SXSW News
The Tiarras, Big Freedia and 166 more music acts added for SXSW 2025
The Tiarras are one of 13 Austin bands included in the second round of music announcements.
Just a day after announcing the second round of featured speakers for 2025, South by Southwest has dropped the second portion of its music festival lineup as well. As always, the list of 168 acts includes artists from countries around the world, including 13 from Austin.
This year's music festival will take place March 10-15. Music showcases happen all over the city, and badge holders (or wristband holders, if they're local to Austin) can guess which performances they might like if they recognize some favorite venues. A more concrete strategy for those who are less familiar with Austin's live music landscape can also put their faith in showcase presenters.
Those include radio stations, blogs, magazines, events producers, record labels, and more. Some strong bets for a good show include Billboard, C3 Management, [Jazz Re:freshed], KEXP El Sonido, M for Montreal, NPR Music Stations, Rolling Stone, Sofar Sounds, and UTOPiAfest.
Austin artists in this round are:
- Cysum
- Daydream Twins
- FLAKO STIK
- JahleelFaReal
- JaRon Marshall
- J’cuuzi
- Skateland
- Somebody Someone
- SoundMass
- The Tiarras
- Vintage Jay
- Wes Denzel
- West Texas Exiles
From the broader announcement, a press release highlights New Orleans' Big Freedia, Tokyo’s tamanaramen, Barcelona's HEAL, Los Angeles' Steve Wynn of the Dream Syndiate, Czechia’s Aiko, and South Carolina's SWEET SPINE. It also mentions several artists from the United Kingdom: jasmine.4.t, Freak Slug, Steam Down, and Master Peace, Total Fucking Darkness.
Full lists from the first two rounds of music announcements can be found at sxsw.com.
“The SXSW Music Festival lineup provides a unique opportunity to discover artists from around the world,” said the music festival's vice president, James Minor, in the release. “The magic comes from a diverse and carefully-curated program that’s designed to help you find your next favorite act. For our second reveal, we continue down that path with an abundance of inspiring musicians who will be heading to Austin next March.”
Music badges ($795 online, $995 in person) are on sale now, and Austin locals can keep an eye out for wristbands at a lower price with more limited access.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri