2025 SXSW Music Festival: Tuesday 3/11 - Recap

Our first day of 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival was nothing short of exhilarating. This year marks a milestone for us as we debuted covering this historic festival in Austin and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick things off than at the Rolling Stone Future of Music (presented by JBL) at the legendary ACL Live at Moody Theater.

With a full week of performances ahead, we’re eager to experience as many artists as possible, amplifying the voices that are shaping the music in Austin. But beyond just performances, SXSW provides a platform where artists bring their stories, struggles, and triumphs to the stage, something that resonates deeply with our platform.

DJ Mel Sets the Vibe

Before and between sets, DJ Mel kept the energy high, curating the tracks to transition between performances. A staple in Austin’s music scene, DJ Mel's ability to blend genres and keep the crowd engaged showcased why he remains one of the most respected DJs in the city. His presence ensured that the momentum never faded, making for a seamless and electrifying night of music.

LAILA!

Our coverage began with LAILA!, who delivered a high-energy set that showcased her unique blend of electronic beats and powerful vocals. Earlier in the day, she had already made an impact with a DJ set at JBL Bodega Sound at 3TEN ACL Live, proving her versatility as both a producer and performer.

For those who missed her, she’s set to perform again at The Belmont on March 14 (10-11:40 PM), a set we highly recommend catching.

Hannah Bhang

Following LAILA! was Hannah Bhang, a singer-songwriter whose reputation is quickly rising. Recognized by Rolling Stone, Bhang captivates not just with her vocals but with her ability to fluidly transition between singing, playing the keys and guitar throughout her set. Seeing an artist take control of multiple instruments while delivering an emotionally rich performance is a testament to the depth of artistry present at SXSW.

It’s inspiring to witness young women like Hannah Bhang carving out space in the industry, challenging expectations and showing musical brilliance by embracing the full spectrum of creativity.

Benson Boone

Headlining the evening was none other than Benson Boone, an artist we had already seen once this month in Austin. His live performances are intense, charged with emotion and energy, which makes it easy to see why fans waited in line for hours before the gates opened earlier in the day.

From a visual storytelling perspective, Benson Boone's dynamic stage presence makes him a dream subject for photographers. Every movement, every note, and every interaction with the audience creates a frame, something we strive to capture when covering live performances. His ability to engage both longtime followers and first-time listeners speaks to the power of live music and the undeniable magnetism of artists who bring everything to the stage.

Reflections & Gratitude

Our first day covering SXSW was a success—not just because of the incredible music we witnessed, but also due to the thoughtfully curated, diverse lineup. The festival continues to be a platform where artists from different backgrounds, genders, and experiences come together to showcase their talents.

A special thanks to SXSW, Rolling Stone, and JBL for putting together an event at ACL Live Moody Theater that highlights the future of music with young talent. As we continue covering the festival throughout the week, we look forward to discovering more incredible artists and sharing their stories.

Stay tuned for more recaps, artist spotlights and interviews as we continue our SXSW journey!