (their namesake), Beat Happening, DLIMC, Talulah Gosh (partly their namesake), and The Vaselines, is prevalent, but they carry a unique charm all their own. It’s the sound of looking at a crumbling world with rosy cheeks and wide eyes, a tambourine by your side.

What’s up y’all. Welcome to the first ever live recording of Devon Walker’s podcast My Favorite Lyrics, the show where we talk about music lyrics… except for when we talk about other stuff. For his debut live event, Devon and his special guests are breaking down ridiculous lyrics, taking fan submissions, and getting into the bars that shaped us, betrayed us, and honestly raised some questions. Pull up. My Favorite Lyrics with Devon Walker is produced by Disco Nap.

Nicky Diamonds is an afro-indigenous country-blues musician from San Antone, TX currently stationed in Nashville, TN.

Nug is a musical group made up of four friends in Portland, OR. Blending and bending the genres of Post Punk, Indie Rock, Shoegaze, Nu-metal, Psych Rock, and probably some other things, Nug has been described we-think-affectionately as “Parquet Courts meets Grateful Dead” and “a jam band for people who hate jam bands” and “really friendly guys making loud music”. Nug’s debut record “Kerfuffle” released in February of 2025 and remains released to this very day.

Shanghai born, Los Angeles transplant PIAO is the artist you’ve been waiting for. With heartfelt lyrics and a vocal range that hits both ends of the spectrum, PIAO breaks the mold of the traditional pop artist and creates her own lane. Berklee graduate and multi-instrumentalist, PIAO's relentless pursuit of musical growth has granted her invaluable opportunities to collaborate with esteemed artists, producers, and industry giants including the likes of T-Pain, Myles William, Banx & Ranx, and more, as well as touring with notable acts like Mariana Trench, Tiffany Day, Jhariah, and more.

Fresh from a seminal performance at All Together Now’s Last City stage, Sugaboo is set to make a statement as he has sold 450 tickets to his debut headline show in the Iconic Dublin venue Whelans. From forwarded many times WhatsApp releases to 12K monthly Spotify listeners, Sugaboo has been building a buzz in the Dublin underground. His debut mixtape “Kimmagination” released in August 2025 has garnered attention from Kneecap’s Moglai Bap who endorsed the album on instagram. When the Irish ex-Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is a follower. Lewis Capaldi is an early fan aswell and has been playing Goin Ballistic to the crowds before his arena shows on his recent UK tour. Earlier this year, Sugaboo featured on Lil Skag’s “Pilgirmmage to Kimmage,” which received Track of the Week on the Nialler9 blog. With a collaborative mixtape with Lil Skag, “Skagaboo,” on the horizon. Sugaboo’s momentum is building now. Having opened for Mik Pyro of Republic of Loose fame to a sold-out crowd in Whelan’s main room, Sugaboo has proven his live credentials. With a string of shows under his belt, having toured Ireland and the UK. Expect live versions of the tracks you’ve had on repeat, plus a few surprises. Bring the crew, bring the energy. This isn’t just a show – it’s a statement of raw energy. Dublin 12 inside the place; real bars, no industry fluff, No hype merchants, no messing just a room full of heads who’ve been watching this build from the shack days.

The Dharma Chain are an Australian-formed, Berlin-based independent band blending psychedelic textures, shoegaze, rock, and kraut-driven momentum with poetic lyricism and raw live energy. They’ve built a reputation for emotionally charged performances that feel expansive and immersive.

Tropa Magica was formed by brothers David and Rene Pacheco in 2018. Inspired by the songs and vibes of 90’s East LA backyard quinceañeras, baptisms, family gatherings and punk shows. The band blends in the guitar and rhythms of 60’s Peruvian Cumbias and 90’s grunge with a neo-southern psychedelic twist that transports the listener into a tropical psychedelic dance party.

