Wed, Mar 18

Marni carries a down-to-earth and authentic energy. The indie rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 2022, and consists of Nicolas Lara (vocals, guitar), and Michaela Gradstein (vocals, guitar). The project began as Lara’s solo work in Palm Springs, where he released the debut album Whiskey Girl, before evolving into a full band the following year.

You know that moment you realised Lady Gaga was named after a Queen song? MEEK is kind of the musical and stylistic culmination of that connecting glue, the secret chemical equation that bonds them. She is walking class war, musical defiance and the return of glam rock at its most instantly and commercially appealing. She’s dancing on the gay bar bar-top with a sparkler fizzing in your cocktail.

Patriarchy is the Los Angeles industrial pop duo of Actually Huizenga and AJ English, exploring sex, power, subversion, and death where desire and fear collide. Known for chaotic, boundary-pushing live performances that dissolve the line between performer and audience, the band fuses infectious electronic pulse with industrial metal, distorted synths, and spoken-word intensity.

Gonza from planeta no is amazin musician, and play, dance for fun us. He currently lives in Mexico City, premiering new music in collaboration with friends he's made throughout his career and during his time in Mexico. It's an incredible show full of color, dance, and lots of rhythm.

Rosegarden Funeral Party has made a strong mark on the international post punk and goth scene since the release of their debut EP The Chopping Block in 2018. Since then, the band has released the EP At the Stake in 2020 and three full length albums: Martyr in 2019, In the Wake of Fire in 2021, and From the Ashes in 2024. Their work has earned critical acclaim from outlets including Post Punk, LA Weekly, SF Sonic, and the Dallas Observer.

Zamaera is a Malaysian rapper, singer-songwriter, and storyteller known for her fearless, genre-defying sound and commanding live performances. Blending sharp lyricism with experimental production, she has carved a distinct space for herself in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Hailing from the vibrant streets of New Orleans, BJ SO COLE embodies the essence of the city's rich musical tapestry. Growing up in the heart of this cultural melting pot, they were immersed in the infectious rhythms and beats that define New Orleans bounce music. Musical Journey: BJ SO COLE began his musical journey at a young age, inspired by the pioneers of bounce music like DJ Jubilee, Big Freedia, and Katey Red. Their early performances in local clubs and block parties quickly garnered attention, earning them a reputation for their high-energy shows and dynamic stage presence.BJ So Cole’s music is a fusion of traditional New Orleans bounce with contemporary elements, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and innovative. Known for their rapid-fire call-and-response lyrics and infectious hooks, BJ So Cole has a unique ability to get any crowd moving.Achievements:• Released debut single "PUMP IT UP" which quickly became a State wide hit.• Performed at major festivals including French Quarter Fest, Big Night New Orleans, Pride Fest Nola• Garnered a significant following on social media platforms: Tik Tok, Instagram, with viral hits and popular dance challenges.

2charm☆ blends indie house heaven pop techno dubstep baile to make magic ☆Sticky and playful vocal hooks abound, pairing beatific production with beautiful vocal melodies, delivering something that’s equal parts ecstasy and transcendence. 2charm’s music could be likened to the sparkle that bounces off sheened cheeks under dingy club lights, in the same way the Balearic sea shines in July ☆

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.

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.”

Pretty Jane is a Detroit-born, Nashville-based indie rock/pop trio comprised of Trevor Dalrymple (vocals), Luca DiVergilio (bass), and Ethan Strain (lead guitar), who met after dating the same set of twins. They are known for their intimate and energetic music, which has garnered them over ten million streams and a large online following. Their sound is often described as a blend of alternative and indie with pop appeal, creating music that explores themes of intimacy, connection, and the complexities of relationships earning them the moniker 'music that feels like kissing your friends'.

OnlyHeaven is a New Orleans–influenced bounce and hip-hop artist known for her high-energy performances, confident delivery, and authentic Southern sound. Blending traditional bounce rhythms with modern rap and R&B influences, she brings a fresh perspective to a legacy genre while connecting with a new generation of fans.

EyeQ is an inspirational force of nature who consistently enraptures audiences across the US and internationally with his passionate live performances and powerful lyrics. Merging his wide assortment of musical influences and loves of VGM, anime, jazz, lo fi, love and life into one powerhouse performance, EyeQ has developed his own national reputation as an esteemed hip hop artist, winning awards and dominating main stages and after parties for some of the most important pop culture conventions in the United States.

Vickeelo is a New Orleans–born and raised artist bringing the raw, high-energy pulse of Bounce and Southern hip-hop to today’s sound. Known for commanding performances and unapologetic delivery, she channels NOLA culture, cadence, and confidence into every record and live show.She first turned heads with the gritty club anthem “Sit On Dat,” followed by fan favorites like “Break Up 2 Make Up.”Her reach expanded globally with “Ride or Die,” a collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion featured on the Queen & Slim soundtrack.Most recently, Vickeelo has gained viral momentum with high-energy Bounce records “Imma Shaker” and “Doo Whop,” fueling dance challenges, packed live crowds, and online moments that showcase her ability to move both the internet and the room.Blending hard-knocking beats, infectious hooks, and bold lyricism, her music reflects themes of hustle, independence, love, and empowerment. With a reputation for electrifying, crowd-driven performances, Vickeelo continues to push Bounce culture forward while carving out her own unmistakable lane.

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.

Agent 007" and his rotating cast of DJ partners spin 45rpm vinyl artifacts they've scavenged from primitive teen tribes the world over for appreciative crowds from Austin to L.A. From house parties to private clubs to dive bars, they love to put audiences on to the deep cut delights of such dance floor-filling genres as junkshop glam, garage rock, surf punk instro's, maximum R&B, 70's bubblegum novelties, fuzzed-out 60's country, greasy rockabilly, delinquent girl groups, spy flick Euro-sleaze, biker proto-metal knuckledraggers, Paisley Underground psych pop, slow grind popcorn noir and atomic cocktail ultra-lounge a go go!

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.

A reflection of the industrial grime and perpetual sunny glow of Los Angeles, Casket Cassette (Constant Williams) blends euphoria and melancholy in an expression of existential perseverance. Casket Cassette's depressingly danceable music takes a contemporary spin on the dark sounds of the 1980s Post-Punk and Darkwave movements, drawing further influence from New Wave, EBM, Synthpop and Indie/ Alternative to achieve this duality.

Dual Core is an international hip hop duo. They hack computers, and make rap music about it.

The Gringos are an indie rock band building a real-world scene.Born from house shows, late-night living room sessions, and college basements, their sound blends raw indie rock energy with melodic songwriting and a loose, lived-in Southern warmth. Their music feels like something you stumbled into — loud enough to feel alive, honest enough to feel personal.

Oscar and Eunice, a music electronic pop mexican duo.

DJ Hollygrove is a nationally recognized DJ, producer, and cultural curator known for bridging Southern hip-hop, HBCU band culture, and the chopped-and-screwed legacy. He serves as Vice President of Core DJs Worldwide and President of The Chopstars, helping preserve and evolve the sound pioneered in Houston while expanding it to new markets.

America turns 250 next year, but the original American Dream is broken and outdated. If Singapore can build for efficiency and Copenhagen for equity, what would an American city of the future look like? Civic Innovator founder Andreas Addison invites attendees into a real-time design challenge to reimagine the American Dream for the next 250 years. Grounded in personal story, Brookings research, and proven civic wins from working in City Hall to serving on City Council, this talk introduces a 7-step Civic Innovation process to help cities design for impact with new systems that work for us.

Great design is often treated as an expense rather than an investment because we lack concrete methods to measure its business impact. Drawing from proven data valuation methodologies, we'll introduce a practical three-component framework that translates design improvements into measurable business outcomes. We will reference real-world case studies and demonstrate how design decisions directly influence Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV) and Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), walking through an example showing how a typical e-commerce checkout redesign can generate exponential ROI.

The fastest way to create community isn’t networking.It’s shared humanity.

As cities compete for attention, the intersection of technology and culture is opening new doors for tourism. This session explores how wearable tech and cultural storytelling can turn a single tap into a gateway for travel. Using Milwaukee as a scalable blueprint, learn how digital engagement, creative partnerships, and smart design can transform a sneaker into a tourism engine — sparking cultural moments, measurable impact, and deeper discovery.

How do you create analog products that resonate in an increasingly digital world? As interest in tactile, sensory experiences grows, designers are rethinking how physical objects engage us—through touch, sound, even scent. From the feel of materials to the rhythm of use, these sensory cues shape how we connect with the tools around us. In this fireside chat, leaders in analog design explore why slowing down matters, what it takes to craft products that invite presence, and how intentionally designed objects can offer a counterbalance to digital speed.

As federal authoritarianism threatens civil rights, immigration, and economic justice, cities are stepping up to defend democracy. Join District 2 Austin City Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes, at-Large Philadelphia City Councilmember Kendra Brooks, and District 1 Los Angeles City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez as they share diverse, frontline perspectives in this conversation moderated by Francesca Menes, Managing Director of the Membership & Organizing Team at Local Progress. If democracy survives this moment, it will be because cities held the line.

In this two-hour session, we will crack open some of the legal mysteries of film production. How do you clear content for use in your film? Do you need an LLC? How do you structure financial relationships? The presentation will be in human-readable English (i.e., not too much legal jargon) and provide you with a basic legal foundation before you embark on your next film project. The first 90 minutes of the workshop will be dedicated to answering key production questions, and the remainder of the workshop will be open to a discussion and a Q&A.

Artificial intelligence is no longer theoretical. Across the country, governments are moving from conversations about AI governance to real-world deployment — modernizing services, strengthening cybersecurity, improving legislative analysis, and rethinking how the public sector operates. But implementation is where the real work begins.

Your reputation is your career capital. In this hands-on workshop, Alana O’Grady Lauk, a VP of Communications, and Katy Boos, a top thought leadership strategist, will guide you through why your personal brand matters, how to build it with confidence, and what visibility can unlock. You'll learn how to show up online and in real life in ways that feel authentic and sustainable. Expect real examples, actionable tools, and small group exercises designed to help you clarify your message, identify your platforms and target audiences, grow your presence, and speak with purpose.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist John Paul DeJoria joins SXSW to discuss his soon-to-be-released memoir, Success Unshared is Failure – telling the story of his journey from twice experiencing homelessness to co-founding billion-dollar brands like John Paul Mitchell and Patrón Spirits. The book’s title is his personal motto and reflects his life’s mission to invest in people, animals, and the plant through his JP’s Peace Love and Happiness Foundation. DeJoria is celebrating the 15th anniversary of his foundation this year, and has long committed himself to supporting resources which uplift Austin residents, including food, housing opportunity, and support services; infrastructure projects like Patriots' Hall of Dripping Springs and the renovation of the historic Paramount Theater; as well as arts programming like the Austin and ConnectHER film festivals. This conversation will be moderated by Alan Graham, founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes in Austin, a long-time partner of JP’s Peace Love & Happiness Foundation. Together, they will discuss some of the stories DeJoria shares in Success Unshared is Failure, including starting JPMS with just a $700 loan, knocking on doors as an encyclopedia salesman, riding motorcycles with the Hells Angels, navigating international conflicts, and so much more.

Are antidepressants really that hard to stop? Do the benefits outweigh the risks? Scientists can’t seem to agree on a definitive answer. And yet, Dr. Mark Horowitz has some 20,000 emails in his inbox from Americans who feel trapped on their meds. With insights from his clinical research at University College London, and his own harrowing journey tapering off antidepressants, Dr. Horowitz, the world leading expert in the science of safely stopping psychiatric meds, exposes the uncomfortable truths behind one of today’s most controversial topics in mental health.

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

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

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

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

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Entrepreneurship, Product Management/Development.

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

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

The international music business is far larger and more lucrative than many expect – just look at the broad worldwide impact of LATAM artists like Bad Bunny and K-Pop groups like BTS. The question is, how does an artist from these regions and beyond achieve this kind of success? The answer lies with music distributors, marketers, and data analysts, who have the tools to break talented artists both in their home countries and around the world. In this panel, experts will explain which resources and team members artists should bring onboard to generate international interest, and when.

An exploration of recent federal policy and U.S. Copyright Office activity addressing the growing number of Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) in the United States and the implications for the live music ecosystem. We will discuss how the current licensing structures and royalty distribution practices impact creators and live music licensees. The conversation will also examine opportunities for collaboration among PROs, creators, and licensees to improve licensing policy, increase transparency, and ensure a more efficient and equitable framework for licensing live performances.

At a moment when many companies are scaling back their social impact commitments, this session will look at the rise of the 100% for Purpose model and a growing movement of companies committing 100% of their profits to good causes. Featuring business leaders and founders who have put purpose at the center of their mission, this panel will explore what it takes to successfully build a brand that exists to give, how generosity and business growth can work hand in hand, and what it would take for more companies to join the movement.

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.

Why do we watch sports? Because we see ourselves in the players.

Responsible AI isn’t a buzzword—it’s a daily practice that drives the appropriate level of trust, mitigates risk, and powers better business outcomes. But what does it look like in product and design? It’s a practical, human-centered approach to designing AI systems that are safe, equitable, and effective. In this session, RAI leaders from Microsoft, SAP, Adobe, and JPMorgan Chase share real tools, UX strategies, and lessons from the trenches. Gain an understanding of RAI - and walk away with actionable best practices to apply now, whether you're leading solo or scaling across an enterprise.

Most teams need video but don’t have time to wade through tutorials or waste money on the wrong tools. This interactive, hands-on workshop shows you how to create high-credibility video using what you already have. Bring your phone (and any gear you like). We’ll cover light, sound, composition, and story, plus which tools are worth it and where AI helps. We’ll also review editing platforms (hint: one popular option grants broad rights to your content once uploaded—even if you never publish it).

In a world where travel is unpredictable, housing is uncertain, and consumers are pulling back, how do brands that serve high-consideration decisions earn trust and love? This panel features leaders from Vrbo, Southwest Airlines, and Realtor.com — three brands navigating economic volatility, shifting expectations, and technological change while staying emotionally resonant. We'll explore how tech platforms build human connection, why emotional loyalty matters more than ever, and how creative strategies can evolve to meet the moment.

