As South by Southwest (SXSW) gears up for its 2025 takeover of Austin, the bustling music, film, and interactive festival has begun rolling out its lineup of musical acts set to electrify the city from March 10-15. In a report by Austin Culturemap, we're given a sneak peek at the sprawling roster that spans continents and genres, signaling a festival ripe with diversity.
Where global talents are concerned, SXSW has managed to round up an eclectic mix. Standouts include the soul-stirring Indonesian psychedelic funk group Ali, and the visceral energy of Justin Morales, whose tunes have resonated far beyond regional Mexican charts. To really soak in the international flair, attendees can also look forward to acts like Dublin's punk ensemble Gurriers, and the melodic creations of multi-instrumentalist Yasmin Williams, as per Austin Chronicle. It's a lineup that aims to simultaneously celebrate different cultures and to provoke the always-engaging discussions about the industry's future.
It's not just about the international guests, however. The festival proudly showcases homegrown talent with a significant share of Austin-based artists like Bee Blackwell, Bubba Lucky, and soul-jazz musician Sly5thAve gracing the stages. This local love is a nod to the city's long-standing reputation as a bastion for live music and creativity, according to a list compiled by the Austin Chronicle.
However, the event doesn't come without its share of backstory and change. SXSW has formally banned "the US Army, and companies who engage in weapons manufacturing" from 2025 sponsorship—a quiet but significant move that follows last year's tug-of-war involving military and weapons sponsors, as noted by Austin Culturemap article.
Concerning performer compensation, a push for fair pay has resulted in a pay raise for artists from previous years. These updated numbers come as part of continued efforts to address grievances around insufficient pay, with bands now receiving $400 and solo artists and duos receiving $175—a step in the direction of ensuring the artists, who are truly the heart of the festival, are recognized for their contribution.
