The Better of SXSW 2025 : NPR

Julien Baker and Torres

“Who wants excellence once you’ve acquired charisma?” Julien Baker quipped at Wednesday’s SXSW efficiency with Torres. The pair each oozed allure and exuded greatness at their inaugural competition set, providing a sneak peek at their forthcoming album, Ship A Prayer My Manner. The duo’s musical chemistry was apparent as they traded leads on country-tinged tunes, harkening their Southern roots whereas forging areas for queer tales. —Michelle Bacon, 90.9 The Bridge

Case Oats

Led by Casey Gomez Walker, the Chicago-based act Case Oats carried out charming units at SXSW on the heels of signing to Merge Data. Walker’s inventive writing background was on full show along with her deft lyricism, buoyed by the accompaniment of Spencer Tweedy on drums, Max Subar on guitar and pedal metal, Jason Ashworth on bass and Scott Daniel on fiddle. Primarily based on a brief story Walker wrote in faculty, lead single “Seventeen” captures the worldview of that formative time in her life. The outfit’s debut album is due out later this yr, and I can not wait to see how these songs tackle new life on the street. —Want Moses, WNRN

Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson took the stage for the primary time in 15 years with a shock set at Luck Reunion, one of many ancillary occasions to SXSW that takes place at Willie Nelson’s ranch. No stranger to reinventing herself, Simpson carried out songs with a brand new nation/Americana sound, formed partially by producer JD McPherson, a collaborator on her forthcoming EP Nashville Canyon. Simpson’s putting efficiency was met with an overwhelmingly optimistic response from the gang, who appeared drawn to the artist’s genuine self-expression. —Lindsay Kimball, The Present

La Sécurité

What a distinction a yr makes! Ultimately yr’s SXSW, Montreal artsy dance punk band La Sécurité was like a souped-up muscle automotive made for a drag race: one lengthy straightaway with none turns. After a yr of touring and refining its craft, the band landed again in Austin extra like a System 1 race automotive: even quicker, however now in a position to deal with hairpin curves. Assured, spry and balletic, La Sécurité is on high of its recreation this yr. —Rick McNulty, KUTX

Supply

It made sense that I would uncover a band from the Dwell Music Capital of Australia (Melbourne) ripping by way of units within the Dwell Music Capital of the World (Austin). The band’s second full-length album, Drive Majeure, aptly describes mining the perfect components of punk and glam riffage (and eye shadow) with three alternating vocalists. There’s rather a lot to be loud about proper now, and Supply makes “shouting it out loud” enjoyable. —Jeff Sweatman, WNRN

Edgar Alejandro

As he crooned and charmed his method by way of an early morning set, 23-year-old Edgar Alejandro captivated the KUTX Dwell at Scholz Garten viewers. Chances are you’ll acknowledge the Los Angeles artist’s standout single “A Tu Lado,” which went viral on TikTok final yr. At SXSW, he carried out with simply an acoustic guitar and trumpet — however this fall, Alejandro, who was born to a household of mariachis in Guadalajara, can be touring with a 14-piece orchestra in help of his forthcoming album. —Deidre Gott, KUTX

Sedona

Performing with a sensibility that mixes a Southern California/Fleetwood Mac vibe with fashionable pop, San Fernando-native Sedona is making waves along with her new document, Getting Into Heaven. I caught her final efficiency at SXSW at a swanky bar in Austin and was struck by her well-crafted songs, like the one “Greatest Saved Secret.” —Alejandro Cohen, KCRW

Taylor Rae

Regardless of having lived in Austin for seven years, Taylor Rae made her SXSW debut this yr. Her new intimate and groovy album, The Void, can be launched subsequent month. —Jessie Scott, WMOT