Alex and her boyfriend Joey head into the wilderness for a romantic getaway. When Alex turns down Joey's surprise proposal, he abandons her in the woods. She’s rescued by Kianna and Matt, an enigmatic young couple living off the grid. Stranded and shaken, Alex accepts their invitation to stay at their remote campsite. As she’s drawn into their intoxicating world, complicated emotions and unexpected connections begin to surface. But when she learns they’re fugitives wanted for a string of violent bank robberies, Alex must navigate the blurred lines between desire, loyalty, and survival.

Two sisters with a contentious relationship decide to rob a rural home in upstate New York. The simple robbery turns into a nightmare when one of them throws out her back and becomes immobilized on the second floor. The night spirals out of control as they embark on a painful journey to make it out before the homeowner returns.

A wandering medium, Airi spends her life guiding restless spirits out of the world of the living. Summoned to an isolated country house, she comes face to face with a grotesque apparition with powers that defy Airi’s experience. As she digs deeper into the house’s past, a secret comes to light — and Airi finds herself hunted by a far more unpredictable force. For the first time, her greatest adversary is not the supernatural, but the living.

To a growing group of those in the know, the name SAMWOY signals epic, genre-warpingmusic that cuts through the Canadian landscape with rare force. Led by Montreal-based auteurSam Woywitka, the project has evolved into a powerhouse collective of the city’s mostadventurous musicians. SAMWOY’s tracks veer from ambient serenity and lush orchestration to explosive synths anddistorted rhythms, all anchored by Woywitka’s obsession with emotional extremes. Hissophomore album Even Sad Boys Like To Have Fun is out now and has become abreakthrough release, charting on Earshot for 48 consecutive weeks while earning nationaland international attention. Live, SAMWOY is a visceral experience volatile, beautiful, unpredictable. The project hasdelivered acclaimed showcases at POP Montreal and M for Montreal, as well as a standoutperformance at SXSW.Rooted in themes of chaos, catharsis, and redemption shaped in part by Woywitka’s near-fatalcar accident in his Vancouver Island hometown. SAMWOY’s music thrives on contrast:post-punk grit against electronic gloss, euphoria against collapse. It’s a world where nothing isoff limits and beauty is always carved from the wreckage.

Formed in 2012, FINLANDS is a Tokyo-based indie rock band fronted by distinctive female vocals. Known for sharp songwriting and an emotionally charged sound that bridges alternative rock and melodic pop, the band has steadily expanded its audience since their major-label debut, performing headline shows at mid-to-large venues and appearing at major Japanese festivals.

Originally inspired by a Slowdive KEXP session, London-based quartet Whitelands fuse their diverse musical backgrounds into an updated spin on shoegaze that amplifies marginalized voices and perspectives. Formed in the late 2010s as the solo project of Etienne Quartey-Papafio, Whitelands evolved into a full band ahead of their official debut album, Night-Bound Eyes Are Blind to the Day (2024), released during a U.K. tour with Slowdive. The project takes its name from a campus at London’s Roehampton University, where Quartey-Papafio first performed live. Their self-titled 2018 debut, a lo-fi blend of jagged indie rock and hazy grunge textures, hinted at the immersive sound they would later embrace. A turning point came when Quartey-Papafio stumbled upon Slowdive’s 2017 KEXP performance, igniting a deeper fixation on shoegaze. The current lineup consists of Jagun Meseorisa, Vanessa Govinden, and Michael Adelaja who bonded through shared experiences of neurodivergence and racial identity. Whitelands’ forthcoming album, Sunlight Echoes (out January 30, 2026), expands their sound, moving beyond shoegaze’s shadows toward something bigger, brighter, and unmistakably their own.

J Soulja is a powerhouse in Austin’s hip-hop scene—known for his sharp lyricism, electric performances, and trailblazing hustle. He’s rocked stages alongside stars like Wale and members of TDE, toured Texas with Curren$y, and headlined his own sold-out show in Austin.

