20 Artists To Watch At SXSW 2024

Bad Bad Hats
RIYL: The Greeting Committee, Barrie

Despite not releasing an album of new music since 2021, Minneapolis-grown indie band Bad Bad Habits are hitting SXSW to perform their fun, groovy, and laidback bops that have been described as “90s rock simplicity and pop-punk frivolity.”

Bad Bad Hats, whose artist name came from a mischievous character in the childhood book “Madeline,” have been on my radar for awhile, and I’m looking forward to seeing them live for the first time. – Kristin

Ben Kweller
RIYL: Ben Folds Five, Weezer

For more than two decades, Ben Kweller has been releasing his own blend of grungy power pop-inspired indie tracks, and performing them at impressive live shows. 

If anything else, go see Kweller because he’s one of the few native Texans on the impressively international list of musicians taking the stage at the massive Austin festival. He’s well known for his numerous performances at the Texas capital’s other big music festival, Austin City Limits, and there’s no doubt that his performance at SXSW will be one for the books. It’s not just a performance for Kweller—he’s the headliner of a showcase composed solely of acts from Kweller’s music collective, The Noise Company. – Erin

brother bird
RIYL: Japanese Breakfast, Joseph

One of my newest artist discoveries, brother bird, came at the perfect time: just a couple months before she was making her debut at SXSW.

The Nashville-based artist is best known for her intimate take on indie rock, twinged with a bit of country and folk. After a stint on the 4th season of NBC’s The Voice, Glaser developed the artist project brother bird, collaborating with Andy Hull and Robert McDowell of Manchester Orchestra. brother bird’s next album, Quitter, drops on March 8. – Kristin

Eliza McLamb
RIYL: Jensen McRae, Leith Ross

Fresh off the success of her debut album Going Through It and riding the high off her successful podcast, “Binchtopia,” Eliza McLamb is about to embark on her first headlining tour across North America, including her stop in Austin for a set at SXSW.

McLamb’s songwriting allows the listener to take a peek into the most intimate corners of her life, brought to fruition in part thanks to collaborator Sarah Tudzin, well-known for her work in Illuminati Hotties. – Kristin

Ellie Bleach
RIYL: Faye Webster, CMAT

I’ve said it once and I’ve said it again: one of my favorite parts about music festivals is the opportunity to discover new music to fall in love with, which is exactly what happened when I stumbled across British singer-songwriter Ellie Bleach.

The topics that Bleach explores in her music, like the dullness of suburbia and growing up in the 21st century, reminded me a lot of the early sounds we first heard (and fell in love with) from Lorde.

However, her sonic choices are built to be more theatrical, comparative to artists like Regina Spektor and Fiona Apple. – Kristin

Flo Milli
RIYL: Nicki Minaj, Baby Tate

For those not yet acquainted with Flo Milli, her prominence is notably marked on TikTok, where virtually all her songs have achieved viral status. Renowned for her distinctive, youthful vocals, she possesses a rare ability to enhance the catchiness of her compositions. The 2020 debut mixtape, Ho, Why Is You Here? is filled with iconic lines, attesting to her lyrical prowess.

Building on this success, 2022 witnessed the release of her debut album, You Still Here, Ho? This collection showcases Flo Milli’s artistry through astute and confidence-laden lyrics. Beyond just being catchy, her music has this vibe that’s pure charisma, confirming she’s a big deal in today’s music scene.
– Jesse 

Flyana Boss
RIYL: Janelle Monáe, Hemlocke Springs

Currently embarking on their first ever headlining tour, hip-hop duo Flyana Boss is set make their debut at SXSW, apart of both Rolling Stone’s Future of Music Showcase as well as WE FOUND NEW MUSIC’s showcase.

Their SXSW appearances come ahead of their new EP, which is set to release on March 29.

