6 Austin Artists to Catch at SXSW 2025

Whether you’ve traveled far or live nearby, supporting local bands this year at South by Southwest is a must. Here is a guide to some upcoming local Austin talent to catch at this year’s festival. 

Written by Claire Hookstra

Photos courtesy of SXSW, KUTX, Spotify, Bandcamp, The Hollywood Partnership, and Austin American-Statesman

South by Southwest is an incubator for talented musicians from around the world. As we anticipate the 2025 festival, taking place from March 7 to March 15, we’re highlighting some artists who got their start in Austin, Texas. 

Glass Mansions

Photo courtesy of SXSW

Inspired by ‘90s electronic beats, art-pop group Glass Mansions entrances listeners with danceable rhythms and upbeat tracks. Having graced the stages of the Vans Warped Tour and opened for rock powerhouses such as Young the Giant and Phantogram, Glass Mansions continues to spread its unique sound across the country. 

Its most recent single, “STANDING O,” perfectly captures the group’s experimental style. Lead vocalist Jayna Doyle’s intense vocals alongside dark, electronic hyper-instrumentals prove quite sonically intense. “You don’t know me / Can’t control me / You don’t own me / Here’s your standing o,” the chorus wails as the percussion intensifies. 

Hear this mind-bending track along with others at Elysium on March 15 from 9:00 p.m. to 9:40 p.m.

Learn more about Glass Mansions on its website.

Chief Cleopatra

Photo courtesy of KUTX

Jalesa Jessie, better known as Chief Cleopatra, is one of Austin’s up-and-coming soul-rock artists. She was given her own “Chief Cleopatra Day” on May 2, and the city is ready with open arms to welcome her back for her fifth SXSW showcase. 

Her latest release relies on a techno beat to complement her sultry vocals. The single “Cold Dancer” creates an electronic soundscape with fast-tempo percussion and dreamy electric guitar riffs. The song escalates into rock , concluding with Chief Cleopatra moving on from her former “cold dancer.” 

Jam out with Chief Cleopatra at Cuatro Gato on March 10 from 10:00 p.m. to 10:40 p.m. and at Saxon Pub on March 13 from 1:00 a.m. to 1:50 a.m.

Discover more about Chief Cleopatra on her Instagram.

Exotic Fruitica

Photo courtesy of Bandcamp

Austin-based Exotic Fruitica began in 2009 with only frontman Jon French and drummer Aaron Gilligan, two lifelong friends. Now an expanded project with the 2022 addition of bassist Reid Haynie, guitarist Charlie Cruz, and rhythm guitarist Carson Caldwell, Exotic Fruitica invites the city of Austin to enjoy its unhinged, post-punk sound. Known for their frenetic and chaotic live performances, the group keeps every show unpredictable. 

The musicians’ self-titled debut record, EXOTIC FRUITICA, showcases its “absurd” lyrics with tracks like “Carson Daly Call Me Maybe” and “90K House in Sweden.” The album, heavily inspired by ‘90s post-hardcore music, features a pounding kick drum, frantic guitar shrills, and gnarly vocals. 

Party hard with Exotic Fruitica at Zilker Brewing on March 13 from 7:00 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. and at Elysium on March 15 from 8:00 p.m. to 8:40 p.m.

Learn more about Exotic Fruitica on its Bandcamp.

Blackchyl

Photo courtesy of Austin American-Statesman

Hip-Hop artist Blakchyl is known for her community-minded lyrics and rhythmic beats. The queer artist has toured Europe three times, in addition to opening for acts such as Jean Grae and Talib Kweli. Her mellow yet intricate raps showcase pride for her community in East Austin.

The artist’s most recent EP, Process of Shinnin, was made in collaboration with Vintage Jay, another Austin Hip-Hop artist who utilizes his art as a method of social activism. Relaxed beats create a dreamy, laid-back soundscape to further emphasize the musician’s powerful lyrics. In “3Ringz,” Blakchyl longs for an escape, stating, “The city’s going crazy / I really can’t stand it.” Hoping to connect with listeners moved by her emotional work, Blakchyl continues to impress with melodically unique raps. 

Groove along with Blakchyl at Lefty’s Brick Bar on March 13 from 10:00 p.m. to 10:40 p.m.

Discover more information about Blakchyl on her Instagram.

Bee Blackwell

Photo courtesy of Spotify

Bee Blackwell creates a coming-of-age journey through her ‘90s-inspired indie-rock sound. Finding her fame by posting emo and grunge covers on TikTok in 2023, Blackwell is prepared for her first SXSW festival this year.

In her latest single, “Signs,” the artist longs for a relationship with an undisclosed lover, yearning, “The sun and the stars don’t need you like I do.” Heavy guitar riffs, quintessential to alternative rock, accentuate the song, making it the perfect soundtrack to anyone with an unreciprocated crush. 

Catch Bee Blackwell at Valhalla on March 10 from 8:00 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. and at Zilker Brewing on March 11 from 7:50 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. 

Learn more about Bee Blackwell on her Instagram.

Somebody Someone

Photo courtesy of The Hollywood Partnership

New to the Austin music scene, alt-pop artist Somebody Someone’s vulnerable discography is rife with lyrics that require listeners to reflect on their own identity, belonging, and sorrow. Somebody Someone’s musical journey is only just beginning.

Their debut single, “Better,” features elegant piano accompanied by the artist’s hauntingly dramatic vocal range. “I feel better, better, better / Better off without your love / When it’s all said and done,” they belt through the chorus of the emotional track. With only one single released thus far, this is your chance to discover the next big thing early on in their career. 

Listen in on Somebody Someone’s set at the Continental Club on March 12 from 10:00 p.m. to 10:40 p.m. 

Discover Somebody Someone on their Bandcamp.