Dusted with elements of psychedelia, compounded by ethereal sonic landscapes, and catapulted by melodic rhyme schemes, Boutique Feelings (Montréal, CA) invites reflection on socio-political norms while offering an alternative take on hip-hop. Subverting traditional compositional techniques, this new project from Karim Lakhdar—known as the singer, guitarist, and keyboardist for progressive psych rock collective, Atsuko Chiba—explores themes of cultural and personal identity through vivid offbeat storytelling and catchy distortion-mangled hooks, resulting in music that toes the line between rap, psychedelic funk, trip-hop, krautrock, as well as sample-based and electroacoustic music.

Casmalia is a producer, DJ, songwriter, and live vocalist based out of Los Angeles who has taken the west coast house music scene by storm. A classically trained musician with a degree in audio engineering, Casmalia has been consistently churning out club weapons since her freshman EP in 2017 on Hood Politics Records. She has since earned affiliations with Insomniac Records, mau5trap, CUFF, Night Bass, and many more. In November of 2025, her track "Don't Tell Me How To Rave" was the #1 trending song in the United States in all genres on SoundCloud, and was the subject of a billboard campaign in Times Square. She was also featured as one of Beatport's "On Our Radar" artists for August 2025. Her tracks have seen support from David Guetta, John Summit, Patrick Topping, FISHER, Solomun, AC Slater, Green Velvet, Jamie Jones, Marco Carola, and many more across both the EDM and tech house worlds. She has performed at EDC Las Vegas, the DoLab stage at Coachella, Zamna Festival and Splash House, and has provided direct support for Kyle Watson, Noizu and Diplo on tour. Casmalia's sound can be described as bass-heavy with detailed percussion and can range in style from minimal to melodic.

KOAD has one goal as an artist: “I want to make men cry and women dance.” The 23-year-old rapper, producer, and director from the San Fernando Valley is redefining Indian-American artistry with his debut album TREEHOUSE. Born Ajay Dodani to Indian immigrant parents, KOAD blends Bollywood nostalgia, hip-hop, and pop into something unmistakably his own. Teaching himself to produce at 13 and leaving school at 14 to pursue music full-time, he transformed his family garage into a studio with his brother and manager, Amit. His breakout single “Deepika” — a cheeky love letter to Bollywood icon Deepika Padukone — earned co-signs from SZA, Isaiah Rashad, Zane Lowe, and the actress herself. He followed with “dirty,” a sharp satire on cultural fetishization that amassed over 25M views and marked his directorial debut. Now signed to 10K Projects, KOAD is also the co-founder of KOGO, an artist community home to prolific originals including Asha Imuno, Curtis Waters, REHMA, CONNIE, Nafeesisboujee & more. With TREEHOUSE, he fuses vulnerability, swagger, and imagination into a world built for people to feel, dance, and belong.

Montclair is the Austin, Texas-based, independent folk-rock project resulting from four friends’ expression of joy and curiosity for life. Montclair's sound explores themes of self-discovery and emerging adulthood, from the beloved surf rock groove of “Pastel Lies” to the forlorn folk guitar wave in “Passing Through”. Their debut album, “Heart is Alive!” explores their musical potential and emotional range, both on full display in the first two singles, the titular and upbeat “Heart is Alive!” and the enigmatic rock powerhouse “Coming to the Rescue”. With a dynamic range of music, Montclair’s live performances are energetic and engaging, and they are known to have a strong crowd pull in Texas. Montclair has been invited to play onstage to crowds at festivals and iconic Texas venues such as House of Blues Houston, and a sold-out Antone's Nightclub, with nationally touring acts like Echosmith, The Brook and The Bluff, Dayglow, Giant Rooks, The Wldlfe, Briscoe, and many more. They look forward to the release of their debut album and the adventures and inspirations that await them ahead.

Olivia Morreale (aka Princess Liv) has a powerhouse vocal and creative sensibility that have defined her presence as a versatile artist across several genres. She has toured with Grammy- winning rock, pop, and country acts, using her experiences in varied musical contexts to perfect her own sound. As a solo artist born in Manhattan, NY, the songs she writes and the way she sings them are steeped in jazz tradition, but with an indie pop spin. Many of her lyrics reflect her experiences on the road, and she has built a loyal following online through her presence on the scene as a writer and musician. Liv has also toured her own project throughout the US; her latest EP “Return to Sender” is a culmination of her past few years of adventure, heartbreak, and growth.

