SXSW
Creative Industries Festival
TMN Celebrates First Anniversary at SXSW! A Harbor of Arts, Culture, and the Workings of the Human Mind
Paramount Theater, Austin. Photo SXSW.
TMN is returning to SXSW, the Austin-hosted creative industries festival, eager to engage in this multi-cultural experience. As a platform empowering young creators across various fields, our involvement at SXSW offers the chance to connect with global thought leaders, discover talent, and explore the future of creativity. This year also marks TMN’s first anniversary of covering music, film, and cultural events, with over 250 events covered, 100+ creators involved, and 1 million people reached. We’re excited to see how SXSW continues to shape creativity and look forward to sharing it all with you.
Above all, SXSW (South by Southwest) stands as the world’s premier festival for the creative industries, drawing over 300,000 attendees annually and generating an estimated $280 million in economic impact for Austin. As the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin boasts the highest number of live music venues per capita, making this two-week event a testament to its rich and diverse music scene.
One of the key reasons TMN covers SXSW is the festival’s commitment to global representation through its ambassadorship programs, ensuring a multicultural and worldly perspective in music. This year, we’re particularly excited to witness performances from international artists representing British Music Industry at the BME, Taiwan Beats, Friends From the East, German Music Export (Initiative Musik), M for Montreal, and The Spanish Wave.
Beyond music, SXSW has evolved into a cultural and technological phenomenon, much like the World’s Fair of the 19th and 20th centuries, bringing together innovators, creators, and thought leaders from around the globe. From music showcases to film premieres and groundbreaking tech, SXSW remains an unparalleled hub for creative exchange and discovery.
For those new to SXSW, the best way to dive into the festival experience is through the Music and Film/TV tracks. These two pillars of SXSW set the tone for its dynamic, culture-driven atmosphere.
MUSIC: WHERE TO START
If you’re looking to go beyond industry conference sessions, the Day Stage at Rivian Park is a great place to start, offering early daytime performances from rising and established artists. As night falls, Austin’s legendary venues come alive. For high-energy and alternative acts, head to Valhalla, Low Down Lounge, or Mohawk. If you’re after the warm tones of country and soul, Swan Dive, Saxon Pub, and the Driskill Hotel won’t disappoint. Craving electronic and experimental sounds? Speakeasy, Elysium, and Coconut Club are the spots to be. For a truly intimate and acoustic experience, don’t miss Central Presbyterian Church.
For larger-scale performances featuring emerging stars and household names, check out Penske Media’s Billboard and Rolling Stone Future of Music events at Moody Amphitheater (Waterloo Park) and ACL-Live Moody Theater. Expect to see major acts like Benson Boone, Ivan Cornejo, and Annabelle Kline.
Benson Boone, one of the headliners at the Rolling Stone Future of Music, will perform on March 11 at the ACL Live Moody Theater. Photo by Briana Sanchez/American Statesman.
FILM/TV: BRIDGING THE DAY AND NIGHT
The Film/TV track offers a perfect transition between morning panels and nighttime showcases. Premiering titles this year include The Studio featuring Seth Rogen and Kathryn Hahn, as well as #1 Happy Family USA with Kieran Culkin and Chris Redd. A must-visit for cinephiles is Austin’s iconic Alamo Drafthouse, known for its indie selections and avant-garde flair. Want to catch a glimpse of visiting actors and filmmakers? The Paramount Theater red carpet is the place to be.
Seth Rogen stars as Matt Remick, the newly appointed head of the embattled Continental Studios, in the upcoming Apple TV+ series. The show will make its world premiere at SXSW 2024. Photo, courtersy Apple.
TMN’S RED CARPET ANNIVERSARY
One year ago, TMN covered its first-ever red carpet right here at SXSW, marking a milestone for our young creators. Armed with cameras and guided by mentors, our emerging photographers had the opportunity to capture Hollywood stars, filmmakers, and industry leaders as they walked the carpet. This hands-on experience was more than just about snapping photos—it was a lesson in real-world media coverage, professionalism, and storytelling through imagery.
Since that moment, TMN has continued to open doors for young creatives, providing them with access to major cultural events and industry professionals, with over 250 events covered in the U.S. and Spain, 100+ creators involved, and 1 million people reached worldwide. Returning to SXSW this year feels like a full-circle moment, as we bring a new wave of young talent ready to sharpen their skills, capture defining moments, and take their creativity to the next level.
COMEDY: AN UNDERRATED GEM
SXSW’s Comedy Festival is one of its best-kept secrets, offering a perfect warm-up to the week’s high-energy events. Don’t miss An Evening at the Improv with SNL alum Melissa Villaseñor, or a live taping of the Comedy Bang! Bang! podcast with Scott Aukerman and Lauren Lapkus. For more comedy, Esther’s Follies and The Creek and the Cave are must-visits.
Melissa Villaseñor made history as the first Latina cast member of Saturday Night Live. She will be part of the SXSW 2025 Comedy Festival. Photo, courtesy Spirit Awards.
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES: WHY THIS MATTERS TO TMN
Beyond entertainment, SXSW serves as a nexus for the creative industries, bringing together visionaries from music, film, media, and technology to discuss the future of creativity. This year's Creative Industries track features influential speakers who are shaping the global creative landscape, making it a pivotal focus for TMN. Notable speakers include:
Zane Lowe – Global Creative Director and Lead Anchor at Apple Music, renowned for his influence in music curation and artist discovery.
Ben Stiller – Director and Executive Producer of "Severance" at Apple, offering insights into innovative storytelling in television.
Ayanna Pressley – U.S. Congresswoman, sharing perspectives on policy-making and its impact on the creative sector.
Lars Ulrich – Co-founder and Drummer of Metallica, discussing the intersection of music, technology, and fan engagement.
Pedro Pascal – Actor and producer, engaging in a panel about the upcoming season of HBO's "The Last of Us," providing a glimpse into narrative development in television.
As TMN covers SXSW, we aim to engage with these thought leaders who are driving media, storytelling, and creative entrepreneurship worldwide.
ART, TECH & INTERACTIVITY
For those drawn to visual artistry, Flatstock at the Austin Convention Center is a must-see. Presented by the American Poster Institute, this expo showcases poster and print media artists from around the world—an ideal spot for collectors and supporters of independent print media.
Flatstock: March 11-13, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
FlatStock, SXSW – Photo by Tico Mendoza.
Other interactive experiences blending art and technology include:
SXSW’s Expo Hall: A showcase of cutting-edge tech innovations.
Rivian x Dolby Atmos: Nature’s Soundtrack: An immersive listening experience on March 9, 2025, from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM CT at the Austin Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 2-4.
SXSW XR Experience: Exploring the future of extended reality (XR) storytelling on March 9, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM CT at the Fairmont Hotel.
TMN AT SXSW: THE STORIES AHEAD
Every SXSW experience reminds us that the world is our creative playground. With every artist, film, performance, and speaker, we discover new perspectives and untold stories. TMN is here to capture these moments, and we invite you to follow along as we embark on another unforgettable journey at SXSW 2025.
See you in Austin!
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