The Austin industry festival returns for the 29th year.
This year’s SXSW Music Conference and Festival takes place March 17-22, bringing with it the usual onslaught of artists, panels, press and fans that have overtaken Austin for almost three decades.
Because sorting through the event schedule and artist list can be so overwhelming, we’ve once again whittled the list down to the 10 essential showcases for FACT readers. And as always, scheduling conflicts abound — good luck on Thursday.
FACT TV will be returning to SXSW this year; until then, revisit last year’s highlights.
Resident Advisor
Wednesday, March 18
Vulcan Gas Company
Our friends at Resident Advisor have outdone themselves this year, curating an event that features artists from all across the electronic spectrum, including UK low-enders Untold and Tessela, PC Music reps A. G. Cook and Sophie, Jersey club queen UNiiQU3, Software beatsmith Suicideyear, techno vet The Horrorist and more.
Cómeme Label Showcase
Wednesday, March 18
Empire Control Room
South American party-starters Cómeme head to Austin with label regulars Lena Willikens, Daniel Maloso, Christian S and Matias Aguayo, who is sure to invoke El Rudo Del House, the deep-groove boogeyman of his forthcoming releases.
Amsterdam’s Finest
Thursday, March 19
Highland Lounge
The club might be rubble now, but Amsterdam Dance Event revives the spirit of Trouw in Austin with ex-residents Awanto 3, Cinnaman, Elias Mazian and Job Jobse.
PC Music
Thursday, March 19
Empire Garage
A. G. Cook and friends takeover the Empire Garage in what is one of the most highly-anticipated showcases of the festival — don’t miss Hannah Diamond, GFOTY, QT and the rest of PC Music.
Southern Hospitality
Thursday, March 19
The Roosevelt Room
Southern Hospitality’s showcase is consistently the best rap show at SXSW, and this year is no different: from Atlanta (Father, Key! and Johnny Cinco) to the West Coast (HBK Gang, Bobby Brackins) and beyond, SoHo has you covered. Plus, don’t miss a tribute to the Jacka by Husalah and the Mob Figaz.
Fool’s Gold
Friday, March 20
Gypsy Lounge
A-Trak hosts a loaded line-up that features both sides of Fool’s Gold coin, from club bosses Nick Catchdubs, Brenmar and Athletixx to out-there rappers Rome Fortune, GrandeMarshall and Fetty Wap.
On The Sly
Saturday, March 21
Plush
On The Sly showoff their impressive roster of club DJ-producers, bringing together FACT favorites Rabit, Celestial Trax, SPF666 and Mike G at this last-of-the-weekend party.
Moog Music x Switched On
Saturday, March 21
Elysium
Berghain resident Marcel Dettmann makes his Texas debut alongside American dancefloor fillers Matrixxman, Patricia, Teengirl Fantasy and more.
Tom Sachs: Boombox Retrospective
March 18 – 20
Jones Center
The Contemporary Austin opens Tom Sachs’ Boombox Retrospective to three days of DJs, with legends Hank Shocklee, Just Blaze, Peanut Butter Wolf and Young Guru spinning alongside newcomers DJ Sliink, Nadus, Suicideyear and more.