Before climate tech can change the world, it needs to attract customers. So why do so many climate companies look like they’re trying to blend into the background?  This highly visual show-and-tell session is about the power of expressive design to drive growth. Join industry leaders who’ve built category-defining brands as they dive into climate design visual clichés and discuss standout brands using design to drive growth. They’ll also reveal the design choices in their work that made customers pay attention and what they learned building brands people want.

The marketing landscape is in chaos. As attention spans contract, audiences retreat to private digital spaces and ad costs rise, traditional playbooks are becoming obsolete. Sara Wilson identified this shift in 2020, coining “digital campfires” in Harvard Business Review to describe Gen Z’s move toward intimate communities. In this talk, she shares her community-powered marketing framework—shaped by years at Instagram and advising Fortune 500s—showing how prioritizing relevance over reach by tapping into organic communities drives attention, loyalty, and ROI.

AI is changing how we work. But the people skills that help teams thrive, like communication, time management, and adaptability, are here to stay and more crucial than ever (92% of companies say soft skills matter as much or more than hard skills). Learn what makes human skills like feedback, prioritization, and resilience durable in an AI-powered workplace as well as practical ways to grow these essential capabilities into scalable habits, starting with small behaviors that create a big impact.

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.

Follow Wilson as she redefines the modern country star, proving that staying true to yourself can lead to major success. The film explores her personal journey, struggles, and triumphs as she captivates fans on stages across the country.

Nick (Jai Courtney), affable heir to a wealthy rural landowner, discovers his fiancée, Kori (Emily Browning), is cheating on him and wants nothing more than to just fix the problem. One night, he captures a rogue Fox (Olivia Colman), and she offers him a trade-off: if Nick lets her live, the Fox will help him save his relationship. All he has to do is push Kori into a magic hole with the power to change her into the perfect partner. Nick follows the Fox’s advice and the Kori who re-emerges seems to be everything he ever wanted. Until her strange new quirks make him question his decision.

"They Will Kill You" unleashes a blood-soaked, high-octane horror-action-comedy in which a young woman must survive the night at the Virgil, a demonic cult's mysterious and twisted death-trap of a lair, before becoming their next offering in a uniquely brazen, big screen battle of epic kills and wickedly dark humor.

An offbeat comedy about friendship, purpose, and trying to grow something real in a city built to keep people apart. Cory is a lonely, doomscrolling thirty-something whose most consistent relationship is with his Instagram algorithm. His apartment? An emotionally vacant, sterile, void. His fridge? Mostly Celsius. And his idea of connection is dodging calls from the one person who still tries: Fox, a soft-hearted, ex-con with terrible advice rooted in institutional paranoia and his love of films. Everything shifts when Cory has a run-in, literally, with Plantman, a rogue horticultural crusader armed with a mysterious dossier of negligent plant owners.

Sixty years & a million records ago, Robert Christgau invented Rock music criticism. Anyone who has ever read or written a Pop music review has been influenced by Christgau, who canonized legends from The Ramones to Public Enemy & infuriated icons from Lou Reed to Billy Joel. Now in his eighties, Bob is still at it—amazingly with the same vigor, wit, concision and craft that has defined his expansive career. But in a world where albums are irrelevant, where print is dead & where algorithms have eclipsed critics we are forced to ask: What happens next—for Bob, but also for all music criticism? Is this the end of something? Is Robert Christgau the last critic?

Typography is shifting fast — shaped by AI tools, new aesthetics, and a global wave of independent designers. In this session, two leading trendspotters unpack seven emerging type trends poised to reshape branding, culture and creative work. Expect a rapid tour of what’s next, why it matters, and how to stay ahead. Drawing on Goodtype’s studio practice (including Kernference and the Typecast podcast) and curatorial research from international graphic design exhibition Hundred Points, this talk distills key patterns shaping visual communication; and what they reveal about the future of design.

UNLEASH YOUR INNER AUTHOR! Stop dreaming and start dominating the literary world! Join the one and only #KillerPitchMaster Precious Williams for an electrifying deep dive into ALL THINGS AUTHOR. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just tapping out your first chapter, Precious is peeling back the curtain on the secrets to success: Pitch Like a Pro: Talk shop about contracts, marketing strategies, and killer pitches that get your book published—traditionally or self-published. Conquer the Page: Defeat writer’s block, harness inspiration, and learn the best way to leverage emerging technologies to elevate your craft. Your Genre, Your Rules: Get insights on dominating everything from non-fiction to the latest hot genre, long-form novels, and short stories. Connect with authors at every stage, share your journey, and learn how to celebrate every milestone. This is more than a talk; it's your launchpad to literary greatness!

What if we didn't just search for alien life—but built it? Drawing from Proxima Kósmos, a research project exploring how life and intelligence might emerge under radically different conditions, this session examines the intersection of scientific experimentation and design. Claire Webb and designer Shane Griffin present Xenoterra—a modeled world inspired by evolutionary robotics and AI—that reimagines how we define life itself.

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.

Designers make screens/flows for stakeholders to review, for users to test, and for many teams to adjust until everything matches the brand. But as AI acts on human intent directly, we’ll be designing for agents. Not users. Grounded in research, this talk explores the shift to Agentic Experience (AX), moving from crafting interfaces to orchestrating outcomes with zero visual affordances. Early-career designers will snap to this new reality, late-stage folks get to skip it, but mid-career Product people have the most to lose and need to redesign themselves for the AX era.

What does dignity feel like in health experiences and outcomes? Why does it matter now more than ever? We’ll explore the role of dignity as a transformative force and unpack its emerging as a vital indicator of health quality, trust and connection. Dignity is reflected in how we’re treated, heard and how care is delivered. When it’s missing, the consequences are profound. As we evolve and reimagine the healthcare ecosystem so that it works better for everyone, health dignity offers a powerful lens that reveals opportunities to improve how help make health innovation real for more people.

As authoritarian regimes globally expand digital control through AI-powered surveillance, censorship algorithms, and language policing, free expression faces coordinated attacks. These systems now share tools of repression across borders. In response, youth resist in whispers—through creativity and digital dexterity, they craft encrypted defiance. This panel explores how coded memes, slang, guerrilla art, and diaspora networks fuel encrypted defiance, reshaping protest through cracks in the digital firewall—online and on the ground.This session is organized by the Human Rights Foundation.

This session explores psychedelic science and federal Right to Try (RTT) law, which allows patients with life-threatening conditions to access investigational treatments outside of clinical trials. Featuring experts who helped pass historic psychedelic research legislation in Texas and Arizona, the panel will examine the scientific, legal, and ethical considerations of making these powerful but under-researched compounds accessible under RTT. Discussion will cover the current state of psychedelic research, pathways to FDA authorization, and how to qualify for compassionate use of psychedelics.

The most successful brands and leaders tell stories that move people deeply, spur connection and create community. Cheryl Miller Houser provides a powerful storytelling framework that achieves this by tapping into universally shared human emotions to foster understanding and belonging. Participants leave with actionable tactics they can apply across all platforms to build strong brands, shape culture, ignite loyalty, drive growth and mobilize positive change.

An ancient African medicine, Iboga, contains the most powerful psychedelic on the planet - ibogaine. Known for decades in the underground of the West as a profound interrupter of drug addiction, U.S. military veterans have been fleeing to Mexico to access ibogaine treatment in a desperate struggle to save themselves from the physical, psychological, and spiritual ravages of war. Recent medical discoveries related to ibogaine’s impact on the brain suggest that it may also be the most sophisticated molecule on the planet, holding revolutionary potential to transform the lives of millions across the world whose debilities are not responsive to synthetic pharmacology. The pursuit of ibogaine’s medicalization within the United States is a daunting mission uniting diverse communities with common afflictions against institutional obstacles which expose and illuminate the dysfunctions of power over people as well as the monumental opportunity we now have for people to prevail over power.

Personalized health and longevity are no longer niche topics—they’re becoming cultural priorities that will define the future of medicine, wellness, and human potential. This panel brings together leading female voices in integrative medicine, nutrition, longevity, and lifestyle optimization to explore how cutting-edge science and holistic approaches are reshaping the way we think about aging and long-term vitality. From cellular function to optimizing hormones, nutrition, brain performance, and exercise routines, these experts will share what’s next in the rapidly evolving field of longevity—and why women are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation.

Football is a cultural institution in America – it’s even taken over its own day of the week. But at the same time, its newest form, flag football, is still in its early stages. With the sport’s forthcoming debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, flag football is at an inflection point, scaling from community and high school leagues to the world’s biggest sporting stage. In many ways, flag football is operating like a startup inside one of the world’s biggest legacy organizations. It has the agility, accessibility and grassroots appeal of a disruptive product, while also having the NFL’s platform and resources to help it scale. This session will explore how the sport is growing internationally, why it resonates with the next generation of athletes, and what lessons innovators can take off the field by learning about what it takes to create the next Olympic sport.

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

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

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Producers/Production, Publicity & Marketing, Funding/Artist Support.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Funding/Artist Support.

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

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Funding/Artist Support, Producers/Production, Screenwriting.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Funding/Artist Support.

The Gaming Content Creator Meet Up is a place for gaming creators of all kinds (long form, short form, streaming, reviews, news, let's play, etc) to come together and hang out at SXSW. Join us to meet gaming creators and others working in the gaming industry in Texas and those who have traveled in from across the country and internationally. Anyone who creates or works in content related to gaming broadly should attend! Video games, table top gaming, board games, retro gaming, gaming hardware, gaming UGC platforms, game devs creating content for their own projects, etc.

LinkedIn is where your reputation takes shape in public. In this session, Don F. McLean reads from The In Crowd for LinkedIn Mastery (#1 in its category on Amazon in its first week!) and shares how professionals can build a presence that opens doors. Attendees will learn how to communicate clearly, show up with consistency, and turn visibility into meaningful opportunity. This talk challenges outdated habits and introduces a sharper, more strategic way to use LinkedIn for growth.

In this talk, the Chief Brand Officer of ServiceNow offers three rules that B2B marketers can use to build a great brand, based on his B2C experiences. He will share tactics he is using to connect his brand with audiences and show up in unconventional places – Tribeca Film Fest, Aston Martin Aramco F1 cars, ads starring acclaimed actor Idris Elba – and how you can apply the lessons he’s learned to your own company, regardless of your budget. Discover why sounding like a human, personalizing your pitch, and using AI to fuel (not replace) your creativity are the keys to winning the brand wars.

Everyone's talking about AI agents, but what actually happens when companies deploy them to do real work? This live recording of the "Making a Mind" podcast explores the gap between how we think agentic AI should work and how it actually behaves in the wild. Cognitive scientist and podcast host Dr. Danielle Perszyk sits down with Michael Giannangeli, head of product, agentic AI for Amazon Nova, plus industry voices from Amanda Doerr, vice president of core shopping at Amazon and more who've recently launched agents into production. Together, they'll dissect real implementation stories—the successes, the surprises, and the moments where human expectations collided with AI reality. We'll explore the fundamental questions emerging as AI agents become collaborators: Where do humans want control versus autonomy? How do we build trust with systems whose reasoning we can't see? And how does cognitive science research translate into product decisions—from tool-calling architecture to the design choices that determine when agents act independently versus ask for help? This isn't a demo. It's an honest conversation about what we're learning as agentic AI moves from theory to practice—and what it reveals about both artificial and human intelligence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Education, Management.

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

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Content Strategy/Production, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Ethics, Journalism, Nonprofits, Storytelling.

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

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.

In the last two years, Austin, TX, has implemented some of the most ambitious land use reforms in the country, unlocking new possibilities in one of the nation’s fastest-growing and most expensive housing markets. But the real story isn’t just about zoning changes—it’s about the unlikely coalition that made them possible. We will take you behind the scenes of Austin’s housing transformation, sharing how to piece together technical expertise, grassroots activism, and strategic positioning to drive major policy wins.

In 2025, music campaigns live or die by fan connection, yet most artists don’t own their audience. Virgin Music Group’s Alice Young unpacks why taking control is more crucial than ever. From privacy-compliant data to personalized fan journeys, learn how to build long-term relationships beyond algorithms. Whether launching your first single or scaling globally, you’ll gain real tactics, tools, and creative strategies to turn passive followers into active superfans.

When Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) during a gig, the two bond over music and a late-night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into the hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves - even if it means risking everything he cares about. From writer-director John Carney (Sing Street, Once), POWER BALLAD is a feel-good story about music, self-respect, friendship, and the price of ambition. Lionsgate presents, in association with 30WEST + Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland, a Likely Story / Distressed Films production, in association with Treasure Entertainment.

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.

Across the country, platforms like Meta and the NYC MTA are blocking ads and posts that mention vaginal health, fertility or menopause— censoring essential medical terms and allowing misinformation to spread. In this panel, brand leaders and marketers will explore how censorship is shaping the way women’s health is discussed— or not discussed— in public spaces, and how companies are navigating censorship challenges. It will examine why naming matters and how bold, stigma-breaking messaging can educate, empower, and shift the narrative.

Serious products don't have to be seriously boring. In fact, a little play might be the power-up your product needs. This talk explores how proven game mechanics like feedback loops, progression systems, and "juice" can supercharge your product's design, making it intuitive and addictive (in a good way!). Drawing from indie game dev, client work with major brands, and 40+ game jams, I'll show you how thinking like a game designer creates playful, emotionally resonant experiences. Learn to make your products more rewarding, alive, and user-loved. When in doubt, add more "juice"!

Every brand has a scent, whether designed or not. Now, brand leaders can control it. This panel explores the frontier of scent branding and the new AI-powered technology that enables it. With the development of olfactory intelligence (OI), brands can harness our most powerful sense, capturing consumers’ memories and influencing their associations. Hear from Generation by Osmo’s Founder and Master Perfumer on how OI has made fragrance accessible for brands and creators of all sizes, and from brand leaders harnessing its power to develop signature scents, including the Museum of Pop Culture.