Werkha (aka Tom Leah) is a multi-instrumentalist, producer & DJ hailing from Manchester and Cumbria. He has been consistently releasing music and creating live experiences for over a decade. Werkha’s music fuses analogue jazz-funk vibes with the UK’s electronic, resulting in a number of releases nestled between the sounds of broken beat and cinematic moments. Deep synths and delectable drums ride alongside live horns and a wealth of string textures. Shortly after his track “Sidesteppin” was picked up by Gilles Peterson for his Brownswood Bubblers compilation, Werkha’s debut landed on the acclaimed Brighton imprint Tru Thoughts. He went on to sign to the Worldwide Award-winning First Word Records, releasing his self-produced sophomore album ‘All Werk Is Play’ in 2022. This featured collabs with MC Chunky (Eglo Records / Swamp 81), Ellen Beth Abdi (A Certain Ratio), Kemani Anderson (Secret Night Gang), Nick Blacka (GoGo Penguin) and Tom Driessler (Tom Misch / Jordan Rakei) amongst others. His vibrant energetic live shows include a selection of instruments, looped and fused with a mix of tightly packed samples that set the moment alight, blending beauty and dance.

Deloyd Elze, aka Jacob Henry Allen, is a genre-blending artist and poet from Jacksonville, Florida, whose music fuses traditional American songwriting with experimental and electronic textures. Over the past decade, Deloyd has tinkered with soundscapes that meld twangy guitars, lo-fi drums, dissonant synths and rich acoustic textures into ‘digital twang,’ a sound that seamlessly weaves between country, indie and electronic. The name Deloyd Elze honors his great-grandfather, a resilient man whose legacy of grit and defiance inspires his artistry. Like his namesake, Deloyd’s music is rooted in authenticity, reflecting the complexities of the human experience. Now based in Los Angeles, he’s creating music that speaks to life’s many layers, drawing from his family’s history and his own journey of self-discovery and survival.

DR. GRECO, Rawsome Recordings & Odyssey Music Festival 20XX Founder.

Austin-based four-piece Glaze delivers a heavy, hook-driven take on alternative shoegaze. Armed with distorted, catchy guitar lines and a reputation for captivating live shows, the band has steadily won over audiences from Vancouver to Monterrey. Following a more recent East coast tour opening for Mass of the Fermenting Dregs, Glaze is bringing their road-tested energy back home for SXSW. The band is currently setting the stage for the release of their debut LP, with plans to release in Summer 2026.

Kids is an art punk project focused on writing the most subversive music possible within tight limitations. Their sound is characterized by a lack of effects pedals, idiosyncratic arrangements and song forms, and an irreverent high energy that contrasts with their relatively minimal sound. The crown jewel of Kids is in the double vocals: All of their music relies on meticulous interplay between Venezuelan guitarist Julio Prato and bass player Ani Kramer on the vocal front, reimagining the idea of a song as more of a conversation between lead vocalists rather than the highlight of just one. All this is laid atop a flurry of cutting edge guitar work, grounding bass lines, and the one-of-a-kind surgical manner of drumming Colin Ferguson always brings to the table.

Lola Tried is a fast-paced, loud-as-hell rock band from Austin, Texas, with driving guitars, sharp melodies, and the commanding voice of Lauren Burton. Their sound blends snarling guitars, punchy rhythms, and an emotional edge that swings between chaos and control. With a relentless live presence and hooks that hit like a gut punch, Lola Tried channels the messy urgency of feminine rage through a sharp, modern lens.

