SXSW 2025: 7 Concerts to Catch from Austin Musicians
Catch these Austin-based artists’ late night sets throughout SXSW’s six day music festival
The conception of SXSW has its heart in Austin’s music scene. The 1987 inaugural music festival featured 177 artists across 15 stages. Fast forward to 2024, the music festival showcased over 1,200 across 65 stages. SXSW has grown alongside the city itself and reflects Austin’s vibrancy. Don’t miss these hometown acts at this year’s festival:
Gus Baldwin & The Sketch
March 10, time TBD at The 13th Floor
With edgy melodies, aggressive drum trills and confident electric guitar, punk band Gus Baldwin & The Sketch represents the survival of Austin’s rock scene. Their first record, “The Sketch,” was released in January and marks the official collaboration of Baldwin, previously a solo artist and leader of the band Psych Pop, and The Sketch. Recorded in a single 11-hour session, the album shows all the eagerness and passion that this budding group has to offer. Their live performances mirror the same energy, so come ready to dance the whole set.
Nemegata
March 11, 9 p.m.-9:40 p.m. at The 13th Floor
Trio Nemegata makes music based in Latin American traditions and utilizes the Latinx diaspora to inspire their sound. They blend this with elements of psychedelia from Africa and the Caribbean. Nemegata continues to gain traction in Austin and has received nominations at the Austin Music Awards the past three years in a row. Strong percussion stands out on their tracks while soothing vocals weave around the instrumentals.
Invoke
March 12, 8:10 p.m.-8:50 p.m. at Cooper’s BBQ
Invoke is a string quartet featuring two fiddles, a banjo and a cello. Their sound mixes classical, folk, bluegrass and more to tell stories with a contemporary feel. In 2023, the band celebrated their ten year anniversary with the release of the album Evolve & Travel, which includes personal and band centered memories. In addition to telling band members’ stories, their ongoing commissioning project American Postcards asks composers to write a piece based on a time and place in American history which Invoke then performs.
Anastasia Hera
March 13, 10 p.m.-10:50 p.m. at Lefty’s Brick Bar
Anastasia Hera’s bold R&B sonics and moving lyrics make her an artist to watch. Hera’s addictive melodies provide a vehicle for narratives of empowerment, which are inspired by her upbringing by a single mother. Her debut record “Way Out,” released last December, features 15 tracks and was produced by local nonprofit label Spaceflight Records. Each track feels like the installment in a meandering stream of life’s ups and downs.
Casper Allen
March 13, 12 a.m.-12:40 a.m. at Continental Club
Casper Allen has spent years singing the blues. Often playing with just an acoustic guitar, bars and street corners served as Allen’s stage as he got his start. Now the artist’s deep resonant vocals fill venues across the US on his numerous solo tours. Listeners are drawn to the authenticity that emanates through his lyrics which explore addiction, life and travel. Currently three records deep into his music career, Allen continues to make simple yet profound tracks.
Glass Mansions
March 15, 9 p.m.-9:40 p.m. at Elysium
Alt-pop duo Glass Mansions provides everything a pop enthusiast could want – punchy hooks, catchy choruses and a whisper of rock n’ roll. Inspired by sounds of the 90s, Glass Mansions uses electronic and upbeat backing for audiences to listen and let loose. The duo recently collaborated with Austin mix engineer Taylor Webb and anticipates a 2025 release for the new material.
Flight by Nothing
March 15, 11 p.m.-11:40 p.m. at Low Down Lounge
Flight by Nothing is a five-member indie rock band that lets their chemistry and charisma shine. Their youthful energy makes for live performances that demand grooving to the beat. Drummer, Sam, and bassist, Porfi, lay a tight groundwork for keyboardist, Huey, vocalist, Conner, and lead guitarist, Pacco, to add color. The band’s latest EP “smokin with u” feels like driving down an open road with the windows down.
How to Attend SXSW Music Festival 2025:
The SXSW Music Festival is a global gathering of musicians, industry experts, and music enthusiasts, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, career advancement, and live music experiences. From March 10-15, the festival features artists spanning various genres, ranging from emerging talents to iconic performers. To secure tickets, register for a Music Festival Badge for $895 or a Music Festival Wristband for $149. Wristband holders enjoy secondary access to music festival showcases, while primary access lines are reserved for SXSW Platinum and Music Badge holders.