Since 1987, musicians, creatives, tastemakers and the industry at large have been gathering in Austin, Texas to indulge in the future of entertainment and media. The annual event that has attracted them – South by Southwest, or SXSW – has grown into one of the biggest cultural events in the world. Over the past four decades, the festival has attracted artists from all corners of the globe, not only from the music world but also thought leaders in film, tech, media and more. Each year more than 2,000 acts perform at over 100 venues in ATX. Newcomers spanning just about every genre often cross paths with headlining acts, who love to return to the beloved festival. This year, the Black Keys will make their return as keynote speakers and performers, backed by some exciting artists from singer Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound label.
A major part of what put SXSW on the map is discovery, which aligns with our mission here at SoundCloud. Media, A&R reps and industry executives wander the streets of Austin looking for the next artists who will shape our culture. In 2007, Amy Winehouse played a slew of shows around Austin, which undoubtedly boosted her rapid ascent. In 2001, the White Stripes played an outdoor set ahead of their breakout third album, ‘White Blood Cells,’ which set them on a course to global stardom. Jack White returned in 2012 with his Third Man Records roster in tow to throw a massive party. Anderson .Paak played a slew of shows in 2016 before going on to rack up Grammys, both as a solo artist and with Bruno Mars in Silk Sonic. Entering with an eclectic buzz in 2011, Odd Future solidified their standing with a series of legendary performances. Artists ranging from John Mayer to HAIM and M.I.A. all had breakout SXSW runs, generating attention that rightfully propelled their careers.
With SXSW 2024 fast approaching and literally thousands of showcasing artists set to descend on the Lone Star State’s capital, we’ve put together a guide of artists spanning genres ranging from afro-pop and regional Mexican to electronic and hip-hop – who will be all taking the stage. Whether you're making the trip to Austin or just dreaming of it, we’ve assembled a collection of tracks from artists we think are worthy of your radar. From SoundCloud Ascending alumnus Teezo Touchdown and Scowl, the rapidly rising Santa Cruz punk band, to the soulful sounds of Altadena’s Los Yesterdays and the regional Mexicano trailblazer Peso Pluma, let us take you to Austin in your mind.
Teezo Touchdown - “Up and Down”
The genre-defying Beaumont, Texas native singer and producer who has collaborated with the likes of Drake and Travis Scott heads east across the Lone Star state for SXSW
Pheelz - “JOY” (feat. Olamide)
Well-established as a producer, Nigeria native is ready for his closeup
Lola Brooke - “You” (feat. Bryson Tiller)
From the bayou known as Brooklyn, the rapper calls herself “Big Gator,” known for her gritty and raw style
Chase Shakur - “sink or swim”
A new take on the Quiet Storm from the ATL
Alice Longyu Gao - “.Sex”
Chinese-born, U.S.-based multifaceted artist whose music has been dubbed “hyperpop”
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