SXSW Sydney Announces First Homegrown Artist Showcases

With only five months and change until showtime, SXSW Sydney is taking shape.

Announced today (May 4), Alter Boy, Dean Brady and Teenage Joans are among the first batch of local artists confirmed to perform.

They’re joined at the inaugural SXSW Sydney Music Festival by Andrew Guruwiwi Band, Ashli, Dice, Dust, Elle Shimada, Go-Jo, Mali Jo$E, Mi-Kaisha, Mikayla Pasterfield, Milku, Pania, Phoebe Go, Rum Jungle and VV Pete.

The homegrown line-up will be augmented by a string of internationals, from Chameleon Lime Whoopiepie (Japan); to Hanbee, Hans and Soaked Oats (all from NZ); Hypnosis Therapy (South Korea); Nuha Ruby Ra (U.K.) and Wallice (U.S.)

With the bill, say reps, SXSW Sydney “forecasts and champions the future faces of music in Australia, APAC and beyond.”

More than a dozen venues will host the SXSW showcase fest in the harbour city’s event precinct, with more details to be announced in the weeks and months ahead.

Alongside the showcase schedule is the announcement of featured speaker Chris Lee, a.k.a. Sung-su Lee, chief A&R officer and former CEO of SM Entertainment, the giant K-pop agency which launched the careers of SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, aespa and others.

During his time at SM Entertainment, Mr Lee has “played a leading role in shaping the global K-pop phenomenon, helping to introduce Korean music and culture to audiences around the world,” comments Claire Collins, head of music, SXSW Sydney.

“With SXSW Sydney’s focus on the opportunities in APAC, Mr Lee’s participation will be invaluable in helping attendees understand and capitalise on the potential of this dynamic region.”

Among the previously-announced first round of speakers is Per Sundin, Swedish CEO of Pophouse Entertainment, a music executive who played a pivotal role in the rise of Spotify, and has worked with some of the highest-selling artists from the Nordic region, including the late Avicci, ABBA, Tove Lo and Swedish House Mafia.

As it stands, the week-long music line-up captures “a vibrant snapshot of the undeniably exciting next wave of talent from across the globe,” says Collins, “from Western Sydney to the Top End, South Korea to the U.K. and beyond. We can’t wait to reveal more in the coming weeks and months.”

Also announced today, shoe brands Dr Martens and Vans are walking on in as SXSW Sydney 2023 music partners, joining the previously-announced major sponsor, Young Henrys.

Both businesses will play their part this year with dedicated Dr Martens Presents and House of Vans performance hubs.

Dr Martens and Vans have history with SXSW, by presenting stomping parties in Austin Texas featuring Denzel Curry, The Stooges, Alex G, ODESZA, Wolf Alice and others.

SXSW Sydney will roll out from Sunday, Oct. 15 to Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, marking the first time the creative industries powwow and live music feast is held outside of its home in the Lone Star State.

It’ll serve as the official Asia Pacific instalment of SXSW, which has been held each March since 1987 and is set to showcase music, screen, gaming, tech and innovation from across the region.

SXSW Sydney is a collaboration with TEG, The NSW Government and Destination NSW.

Applications for the live component closes May 14. For more on SXSW Sydney, click here.