SXSW 2021: Music Festival Roundup [Review]

SXSW 2021: Music Festival Roundup [Review]

17 Mar, 2021

Although SXSW 2021 is online this year, its music festival did not disappoint viewers! Every year, SXSW has more than one hundred musicians perform from all over the world. The first couple days of the festival showcased strong artists in the Alternative, Hip-Hop/Rap, and Latin music genres. All showed talent and passion for their music, making it impossible to review artists individually. However, these three genres all had highs and lows. Hopefully, this summary will help figure out what they are.

Alternative: It’s easy to say that the Alternative genre music consists of more than 50% of artists performing throughout the festival. However, it’s impossible to discuss the genre without talking about the artists who mixed it with Folk, Indie, Pop, and Grunge. In a way, all combinations worked for the artists and bands since it brought out their personalities even more. If one were to ask what the best Alternative showcases were, viewers would say that ÅÄÖ Sounds Swedish and British Music Embassy showed artists what greatness sounds like in that genre. 

Artists to Check-Out: Vero, Tayo Sound, Phoebe Green

Hip-Hop/Rap: Although not many artists in the Hip-Hop/Rap genre performed over the last two days, EQ Austin Presents: KUTX The Breaks presented artists who left it all on the table for viewers. One of the more exciting sets was by a female rapper, Mama Duke, the only female rapper in the showcase. Not only was she someone who was a blend of Salt-N-Pepa and Megan Thee Stallion, but she was also an artist who stayed true to herself and her music. With incredible lyrics and stand-out keyboard solos, each artist showed viewers a reason to believe that Austin, TX. has the best rappers.

Musicians to Check-Out: Mama Duke, JaRon Marshall, Deezie Brown

Latin: This year, Latin artists started the festival out with a bang! Although there weren’t as many viewers for their performances, it did not stop them from putting on unique sets. However, the La Buena Fortuna Music Showcase stuck out from many others. Each of the musicians was different and found ways to incorporate mixing genres similar to K-Pop songs. From electric guitars to electronic turntables, all artists found ways to express themselves to a smaller audience.

Musicians to Check-Out: Circo, Travis Birds, Enyel C

SXSW 2021 began on Mar. 16 and will conclude on Mar. 20. For those who wish to hear music from all artists featured in this year’s festival, click here.

About the author

Emma Saletta

Emma Saletta is an editorial intern of Dig IN Magazine. She received a B.A. in Communications from Saint Joseph's College of Maine in 2018, and an M.S. in Information Technology from Southern New Hampshire University in 2020. Having a passion for music and entertainment, she began to write articles and song reviews for the small music blog Borderless Melodies in 2020. She went on to be published by four other publications, including edm.com and MTV News. Emma also has experience in social media marketing, photography, and video editing, and has used her marketing and design skills to raise more than $1,000 for the Together We Rise organization.

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