Even after the first U.S. federal streaming fraud lawsuit in 2024, fraud and anomalous behavior remain major challenges. This panel explores recent developments, how AI is shaping both the problem and the solution, and who’s most impacted. We’ll share personal anecdotes, current case studies, and a ground-level view of how streaming fraud has evolved. We’ll also discuss what’s being done now (besides yelling into the void or shaking our fists at bots)

Corporations are weaponizing your personal data to inflate prices, suppress wages, and undermine transparency and basic fairness. This panel will expose how a convergence of corporate power and new technology has created a dizzying array of deceptive pricing practices. From surveillance pricing on airfares to algorithmic price fixing by landlords, companies are leveraging troves of consumer data to rip off customers. Our panelists will share how they have successfully defeated some of these nefarious practices and what policymakers, regulators, and consumers can do to fight back.

Remember when every brand promised to do better? In 2020, diversity and inclusion roles were created overnight, corporate pledges made, and equity became a buzzword. Fast forward to now, when those diversity offices and leadership budgets are vanishing, and DEI programs face contact attacks. Where does that leave leaders-especially Black women-who were once vaunted as symbols of progress? Expect data, sharp insights, and real stories as we unpack what it takes to create systems where Black women's leadership can thrive even when equity isn't trending.

AI’s real power won’t be unlocked inside the hospital walls. Its transformative potential lies in the continuous, context-rich, patient-generated data that never sets foot in a hospital—data from daily life, daily behaviors, and daily decisions. When care moves into the home—when conditions are monitored passively, when early warning signs are detected days before symptoms surface, and when interventions can be nudged in real time—AI stops being a convenience tool. It becomes a true clinical force multiplier.

Greg Nudelman will be signing copies of “UX for AI: A Framework for Designing AI-Driven Products” at the SXSW Bookstore.

Mallory, plagued by fears of being unremarkable, joins her playwright boyfriend Sam on a retreat to coastal Maine. When she learns he once brought his glamorous ex, Louise, there, she’s struck with an obsessive curiosity about his past. As her jealousy takes hold, Mallory becomes convinced she’s being haunted by the ghost of Louise herself... Pulled into a journey that slips between past and present, rivalry and affection, melancholy and creativity, Mallory drifts further from her old life and toward something essential. "Mallory’s Ghost" is a psychological and playful exploration of envy, and the strange path it can lead back to the Self.

After falling in love with Vietnamese cuisine during a life-changing trip abroad, Jerald—a self-taught chef from small-town Texas—arrives in New York City with one goal: to open his own restaurant. Juggling odd jobs and secretly perfecting recipes in a basement kitchen, he’s running out of time and money. When he meets Nhung, a sharp-witted Vietnamese waitress, their unlikely alliance sparks a bold culinary journey. From improvised street hustles to a hidden speakeasy, they fight to turn Jerald’s dream into reality. A story of passion, resilience, and unexpected friendship in the heart of the city.

In A Cowboy in London, filmmaker Jared Christopher captures a rare portrait of Charley Crockett on the verge of global stardom. Shot in the verite tradition, the film follows Crockett during a whirlwind week in London: 3 sold-out solo shows at historic Hoxton Hall, candid tv, radio & newspaper interviews, tourist wanderings, and intimate moments with fiancee Taylor Grace, whose camcorder diary intertwines with professional footage. Between forgotten lyrics and celebrity cameos, Crockett confronts the state of America, Ai in music, and the music industry itself, revealing a vulnerable, defiant artist unafraid to speak truth while chasing greatness.

A brave girl and her friends must escape a kids television show.

WORLDWIDE AND BONAFIDE SINCE 1998! The mind melting genius sounds of "Thunderosa" refers to a high-octane Texas rock 'n' roll band known for their "mind-melting" blend of stoner rock, Apocalyptic blues, and Speed boogie. "A low down & dirty outfit." (JM)

Don F. McLean will be signing copies of “The In Crowd for LinkedIn Mastery” at the SXSW Bookstore.

Explore how the traditional career path (maybe even yours soon) can be replaced by multi-stream careers that combine financial independence with impact. Join us to learn how you can build a career that offers true flexibility - of place, time, and choice - by thinking like a remote entrepreneur, even if you aren’t one yet. Designing a lean, sustainable portfolio with minimal overhead can help you turn your true passions and causes into scalable income streams, one venture at a time.

Fandom has become one of the last true engines of belonging, meaning, and participation as shared institutions fade and identity moves online. This report, from SOON Future Studies and SoHo Experiential, explores how fandom evolved from subculture to cultural infrastructure and why it now carries the emotional weight of legacy systems. We outline what this shift means for brands and how fandom has become not just what people love but where they choose to live.

Austin has long been known as the Live Music Capital of the World, but in 2026, sustaining a creative city requires more than venues and festivals. It demands investment, inclusive policy, and leaders committed to giving back to the cultural ecosystems that shaped them, and what has made Austin uniquely itself.

Gaming is one of the largest forms of entertainment in the world & the creator economy within it is rapidly expanding. A process that once prioritized creators with the largest audiences & revenue streams has since evolved to working with a range of creators, targeting those with the most engaged audiences. As the industries continue to grow & scale each year, recruiting, managing, measuring & tracking hundreds of creators can feel impossible, but it doesn’t have to. This panel explores how brands & developers are building smart systems that fuel high-performing evergreen creator programs.

AI safety won’t be solved with better guardrails. The real question is what we train AI to optimize for. Anastasia Uglova, founder of Better Half and the technologist behind “agentic tech,” argues that today’s systems reward engagement and dependency – especially in the relational domain. What if we designed AI for agency and human thriving instead? This talk explores why relationships are AI’s highest-risk and highest-potential frontier and how a new design philosophy could unlock entirely new forms of social technology.

Back by popular demand, this SXSW meetup reunites the data-obsessed and innovation-hungry. In a digital landscape that shifts daily, "analytics" is no longer just about reporting on what happened yesterday—it’s about architecting what happens tomorrow. As the gap between raw data and creative innovation narrows, the role of the analyst is evolving from observer to navigator. Whether you’re a digital analyst, a data scientist or a CMO, join us to move beyond standard KPIs and discuss advanced analytics in product innovation. Come swap war stories, debate ethics, and explore how data democratization is changing the creative process.

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

Every interaction tells your brand’s story. As marketing guru Seth Godin reminds us, “Every interaction, in any form, is branding.” This workshop explores how every facet of your brand, from your website to a digital campaign or even an internal memo, creates a lasting impression. Join us as we break down universal principles of elevated design, brand consistency, and intuitive user experience, drawing on real-world examples. This session blends inspiration with hands-on practice, equipping you with actionable methods for strengthening brand cohesion across every touchpoint you influence.

This is for designers, strategists, technologists, and creative misfits from around the world who refuse to let automation flatten our craft. We’ve designed a dynamic format: a built to spark real connection, fast idea exchange, and collective learning from every person in the room. Whether you want to reshape your creative code, challenge the algorithm, or just find your global crew this is your table.

Join Carl Pei for a wide-ranging conversation about where the tech industry is heading in 2026 - and why Nothing is on a mission to make tech for the next generation. In this session, Carl will reflect on how the consumer tech industry became closed and predictable, and why the next era will require a different mindset. He will share his perspective on some of the biggest shifts facing the industry, including the rise of AI-native hardware, and how AI is becoming a core part of the product experience. The conversation will also touch on Nothing’s own next chapter - from its continued push into audio to the brand’s growing physical footprint with new store openings planned across New York City, Tokyo, London, and India this year. Join Carl for a conversation about rebuilding belief in consumer technology, not by constant product launches, but thoughtful design, cultural relevance and products that people genuinely want to live with.

Modern CMOs have cracked the code: AI doesn't kill authenticity—it supercharges it. In this session, several CMOs skip the hype to share what actually works. They've turned algorithms into empathy and data into deeper human connections. No fluff, no buzzwords—just the real wins, messy learnings, and breakthrough moments that separate leaders from followers. These aren't your typical "AI will save us all" stories. They're practical insights on building marketing that genuinely serves people, not just metrics.

Traditional corporate innovation keeps ideas locked away until launch, but GE Appliances innovation arm, FirstBuild, has flipped the script—inviting passionate enthusiasts to co-create products from day one. The result is a 93% failure rate that just so happens to drive million-dollar successes like the Opal Nugget Ice Maker, which raised $2.7 million in crowdfunding after the community helped shape its development. This session will explore how major corporations can harness the power of co-creation, where rough transparency builds more trust than polished presentations, and where your best product ideas might come from a Reddit user with a 3D printer. Learn how FirstBuild proves that building in public, failing fast, and letting communities vote with their wallets creates better products than closed-door development—and why the future of innovation looks less like a pipeline and more like a playground.

“Inspiration is for amateurs. I’m a professional artist: I wake up every day and go to work.”

As technology has evolved—from mass media to digital to social—brands have developed new abilities to interact with humans. The real transformation that brands undergo with AI won't be just about efficiency, but rather about showing up in the world in new ways that are adaptive, contextually aware, and authentic. Through recent case studies from Google, we'll explore how brands are embedding human creativity into AI systems to enable entirely new forms of human-brand interaction—and why this shift demands a fundamentally different approach to creativity.

What if your breathing patterns could warn you that you are getting sick days before you have noticeable respiratory illness symptoms? The answer lies in sleep audio analysis powered by AI. This session explores how new advances can help us detect patterns far before our bodies notice. Sound is passive, honest, and scalable, and with AI trained on 3B nights of data, it can turn every bedroom into a node in an early-warning health network. AI has the power to turn sleep audio into a new public health infrastructure: one that listens, learns, and helps us act before symptoms even appear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Live Events, Audio/Production (Recording/Mixing/Mastering), Touring.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Audio/Production (Recording/Mixing/Mastering), Music Tech.

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

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

As digital immediacy accelerates creative output and reshapes our ideas of design quality, questions of intention and integrity are more urgent than ever. This session examines how print media—with its deliberate design and intentional editorial standards—offers a model for clearer communication and higher-quality work. We’ll explore how analog formats encourage depth, accountability, and thoughtful creativity in an era obsessed with speed.

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

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

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

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

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

In the wake of a steep rise in anti-trans legislation and hostile rhetoric, how can we protect our communities and fight for a better future? Join leading trans advocates as they report from the frontlines—a teacher navigating classroom censorship, a lawyer challenging discriminatory laws, and an organizer educating the public while building community. Moderated by a long-time legislative staffer, this panel will explore what it takes to fight from the inside and survey the political realities in Texas. How is anti-trans legislation reshaping the lives of trans folks and the broader community? What does the path to equality look like, and what can we do to move in that direction? Get the facts and leave with actionable steps.

We’re entering an era where AI doesn’t just answer questions—it takes action. From calendar scheduling to full-stack coding, agentic systems are gaining autonomy, unlocking powerful capabilities and introducing novel risks. How do we secure systems that can act on our behalf? Who’s accountable when they fail? In this presentation, Dhamani and Engler, co-authors of the bestselling book Introduction to Generative AI, explore the future of safety, security, and human oversight in a world where AI systems don’t just assist us—they act for us.

As AI reshapes how we think, feel, and decide, this workshop explores how marketers, researchers, and creators can design more human-centered AI systems. Blending neuroscience, behavioral science, and real-world case studies, we’ll unpack the psychology behind trust, emotion, and collaboration in AI. Participants will leave with a framework for building AI that enhances—not replaces—human insight, helping teams navigate this new era with curiosity, empathy, and practical wisdom.

From Doom and Age of Empires to Words With Friends and Metroid Prime, Texas has produced some of the most iconic games in the world. Home to the 3rd largest video game industry in the U.S., Texas is a powerhouse of talent — and with expanded state support, including cash grants, there’s never been a better time to work in TX-made games.Join fellow game makers and fans to explore how we can continue to grow and strengthen our industry together. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, this meet-up is your chance to network, share ideas, and celebrate everything made in Texas

Bolt.new went from $0 to $40M ARR in five months after launching on Claude 3.5 Sonnet — making it the fastest-growing customer in Anthropic's history. In this fireside chat, Bolt.new's CEO and CTO join Anthropic's Head of Applied AI to explore how AI is reshaping software development. They'll discuss the rise of "vibe coding," whether learning to code still matters, how the developer role is evolving from implementer to architect, and what's next as enterprise adoption accelerates. Expect candid takes on AI hype, scaling laws, technical debt, and what transformative AI actually looks like in production.

Nurses are the canary in the coal mine of our healthcare system, witnessing firsthand how AI, predictive analytics, and corporate data systems reshape patient care. As powerful tech firms like Palantir move into healthcare, access to sensitive patient data is expanding rapidly—often without meaningful oversight from the people responsible for patient safety. Nurses see the real-world consequences of these tools long before the public does. Across the country, nurses are organizing unions to ensure these technologies are used ethically and responsibly. In Austin, nurses formed the city’s first private-sector union hospital to challenge unsafe conditions and demand accountability. This panel explores why collective nurse organizing is essential to protecting patients—and how frontline workers are fighting to ensure healthcare’s AI future remains human-centered.

Your marketing dashboard is likely missing half the story. Impressions, clicks, and keyword rankings were built for a world where Google sent traffic to websites. When 60% of searches end in AI-generated answers without clicks, those metrics don't fully connect to revenue. AI traffic from platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity is already converting at 4-5x the rate of traditional search for some brands — but most marketing teams can't see it, let alone measure it.

The weaponization of NDAs is a core structural feature of the economy that shapes corporate culture. Using cases from My NDA (World Premiering at SXSW 2026), panelists will expose how NDAs are used to protect brands; enable discrimination, harassment, and corruption to go unchecked; and destroy the careers of whistleblowers who risk everything to speak out. Panelists will also discuss what an ethical NDA looks like and the simple legislative fixes that can solve this problem.

The Point. is a genre-blending music trio that infuses many different cultures' folk musics with electric influences ranging from Ethiopian Jazz, Saharan guitar music, dub, Thai Morlan, and the avant-garde. Formed in 2017 by then class mates Jack Montesinos and Joe Roddy, the two best friends added Toulousian ex-pat drummer Nico Leophonte to join the creative journey. This small but mighty sonic ensemble symbolizes the vibrant and experimental voyage of psychedelic beat music from abroad with a western "jam" approach.

