We’ve been itching for festival season to kick off, and last week, Sofar hit the ground running at SXSW in Austin,TX—a globally renowned festival celebrating music, film, and tech. Across three special events, we witnessed the magic that happens when artists and audiences connect in an intimate setting—proof that live music has the power to surprise and inspire.
Kicking Off with Sofar Studios
We kicked off our Sofar Studios showcase with an intimate gathering in the Equipment Room—a speakeasy-style vinyl lounge known for its cozy atmosphere and rich acoustics. The evening’s performers, Dana Harper (Dallas, TX) and Anderson East (Athens, AL / Nashville, TN), delivered show-stopping sets.
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Dana, a longtime Sofar favorite with over 40 performances under her belt, captivated the audience with her powerhouse vocals and smooth R&B grooves. Anderson, reflecting on his past Sofar experience, shared how he had initially been hesitant to perform in an intimate living room setting but was quickly won over. His stripped-down solo set at SXSW was nothing short of mesmerizing—his voice commanding the kind of rapt attention rarely seen at a festival known for its bustling energy.
Two Nights of Official Showcases
Later in the week, we hosted two official showcases at the Grill Room at The Driskill Hotel, open to all festival badge and wristband holders. Word quickly spread, drawing packed crowds both nights. At one point, the room was so full you couldn’t squeeze in another person!
The lineup featured a diverse mix of global talent across genres:
Olivia Komahcheet (Austin, TX) – A transcendent set blending found sounds (nature recordings, voicemails) with techno beats and layered vocals.
ADJUA (Cardiff, Wales) – Crystal-clear vocals with a touch of ‘90s R&B nostalgia.
Fake Dad (Los Angeles, CA) – High-energy, punk-infused art pop that had the crowd electrified.
Boo Seeka (Sydney, Australia) – Synth-driven pop that transformed the space into a dance party.
HIMALAYAS (Cardiff, Wales) – True rock & roll, complete with a mosh pit, befitting a band that has toured with Foo Fighters and collaborated with AC/DC.
Afterthought (San Francisco, CA) – Socially-conscious hip-hop with the unexpected addition of a saxophone.
Lauren Frihauf (Denver, CO) – Hauntingly beautiful lyrics and an angelic voice.
Mohsin Zaman (UAE / Toronto, ON) – A fusion of traditional Middle Eastern music and 1960s-style folk storytelling.
Ailbhe Reddy (Dublin, Ireland) – A dynamic blend of indie-pop and rock, reminiscent of The Cranberries.
Beatbox Collective (UK) – The world champions of beatboxing delivered a mind-blowing performance, joined by special guests including U.S. champions Beatbox House and Soup from Jurassic 5.
PUNCHING BAG (Pomona, CA) – High-energy, guitar-driven rap that had the audience shouting along.
Palmyra (Charlottesville, VA) – Soul-stirring bluegrass harmonies that won over the entire room.
SXSW was packed with moments that remind us why we do what we do at Sofar. Chill-inducing performances, genuine artist discoveries, and a room full of people falling in love with music in real time is what built our community. Tune into our social channels for more footage from these incredible shows, and if you missed us this time, we’ll see you at the next Sofar event!
Special thanks to Chyna Brackeen for sharing her insights on the showcases and for leading Sofar’s involvement at SXSW.
