Photography by Kieran Webber

Kieran Webber
Kieran Webber

Founder of CLUNK Magazine. Normally found hunched over his desk searching for new music.

SXSW is a hotbed for new music discovery and this year is shaping up to have plenty of incredible showcases for music lovers of all genres

As you’ve probably figured out by now CLUNK is heading to SXSW this year, in a mere few days in fact. We’ve been busy behind the scenes planning out our trip figuring out just who to check out, this is no easy task and one that feels without end. There really is just so much to discover at SXSW. However, with that being said this list highlights the music showcases we are most excited for.


So Young Records SXSW Showcase

Where: Creek & Cove

When: Wednesday 15th March – 7pm-2am

So Young Records have been cultivating some of the UK’s most talented bands in recent years, including heavy hitters Sports Team. If you’re looking for a night that celebrates some of the best new indie bands from the UK, then it is essential you check our the So Young Showcase.


NME x Bose Showcase

Where: Inn Cahoots

When: Thursday 16th March – 1:30pm – 12am

NME and Bose have teamed up to bring some of the hottest names in music together for one mighty showcase. The showcase is part of the reboot of the iconic C-series that first started 1986, now returns with C23. This is an opportunity to witness the next big names in the music industry before the absolutely blow up.


Dirty Looks Presents: The Authentics

Where: Shangri-La

When: Friday 17th March – 8pm

This one’s a real treat for hip-hop fans as Burning Records Music Group and Dirty Looks brings forward some of the most talented lyricists in the game to their showcase. They’re promising that this event will showcase “everything hip-hop should be”, so be sure to check it out!


Ciao SXSW – The Italian Showcase

Where: The Stay Put

When: Thursday 16th March – 8pm-1am

SXSW is truly a global event and it’s so amazing that we get to sample music from all over the world. Which leads us to the Italian showcase on Thursday 16th March at The Stay Put. This is your chance to sample the best of what Italy has to offer with highlights in the form of the psychedelic rock outfit Big Mountain County.


Music From Ireland – Full Irish Breakfast

Where: The Dead Rabbit

When: Friday 17th March – 12pm-6pm

Another global showcase for you! This time from Ireland, a country that is fast becoming a hotbed for talent, bringing bands such as Fontaines D.C and The Murder Capital to your ears. This is your opportunity to see who Ireland is offering up and maybe catch the countries next big thing.


Range Magazine SXSW Showcase

Where: The Drafting Room

When: Friday 17th March – 8pm

The Range Magazine is bringing the very best in Canadian hip-hop to the city of Austin during SXSW. Featuring Juno Award winner for Best Rap Song of the Year, Charmaine, TikTok phenom Lex Leosis, Korean-Canadian R&B crooner Sylo, Indigenous hip-hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Edmonton R&B/rap hybrid 80Purppp (who currently boasts 4-million monthly listeners on Spotify), and the forever smooth Chiiild.


Off The Burner Showcase

Where: Half Step bar

When: 8:30pm-10:30pm

Off The Burner are showcasing the very best of women in music with their showcase, featuring rap, hip-hop, R&B, and producers. This is going to be a fantastic showcase that highlights some of the industries most talented women.


Jazz Re-Freshed

Where: Sellers Underground

When: Wednesday 15th March – 8pm-2am

A showcase produced by Jazz Re:Freshed and British Underground featuring incredible rising British talent. There will be performances from the Balimaya Project, an 11-piece polyrhythmic horn blazing supergroup who are bridging London’s bustling jazz circuit and the traditional repertoire and folklore of the Mandé peoples of West Africa. For those looking to see some incredible musicianship and the chance to see something new/different then this showcase is for you.


Tigerbomb’s Official SXSW Showcase

Where: The Velveeta Room

When: Wednesday 15th March – 8pm – 2am

Tiger Bomb returns for its fifth year of showcases and the 2023 edition is shaping up to be a real hitter. Highlights coming in the form of Dropper and Truth Club.


Good Karma Club Showcase

Where: Augustine

When: Wednesday 15th March

Award-winning TV / Radio presenter, DJ and much-loved tastemaker Abbie McCarthy (BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing, E4 Extra) makes her return to SXSW Festival with her Good Karma Club showcase on Wednesday 15th March at Augustine, Rainey Street. 

As expected from the Good Karma Club it showcases some of the most exciting and vibrant acts from the UK, including Youth Sector, Warmduscher, and Crawlers.


The British Music Embassy

Where: The Courtyard

When: 11th March -18th March

The British Music Embassy’s 12 showcases run from Saturday, March 11 to Saturday, March 18, split between four daytime and eight night-time shows. This is the ultimate showcase of the best and brightest from the UK, ranging through a variety of genres. To catch the cream of the crop in British talent then head to The Courtyard during SXSW.


Nine Mile Records Showcase

Where: The Continental Club

When:Thursday 16th March – 8pm-2am

A chance to see some of Austin, TX best artists on their home turf. Highlights coming from Fruit Bats and A Giant Dog.


Third Man Records Unofficial Day Party

Where:

When:

Jack White‘s record label, Third Man Records will be hosting an unofficial showcase with their Third Man Unofficial Day Party hosted at The 13th Floor. There is a whole host of artists to get your ears around including our favourites English Teacher.


Dance To The Radio Showcase

Where: Seven grand

When: Tuesday 14th March – 7pm onwards

Dance to the Radio is part of Futuresound Group in Leeds, which is one of the longest running independent live music promoters and venue operators in the UK. Now, they’re bringing their showcase to the Mecca of the music industry SXSW. This is yet another example and opportunity to catch the best of the UK in one space.


PIAS Showcase

Where: Half Step Bar

When: Wednesday 15th March

PIAS is hosting an incredibly diverse and interesting range of artists for their showcase. From the indie-rock sounds of Circa Waves to the world music infused beats of Ladaniva there is something for everyone. This is one not to miss!


Get your ears around just some of the amazing music on offer by checking out our official SXSW playlist:


Let us know what you think!