High-growth companies are increasingly choosing mid-sized tech hubs for talent, R&D strength, collaboration, and capital efficiency. This panel explores the rise of “opportunity-driven ecosystems,” using Ann Arbor as a case study in how cities punch above their weight in mobility, life sciences, AI, and advanced manufacturing. Hear why founders, innovators, and global R&D leaders choose regions like Ann Arbor—and what these ecosystems get right for building, scaling, and investing.

After being let go from her robotic companion start-up, Beck, an anti-social engineer, finds herself in the offices of a new company claiming to preserve a person's consciousness inside a cloud system. Her first assignment: drive the company's most valuable client, Paul, a lonely button manufacturer, to his final appointment.

Daniel Arsham will be signing copies of “Future Relic: Failures, Disasters, Detours, and How I Made a Career as an Artist” at the SXSW Bookstore.

As a career-defining chapter propels him into global stardom, musician Noah Kahan stands at a crossroads. In the wake of the breakout success of Stick Season—an album born from the quiet of rural Vermont and embraced around the world—Noah begins work on his follow-up album while facing the mounting pressure of what comes next. Over a whirlwind year of sold-out tours and unprecedented acclaim, he returns to his Vermont roots and family. Buoyed by his uncanny wit, he searches for a sense of home and creative inspiration as he confronts the deeply personal struggles that have left him out of sync with himself.

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

Checkpoint inhibitors opened the door; now a new wave of immunotherapy discoveries is poised to turn more cancers into curable diseases. MD Anderson’s Nobel Laureate James Allison – inventor of the first immune checkpoint inhibitor – and immunotherapy pioneer Padmanee Sharma sit down with 21-year, stage-IV cancer survivor Sharon Belvin and veteran TIME journalist Alice Park to chart where the science goes next and what still blocks its path. Attendees will learn how immunotherapy advances are changing the cancer landscape, including technologies to watch and a candid look at obstacles ahead.

AI adoption is growing, but cloud-based one-size-fits-all models are hitting limits — high costs, privacy concerns, environmental damage, & latency issues. This session will explore why the next generation of AI will be specialized, expert, & local. Panelists will unpack how custom models, trained on proprietary data and deployed closer to the user, can deliver improved performance, privacy, & scalability with a more sustainable infrastructure. They'll share how this approach is reshaping businesses and privacy expectations — and what it takes to make it widespread.

Would you trust AI to save your life? Join Motorola Solutions and Anthropic to explore designing AI for your worst day. Discover how rigorously boundary testing AI in life-or-death situations—where seconds save lives—reveals critical truths for AI safety. Unpack "good friction" and essential controls to prevent harmful AI, including automation bias. Learn frameworks for responsible human-AI collaboration applicable across any industry, building AI you can stake your life on.

Fandoms aren't audiences; they're communities. And communities thrive on meaning, identity, and emotion. This panel explores how brands use design to speak the language of fans and build deep cultural connections. From anime to gaming to pop culture collabs, motion mnemonics, and type systems inspired by subculture, we'll unpack how visual identity becomes a tool for trust, transformation, and belonging. When done right, design doesn't just sell, it unites.

As Apple enters its second half-century, author David Pogue (“Apple: The First 50 Years”) explores the throughlines of Apple’s astonishing success: simplicity, beauty, elegant design, making the whole widget, focus on very few products, and a deep commitment to the customer experience. He’ll be joined by Phil Schiller to share stories and insights from their decades of launching iconic products.

Most companies are stuck in “pilot purgatory” with AI. What separates the experiments that stall from the projects that scale? Drawing on research across 450+ companies, Sandy Carter reveals the five common traits that turn AI pilots into ROI-driven successes. Walk away with a roadmap you can apply immediately—whether you’re a startup founder or a Fortune 100 executive.

The next wave of sports fandom won’t be built in stadiums; it’ll be built in-game. From the NBA’s digital court activations to Fortnite’s immersive events and EA Sports’ evolving cultural platform, the lines between sport and play are blurring fast. This panel explores how gaming is reshaping how fans engage with sport, not just watching, but emulating, remixing, and co-creating it. The future of global sport is interactive, creator-powered, and playable.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Audio/Production (Recording/Mixing/Mastering), Music Tech, Touring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Management, Live Events, Streaming & Programming.

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

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

Sex, money, and religion are no longer taboo—they’re trending. This panel explores how behavioral UX, gamification, and human-centered design can destigmatize what used to be off-limits. From intimacy apps to investing platforms, discover how intentional design is helping users navigate vulnerable moments with confidence. Hear from sex educator Shan Boodram, Alinea’s Gen Z fintech founder Anam Lakhani, TechCrunch's Dominic Davis, and Play Ventures’ Phylicia Koh—one of few female investors in gaming VC—on how intentional UX is turning discomfort into discovery.

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

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

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

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.

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.

Research universities sit behind many of the world’s most transformative technologies—but turning discovery into a scalable company remains one of entrepreneurship’s hardest paths. In this panel, three founders who spun their companies out of the University of Michigan share the real story of navigating IP, early capital, team building, market validation, and the “valley of death.” Moderated by a U-M innovation leader, the conversation explores what support matters most, where universities help or hinder, and lessons for founders, investors, and research institutions alike.

This interactive talk will explore how artist-led, science-backed immersive experiences can foster emotional expression and wellbeing. Award-winning artists behind Explore Deep and Soul Paint, Sarah Ticho (Hatsumi, XR Health Alliance) and Niki Smit (Monobanda) share tools for co-creating rituals of care through creative health design. Participants will explore emotional mapping, embodiment, and cross-sector collaboration to imagine new pathways for impact across health, art, and education.

#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.

Julia and Charlie, a volatile couple in Portland, Oregon, are at a loss for how to repair their broken relationship. Julia, an ambitious game designer, and Charlie, a struggling musician working in sound design to pay the bills, are pushed by Julia's friend into attending a couples-therapy seminar run by twin healers, the Tillies, who claim to fix relationships through energy work. The session triggers a karmic universal system that makes the state of their relationship affect the world around them. With earthquakes, the stock market, and entire nations at risk, Charlie and Julia must confront whether their love can survive amidst so much destruction.

A film that everyone is talking about, and audiences need another chance to see it.

John Maeda will be signing copies of “How to Speak Machine” at the SXSW Bookstore.

"Poetic License" follows Liz a former therapist and soon-to-be empty nester, who relocates to a new town for her husband’s job – a place where she doesn’t know a soul. Her quiet attempt to settle in takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the point of tension between two inseparable best friends and college seniors, Sam and Ari. As their fierce competition for her attention threatens to upend their lives, Liz is pulled into a tangle of longing, self-discovery, and the intoxicating thrill of being truly seen – forcing her to confront the life she’s built and the one she still craves.

Julia was fired three weeks ago. She also got sober three weeks ago. She’s starting over in a suburban rental, and doing a lot of online shopping to help make the space her own, fast. When packages she didn’t order start showing up at her door — a blender, a corkscrew, her signature shade of lipstick — they feel so unnervingly tied to her past that it starts to feel like someone is watching her. The shopping site Smirk denies responsibility. But increasingly paranoid, Julia tumbles down a rabbit hole to find the identity of her anonymous sender.

A film that everyone is talking about, and audiences need another chance to see it.

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.”

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.

Step inside the eye of the storm. "Stormbound" thrusts audiences into the heart of the world’s most powerful hurricanes with breathtaking, never-before-seen footage captured from within. As wind, water, and land collide, the film follows storm chaser Jeff Gammons, who for more than thirty years has pushed closer than anyone else to document every major hurricane to strike the United States. Now tested by a near fatal disease , Gammons continues his pursuit—revealing the personal cost of chasing nature at its most extreme and the larger environmental forces shaping our world. "Stormbound" is a high-stakes, immersive experience that places audiences face-to-face with nature at its most powerful.

In the summer of 2000, four pre-teen friends formed a band called X-Cetra and burned a homemade album onto a few CD-Rs. The following year, consumed by adolescent concerns of boys and drug store shoplifting, their labor of love was quickly forgotten.... Until 20 years later, when someone uploaded it online. At first, it garnered a small base of outsider-art fans, but soon it was discovered by record labels, sampled by mainstream artists, and eventually the subject of a Rolling Stone article. With their teen dreams of pop stardom coming true decades later, X-Cetra reunites to see if they can rekindle the unselfconscious girlhood they’d captured in the album those many years ago.

Three people bound by non-disclosure agreements face extreme personal risk to expose how a simple intellectual property contract is weaponized to silence, manipulate and control.

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 Mexico City, Fifteen reimagines the iconic quinceañera as a chaotic mix of comedy and creature horror. Through Mayte and Ligia’s unbreakable bond, the film explores class divides, the illusions of adolescence, and the fear of growing up—wrapped in kitsch aesthetics, blood-soaked humor, and biting social critique.

Artists have always used their platforms to challenge power, and the First Amendment has had their back, even when governments tried to shut it down. The ACLU’s Jessica Weitz joins Jane Fonda and W. Kamau Bell to link culture to action. When democracy is at stake, there’s a role for everyone to get involved. This session shares concrete ways anyone can show up, organize, and protect free speech—no fame required.

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.

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

Gus Baldwin is a singer/songwriter/ex-hippie/part-time punk from Austin, TX. After a stint holding down drums for Dallas surf punks Sealion in high school, Baldwin went on to form the Psych Pop combo Acid Carousel, which he led for 6 years and 20 something releases before departing the band. Moving to Austin, Baldwin started quickly self releasing a string of singles and EPs on his own GetWithIt! Imprint and establishing himself as the godson of Texas Rock n Roll. Teaming up with former bandmates and friends Gus formed The Sketch in 2022. Embracing the aggression of dirty punk, the looseness of garage, and the charm of power pop, The Sketch established themselves as new cornerstones of the Austin rock scene. Recording their debut LP with the group in one day of recording in LA in the spring of 2024, “The Sketch” is the culmination of Baldwin’s vision, manifested through the power of The Sketch themselves. In late 2025, Baldwin released his first full length solo LP. With the selt-titled debut, Gus focuses in on his rock n' roll stylings, while at the same time showing great versatility as a songwriter. Not being afraid to mix opposite loves of Punk and Pop into one cohesive album.

"Serling" is an immersive first-person journey exploring the life and legacy of one of television’s most visionary storytellers, Rod Serling. Told almost entirely in Serling’s own words, drawn from never-before-heard recordings and personal dictations, the film captures the man behind "The Twilight Zone" in all his complexity. The film weaves archival material with atmospheric recreations that echo the eerie visual language Serling made iconic. As his unmistakable voice guides us, Serling emerges not only as a master of storytelling, but as a man grappling with the trauma of war, the moral compromises of fame, and the hope that America might one day live up to its own ideals.

"Apolo" follows the journey of a family formed by a transgender couple, revealing the nuances of love, daily life, and the constant struggle for recognition and respect. The documentary offers an intimate look into their family dynamics, inviting us to rethink our notions of affection, care, and society itself. As we accompany Apolo’s pregnancy, we are led to reflect on the challenges and dramas faced by the couple — Isis Broken and Lourenzo Gabriel. The father is the one giving birth, and society is not yet ready for that reality. The feature-length documentary marks the directorial debut of actress Tainá Müller and trans woman and musician Isis Broken.

Campeón Gabacho tells the story of Liborio, an endearing and mischievous young migrant whose only talent is taking punches. He crosses the Rio Grande to escape a harsh reality in Mexico, looking for a better life in the United States, and settles in a Latino barrio in New York City. Through his fists, his love, and his words, he faces cultural walls and prejudices that threaten his hopes, and becomes a hero in an unknown land.

The unbelievable true story of the Cornbread Mafia, a group of Kentucky farmers who built the largest domestic marijuana syndicate in U.S. history. Sons of tobacco farmers, moonshiners, and bootleggers, they turned to pot to keep their families fed. What followed was straight out of Kentucky folklore: lion cubs on the farm, backroad police chases, and a code of silence that baffled prosecutors. Part true crime and part cartoon, the film blends community, the War on Drugs, and a whole lot of weed with the humor and heart of the folks who lived it.

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.

After learning his brother’s death may be murder, Ethan returns to Las Vegas to uncover the truth, and confront the violent past he buried. Once a street kid, he’s now living the good life in L.A., engaged to his dream girl and working for her father’s real estate firm. But when he gets a text saying his brother overdosed, the promise he made to never return home shatters, pulling him back into the world he thought he’d escaped.

"Los Lobos Native Sons" is the definitive, authorized chronicle of one of America’s most enduring, genre-defying bands. Tracing Los Lobos’ rise from East L.A. streets to global acclaim, the film offers unprecedented access to their archives and an intimate look at the brotherhood driving their journey. Through electrifying performances and candid interviews—with Linda Ronstadt, Rubén Blades, Tom Waits, Dolores Huerta, Danny Elfman, Jackson Browne, Cheech Marin, Edward James Olmos, Peter Frampton, George Lopez, Bonnie Raitt, and more, the film celebrates their legacy as cultural trailblazers blending rock, roots, and Mexican traditions into a sound uniquely their own.

When Rana’s visa application is denied, she faces the reality of returning home to Iran. That is, until Adam – her wealthy boss’s son and her summer fling – proposes a green card wedding. Wrestling with the implications of his offer, Rana enlists help from a questionable shaman, Adam’s pure-hearted mom, and most importantly her two Iranian best friends Nadia and Setareh, who arrive on Cape Cod for a wedding weekend full of opinions, chaos, and drama with their own American boyfriends. Just as total disaster approaches, the three women come together in a transformative moment of acceptance, growth, and coming of age – evolving this weekend into one that will change them all forever.

What does it mean to be a woman in a country where abortion is banned in all circumstances? In this lyrical documentary, women and girls speak about the challenges and consequences regarding unsafe abortion in the Dominican Republic.

After losing both her job and boyfriend, Jamie retreats to her small Texas hometown where friends and flings from a fateful high school summer turn her life upside down.

