This year’s SXSW showcased over five hundred international artists. It’s impossible to name them all, but here are a few of our favorites.
Lucid Express
This 5-piece group hailing from Hong Kong is ethereal, honest, and grunge – the shoegaze holy trinity. The group’s sound is turbulent and oozes the kind of industrial pessimism city dwellers know well. Their newest album, released in February of this year, is the result of the group examining their complex relationship with Hong Kong. The album oscillates between heavy static and angelic melody, moving steadily forward and drawing us right in.
Javiera Electra
Chile-based Javiera Electra’s sound is unrelenting. Blending art pop with elements of music from her childhood (like cueca, boleros, cumbia), Electra’s masterfully produced tracks and visceral lyrics cut right to the bone. Her most recent album, Helíade, displays her musical prowess at full force, cementing Electra’s place as a SXSW favorite. For more, check out Electra’s iconic performance on KEXP.
Amy Gadiaga
Amy Gadiaga is a Paris-born bassist, vocalist, and composer currently based in London. Her music is an intoxicating blend of Gadiaga’s traditional education in bass and contemporary influences. Gadiaga is at once jazz, RnB, and soul all wrapped up in the relatability of pop. With two EPs out, Gadiaga’s discography can be devoured in one day, but you’ll definitely be back for more.
Sassy 009
Sassy 009 is the brainchild of Sunniva Lindgård, an Oslo-based producer and vocalist. Lindgård has been releasing music under the name since 2017, and her resume boasts collaborations with the likes of Blood Orange and Clairo. Her newest album, Dreamer+, is grungy and electronic, perfect ambience for those loud late nights.
Sunforger
Made in Montreal, Sunforger is a little bit grunge, a little bit shoegaze, and a lot despondent – in the best way. The group echoes with a post-punk atmosphere, and their simple lyrics that only bolster that moody sound. The group’s two albums and EPs boast the kind of rhythmic dissonance we love to love. Lucky for us, they’ve got another one slated for May of this year.
Lucky
Lucky is a “heavy but delicate” artist from the land down under. She makes the indie pop that summers are made of. Lucky’s singles are upbeat with an edge and wildly intimate in their relatability. A personal favorite is “Lady Beetle,” but each single released so far packs its own punch. If Lucky isn’t on your radar for 2026, she should be.
