South By South West (SXW) has taken over Austin, Texas this week, convening more than 75,000 creative industry types, tech professionals, artists, musicians and fans from across the world.
Although the festival is often criticized for its enormity (namely the over-saturation of corporatized activations), it's still a meeting place for forward-thinking minds and the Music portion of the event continues to maintain its identity as a touchstone for America's music industry to mingle and make moves.
As an official artist at the festival this year, SXSW is a moment for me to discover new talent, find professional connections and mingle among some of the biggest names in music. Here are 15 acts (I've selected quite a few from Texas) that will be leaving their mark on the festival this year.
1.) Lizzo
Lizzo erupted into the mainstream last year, as her hit singles, flute skills and body-positive vibes took the media and the radio for a ride. (She made it onto Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in 2018, too). Although she's been to the festival a few times, this is Lizzo's first year at SXSW with a widely marketed headlining show at Austin's Stubb's. The attention is well-deserved—this artist has been hustling after her craft for years and the hype is long overdue.
2.) Billie Eilish
Rising from the depths of Soundcloud, Billie Eilish released her first single "Ocean Eyes" in 2016, a song she recorded when she was only 14 years old. With a fan base in the millions, the singer has yet to release her debut album (it's expected some time this year). This year at SXSW, she's the finale act for Uber Eats House.
3.) Cherry Glazerr
Hailing from Los Angeles, Cherry Glazerr is a newly formed rock outfit, fronted by singer/songwriter Clementine Creevy, in support of their newest album "Stuffed & Ready." The band is playing a host of unofficial and official showcases, including FADER FORT.
4.) Ximena Sariñana
Based in Mexico City, Ximena Sariñana decades-long career in music precedes her SXSW showcase and recent emergence in the US. The artist's production and songwriting skills (she primarily sings and writes in Spanish) have garnered her a massive and dedicated following. This week, Sariñana has a showcase on March 13.
5.) Eimaral Sol
As a Texas Native, Eimaral Sol's subtly expansive musical palette has reaches beyond her roots. Often compared to Erykah Badu and Alina Baraz, Eimaral Sol's music spans soul, hip-hop and R&B, producing a sound that is just genuinely good to listen to. The artist has made waves on Soundcloud and has one showcase during the festival on March 14.
Fronted by Michelle Dauner, Japanese Breakfast is an indie rock band from Philadelphia. The band's playing a sweep of showcases during the festival this year, as Dauner's career has steadily been on the rise (she's even got a book coming out!).
7.) King Princess
Currently one of pop's fan favorites, King Princess is another prodigy quickly making her way to the top. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she's currently signed to Mark Ronson's label, Zelig Records.
8.) Ladi Earth
Ladi Earth is equal parts spiritual, relatable and down. As a rapper, she's made a name for herself in Austin, Texas, as her performances are nothing short of captivating. As a music mogul on the rise, she's already got one of her debut tracks, "Water," licensed for Netflix's latest hit series, "Russian Doll." If you're not keeping up with this one, you should be.
9.) Seratones
Seratones is fronted by singer-songwriter A.J. Haynes. The group burst onto the scene in 2017 and gained renown through key performances on NPR's Tiny Desk and the Newport Folk Festival. This year at SXSW, the group has two official shows on March 14 and March 15.
10.) Chanté
Based in Chicago, Chanté's talents span DJing, acting and creative production. Beyond her renown in Chicago as a celebrated DJ, Chanté runs the feminist collective, Cliche Collectiv.
11.) Jackie Venson
Jackie Venson is truly an Austin legend in the making. An accomplished guitarist and talented singer to boot, she collaborates with some of the best instrumentalists and artists in Austin, Texas on a regular basis and continually uses her platform to put people on. She recently went on tour with Austin favorite Gary Clark, Jr., so there's that, too.
12.) Mélat
Born in Austin, Texas, Mélat's sounds, beyond their ethereal, pitch-perfect relevancy, pay homage to her parents' Ethiopian heritage. Her work has been appreciated by fans around the world, and this year she'll be gracing SXSW with a show at Antone's.
13.) Rico Nasty
Rico Nasty is the genre-bending artist we've all been waiting for. Although she's a rapper by trade, I'd argue she's just as much a contemporary performance artist. She's been busy and booked this SXSW for good reason.
14.) Molly Burch
Self-described as indie-pop, Molly Burch began her music career in 2017, with an album, "Please Be Mine,": exploring unrequited romance. Classically trained, her skill clearly transfers into relatable, bright music. Her vocal range is impeccable, too.
15.) Tasha
Represented by Father/Daughter Records, Tasha's indie rock vibes established ground in Chicago, Illinois. Gentle and sweet, each track on her debut record "Alone At Last," are introspective sweet serenades reminding the listener to be gentle—with oneself and with the world. She'll be playing Father/Daughter Records' showcase this Friday, March 15.