The latest collaboration between Bob Odenkirk, "John Wick" creator Derek Kolstad and "Nobody" producer Marc Provissiero, director Ben Wheatley’s kinetic neo-Western stars Odenkirk as an unassuming substitute sheriff with a troubled past who, after moving to a small, sleepy town, responds to a bank robbery and unknowingly uncovers something far more explosive.

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.

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.

Andrea Daniela was born to be on stage. A dynamic singer, violinist, dancer, and actor raised in Houston, she blends deep mariachi roots with a fearless, modern edge. Her career has taken her to international stages and acclaimed theatrical productions, earning recognition for both her powerful voice and magnetic presence.

“Dreamlike.” “Poetic.” “Beautiful.” — this is how audiences describe Bára Zmeková’s performances.The moment she steps on stage, intimacy and imagination take over. A Prague-based singer, pianist and composer, she draws from the rich Czech singer-songwriter tradition while blending it with modern jazz and subtle electronics, creating music that feels both deeply rooted and strikingly contemporary.Her expression is civil yet emotionally powerful, inviting listeners into an inner world shaped by melody, atmosphere and nuance. Although she sings in Czech, language is never a barrier; the natural rhythm and softness of the language add a distinctive colour to her sound. Audiences across Europe and Japan consistently respond beyond words.Her trio moves between quiet minimalism and expressive intensity, built on strong melodies and precise interplay.The critically acclaimed Lunaves established her as one of the distinctive voices of the contemporary Czech scene. In 2024 came the album Jediný na světě, followed by the single Jiné stromy, recorded with Norwegian tubist Daniel Herskedal.Following their second Japan tour in early 2026, the trio heads to SXSW directly from Tokyo.

Jacki Daniels is a Michigan-based, Nashville recording artist known for her powerhouse vocals, magnetic stage presence, and emotionally charged songwriting. In 2025, she was awarded Rising Star of the Year at the Josie Music Awards, the largest independent music awards show in the world, and received four Michigan Music Awards along with the Vehicle City Sound Podcast Fan Favorite Award two years in a row, establishing her as one of pop-country’s most promising new voices. Jacki’s versatility extends well beyond pop-country, with musical roots in rock, folk, a cappella, musical theater, R&B, electronic pop, indie, and classical. She performs everything from intimate solo acoustic sets to full band, high-energy shows, bringing a bold, genre-blending edge to every stage. She is the creator and host of The Jacki Daniels Show and co-host of Singers in the Round, a singer/songwriter showcase highlighting standout talent. Jacki also tours nationally with the Ultimate Kenny Rogers Tribute Show. Check her schedule for upcoming tour dates at www.thejackidanielsshow.com

With a name as regal as their ambition, KNO are reshaping boundaries as they set out to release their debut album in April 2026.

Sonido Cachimbo is a cumbia project born in Ciudad Juárez, México, and rooted in the lived experience of the Juárez–El Paso border region. Formed in the early 2010s amid a context marked by violence, migration, and social fragmentation, the project transforms those realities into an energetic and celebratory sound grounded in popular dance traditions.

Missouri native willoh is riding the crest of a wave of excitement over her new series of singles leading up to her spring 2026 album release. On her latest track, EARMILK writes ““OUCHIE” defies easy categorization, blending synth-pop, raw punk attitude, and alt-rock vibes into a shifting, avant-garde sound.”

Jonathan Paige Brown is a singer-songwriter based in Virginia. His foundation in the performing arts began with theater in middle school, followed by extensive ballet training throughout high school and college. He trained at the Richmond Ballet, Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology, and the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance. During these years of formal dance training, he also taught himself to play guitar and sing.

AKA BK is an alternative indie project based in Los Angeles. With influences from bands like The Pixies, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and the Breeders, their live show plays like nerves exposed: charged, joyful and disarmingly human, turning their vulnerability into sharpened momentum. The band closes the distance between their fans, both literally and figuratively, inviting them to join in on their tongue-in-cheek moments of mushy playfulness and feverish moshing.

CJ Chenier is born and raised in an indigenous American culture with its distinct language, cuisine and music. Chenier, a Grammy nominated world renowned musician and recording artist, has performed alongside many internationally recognized artists including his GRAMMY awarded winning father, Clifton Chenier “The King of Zydeco,” Paul Simon, Joe Sample, and Ray Parker, Jr. He appeared on the Jon Stewart Show, CNN, was featured on VH1, and Entertainment Weekly. He has exhibited his musicianship at many large festival venues such as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, and Austin SxSW Music Conference. In addition, to a GRAMMY award nomination in the Best Regional Roots Music Album category, C.J has received many major awards inclusive of the Living Blues Critics’Poll Award, India Award (from AFIM) for Best Zydeco Album, Coups de Coeur (Blows of Heart) Blues Category Award from I’Academie Charles Cros (France) and Best of the Beat Best Zydeco Album (Offbeat Magazine).

Manu Manzo is a Latin GRAMMY® nominated independent singer, songwriter, and producer whose sound lives at the intersection of pop, R&B, soul, and Latin music. Known for her smooth vocals and emotionally charged songwriting, she delivers a modern, intimate style that feels both sophisticated and deeply personal. Raised between Caracas, Miami, Spain, and Mexico City, Manu´s global upbringing shaped a rich musical identity. She later studied at Berklee College of Music. In 2015, she received a Latin GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist for her independent debut EP Como Soy. Since then, she has continued to build her career with releases including Intermedio (2018), Después De Las 12 (2019), Luna En Géminis (2023), and Luna En Géminis II (2025).Her music has led her to perform on major stages such as Viña del Mar, SXSW, and III Points Festival, as well as to sing the U.S. National Anthem at NFL and NASCAR Playoffs.Manu is currently working on her first full-length album, MANUELA, set for release in Spring 2026, a project that marks a new chapter in her artistic evolution

Waco, Texas-born, now Brooklyn-based alt-folk indie artist and producer Meredith (mer) Marcum has emerged into the New York City scene. Trading her small-town roots for Brooklyn’s bustling music scene, mer set out to carve her niche and make authentic art in many forms, which comes through in her singular and introspective music characterized by evocative, lyrical intimacy underscored by fresh production.

The Bio. is a hip-hop duo from Texas made up of cousins Dominique and Jose. Their music blends Southern influence with direct, real-life storytelling centered on loyalty, growth, survival, and responsibility.

OPR AVON is a Toledo, Ohio–bred artist turning hunger into highlight reels. Blending raw Midwest grit with cinematic storytelling, his sound feels like the fourth quarter with everything on the line. Inspired by underdog journeys and championship mentality, OPR AVON builds music that speaks to pressure, perseverance, and purpose.

Maya Manuela is an indie-pop artist originally from Duxbury, Massachusetts, raised on an oyster farm before relocating to Nashville in 2019 to pursue music full-time. Her work blends intimate, emotionally precise songwriting with warm, modern production—songs that feel confessional without losing their pop instincts.

Emerging from the Austin underground with a global frequency, MAJESTYOFDIVINITY is a recording artist and sonic disruptor defined by heavy low-ends and high-velocity energy. Since her debut in 2021, she has evolved from a local standout into a nomadic force, taking her signature sound beyond Texas borders and onto regional stages. Her work as a producer and selector is a masterclass in tension and release—navigating the space between hypnotic house grooves and floor-shattering bass. Far from a traditional selector, MAJESTYOFDIVINITY treats every booth as a launchpad for her own original recordings/ new underground finds, ready to export her dark, futuristic soundscapes to dance floors worldwide. To learn more about me, check out my EPK- https://mrstudiocreates.my.canva.site/majestyofdivinity-epk !

egüs Fresh is an American artist, creative influencer, real estate investor, and entrepreneur born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Once a full-time basketball player, Fresh stepped into music in 2017 after facing life-altering challenges that reshaped his path. Committed to protecting his mental health and purpose, he began creating storytelling-driven rap rooted in real-life experiences — what he calls his personal journal entries.

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.

Based in Austin, Barb has quickly built a reputation for emotionally charged, genre-blurring releases and electrifying live performances. Her recent hometown show at ACL Live’s 3TEN sold out, with local outlets noting a packed room from the first song. Melodic Magazine, KUTX, Women That Rock, and grrrlmusic have praised her singles “til it bites” and “beside you (so boring)” for their explosive vocals and refined pop-rock sound.

DOSSEY started out making squeaky clean pop music in 2017 (NPR’s All Songs Considered actually referred to her in 2018 as “a joyous banquet of roséwave electro-pop”). But by now in 2025, the project has mutated into something brutal, noisy, honest, and unhinged. Motherhood, a slow unspooling of her faith, and the relentless static of American political and social climate have all pushed her toward the genesis of her own brand of dance punk - glitter grunge. So now, DOSSEY’s world hinges on distortion, punk rhythm and anthemic rock vocals influenced by The Clash, Nine Inch Nails and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Grupo Ferrary Show was created in Guerrero Mexico by a group of friends that had a deep love for music. Eventually all the group members ended up in the United States and have been gigging for the passed 30 years. Over the 30 years, there have been many changes in band members and adjustments to management. Now there is a new generation of musicians that have solidified the genre for Grupo Ferrary Show in Cumbia Sonidera. On our regular gigs, Grupo Ferrary Show is known to play a variety of genres, but have a really strong foundation for Cumbias. Now we have a couple cover songs out and some music videos to get the name out there with more music in the pipeline. Grupo Ferrary Show tries to keep pushing the boundaries of Cumbia Sonidera so that it can reach a much larger crowd.

Important Group is a very important band from Austin, Texas. You may call it a supergroup that includes members of Being Dead, Punching Bag, They Had So Many Names, Zero Percent APR, and many other side projects. But this is now a main project. Important Group has a repertoire of light-hearted-heartfelt-heart-wrenching songs. Three friends rocking out.

Lila Tristram is an evocative folk-rock artist, acclaimed for her atmospheric sound and striking lyricism. Her 2025 debut album, America, heralded as “genuine, brilliant art” by Line of Best Fit, marks a transformative chapter in Tristram’s creative journey, expanding her earlier bucolic folk style into a richer, elegiac folk-rock landscape.

Delivered from the West coast of Australia, Little Guilt arrive as a cocktail of honeyed vocals, hypnotic synths and wistful lyricism brought forth with driving guitars. Since their formation in early 2021, the indie outfit have unwittingly captured the hearts of music lovers in both the digital realm and on stage through sold-out venues around Australia.

Samurai Drive are Daniel Riederauer and Soma Nove. Their music strives to create a cinematic sonic experience, reflecting elements of electronic, blues and new wave musical genres, combined with a dark film-noir aesthetic. Samurai Drive is best served driving down lonesome highways through the midnight hours.

Sgt. Remo is a Mexican-American reggae artist blending Jamaican roots with Texas borderland consciousness. Born in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and based in San Antonio, TX, he delivers a powerful and authentic reggae sound rooted in unity, resistance, and cultural connection.Inspired by reggae’s revolutionary spirit, he began performing in the early 2000s and made his international debut with Life Is for Living (2012), released on his independent label. He gained wider recognition with Give Thanks for Life (2014), which featured the underground favorite “Rastafari Way” and earned placement on AIRM’s Top 30 Reggae Albums (NY) and Reggae Moods’ Top 15 Roots & Culture Albums of the Year (Denmark).His albums include Sgt. Remo & Friends (2016), Here We Come Again (2019), Jah Neva Leave (2022), Reach the Top (2025), and De Texas A Bogota (2026). Remo has collaborated with reggae greats Ranking Joe, Lutan Fyah, and Chezidek, Gappy Ranks, General Smiley, Junior Dread, Skillinjah, and Fidel Nadal among others. He tours across the U.S., Mexico, and Latin America and runs King Remo Music, home of the Reggae SoulJahs Worldwide compilation series, with Vol. 6 dropping in 2026.

omalia is an emerging R&B soul artist from Lithonia, Georgia who has been singing since age 10 and is actively creating her own seat at the table in today’s R&B music scene. Fresh off performing at the 2025 Blavity Fest stage as an Up & Next Artist, she has already opened for icons like 2Chainz, Kelly Price, and Keke Wyatt. A proud Spelman College graduate, Somalia self-funded and curated her own tour, proving her belief in taking control of her artistry and career. Her viral single “Mimosa” has garnered 15K+ views on YouTube, and her 2024 EP "A Soft Place to Land" is available on all streaming platforms. With past performances with the Atlanta BeltLine, Microsoft, Fulton County Arts & Culture, ELEVATE Atlanta, and Six Flags Over Georgia, Somalia continues to captivate audiences with her angelic vocals, dynamic stage presence, and songs that tell stories only she could tell.

True Jackson is an independent artist who blends 90s grunge rock production with an anthemic pop vocal. A native of Los Angeles, True has been embraced by the vibrant New York music scene, having performed at such legendary venues as the Mercury Lounge, Baby’s All Right, and Le Poisson Rouge, to name a few. True channels her emotions into catchy hooks and electrifying guitar riffs, painting a clear picture of where she has been and where she’s going with her debut song: “Paint Me”, released in 2024 and featured in the American High film, 'Prom Dates', streaming on Hulu. True’s debut EP, RIP TRUE, was released in 2025 and features standouts “Smooth Talking” and “Bad”. Making music for the crashout girlies, these 4 songs encapsulate struggling with self-doubt and navigating out of her youth into her 20’s, allowing the audience to scream and dance through life, embracing the imperfections instead of sitting in it.Her follow-up project explores a toxic relationship and how the heroine ultimately regains her power. The project will be released in Spring 2026 with two lead singles coming just before she takes Austin, TX by storm as part of this year’s South by Southwest Festival.

Step into the vibrant world of Yolanda Cruz, a mesmerizing bilingual songwriter from Dallas, Texas. Blending her Mexican and Latin roots with a rock 'n' roll heartbeat, Yolanda is here to enchant your ears and steal your heart. Her music focuses on female empowerment with a nostalgic feel and a cumbia beat that calls to the señora within. Catch her band, Yolanda Cruz and The Daydreamers dazzling audiences across the DFW metroplex, using their voices to build up their community.

Zeñal Nortex es un grupo de música mexicana. El grupo fue fundado en el año 2022 por su líder, Eliud Garcia junto a el acordeonista Alexis Pérez Aragón.

