SXSW: 3 Rising Acts to Discover RIGHT NOW!

Every year, the entertainment industry gathers in Austin, Texas, for a week of conferences, live performances, and movie premieres at South by Southwest (SXSW).

Our Senior Director of Programming and Content has selected three acts he discovered at SXSW!

Wet Leg (UK)

The visit of the British indie rock band was highly anticipated by both the festival crowd and the music business, and all their shows were at full capacity. I was finally able to beat the crowd and see their last of many concerts. Part of the hype probably comes from their rich sound, which blends four decades of alternative music, from Bjork to Wolf Alice.

Their crafty indie gems will definitely make them festivals favorites for the next few years.

Their first eponymous album is coming on April 8

Moonchild Sanelly (South Africa)

While Afro-pop/hip-hop music was a highlight of the festival, Moonchild could be the next star to break that scene at the international level. Her explosive stage presence, infectious grooves, and fearless lyrics of empowerment were brilliant.

Naya Ali (Canada)

Not new to the Canadian hip-hop scene, but a favorite. The songs of Ethiopian-born rapper have everything to conquer worldwide crowds, offering inventive beats and mature texts rooted in the singer’s diverse culture, complete with a solid on-stage delivery. Her most recent work from Godspeed: Baptism and Elevated could make her a strong figure of the upcoming new global hip-hop scene.

Hear these artists and many more of our favorites on the SXSW 2022 channel.