5 Underground Artists to Watch at SXSW 2022

Not sure what artists to see during music week? Use this list as a guide for some of the best up-and-coming artists to support.

Written by C.S. Harper

Photos courtesy of Calm Elliott-Armstrong, Dasom Han, Jas Kyser, and Rare DM

After a two-year hiatus from in-person attendance, SXSW is finally back! With new shows like a Bushwig showcase and major stars like Shawn Mendes and Dolly Parton coming to the Live Music Capital of the World, choosing who to watch might feel daunting. While it may be tempting to go see your favorite popular artists, it’s also important to support the musicians who need it most: local, international, and indie acts. Here’s a curated guide to some of the best smaller artists to watch at SXSW, featuring everything from all-femme punk to hip-hop.

Rare DM

Recommended If You Like: Brooke Candy, COBRAH, Glüme

Erin Hoagg’s Brooklyn-based project, Rare DM, combines dark wave with soundscapes you’d hear at a BDSM club in “The Matrix.” Her music exists in the online realm, consisting of analog synths and lyrics inspired by DMs that the musician herself has sent and received. But she approaches modernity with self-awareness. In “Rolex,” she comments on materialism in a deadpan sprechgesang: “Don’t need an Audi / To hang out with me and my fake Versace / Don’t need a Rolex to get into my contacts, DMs, Rolodex.” With forward-thinking production and thoughtful lyrics, Rare DM will become a favorite among club kids.

Find Rare DM on Spotify and Instagram. Catch her performing at Higher Ground on March 18 (8:00 p.m. CST).

Balming Tiger

Recommended If You Like: BROCKHAMPTON, Drain Gang, slowthai

As a self-proclaimed “alternative multinational K-pop band,” this collective creates immaculate earworms that shift between trap, hyperpop, and R&B, interweaving Korean lyrics throughout the members' slick bars. Featuring hip-hop artist Byung Un and the group’s lead rapper, Omega Sapien, “Armadillo” is filled with memorable lines that are equally braggadocious and fun: “I’m a scene stealer, green Godzilla / (...) Get my bread when I spread Nutella.” The group delivers mid-tempo tracks just as well. The spacey R&B instrumental of “JUST FUN!” makes it the perfect song to replace your “beats to relax/study to” playlist. With just a few released singles, Balming Tiger is already a “scene stealer” that’s ready to take over the world.

Find Balming Tiger on Spotify and Instagram. Catch the collective performing at International Day Stage at Brush Square Park on March 17 (3 p.m. CST) and Reina + ReyRey on March 19 (1:30 a.m. CST).

Jas Kayser

Recommended If You Like: Nubya Garcia, Shabaka and the Ancestors, Nala Sinephro

Jas Kayser is one of the most underrated musicians in the London jazz scene, and she has the resume to prove it. With a Berklee degree and collaborations with Lenny Kravitz and Jorja Smith under her belt, the drummer-composer is a musical tour de force. In debut EP Unforced Rhythm of Grace, she explores the intersection of jazz and Afrobeat, taking both genres to the future while paying respects to their past. “Ku Variation” juxtaposes distorted brass instruments with traditional Latin percussion and classic jazz comping, making for an invigorating listening experience. With her ear for intricate composition and undeniable drumming prowess, Jas Kayser is bound to stun concertgoers wherever she plays. 

Find Jas Kayser on Spotify and Instagram. Catch her performing at Sellers on March 17 (9 p.m. CST) and Elephant Room on March 19 (8:30 pm CST).

Bad Waitress

Recommended If You Like: Hole, Bikini Kill, The Regrettes

Bad Waitress is the feminist rock band you need right now. The Toronto four-piece creates riveting femme punk anthems, like the cathartic “Pre Post-Period Blues.” Backed by fuzzy guitars, the band members howl and screech lyrical middle fingers to society, ridiculing politeness in the aptly titled “Manners” and criticizing child labor in “12 Years Old.” However, the group never steers clear of fun, crafting the perfect party bop to get wasted to (“Let’s Get F-cked Up”). Bad Waitress will have you screaming against the patriarchy while headbanging the night away. 

Find Bad Waitress on Spotify and Instagram. Catch the band performing at Swan Dive Patio on March 14 (8 p.m. CST) and Valhalla on March 18 (1:25 am CST).

ADOY

Recommended If You Like: Phum Viphurit, Gus Dapperton, Alvvays

Having accumulated well over 15 million streams on Spotify, Seoul band ADOY has carved a name for itself with its dream pop songs. With hazy vocals and mellow guitars, “Simply” is a tender ode to young love with a nod to Billie Eilish: “Every time I realize you loving me / I dive into ocean eyes.” But unlike many indie bands, ADOY always keeps its sound fresh. “Swim” puts a childlike spin on the band’s neo-soul sound, twinkling xylophones and a lullaby rhythm accompanying singer Dayoung’s honey-sweet vocals. ADOY’S pleasant but refreshing sound is sure to turn indie heads in the Live Music Capital.

Find ADOY on Spotify and Instagram. Catch the band performing at Elysium on March 18 (9 p.m. CST).