Born in Texas and raised in Northern California, Marley Hale’s musical influences followed: Texas’s deep, country and western swing roots met San Francisco’s folk and rock legends. The result: classic country tropes, turned on their heads through a switching of roles or a repossessed identity; delicate, revelatory explorations of what it means to be a friend, lover, or neither; and second person addresses to herself that offer both an onlooker’s and her own perspective. After California, Hale spent time in Austin, TX and Portland, OR before relocating to Brooklyn, NY, where she recorded her debut EP, By My Own Ways, released July 2024, and began touring the US and Canada. After spending the better part of three years on the road, she moved back home to Austin, where she now resides.

MOIO doesn’t just make music, he commands emotion. In fact, the Nigerian- Irish singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist chases emotion with every lyric he pens, melody he sings, and beat, bassline, or guitar riff he plays. This pursuit has brought him to a space between genres, co-existing in the realms of R&B, indie, alternative, and soul—yet cleverly never committing to one above the other. By helming every aspect of his artistry, he’s able to operate fluidly, and his vision resonates across boundaries.

Nilipek. is a Berlin-based Turkish singer-songwriter whose delicate yet powerful sound has shaped the landscape of Turkish alternative music for the last decade. Her performances blend delicate, breathy vocals with moments of raw intensity; creating an atmosphere that shifts between vulnerability and bursts of noise.

Pei-Yu Hung is a Taiwanese vocalist and multidisciplinary performer whose work bridges pop, performance art, and contemporary theater. Born in Kaohsiung and based in Taipei, she approaches music through a “body-based performance” philosophy, integrating dance, voice, and visual storytelling to expand the expressive range of modern pop. Her collaborations span independent musicians, theater troupes, and experimental artists, making her one of Taiwan’s most versatile and forward-thinking performers. In 2022, Pei-Yu released her debut album ‘Silver Lining’ , a ten-track journey through light and shadow, personal reflection, and emotional subtlety. The album earned eight nominations at the Golden Melody Awards, winning Best New Artist. In 2023, her song “The Same” (同款), the theme for the film ‘Day Off’ won Best Original Film Song at the Golden Horse Awards. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished female vocalists in the Mandarin-speaking music scene over the past decade, Pei-Yu Hung continues to define contemporary Mandarin-language music with her distinctive voice and artistry. Seamlessly moving between lyrical pop and avant-garde soundscapes, she merges experimentation with expressive depth, redefining contemporary Mandarin music and bringing a bold, fresh dimension of Taiwanese sound to the global stage. Pei-Yu released her highly anticipated second album ‘Still Moving’ in October 2025, featuring collaborations with artists from Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. For the new single “It's Nothing Personal”, she enlisted Polish director Chris Rudz, who previously directed dance videos for Japanese artist Fujii Kaze, to helm the music video, with choreography created in collaboration with Japanese choreographer Chikako Takemoto, showcasing a dynamic cross-border, cross-disciplinary creative energy.

Semisoft is a dreamy post-grunge trio hailing from Tacoma, Washington. Blending spacey, hypnotic textures with explosive riff-driven energy, their sound lands somewhere between Fuzz, PJ Harvey, and Natural Child. Following the release of their Greenway Records debut 7", the band is preparing to unveil their second EP on Den Tapes, the Seattle-based cassette label and community founded by Kay Redden. Looking ahead, Semisoft’s long-awaited full-length album is slated for release next year.

SWITCHFOOT has sold over 10 million copies worldwide of their thirteen studio albums (including their 2003 triple-platinum breakthrough The Beautiful Letdown and 2009's Grammy Award-winning Hello Hurricane), racked up a string of Alternative radio hit singles, and performed sold-out tours with over 5 million concert tickets sold in over 40 countries around the world. Through their unique blend of emotionally intelligent and uplifting brand of alternative rock, SWITCHFOOT has earned a devoted and loyal global fan base. SWITCHFOOT has raised over $3 million dollars to aid kids in their community through their BRO-AM Foundation. SWITCHFOOT consists of Jon Foreman (vocals, guitar), Tim Foreman (bass), Jerome Fontamillas (keys, guitar) and Chad Butler (drums).