That’s a wrap on another SXSW Festival. We can’t quite believe it’s been two years since the great and good of music last descended on Austin for a fortnight of showcases and shenanigans. The Texas festival more than made up for lost time with a lineup that celebrated the breadth of exciting, global, musical talent; artists who have been busy honing their craft, itching for a chance to play live.
Our photographer, Sam Keeler, caught up with some of the festival’s most-hyped artists backstage for a quick chat and a snap.
1Baby Queen
Baby Queen by Sam Keeler
Ahead of her support tour slot with Olivia Rodrigo, Baby Queen stops by SXSW to play two showcases of her Gen Z pop, hosted by DIY Magazine and BBC Music.
Read our interview with Baby Queen.
2Big Joanie
Big Joanie by Sam Keeler
UK feminist punks Big Joanie are looking forward to bringing their “music and message” to Austin when we catch up backstage.
3Maisie Peters
Maisie Peters by Sam Keeler
Maisie Peters can already name Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran as fans and after this year’s SXSW, she’ll be adding a whole host more folks to that list.
4Hannah Jadagu
Hannah Jadagu by Sam Keeler
Hannah Jadagu’s lo-fi, hazy indie is the tonic we need after the last couple of years. The New York artist was in town, playing three sets to showcase songs from her EP, ‘What Is Going On?’, which was released via Sub Pop last spring.
5Smut
Smut by Sam Keeler
Chicago shoegazers, Smut, hit up Austin’s answer to Moth Club, Hotel Vegas, for their SXSW showcase. Frontperson, Tay Roebuck’s lyrics tackle guilt, grief and growing up.
6Horsegirl
Horse Girl by Sam Keeler
Undeniably one of this year’s most talked-about bands, Chicago’s Horsegirl take the hype – and recent signing to Matador – in their stride, their cool demeanour never wavering.
7Jade Bird
Jade Bird by Sam Keeler
Jade Bird is all smiles after taking home the SXSW Grulke Prize for Developing Non-US Act. The prize, now in its sixth year, is given to artists ‘who are breaking new ground with their creativity and show the most promise in achieving their career goals.’ Not a bad accolade!
8Lil Cherry
Lil Cherry by Sam Keeler
Korean hip-hop artist, Lil Cherry and her brother GOLDBUUDA pose for us by the river. Lil Cherry’s most recent single, ‘CATWALK’ features a guest spot from rap royalty, Rico Nasty.
9Babehoven
Babehoven by Sam Keeler
Indie-rock duo Babehoven – AKA New York’s Maya Bon and Ryan Albert – played their first SXSW, debuting songs from their six-track ‘Sunk’ EP.
10Phebe Starr
Phebe Starr by Sam Keeler
Aussie indie-pop artist, Phebe Starr, makes alternative electronic pop music that blends experimental instrumentals with her effortless vocal. Her debut album ‘Heavy Metal Flower Petal’ is out this month.