Stockz is a Houston-based artist and entrepreneur redefining what modern hip-hop can represent. Operating at the intersection of music, finance, and education, he transforms real-world experiences—risk, discipline, ownership, and long-term vision—into sharp, motivational records that resonate both on stage and off.

Alex Cano is a nationally touring Rock/Americana artist hailing from New York’s Hudson Valley. Known for his rich baritone and soaring, gritty rock vocals, Cano’s sound lives at the crossroads of high octane, blues driven rock ’n’ roll and vulnerable Americana balladry. His debut album, Every Rise of the Sun, is a raw chronicle of resilience and survival—equal parts cathartic release and anthemic triumph. Praised by outlets including Paste Magazine and Indie Current for its authenticity and emotional weight, the record established Cano as a voice unafraid to merge heartfelt intimacy with road-tested rock energy. Cano has toured across the US, performing everything from intimate listening rooms to major festivals. He has shared the stage with artists such as Plain White T's, Gin Blossoms, Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown, Band of Heathens, and Chris Barron. Along the way, he’s built a grassroots fanbase bound by a sense of community, connection, and resilience, values that run through all of his work. With a career already marked by resilience, authenticity, and growth, Alex Cano continues to carve his place as one of the most compelling voices in modern Rock/Americana.

A prolific songwriter & soulful artist blending country, folk, & pop with witty, emotionally rich storytelling, "hippie songbird" BANDANA CHEYENNA is one to watch in today's music landscape. Already known as one of Nashville's hitmakers, their notable writing credits include Dasha’s global billion-stream hit “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)," Alexandra Kay’s viral track "Cupid's A Cowgirl,” & more. As an artist, Cheyenna has released two full albums, & most recently Act I of a four-part EP series, "The Artist's Pilgrimage," which was celebrated with a sold-out release party on Music Row. Cheyenna has appeared on radio home of the Grand Ole Opry WSM-AM, performed at Nashville's Pride Festival & legendary Bluebird Café, & is gearing up for a performance on Austin’s major TV network coinciding with their SXSW appearance. A winner of Female Song of the Year at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards, & honoree at the 2024 & 2025 ASCAP Awards, their collaborative work includes artists & producers Gayle, Abby Anderson, Breland, Caylee Hammack, Dan Wilson (Chris Stapleton, Adele), Jonah Marais (Why Don’t We), MaRynn Taylor, Mickey Guyton, Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift), Tigirlily Gold & more.

Era Wadi is an artist, rapper, and songwriter based in Austin, TX. His early musical inspirations began from his father's collection of soul and rock vinyls of the 60s/70s and hip hop of the late 90s/early 2000s. Era Wadi continues to build up his own discography and is releasing music independently. His constant aim at originality and being authentically himself attracts new audiences and has an exciting new EP releasing this Spring. When he’s not making music, you will find him hosting The Wadi Show with his DJ, Lil Em on Twitch + YouTube, a platform for artists by artists that has become one of the top live streaming channels for entertainment. Era Wadi’s unique voice, relatable songwriting, infectious energy, and impeccable beat selection, insure Wadi will carve out his place as an innovator in this new and ever evolving era of culture.

Glassio is the Dream-Pop–tinged Indie-Dance project of Irish-Iranian songwriter and producer Sam R. Blending melodic sweetness with brooding dance beats, his self-described “melancholy disco” sound has earned over 25 million streams and global acclaim. Since emerging with the viral 2016 EP Poptimism (whose single “Try Much Harder” hit No. 9 on Spotify’s Global Viral Chart), Glassio has toured internationally with acts like Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Nada Surf, and Electric Youth, and released two acclaimed LPs—For the Very Last Time (2020, Downtown Music) and See You Shine (2022)—with songs featured on Netflix and HBO. Raised between the Middle East and California and later based in New York and London, Sam draws influence from New Wave, 60s chamber pop, and early-2000s electronica, channeling it into rich, cinematic pop. His upcoming third album, The Imposter (2026), written during his move from New York to London, fuses shoegaze, folk, and dream pop in a neo-noir exploration of self-confrontation and creative rebirth. “I wanted this album to make people ask if they’re living the life they’re meant to,” he says. “For me, this is about rediscovering who I am as an artist.

Torture and the Desert Spiders is a NYC-based indie post-punk project based on the songwriting of NY-native Anna Kunz. The project, previously based in the north of England, has performed well over 400 shows since its inception, including a currently running 46+ week headline residency in NYC as well as shows for the BBC at the Cavern Club (Liverpool), at Webster Hall (NYC), for the British Arts Council with Mattiel (Hull), at Kendal Calling Festival (2022, 2023), and sold out shows at the Supersonic Club (Paris), The Windmill Brixton (London), and Night and Day (Manchester, UK).The project has recently released two singles mixed by Alex Poeppel (Telescreens). Torture and the Desert Spiders next NYC show will be supporting Cab Ellis at the Bowery Ballroom on January 9th.

Firmly established as an artist’s artist with the likes of Noel Gallagher, Sam Fender, Louis Tomlinson and Pete Doherty.Andrew Cushin is primed to rise to the next level with the May 2nd release of his second album ‘LoveIs For Everyone’. Building upon his acclaimed debut ‘Waiting For The Rain’. The 2nd album charted in the UK official top 40 album charts. Andrew recently teamed up with his local brewery Anarchy Brew Co to create his own L.I.F.E IPA beer,which is now available from their website. It represents his latest brand collaboration after being invited to headlineThe Soundcheck, the debut live event from the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team, late last year. Andrew has played Italian, Dutch and British GP with Aston Martin F1 team in 2025.Andrew toured the full UK headline in May and October 2025 as well as EU . He is currently on his 3rd successive year of touring North American/Canada headline tour.In October 25th 2025 Andrew Cushin sold out his hometown show at Newcastle City Hall in front of 2500 fans.2025 has been a huge success for Andrew Cushin breaking through the top 40 and now firmly establishing himself as a firm favourite in the UK live scene.

David Barenboim, known artistically as Solarrio, whose journey reflects an eclectic combination of cultural influences and the pursuit of musical innovation. Born into a family immersed in classical music, David's early life was marked by a growing fascination with pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.

Wiardon is an Austin, Texas–based producer and rapper recognized for his versatile sound, which ranges from gritty underground textures to lo-fi, sample-driven, and atmospheric production. His work blends the raw edge of East Coast grime with contemporary West Coast hip-hop influences. Beginning his career as a producer in his early teens, Wiardon has collaborated with artists such as Lucki, Baby Smoove, Mavi, and Wiki, before expanding his catalog with releases as both a rapper and producer.

Rafa Parra, cantautor/productor originario de la Ciudad de México. Experimentando con nuevas formas de expresión dentro del pop urbano, mezclando letras románticas con ritmos irresistibles como el dembow y el merenguetón. Su estilo fresco yemocional invita tanto a bailar como a enamorarse.Con canciones como “A Besos Si” y “Olaya <3”, Rafa ha comenzado a llamar la atención por su forma únicade contar historias de amor con flow, ritmo y mucha sensibilidad. Su música suena a momentos reales:mensajes no enviados, fiestas que terminan en confesiones y corazones que laten más fuerte.Rafa crea canciones que se sienten cercanas, con hooks pegajosos y melodías que se quedan en lacabeza. Su propuesta es emocional y pensada para conectar con quienes viven el amor con intensidad,entre el reggaetón lento y las composiciones.

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.

Vertarias is an Austin, Texas-based movement director, choreographer, and singer. Originally from California, they have a background working in the Hollywood film and TV industry. Vertarias is a 3-time "Choreographer of the Year" nominee by the Austin Chronicle and has been recognized by the Rolling Stone Culture Council for their event work. As a performer, they are known for their R&B and pop sound, having released the debut EP "VERT" in 2022. Vertarias, who identifies as queer and non-binary, is dedicated to creating a platform for other talented musical artists.

Jalesa Jessie, Chief Cleopatra is an Austin-based Soul Rock singer and songwriter known for her "non-genre-denominational" sound that blends rock, soul, gospel, and funk. Originally from Corsicana, Texas, she began her musical path as a drummer in her school’s marching band before moving to Austin in 2017 to pursue a career as a frontwoman.

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?

The Dub Gideon Band was founded in 2009 on the west side of San Antonio, Texas by a group of young men who were deeply inspired by Bob Marley and the spirit of RastafarI. After the release of their first EP in 2011, titled "Underworld EP in Dub", and the follow up EP "Live in Love" (2012), the band quickly became a staple at all Reggae events around Central Texas and established itself as a force to be recognized. Always rooted in the dub tradition, the band started to become a backing outfit for artists in the area who they felt needed a platform to perform their music. The band has backed amazing Texas, international, and Jamaican talent alike such as Likkle Shanx, Alika, Chris Boomer, Teki, Dre Z Melodi, Mister Kali, General Smiley (Michigan and Smiley), Admiral Tibet, Warrior king, Tristan Palma, Spiritual, Luciano, and so many more. Currently based in Austin, the band has re-emerged with a collection of some of Austin's finest Reggae musicians alongside original members from San Antonio. More than a band, Dub Gideon is a concept, and a force in the world of Reggae Music committed to upholding the true integrity of Roots and Culture Dub Music

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.

Austin, Texas’ Gummy Fang released their self titled debut album in July of 2025 featuring jangly, uptempo indie pop anthems and textural introspective ballads. The Austin Chronicle named it their 7th favorite local album of the year and nominated the band for Best New Act at the annual Austin Music Award. Gummy Fang is known for their cheery onstage charm, heartfelt crooning, intricate countermelodies on bass, and drumming that combines jazz vocabulary with a meaty rock pulse.

Miguel Ortiz, nacido y criado en la ciudad de Austin Texas la capital de la música. De padres originarios de la cuna de la independencia nacional, Dolores Hidalgo Guanajuato. Vendió pan y chicles de niño para apoyar a sus padres económicamente. Desde joven edad el interés por la música se le notaba a este joven talento. Lo miraban imitando a uno de sus ídolos de la infancia, a José Guadalupe esparza. “Mi padre tenía un CD de bronco, recuerdo que la primera vez que lo escuche junto a el, fue algo inexplicable. Me enamore de cada tema, sentí algo tan bonito que no podia explicar; simplemente quise replicar lo que yo sentí al escucharlos a ellos, pero con mis temas. Las canciones del grupo bronco y mi padre fueron una gran inspiración para mi. Por mi padre, y por la música de Bronco hago música hoy”, dijo Miguel en una entrevista. Recibió su primer guitarra como un obsequio de su padre cuya única condición fue que aprendiera a tocar. Empezó a tocar la guitarra a los catorce años de edad. Miguel noto que el arte de componer se le dio muy naturalmente, y desde entonces a compuesto cada tema que saca. Hoy viene con un estilo único y fresco ofreciéndoles temas originales de su puño y alma

Neapolitan is a Rock band based out of Austin, Texas. Styles range from rock heavy hitters such as Thrice, Deftones, Foo Fighters, Paramore, Refused, and Underoath, to pop innovators such as the Hall and Oates, Michael Jackson, Prince, The 1975, John Mayer, and Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso. The band formed at a School of Rock where Chris Schreck (Lead Vocals/Multi instrumentalist) and Nick Rash (Lead Guitar) worked as instructors. Nick’s guitar playing and style is heavily influenced by the notable blues legends of the past century, which complements the creativity and unique rhythmic flow of Chris’s songs. In the Fall of 2025, Julian Clark (Drums) and Rafe Marie (Bass) from the groups Tinted Vision and Quinten Arispe were brought aboard. Neapolitan signed to Golden Robot Records in 2024 and released their debut EP “The Fool” on January 16th. The band is continuing to evolve claiming that “We have about 15 songs on the conveyor belt. Some are super heavy and some sound like a completely new direction in pop. We just needed to get back on the saddle.” The band plans to release a lot more music in 2026.

"Summer of ’94" reveals the wild rise of the U.S. Men’s National Team on the road to the 1994 World Cup—and the history they were never meant to make. With no league and no roadmap, a ragtag group of players and an unlikely coach endured a grueling two-year training camp, hoping simply not to embarrass their nation at the first-ever World Cup on American soil. Armed with camcorders, the players documented it all, capturing raw moments as underdogs grew into future legends. Featuring never-before-seen footage and new interviews with Alexi Lalas, Cobi Jones, Tony Meola, and coach Bora Milutinović, the film shares how chaos, chemistry, and grit forged a brotherhood that changed US soccer forever.

SWDEJAY (Southwest Ejay) is a first-generation Mexican-American DJ from Southwest Detroit, deeply rooted in the city’s rich musical legacy. Known for his high-energy, open-format style, he seamlessly blends Latin House, Reggaeton, Dembow, Baile Funk, and Ghetto Tech — reflecting both his heritage and Detroit’s forward-thinking sound.

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.

Artist & Activist, Thelonious Love is back with a powerful new sound. On his fourth studio project, with love, from JURNT Entertainment, lyrically at least, nothing is off the table for Love. His diary of songs range in themes from mental health, queer & black identity, addiction, relationships, social justice, and social media. Swaggering a unique baritone delivery, Love blends genres together while adding live instrumentation to deliver a unique Hip-Hop sound. Backed by his band and his boyfriend, Sean Maddox, Theo’s live show has evolved into on of Austin’s most memorable performances.

Timothy Howls is the solo project of Tim Lopez, a Santa Barbara-born, Austin-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. Lopez is best known as a member of the band Plain White T's, with whom he achieved multiplatinum success and received two GRAMMY Award nominations.In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lopez embarked on a solo endeavor under the moniker Timothy Howls, marking a shift in his musical style. He released his debut EP, The Rubble, which blends introspective singer-songwriter elements with classic and Americana rock influences. Notably, the single "Lightning from the Blue Sky" was produced by Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas and mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon.Building on this, Lopez has also explored country music, incorporating its storytelling and melodic elements into his evolving sound. The name "Timothy Howls" was inspired by the Latin meaning of "Lopez," which translates to "wolf," symbolizing his personal and musical evolution.Through Timothy Howls, Lopez continues to explore new creative avenues, offering a fresh perspective on his musical journey that now embraces a mix of indie, rock, and country influences

Vanita Leo was born and raised in the heartland of Tejano: San Antonio, TX. Coming from a lineage of Tejano artists like her father (Marco Jaime, Grupo Maldad) and her tia (Esmeralda Jaime), who both crossed paths with Selena herself, and attending the Stephen F Austin Academy of Mariachi as a teen all while growing up on San Antonio's east side and selling raspados with her family - Vanita's sound emerges- a nostalgic, yet modern twist on Cumbia with Pop and R&B influence with a kiss of Teiano that could only come from a born and raised Texan.

