SXSW 2025 Day 1: High Energy Kickoff in Austin

The SXSW Music Festival kicked off on Monday, March 10th, 2024, launching a week packed with incredible performances and fresh discoveries. Artists from around the globe took the stage, offering a glimpse into the evolving worlds of music and film. Let’s dive into the highlights!

HIEN at Radio Stage

Brooklyn-based singer, producer, and sound designer Hien kicked off the day’s performances on the Radio stage at SXSW, marking her third consecutive year at the festival. Born in Budapest to Vietnamese parents, Hien mixes soulful vocals with dreamy electronic beats, crafting a unique left-field pop sound. Hien captivated the audience as she sang, each person swaying in awe as she delivered her entrancing sound masterfully switching sound effects and mixing as she sang. Since her first SXSW appearance, she’s only gotten stronger, getting more conifident on stage. Her 2021 EP Bloom, backed by the New York Foundation for the Arts, has caught the attention of Nowness Asia, Earmilk, Ones to Watch, and Billboard Indonesia.

Spring Break Boogie Day 1

Spring Break Boogie kicked off its annual three-day celebration of indie rock at Hotel Vegas, drawing fans from all over to catch some of Austin’s favorite bands. The lineup featured local staples like Tear Dungeon, Strange Lot, Mugger, Porcelain, and Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol, alongside official SXSW artists. TVOD and Mugger delivered standout performances, with Mugger bringing out iconic bedazzled “mugger” masks and TVOD even diving into the audience as a mosh pit erupted, fueling the crowd’s energy. The event once again proved why Spring Break Boogie remains a cornerstone of Austin’s indie music scene.

Take Action x SXSW

Debuting at Mohawk, Take Action x SXSW brought together musicians in a non-political effort to end gun violence. The event partnered with Sandy Hook Promise, a nonprofit focused on preventing violence in schools, homes, and communities. The day featured a diverse lineup of artists who performed a mix of hits and new music, giving the audience a glimpse of what’s to come. Merch tables offered T-shirts and other handouts to keep the conversation going, while giant teddy bears wearing the shirts provided a playful photo op. Take Action x SXSW delivered a powerful reminder that music can drive meaningful change.

As the crowd filled the bar, the energy kept building. The lineup brought a mix of sounds, featuring Of Good Nature, JC Stewart, The Dumes, and Leila!. The Dunes pulled the audience in with an electric set, while JC Stewart, winner of the Northern Irish Single of the Year, delivered a heartfelt performance. Leila! added a touch of Brooklyn with her smooth R&B vocals, giving the crowd a taste of what’s to come at her Future of Music set later today. The day’s performances highlighted the diverse talent SXSW consistently brings to the stage.

With a lineup that spanned heartfelt ballads to high-energy sets, the day captured the eclectic spirit of SXSW. Each performance left the crowd wanting more, setting the tone for an exciting week of music and discovery. If this is just the beginning, the rest of SXSW promises to be unforgettable. Stay tuned for Day 2.