5 Bands to Watch at SXSW 2026
MUSIC
Five emerging artists on our radar before the showcases begin in Austin
Irish duo Chalk will perform at SXSW 2026. Photo: Patricia Rosingana.
SXSW returns to Austin next week and TMN® will be on the ground for our third year covering the festival. Before the showcases begin, here are five artists on our radar this year. From dance-punk out of Belfast to indie pop from Australia and sun-bleached guitars from Los Angeles, these are some of the acts we’re looking forward to discovering live during SXSW 2026.
AUSTIN, TX | TMN Editorial
Chalk
Irish duo Chalk, formed by Ross Cullen and Benedict Goddard, blend industrial electronics, punk energy and rave culture into a sound that feels both intense and cinematic. Their debut album Crystalpunk draws from their upbringing in Northern Ireland, reflecting a generation shaped by conflict, resilience and cultural change. Known for explosive live shows that move seamlessly from warehouse rave atmospheres to festival mosh pits, Chalk have already toured across the UK, EU and US and shared stages with bands like IDLES and Fontaines D.C. At SXSW, they bring their collision of punk and electronic music to Austin.
More info about Chalk, SXSW showcases HERE.
Adult DVD
Leeds six-piece Adult DVD have built a reputation for infectious hooks, pulsing synths and high-energy live performances that blur the line between indie rock and dancefloor euphoria. Led by vocalist Harry Hanson and synth player Greg Lonsdale, the band mixes tongue-in-cheek lyrics with bold production and chorus-driven songwriting. Their breakout single “Bill Murray” quickly became a festival sing-along favorite, while tracks from their Next Day ShippingEP earned BBC 6 Music support. With a relentless touring schedule and a reputation for chaotic, joy-filled shows, Adult DVD bring a playful and danceable energy to SXSW.
More info about Adult DVD, SXSW showcases HERE.
The Tullamarines
Adelaide band The Tullamarines describe their sound as “cosy-pop,” a fitting label for their warm, intimate indie songs that feel like conversations with close friends. Formed by Josh, Angus, Benny and Lucinda through the local gig circuit, the group blends multiple songwriting voices into a shared perspective that balances honesty, vulnerability and quiet optimism. Their heartfelt performances have taken them to festivals such as Laneway Festival and Beyond The Valley and on tours with artists like Ball Park Music and Alex Lahey. At SXSW, their melodic indie pop offers a gentler counterpoint to the festival’s louder corners.
More info about The Tullamarines, SXSW showcases HERE.
Mariae Cassandra
Australian singer-songwriter Mariae Cassandra is quickly emerging as one of the country’s most promising new pop voices. Her emotionally direct songwriting first gained attention online through viral videos across TikTok and YouTube before her breakout single “Million Billion Trillion” won the prestigious triple j Unearthed High competition in 2024. Since then she has toured nationally, released her debut EP Everything In My Backpocket, and performed at major festivals including Laneway. With a growing global audience and a knack for heartfelt pop storytelling, Mariae arrives at SXSW with serious momentum.
More info about Mariae Cassandra SXSW showcase HERE.
Famous Friend
Famous Friend is the indie surf project of Los Angeles artist and producer Zachariah Carlson, blending shimmering guitars, dreamy pop textures and post-punk rhythms into nostalgic, sun-drenched songs. Inspired by the surreal glamour and contradictions of life in West LA, his music captures the feeling of golden-hour beach drives mixed with late-night reflection. Tracks like “Tanlines” and “Nora” have accumulated millions of streams and earned support from tastemakers like KCRW. With cinematic melodies and laid-back California melancholy, Famous Friend brings a different kind of glow to the SXSW lineup.
More info about Famous Friend, SXSW showcase HERE.