Change doesn’t ask for permission; it disrupts and transforms. For Louie Lee, this truth began early. Growing up in a trailer park outside Detroit, he witnessed his mother working three jobs to make ends meet, instilling in him an unyielding work ethic. Battling a hearing impairment while soaking in the diverse sounds of metal, hip hop, rock, pop, and country, music became his escape and means of expression. The loss of his grandfather marked a turning point, igniting a new honesty in his songwriting that earned him Song of the Year at the Detroit Music Awards in 2022. Louie Lee's unique sound, labeled Country Hop & Roll, combines modern 808 basslines with country twang, crafting music that feels both grounded and dynamic. His lyrics delve into rarely explored emotional territories, balancing high-energy anthems with heartfelt ballads. Louie’s live performances forge deep connections with audiences, transforming shows into communal experiences where fans actively participate. As a storyteller, Louie is reshaping country music’s landscape, inviting non-country listeners to the genre while redefining its essence. His journey of creation through truth is just beginning.

Angela Autumn is a songwriter and banjo player from a forgotten steel town. Strongly tied to the buried stories of her childhood, her dark country songs reinvent folk tradition through the lens of eco-feminist transcendentalism. The singer’s straightforward lack of pretension speaks from the vantage point of the outsider— and, often — the sounds of the unspoken.

Armen Paul is a multi-platinum artist, songwriter and instrumentalist. His latest collaboration, "Hope" received 3x platinum certification in 2025 (#1 on national radio, #3 on UK dance radio). He performed the song in July at Tomorrowland 2023 in Belgium. Armen’s solo work took off when Bella Poarch (#3 top TikTok creator worldwide) and Tony Hawk featured his song "Devil Knows" in their social content (accumulating +175M views on TikTok). His work has received notable acclaim on DSPs with +50M streams ('New Music Friday' in +10 countries, 9 Spotify 'Viral 50' Charts).

Rosegarden Funeral Party has made a strong mark on the international post punk and goth scene since the release of their debut EP The Chopping Block in 2018. Since then, the band has released the EP At the Stake in 2020 and three full length albums: Martyr in 2019, In the Wake of Fire in 2021, and From the Ashes in 2024. Their work has earned critical acclaim from outlets including Post Punk, LA Weekly, SF Sonic, and the Dallas Observer.

She23 is an Austin-native singer, rapper, DJ and songwriter known for blending genres and building culture at the same time. Fusing hip-hop, R&B, and alternative influences, She is known for high-energy, club-oriented tracks and local performances. Active in the ATX music scene for over 15 years, She released the "2H3EO" EP in 2024 and is known for singles like "Goofy Goober" & "Chedda". You can also find She23 spinning some of your favorite hits at local venues such as Coconut Club, Traphouse and many more. Beyond the music, she curates and coordinates events that spotlight community, collaboration, and emerging voices. She23 has stepped onto official stages for SXSW, Dream Con, and AfroTech, continuing to make her mark as both a genre-blending artist and a force behind the scenes.

After Gloria and Nick break up, Gloria takes us through Nick's dating history, untangling his web of ex-girlfriends through details she can find online. But when she discovers Kaylinn, the hottest most basic ex-girlfriend to ever exist, Gloria not only loses herself, she loses control of the story she's been telling. Basic is a comedy that blends the magical-realism of jealous paranoia with the magic of falling in love.

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.

Mor Cohen and Polaris Banks did the impossible, made a movie with just two people, while camping, with a script based on their real arguments. Most couples would kill each other under those conditions. They were no exception.

I’m Ben Flournoy from Quincy, FL. When I was 10 years old, I saw Marty McFly play Johnny B. Goode in Back To The Future, and the world was never the same to me.

Joshua Ray Walker is one of Americana’s most arresting new voices. A Texas singer-songwriter whose powerhouse vocals, razor-sharp writing, and magnetic stage presence have earned praise from Rolling Stone, NPR, Billboard, and fans around the world. Known for his humor, heartbreak, and once-in-a-generation vocal range, Walker’s show pulls back the curtain on the characters, places, and moments behind his prolific and acclaimed discography. On stage, he’s warm, hilarious, and disarmingly honest, moving from roaring laughter to pin-drop-quiet confession in a matter of seconds. Joshua Ray Walker’s performances reveal him at his very best: raw, vulnerable, and unforgettable.

"Manhood" follows Dallas entrepreneur Bill Moore as he attempts to make penis enlargement as commonplace as Botox. Along the way, an OnlyFans star and a father of five put their bodies—and their insecurities—on the line. Blending dark humor with unexpected empathy, "Manhood" examines shame, addiction, and the fragile myths of American masculinity. From Oscar-winning Executive Producer Sheila Nevins ("Citizenfour"), World of Wonder ("The Eyes of Tammy Faye"), Penny Lane ("Hail Satan"), Producer Kerry Mack ("Proof of Concept"), and Director Daniel Lombroso ("White Noise").

Macon Blair's third feature is a raucous and wildly entertaining descent into madness. Dave Franco and O’Shea Jackson Jr. are perfectly (mis)matched as Mark and Davis, the fumbling circumstantial chaperones in charge of transporting the increasingly psychotic Sheridan (a brilliant Mason Thames). Phenomenal supporting turns from Nicholas Braun, Peter Dinklage, and Kiernan Shipka round out the ensemble cast, each more unexpected and bizarre than the last. Blair treats us to his signature absurdist sense of humor and douses it with gasoline and psychedelics, crafting an uncanny world where the worst intentions net the highest yields and the open road is full of Shitheads.

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.

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.

SPNOA, la nueva cara del Pop Urbano mexa, a sus 21 años, se posiciona como una de las promesas de la escena actual. Es intérprete, compositor y productor musical con formación en instituciones de prestigio internacional como Berklee.Su sonido es una propuesta distintiva que fusiona la energía del pop estadounidense de 2010 con géneros urbanos y melodías de R&B. Esta versatilidad le ha permitido colaborar con productores ganadores del Grammy y firmar con el sello Cincodoce Music, ademas de presentarse como opening act para artistas como Tito Double P, El Malilla y Bogueto.

Caleb Michael And The Arrested formed in 2021, but Caleb had been performing and singing for over a decade. Formed a band as quick as he could and became Caleb Michael And The Arrested.

Ozer, San Francisco’s own, has been cultivating his lyrical voice since the age of six, first turning to music as a refuge from life’s challenges and later sharpening his craft through the influence of artists like J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Nipsey Hussle. What began as inspiration evolved into intention as Ozer matured—transforming lived experience into honest, reflective songwriting grounded in execution, flow, and substance. Following the release of his latest EP Fog City, he has shared stages with Westside Boogie, Topaz Jones, Trayce Chapman, YGTUT, and more, solidifying his presence as a formidable and thoughtful emcee. A writer at heart and performer by nature, Ozer uses language as a lyrical canvas, drawing from the essence of real life to create music that resonates with clarity, purpose, and lasting impact.

Blair Davie is a singer-songwriter from Perth, Scotland. Inspired by their love of emotional, heartfelt music from artists such as Dodie, Dermot Kennedy and Bon Iver, Blair’s music is their way of presenting the most honest and passionate version of themself to the world. Their music deals with coming to terms with their own bisexuality, loss and heartbreak; but also, the beauty that life can offer.

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.

CDSM a.k.a. Celebrity Death Slot Machine is a “freakout post-punk group” (FLOOD Magazine) based in Atlanta, GA. Their stylish sonic onslaught is anchored around dancey rhythms, atypical synthesizer work, timely saxophone growls, as well as goth rock-esque melodies that serve to recount bizarre humor-laden tales from a derelict parallel universe. Since forming in 2021, the band has toured North America and Europe, sharing the stage with likes of The KVB, Bodega, Sheer Mag, Iceage, and Model/Actriz, while also taking part in events such as SXSW, Treefort Festival, Art Rock Festival, Hopscotch Festival, and M for Montreal. CDSM’s introductory EP, Hell Stairs (2022), was both glamorous and bleak, swanky and derelict, uplifting and crushing, described by the band as “hedonism clinking in your glass, change jingling in the pit of your chest.” Atlanta’s hot new commodity followed with a slew of music videos – “GOGO” (May 11th, 2023), “Entertainment” (2023), “DOM” (2023), and “SHADY” (2024) – amidst a stretch that saw them bring their sweaty live set to the very best underground venues the United States, Canada and Europe have to offer.

BIO DAIISTAR is an Alt-Indie band formed in Austin, Texas in the spring of 2020. The band takes their inspiration from the neo-psychedelic era of the 80s and 90s (The Jesus and Mary Chain, Spacemen 3, Primal Scream) and pulls it into the future with modulating synthesizers, heavy guitars, bouncing bass lines, and spiraling hooks, creating a narcotic blend of noise and melody. DAIISTAR recorded their first studio album produced by Alex Maas of The Black Angels and engineered by James Petralli of White Denim in the summer of 2021. The band signed to UK based label Fuzz Club Records with their debut album GOOD TIME released on September 8th 2023. The album is available on vinyl including a Levitation Exclusive Edition pressing, as well as CD and digital. DAIISTAR has performed at ACL, SXSW, Levitation Austin, Levitation France, Austin Psych Fest, Barcelona Psych Fest, KEXP, KUTX and has toured with The Black Angels, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, and The Dandy Warhols.

A first person horror film. Sean and his fiancée, Grace, enter a remote forest to find Sean’s missing father, Paul, who vanished after the death of his youngest daughter, Lilly. Returning to the site of Lilly’s death forces Sean to confront his inner demons, which begin to materialize externally. Their search takes a terrifying turn, revealing Paul’s secret. He’s been conducting experiments, aimed at resurrecting Lilly. The forest is now inhabited by cannibalistic little girls, each a clone of Lilly, battling to prove their identity as the 'real' Lilly. As Sean and Grace uncover the grim truth, they face terrifying creatures and grapple with unsettling questions about life and death.

eydrey is a 26-year-old bilingual artist emerging from the U.S.–Mexico border cities of El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. Shaped by a bi-cultural upbringing, her music reflects the fluid exchange of language, rhythm, and identity that defines the region. Proudly Latina and proudly Mexican, eydrey draws from her roots to create music that reflects both her vulnerability and strength.

fifi knifefight is an Austin based glam punk band known for a powerful live presence and raw sound. Blending punk grit with theatrical flair, this is a must-see act for fans of Hole. Fronted by dynamic lead, the eponymous fifi knifefight, their performances often feature driving rhythms, unapologetic lyrics, and an in-your-face style that's intense yet captivating. Tracks like "joanie" and "THE PARTY" showcase their unique mix of emotional depth and defiance. Often found in downtown Austin and recently featured in several local festivals, fifi knifefight continues to make waves in the indie circuits.

Grupo Salvaje is an Austin-based band with deep Mexican roots and over 25 years of musical experience, delivering high-energy performances that ignite dance floors and bring communities together. Known for their cumbias and crowd-moving rhythms, the group proudly represents Mexican and Latin culture through music that connects generations. Drawing from traditional Mexican styles while pushing a vibrant sound, Grupo Salvaje blends cumbias, norteñas, and nonstop dance music into a dynamic live experience. Their versatility and stage presence allow them to adapt effortlessly to any crowd, making every show a celebration.

Jana Diab is a Cairo-born, London‑based singer-songwriter whose work blends emotional vulnerability with a bold, genre‑fluid sensibility.

Joe Harvey-Whyte is one of the most innovative and exciting pedal steel players around. He has worked with a diverse range of artists including Liam Gallagher & John Squire , James Vincent McMorrow, The Magic Numbers , Susanne Sundfør , Billy Bragg , Tony Visconti , Nilüfer Yanya , Jody Stephens , Bullion , Mozart Estate, Alabama 3, Young Jesus & many more.

Marni carries a down-to-earth and authentic energy. The indie rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 2022, and consists of Nicolas Lara (vocals, guitar), and Michaela Gradstein (vocals, guitar). The project began as Lara’s solo work in Palm Springs, where he released the debut album Whiskey Girl, before evolving into a full band the following year.

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.

Sound Mass is an ever-evolving collaboration between Austin’s My Education and Utah’s Theta Naught, celebrated for immersive, cinematic soundscapes and electrifying live performances. Since its inception, the project has captivated audiences with a seamless fusion of post-rock, ambient, classical, and experimental elements, crafting music that is as emotive as it is expansive.

The Haunted Youth is the band of Joachim Liebens and the biggest Belgian indie rock sensation of the last few years. After the release of the critically acclaimed and popular debut album Dawn of the Freak and touring almost non-stop, his sophomore album BOYS CRY TOO is set to release in May ‘26. Frontman Joachim Liebens blends dreamy guitars, nostalgic synths, and deeply personal lyrics into songs that, while dark in theme, offer comfort and connection. Since the release of their debut album Dawn of the Freak in November 2022, the band has toured relentlessly, playing to packed crowds from London to Madrid. Festivals like Rock Werchter, Pukkelpop, Lowlands, Sziget, and Iceland Airwaves eagerly welcomed them—The Haunted Youth came, played, and conquered.2025 marks the beginning of the next chapter in The Haunted Youth’s compelling journey, with the release of their highly anticipated sophomore album BOYS CRY TOO, set for February 2026. The album signals a bold step forward in both sound and storytelling, pushing the band’s emotional and sonic boundaries even further.

Jim Baitte, a layabout sound designer desperate to prove himself, is working on a new horror flick from the tyrannical yet lauded b-movie director P.W. Griffin. Accused of lacking vision and creative courage, Jim is sent to the remote island where the film was shot to capture a sound powerful enough to elevate the film's finale. Once there, eerie local fables surface: for years, ambitious and headstrong youth have lost their souls to a ghostly sea captain for his spectral crew. As Jim entangles himself further into the bizarre locals, scenery, and prophecy, he can’t help but ponder the ever-confirming legend, and if recording it might just cost him more than his career.