If you’re looking for a high-energy set with fun music, good vibes, and artists that don’t take themselves too seriously, look no further.
– Kristin

Housewife
RIYL: Samia, Girlhouse

South by Southwest is no stranger to showcase musicians before they make it big, with major artists like Janelle Monáe, St. Vincent, and the Arctic Monkeys making appearances before they became breakout stars.

With that being said, I have to assume that 21-year-old Brighid Fry, known for their music released under the moniker Housewife, will someday be also mentioned in that list of artists who appeared at SXSW early in their career.

Housewife, whose single “Fuck Around Phase” was featured on our site last year, touches on themes of queerness and sexism in their music. – Kristin

Kaleah Lee
RIYL: Maggie Rogers, Phoebe Bridgers

Just a few years ago, Vancouver artist Kaleah Lee reluctantly decided to upload a video of herself singing on social media. Despite succumbing to feelings of self consciousness after posting it online for the first time, her covers started to attract a mass feeling, primarily on TikTok, even from the artists whose music she was covering herself (cough cough, Taylor Swift).

Lee played a handful of shows in 2023 with singer-songwriters Leith Ross and Searows, furthering her experience performing for a crowd and getting familiar with the nuances that come along with it. 

Lee’s debut EP Birdwatcher drops on March 22. 
– Kristin

Madeleine Mayi
RIYL: Katelyn Tarver, Haley Blais

Just over three years ago, we had the opportunity to feature singer-songwriter Madeleine Mayi as our Artist Of The Month. We have been keeping up with her music since then, including her three singles from 2023 and her most recent release, “Middle Child,” which dropped on Valentine’s Day.

A self-described “beautiful mess,” Mayi has been pursuing her career in music solely because of her love for it: continuing to work other jobs without having to rely on her music as her sole source of income: an intentional choice she made so the creative process doesn’t become a chore, or a source of stress in her life.

SXSW will be Mayi’s first festival appearance of her career, and I’m curious to see what’s in store for her. – Kristin

Mali Velasquez
RIYL: Blondshell, Big Thief

When I first discovered Nashville-based artist Mali Velasquez’ music last fall, I was completely enamored with its beautiful simplicity and intricate songwriting. It makes total sense that I connected with her music, as her debut album I’m Green was a collaboration between Velasquez and producer Josef Kuhn, who has worked with other artists that Staged Haze has covered extensively (Samia, Annie DiRusso, to name a couple). 

I’m Green tackles complex terms of acceptance and grief, inspired by the loss of Velasquez’ mother and all of the complicated feelings that come along with closure. She is touring with A.Savage following her debut at SXSW. – Kristin

Mary Shelley
RIYL: LCD Soundsystem, The Strokes

Formed in Brooklyn in 2020, Mary Shelley swiftly rose to prominence with European tours and a vibrant album blending punk with dance influences. Known for their electrifying live performances, the band has secured a coveted spot opening for Gogol Bordello in California this May, solidifying their status as rising stars.

Catch them at SXSW for a taste of their dynamic sound, promising an immersive experience that transcends genres. Mary Shelley’s unique fusion and infectious energy position them as a band on the brink of making a lasting impact in the music industry. – Jesse

Pony Girl
RIYL: Psymon Spine, Julia Bardo

SXSW isn’t just a music festival. It’s a meetup and showcase of artists in music, film and visual media—which is a perfect match for Pony Girl, an indie art rock band based in Ottawa, Ontario. The band, which is fronted by filmmaker Pascal Huot, blurs the line between art performance and musical performance in their live shows with their infectious and unique sound.

The band released Laff it Off last year, Pony Girl’s second release on Canadian label Paper Bag records. The album, one of the band’s most infectiously fun, is sure to result in an exuberant, boisterous live show that shouldn’t be missed. – Erin

Rachel Chinouriri
RIYL: Maisie Peters, Remi Wolf

As I sat down to write this, I realized that I first discovered British singer-songwriter Rachel Chinouriri’s music for the first time was in March 2022: pretty poetic that I’ll get to see her perform for the first time two years later, if you ask me.

