Photo: Daniel Alexander Harris / Chuff Media
SXSW is where the next great music act finds its voice. Over 2,000 indie musical artists will descend on Austin, Texas over March 11-17, 2019, seeking fame, fortune, and perhaps even a major record deal.
A SXSW showcase performance can make or break a career. This is where Sofi Tukker, Lucy Dacus, and countless other acts got their big break. Who will it be this year? We’re betting on these 8 Music Acts to Watch at SXSW 2019.
More musical adventures: 7 Cannot Miss Spring Music Festivals
Insider tips: The 5 Best Escapes From SXSW
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8 Music Acts to Watch at SXSW 2019
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Lexie Liu
Asian artists are being billed as the "next big thing" in music thanks to breakout stars like Lexie Liu. The 19-year-old hip-pop provocateur is destined for viral internet stardom with cover girl looks, spitfire rap rhymes, and the backing of Asian music powerhouse 88 Rising.
Photo: Ziming Qin
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Black Midi
Black Midi are this year's SXSW "it" band that has music industry insiders buzzing. The London four-piece make post-punk experimental music that sounds nostalgic but feels refreshingly new, and the singer's voice is like no other.
Photo: Dan Kendall
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Liily
Liily make "suburban valley music from the future." Think catchy cock rock that you can bang your head to in a strip mall parking lot.
Photo: Present Artist Management
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Puma Blue
Jacob Allen (aka Puma Blue) is a silky smooth crooner for the Millennial age. Think Michael Bublé, but with balls.
Photo: Olivia Hamilton
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Haelos
Things have come “Full Circle” for this London quartet. After internet buzz and a breakout debut landed them onto major music festival lineups in 2016, they’re ready to break big again with a headlining SXSW appearance to kick-off a stateside tour.
Photo: Jeff Han
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Wyclef Jean
The former Fugees frontman is currently on the comeback trail with a new project, Wyclef Goes Back to School, featuring college coeds he vibed with while giving music masterclass sessions across the U.S.
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Vacations
This Aussie indie rock band incorporate ukulele, kalimba, and karimba into their cool and breezy jangle pop that reminds us of Mac DeMarco.
Photo: Charlie Hardy
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Ferris & Sylvester
Music god Robert Plant gave his blessings to this London duo, which is good enough for us. Plus, we've got a sweet spot for male-female harmonies over Jack White's blues licks and Americana-folk twangs.
Photo: Aaron Taylor
