With South by Southwest (SXSW) just around the corner (or already underway by the time you’re reading this), you’re probably asking yourself one important question: "Who should I see this week?"

In this week’s Top 8, I’ll be sharing my recommendations for artists I think are worth checking out. As always, this list is my personal opinion, and if you think I missed anyone, feel free to let me know on our socials! I’d love to discover more bands and artists.

Click on the images for each band's/artist’s socials or website!

So, in no particular order, here are my Top 8 picks!

Heal

With stirring instrumentals and captivating vocals, the Spaniard band HEAL makes its Western debut at SXSW 2025.

Fronted by Laia Vehí, Dani Ambrosí, Edu Mató, and Raúl Pérez, HEAL is a high-energy indie rock band based in Barcelona, Spain, that instantly caught my ears. If you are a fan of loud guitars, banging drums, and vocals that swallow the track whole, this is the group for you. Their latest release, The Shiver (2024), is a short and sweet 10-track, 30-minute introduction to what I hope is a long-tenured and successful band.

Check out HEAL here! If you’re rocking with their sound like I am, don’t miss the chance to see them live at International Nights at Rivian Park on Thursday, March 13 at 9:00 PM!

2. Teo Glacier

Groovy R&B instrumentals, lyrical content exploring love and all its complexities, paired with an incredible voice—Teo Glacier is a young talent making his highly anticipated debut in the United States.

Teo Glacier is an 18-year-old artist from New Zealand who is quickly gaining a following in the Oceania region. His smooth voice, paired with mellow R&B production, immediately drew me in to see him perform live. Already making waves in 2025, he’s dropped two singles: 'Tell Me' and 'Don’t Think Twice,' the latter of which is a collaboration with Melbourne-based Filipino artist J Tajor. Both singles are solid signs that Teo has no intention of slowing down, making him an artist you should definitely have your eye on.

Be sure to check out Teo Glacier here. If you are a fan of R&B, catch Teo live at International Nights at Rivian Park on Monday, March 10th, at 9:00 PM!

3. Lonnie Walker

With wonderful instrumentation, raw, live-esque vocals, and an upbeat vibe, North Carolina-based rock band Lonnie Walker has the perfect sound for an afternoon SXSW show in Austin, Texas.

Frontlined by vocalist and songwriter Brian Corum, along with drummer Raymond Finn, bassist Mic Robinson, and guitarist Eric Hill, their loud sound combined with Corum’s personal songwriting creates a blissful combination that will get anyone moving. Their newest release, Easy Easy Easy Easy, is an energetic 43-minute listen that will have you wanting to cause a raucous.

Go check the band out here (amazing website, by the way, guys!) and be sure to see them live—again, for free—at Stephen F’s Bar on Friday, March 14th at 7:50 PM.

4. Luv

Image Courtesy of Luv and Takuya Nagamine

What can I say other than I am luv-ing the young, 5-piece neo-soul/city pop band hailing from Osaka, Japan— luv!

Insanely fun keys, bouncy bass lines, and incredible vocals all come together for an entertaining listening experience the moment you click play on their streaming profile. With all members born in 2003, it’s exciting to see such promise from such a young group. Their newest release, an album titled Already, is a fantastic 30-minute listen that’s left me almost foaming at the mouth for more. The lead single, 'Send To You,' is nothing but good vibes and energy, easily one of my favorite singles of the year.

Go check out luv here! Don’t miss your opportunity to see them at International Nights at Rivian Park on Wednesday, March 12th, at 9:00 PM!

5. MADELine

Hailing from London, MADELINE impresses with her beautiful, lush vocals and gleaming nu-jazz production that will instantly make you groove.

Singer, songwriter, and producer MADELINE has been making waves in the UK soul scene ever since her debut release, Colour Me, and her newest album, Sun Daughter, is definitely one you should check out. With smooth basslines and sparkling synths/keys, it’s sure to impress anyone with a taste for modern jazz. And you don’t have to take my word for it—she’s already been praised by Jazz FM, BBC Introducing, and Wordplay. If they see the hype, so should you.

Be sure to check out MADELINE here! Catch her live at International Nights at Rivian Park on Friday, March 14th, at 8 PM!

6. Sir woman

Austin’s very own, Sir Woman, lights up your ears with that soulful energy and great vibes that are sure to make you dance and smile.

Sir Woman, fronted by Kelsey Wilson, is an Austin-based band that released their self-titled debut album, which took the city by surprise. Since then, they’ve shared the stage with big names like Shakey Graves and Black Pumas. Their newest release, If It All Works Out, is an 11-track, 41-minute rollercoaster of soul, and I’m all here for it. A special shout-out to the backup vocals on this project — they are absolutely amazing! If you need to check out just one song, start with ‘Call Me Baby.’ This upbeat track is full of energy, funky synths, and is a total chef’s kiss.

Check out Sir Woman here! Be sure to catch them at Auditorium Shores on Sunday, March 9th at 6:20 PM!

7. Andr

Taiwanese-based artist Andr is paving the way for the new generation of bedroom singer-songwriters.

Earworm instrumentals paired with incredible guitar playing is a style Andr pulls off perfectly. Her latest release, shhh, under my bed, is an exceptionally well-produced record highlighting Andr’s great potential. The track “長夜賽跑 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀” is a great place to start if you're interested. The guitar loops in the background, combined with the ambient production and Andr’s soft vocals, are definitely a standout of the album. I'm so grateful for this discovery and can't wait to see what she does next!

Check out all things Andr here. If you want to support be sure to see Andr live at International Nights at Rivian Park on Friday March 14th at 7:00 PM!

8. LYNN

Image Courtesy of LYNN / Photos by EA Visuals

Alabama-born, Austin-based artist LYNN is making waves in the southern Hip-Hop/Rap and R&B scene. With braggadocious lyrics, punchy beats, and a fearless delivery, she’s showing the world she’s not here to mess around—she’s here to dominate.

Her latest album, Bad Guy, is a short but powerful 17-minute bass kicker that’ll make you bounce wherever you are. The track ‘Only 1’ will have you convinced that LYNN truly is the only one you should be watching in the local Hip-Hop/Rap scene. Don’t miss her latest single ‘Wake Up’—you can check it out here!

Be sure to catch LYNN live at Lefty’s Brick Bar on Wednesday, March 12th, at 10:20 PM. Go explore all things LYNN here and don’t miss out!

8-artists you should see at SXSW. All free.

Heal