This horror anthology tackles the modern work landscape through four timely perspectives – the hustle culture of an MLM, the endless repetitiveness of a food delivery driver, the online horrors of a content moderator, and the unionization of a familiar-feeling coffee shop. "Grind" shows what it means to be a worker in a world defined by wealth inequality and ruled by endlessly greedy oligarchs, one not so far removed from our own. This is a film for anyone who's ever hated their job, had a bad boss, or felt taken advantage of at work. In other words, it's a film for all of us.

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.

Pyrex Whippa (Kedrick Isaiah Cannady) is a Baltimore-born producer and rapper known for his atmospheric, dark trap beats as a prominent member of 808 Mafia and Metro Boomin’s Boominati collective. He has produced for artists like Future, Young Thug, and 21 Savage, launching his solo rap career in 2019 with projects like Sincerely, Rex.

Geto Gala is an Austin-based hip-hop duo formed by vocalists Deezie Brown and Jake Lloyd. Known for blending Southern rap, "candy slab" tradition, and, in particular, the influence of DJ Screw, they released their debut EP in 2021 before dropping their full-length album, Major League, in 2025.

A film that everyone is talking about, and audiences need another chance to see it.

Gothess Jasmine is a shapeshifting entity inside a Black Nonbinary Austinite. Gothess proudly represents undervalued and under booked artists while using their platform to uplift others in marginalized communities. With events like Legend of the Realms, Create in the Park, and IMOLE: A Black Fae Day Celebration, Gothess aims to encourage others to use artistic practices such as painting, storytelling and visual performances as a means of radical self expression and spiritual healing. Through these artistic outlets, they intend to inspire people in a manner that transcends culture, language and ability.

Formerly known as “BabiBoi”, BabiDoll is an Austin, Texas based recording artist, DJ, and community organizer who has been pivotal in Central Texas’ ballroom (vogue) movement. Her music has been revered nationally in publications such as Billboard, Paper, LA Times, and NPR Music, and has been seen on stages alongside artists such as Charli XCX, Tinashe, Cupcakke and Zack Fox. Following her 2024 DJ set for Boiler Room, she has gone on to release her debut album, “CONTROL FREAK” and has started her podcast, “BabiTalk” in which she pulls the curtain back on Texas’ bubbling underground scene. Her relentless tenacity and boundless sexuality is instrumental in her mission to bolster Southern Queer culture.

Crisp harmonies, dual lead guitars, and a rhythm section built on drums, bass, and keys makes up The Gasoline Gypsies. But, their recent exponential growth is born of a work ethic that has earned them the reputation one of the tightest bands in Michigan.Music built to serve the songs, drawing influence from the roots of rock, folk, bluegrass, and country, The Gasoline Gypsies craft a unique style of Americana Rock; Music painting images of the wonder of nature while engaging thoughtful, and mature poetry, spinning themes that invite us to an understanding of our common human journey. A Gasoline Gypsies show asks us to breathe in all of the world, and exhale a unifying message of realistic hope, celebrating both life’s challenges and joys, reminding us that amid the ebb and flow of life, we are all on this ride together.The Gasoline Gypsies plugged in can rock large venues. Unplugged they can enchant small rooms.The Eight time Detroit Music Award winners are feverishly followed by their loyal fan tribe, The Vagabundos. Meet a Vagabundo, and you’ll likely be enchanted by an alchemy that draws together the music, the people, and the family that is The Gasoline Gypsies experience.

Home Counties return with their second album 'Humdrum', a sharp, dance-driven evolution produced by Al Doyle of LCD Soundsystem and Hot Chip. Trading guitars for restless grooves and twitchy synths, the band dissect the chaos of modern life with wit and precision. Dual vocalists Will Harrison and Lois Kelly explore jealousy, self-doubt and overthinking across ten hook-laden tracks that balance melancholy and euphoria. Already acclaimed for their electrifying live shows, Humdrum cements Home Counties as one of the UK’s most inventive new bands.

She23 is an Austin-native singer, rapper, DJ and songwriter known for blending genres and building culture at the same time. Fusing hip-hop, R&B, and alternative influences, She is known for high-energy, club-oriented tracks and local performances. Active in the ATX music scene for over 15 years, She released the "2H3EO" EP in 2024 and is known for singles like "Goofy Goober" & "Chedda". You can also find She23 spinning some of your favorite hits at local venues such as Coconut Club, Traphouse and many more. Beyond the music, she curates and coordinates events that spotlight community, collaboration, and emerging voices. She23 has stepped onto official stages for SXSW, Dream Con, and AfroTech, continuing to make her mark as both a genre-blending artist and a force behind the scenes.

Bobby Raps (born Robert John Richardson on December 22, 1992) is an American rapper, singer, and record producer from St. Paul, Minnesota. He first gained recognition as a member of the hip-hop collective Thestand4rd and has since established a solo career marked by a distinctive raspy vocal delivery, introspective lyricism, and multifaceted production work. Over the course of his career, he has collaborated with prominent artists including The Weeknd, Lil Wayne, and Future, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and influential figure within contemporary hip-hop and R&B.

Romar Daniel, known professionally as FATHER ROMAR—formerly Daddy Dinero and affectionately nicknamed “DAD”—is an American rapper, songwriter, and recording engineer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A distinctive voice in hip-hop, he first emerged as one-third of the influential group FREEWIFI, which signed to LA label Rostrum Records in 2016.FREEWIFI debuted with Connected, followed by FREEQUENCY, featuring Romar’s breakout single “1(800)-ASSS.” The track earned placements on BET Jams and REVOLT TV, helping solidify his reputation as a creative force. The group was also featured by outlets including Sway’s Universe, HipHopDX, and Pigeons & Planes. Their single “Rent’s Due” appeared in Season 2, Episode 2 of Showtime’s The Chi, expanding their reach to national TV audiences.Musically, ROMAR draws inspiration from Southern rap icons like Lil Wayne, Three 6 Mafia, Mike Jones, J-Kwon, Bone Thugs, and Ludacris. Known for his signature ad-libs—“AHHHHH” and “WHAAATTT”—he blends classic influence with modern innovation. Inspired by artists like A$AP Rocky, he brings bold self-expression through both music and fashion, continuing to evolve from “Daddy” into a boundary-pushing “FATHER.”

Rock n’ Roll will never be a lazy game. PONS is here to set the record straight.

Formed in 2020 by AJ Vallejo (of Sony recording artists/Texas favorites Vallejo), Brodie Lane melds personal-life folk storytelling with Texas alt-southern rock showcasing AJ’s diverse & vast song catalog. “My songs live here now with this amazing group of fellow artists that bring my stories to life…I feel blessed to enjoy another chapter in my music career with this team better than I could’ve ever imagined.”

Gus Baldwin is a singer/songwriter/ex-hippie/part-time punk from Austin, TX. After a stint holding down drums for Dallas surf punks Sealion in high school, Baldwin went on to form the Psych Pop combo Acid Carousel, which he led for 6 years and 20 something releases before departing the band. Moving to Austin, Baldwin started quickly self releasing a string of singles and EPs on his own GetWithIt! Imprint and establishing himself as the godson of Texas Rock n Roll. Teaming up with former bandmates and friends Gus formed The Sketch in 2022. Embracing the aggression of dirty punk, the looseness of garage, and the charm of power pop, The Sketch established themselves as new cornerstones of the Austin rock scene. Recording their debut LP with the group in one day of recording in LA in the spring of 2024, “The Sketch” is the culmination of Baldwin’s vision, manifested through the power of The Sketch themselves. In late 2025, Baldwin released his first full length solo LP. With the selt-titled debut, Gus focuses in on his rock n' roll stylings, while at the same time showing great versatility as a songwriter. Not being afraid to mix opposite loves of Punk and Pop into one cohesive album.

“Loud, fast, and eclectic” is the mantra of language, an Austin, Texas, trio whose brand of polyrhythmic punk takes influence ranging from jungle breakbeats to the melodic guitars of late-stage Sonic Youth. Formed in 2023 by lead singer and guitarist Eric Quitugua, the group’s lineup is rounded out by bassist Melody Dalton and drummer Nicky Christmas. Hard at work in the studio, the band is set to release its first single in early March with its debut album on the way.

Luna Tropical is an homage to the cumbias that raised us. Known for getting asses out of seats with nonstop danceable cumbias, hot accordion and saxophone solos, and dynamic drums, Luna Tropical brings traditional Latin music with a modern flare.

MINORI out of Kingston Jamaica, dubbed 'Mini from the block', has arrived with a freshness. Tough yet full of soul, she bends Hip Hop, Reggae, RNB, Dub and Dancehall into something different, connecting with people at the core level.MINORI has been touring Nationally through out the USA since 2021 gracing festival stages such as Reggae Rise Up, Cali Roots, Montana Hemp Fest and opening for internationally acclaimed artists such as Nattali Rize and J-Boog taking audiences by storm with mesmerizing performances. Her epic live show is set on the wings of her masterful lyrical content and powerful vocal talent, winning hearts everywhere she steps.With her 2021 debut single release RED PILL she pushed Hip Hop / Trip Hop realms amassing attention with her fresh original style.“Play it loud! I definitely give this one the #RebelMusic stamp of approval. Not often you see this style of lyrical deliveryby a sistren, so it’s very refreshing for me. I’ll be anticipating what else is in store”- Kabaka Pyramid"There’s an undeniable presence and power in MINORI’s lyrics and vocal flow"- Nattali Rize

Salinas’ own Cumbia Urbana band, ¿Qiensave?, delivers an infectious fusion of traditional cumbia and modern urban sounds, known for electrifying performances that keep crowds moving. With roots in Michoacán, Mexico, and a home base in Salinas, California, the band has been making waves since 2009, blending cumbia with rock, reggae, and hip-hop while bringing their dynamic live show to stages across the U.S., Mexico, and Colombia.They gained wider attention with their 2019 debut Mujer, featuring “High Class” and “La Fuga,” and continued their momentum with releases like “Mata De Mota” featuring Tropa Magica, “El DUI” produced by Eduardo Arenas (Chicano Batman), and the fan favorite “Quemayama.” In 2024, they partnered with Grammy-nominated producer El Dusty for the remix album Reanimación and collaborated with Chuck Prophet on Wake The Dead, which hit #1 on the AMA/CDX Americana charts.Now entering their next chapter, ¿Qiensave? prepares to release their new album Así Las Cosas in summer 2026, led by the single “SED De Tu Amor,” as they continue pushing cumbia forward with a fresh, evolving sound.

SAMIA commands every room with her magnetic presence and globally rooted sound. Not confined to one scene or sound, SAMIA is the founder of Porqueria Party, a resident of Cincodoce, the leader for Mexican reggaeton and Diaspora, Mexico and Latin America's top afro-diasporic + global sounds collective.

Oscar and Eunice, a music electronic pop mexican duo.

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

From Richmond, VA, Jason Farlow & The Last Real Circus craft a raw, soulful blend of Americana and Indie Rock. The project is a musical collective centered on singer-songwriter Jason Farlow, renowned for his energetic stage presence, heartfelt storytelling, and musicianship.Touring both solo and with his band, Farlow has captivated a loyal following with heartbeat singles like “Nottoway” and “Gypsy Woman.” His sound channels a wide range of influences, from Tom Petty and Joe Cocker to Kings of Leon and Alabama Shakes.Their rising trajectory has earned them opening slots for an impressive roster of artists, including Jon Russell of The Head and The Heart, Band of Heathens, Blues Traveler, Nicole Atkins, Bones of JR Jones, Devon Gilfillian, Tim Reynolds, Biz Markie, The Sleepwalkers and many others.

Poiison is an innovative artist and songwriter from Queens, NY, blending melodic hip-hop, Latin rap, and R&B into a sound uniquely her own. A proud product of New York City, she’s built real momentum—opening for 50 Cent, touring with Shordie Shordie, and completing a 6-city run with Kevin Gates. Her collaborators include Styles P, 2Rare, Fergie Baby, Cash Cobain, and Sha Money XL.

Valee is a Chicago-born rapper known for his minimalist delivery, deadpan charisma, and hypnotic approach to trap and street rap. Emerging from the city’s underground, he broke through with cult-favorite records like Womp Womp and Good Job, You Found Me, later releasing projects via Kanye West’s GOOD Music before continuing independently. Valee’s sound is defined by sparse beats, unconventional flows, and an anti-performative cool that has influenced a wave of modern rap aesthetics. He’s collaborated and shared stages with artists across the experimental and mainstream rap spectrum, earning a reputation as a tastemaker’s rapper with lasting cultural impact rather than trend-chasing appeal.

Novul is a Canadian-born, Los Angeles-ased pop artist creating high-energy emotionally raw music rooted in controllec chaos. Blending alt-pop instincts with distorted textures, breathless vocals, and confrontational hooks, her sound captures spiraling confidence and unfiltered self-awareness in real time. A trained dancer and dynamic performersince age 4, Novul was named by Grammy-winning producer Poet Name Life (The Black Eyed Peas). She recently completed a North American run supporting pop icons AQUA on the Barbie World Tour, bringing her explosive live performance to major markets across the continent. Her EP BLK RNBW earned six editorial placements across Spotify and Apple Music, plus national radio support on SiriusXM Hits 1 HitBound. With Vevo artist spotlight recognition across the US, Spain, France, and UK, her latest single Bad Things continues building momentum heading into 2026.

Social Order is a Los Angeles and Las Vegas–based trio blending melodic pop, post punk, and darkwave into a sound that feels both cinematic and intimate. Formed during the isolation of 2020, the band features Mason Musso and Anthony Improgo of Metro Station alongside Andrew Ward of Nuwave Fighters. Their music explores the tension between nostalgia and reinvention, light and shadow, intimacy and distance.

Lodri (Rodrigo Nieves) Venezuelan Producer/Composer based in Austin, currently in his beginnings in the music industry.