The London singer-songwriter has amassed over 120 million streams to date and has been marked out as a true one to watch by being shortlisted for the BBC’s Sound of 2023 and the Ivor Novello Rising Star Award.

Chinouriri’s debut album What A Devastating Turn of Events drops on May 3. – Kristin

Searows
RIYL: Phoebe Bridgers, Alix Page

If you’re all about finding a musician whose music can make you cry like a baby, I’m sure you already have 24-year-old Alec Duckart on your radar. But if you don’t, now is your chance to queue up his music.

Known for releasing under the moniker Searows, Duckart has catapulted into the indie space quite quickly, releasing his music on Soundcloud and Bandcamp, and most recently, TikTok, leading to an opening slot for Ethel Cain and a string of sold-out headline shows across North America. – Kristin

Softee
RIYL: MARINA, Lorde

Softee, the artistic moniker for Nina Grollman, is not just a DIY pop sensation but a distinguished Juilliard graduate and Broadway performer, notably embodying Scout in “To Kill A Mockingbird” alongside Jeff Bridges. Hailing from Minnesota and now a Brooklyn native, Softee’s musical stylings are a nod to 80s influences, uniquely infused with a modern queer sensibility.

Her album, Natural, released last year, showcases a folky, Lana Del Rey-esque vibe, revealing her versatility across genres. Witnessing Softee live at SXSW is a must, especially considering her hands-on approach to music creation. Her ability to craft compelling tunes independently cements her status as a multifaceted and promising artist. – Jesse 

SPRINTS
RIYL: English Teacher, Enola Gay

One of my favorite albums (so far) this year was released by SPRINTS, a band I hadn’t heard of until I started searching out new releases. And wow, I’m glad I did. Letter to Self, the band’s first studio album, was released Jan. 5, and it’s a thrilling, rollicking listen that captures the glory of garage-inspired punk. 

Beyond their fantastic debut release, SPRINTS, who hail from Dublin, Ireland, are well known for their wild live shows. Couple the two together, and it makes the Irish band’s set at SXSW one of the ones that I wouldn’t miss. – Erin

Strawberry Launch
RIYL: The Beaches, Orla Gartland

Last spring, we had the chance to feature Strawberry Launch’s newest single, “Ready Yet.” The NYC-based band had just signed to Trash Casual Records, and have released several singles since.

With music described as “astral psychedelic rock,” Strawberry Launch have continued to pave the way for themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the indie space, and they’re currently gearing up to play select shows with Bay Area group Small Crush.

Their set at SXSW will likely preview new music ahead of their new EP, Bad Luck, which is scheduled to drop later this spring. – Kristin

Teezo Touchdown
RIYL: Paris Texas, Jean Dawson

Teezo Touchdown is swiftly etching his presence in the alternative rap landscape with the release of his debut album, How Do You Sleep At Night? and his collaborations with heavyweights like Travis Scott, Drake, and Tyler the Creator underscore his rising influence.

Landing a coveted spot on A24Music’s Stop Making Sense Cover Album further solidifies his artistic prowess. Teezo’s sound is a refreshing anomaly, defying conventional boundaries with its unique blend of rap, rock, punk, and pop. His music resonates as a delightful enigma, making him a captivating artist to watch in the ever-evolving realm of alternative rap. His performance is sure to be one of a kind.  – Jesse

Victoria Canal
RIYL: Madison Cunningham, Holly Humberstone

Spanish-American multi-instumentalist, singer, and songwriter Victoria Canal is heading to SXSW ahead of her new North American tour. The dates will be be promoting her 2023 EP Well Well, a project featuring collaborations from the likes of S. Carey, Madison Cunningham, and Tony Berg. 

One of her top tracks, “Swan Song,” has garnered high praise from Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who hailed it as “one of the best songs ever written.” She’s even toured with artists like Hozier and The 1975, with the latter’s Ross MacDonald recently working with her on new music.
– Kristin