by Andrew Calvio
It’s time once again to lace up those running shoes and get ready for another year of South by Southwest or SXSW… SouthBy if you’re cool. Nine days full of film, technology, and music will have you making tough decisions and moving quickly. Starting in 1987 as a way to showcase local talent, it quickly gained traction and has since turned into a destination festival for artists across the globe. SXSW has helped launch or boost the rising career of many big names that we see today. Who can forget up and comer Billie Eilish at Central Presbyterian Church? Previous installments of our annual festival have given us so many iconic performances and we cannot wait to see what’s to come this year. Who will be the standout act that will generate a buzz? Things are just starting to roll as lineups are being announced and flyers are flying! Let’s dive in!
The British Music Embassy is always a favorite. They tend to have a killer lineup and bring in acts that have had success across the pond who are just waiting for their moment to blow up. This year over 60 artists will be showcased at their new location The Backyard at Downright Austin 3/9-3/16. Keep your ear to the ground, there will be sure to be a breakout artist coming from this venue. Check out Coach Party, Bleach Lab, Lottery Winners, Divorce, Ash, and so many others!
SPIN Magazine is back at Stubbs with another exciting showcase 3/16. This year’s headliner will be Sunny Day Real Estate celebrating the 30th anniversary of their debut album “Diary”. Joining them on the bill are The Get up Kids and Austin’s very own Die Spitz. These ladies are super fun and put on a show that you can’t miss. Die Spitz are certainly rising stars in the Austin music scene taking home Album of the year and Video of the year at the 2024 Austin Music Awards.
Rolling Stone’s Future of Music showcase at ACL Live never disappoints 3/12-3/15. Four nights of carefully selected artists to knock your nose off. They definitely know what they’re doing. This year we get Peso Pluma on Day 2 and Faye Webster on Day 4. Oh yeah, I can’t forget local guitar slinger Jackie Venson! These shows will be crowded, get there early.
Marshall Funhouse will be stationed at Parish this year 3/13-3/15. This year’s initial lineup is pretty stacked with more bands to be announced. The Black Angels will be headlining this one with Dry Cleaning, Shannon and the Clams, Being Dead, Pelvis Wrestley, Bathvs, Noah and The Loners, and so many more!
Billboard’s three-night showcase will be hosted by Moody Amphitheater 3/14-3/16. Night one artist is PartyNextDoor followed by Christian Nodal on night two and Illenium for night three. A good mix of culture will be sure to attract a crowd.
Porsche is setting up shop at Brazos Hall this year 3/8-3/12. This is a really good venue that can hold more people than previous years’ pop-up installations. Although their musical guests have yet to be announced, they tend to draw the people in. Who can forget Big Boi last year?
Floodfest will be coming to Mohawk again 3/14. This showcase has always been a fun day party. Topping the bill this year is Chromeo along with Hinds, rising latin pop artist Estevie, and Fat Dog just to name a few.
Antone’s will be the home of the C3 Management showcase on Wednesday 3/13. This bill includes David Shaw of the Revivalists, Michigander, Nico Vera, Tigercub, and Worry Club. Usually a fun laid back night.
Also at Antone’s will be UT’s Hook ‘Em House on 03/08 and 03/09. Opening night will be Ghostland Observatory with Dayglow performing on night two. Two great bands at a great venue. This will be a good way to get SXSW started.
Collide on Rainey have only announced one showcase so far but they usually activate multiple venues that host bands all weekend. They are bringing HO9909 to Lustre Pearl on Thursday 3/14. This will be a good one. We are curious to see how their activations work with all the construction going on this year.
The Black Keys will be at Stubbs Friday night 3/15!!! They are headlining the Easy Eye Sound Showcase. You don’t want to miss this one, but you might. This one will be difficult to get unless you show up early and ride it out. Good Luck!
And finally, the community concerts on the Lady Bird Lake stage 3/14-3/16. Thursday night will be the Celebration of Steamboat 1874 Austin and will coincide with the San Antonio Spurs night. If you were around Austin in the 90’s you will love this one. Bob Schneider, Vallejo, Ian Moore, Patrice Pike, and Joe “King” Carrasco. Friday’s theme is Funk Not Fight and will have legendary bassist Bootsy Collins. Saturday is KUTX night and is loaded with indie artists spanning genres. Something for everyone.
One last recommendation, catch a show at Central Presbyterian Church. The acoustics are amazing and it’s such a cool place to see an artist in an intimate setting.
This is just the tip of the iceberg as there will be so many more announcements coming. Keep your eyes open and look at the flyers as you walk from venue to venue. Make friends because lots of things happen on a word of mouth basis. Check the SXSW schedules religiously, popups move quickly.
Check out all our past SXSW festival photos and coverage on Austin 101 Magazine. Check out the entire SXSW 2024 schedule.
