2025 SXSW Music Festival - Thursday 3/13 Latin Music in Rolling Stone Future of Music & VALÉ
Thursday, March 13, was a day packed with music, culture, and unforgettable performances at SXSW 2024. From intimate artist interviews to high-energy sets, we witnessed the power of Latin music bringing people together in the heart of Austin. Here's a recap of the magic we experienced!
Kicking Off with VALÉ in the Heart of Austin
We started the evening early with an exclusive interview with VALÉ, the rising R&B artist from Barranquilla, Colombia and based in Los Angeles, CA. The interview took place outside of TrapHouse (formerly Cuatro Gato), setting the tone for a day filled with incredible Latin talent. Stay tuned for the video dropping soon on all platforms! Later that evening, we caught part of her 8:30 PM performance, and let’s just say she did not disappoint.
Rolling Stone’s Future of Music at ACL Live Moody Theater
Our next stop was ACL Live Moody Theater, where the second day of Rolling Stone's Future of Music showcased a lineup that celebrated the Latin of sounds shaping today’s industry.
GALE
Representing Puerto Rico, GALE kicked things off with her nostalgic pop vibes, transporting us straight to the 90s. If you haven’t yet, check out her tracks "Ysilandia" and "Problemas", a perfect mix of energy and storytelling. Her set was a reminder of how Latin artists continue to create music the global pop scene.
CHUWI
Reflecting on Puerto Rico’s current struggles and anxieties, Chuwi took the stage with a powerful performance, opening with "Tierra". It was a moment of raw emotion and connection, making the audience feel the weight of the lyrics. Earlier in the day, our friend Salwa from Farándula Texas had the honor of meeting them, making this set even more special.
NSQK
Rodrigo Torres (NSQK) from Monterrey, who grew up in Houston, delivered an unforgettable fusion of R&B, soul, pop, and corridos. His set embodied the immigrant experience, blending both cultures seamlessly. Switching between Spanish and English while engaging with the crowd, he made sure everyone in the audience felt included in his journey.
Riobamba
Riobamba had the crowd moving with a diverse setlist of Latin hits to have everyone vibing in between performances. Thank you for bringing the energy and keeping the vibe alive all night!
Ivan Cornejo
The young Mexican-American singer-songwriter, closed the night as the headliner. With his unique blend of regional mexicano, indie, and rock influences, he captivated the audience. The stage was illuminated by hanging light bulbs, creating an intimate atmosphere that complemented his deep, emotional lyrics. The crowd sang along to every word, making it clear that his music resonates deeply with fans. The energy exchange between Ivan and the audience turned the set into a true celebration of Latin music.
Gracias, SXSW!
A huge shoutout to SXSW, Rolling Stone, and JBL for making space for Latin music at ACL Live Moody Theater. Even though many of the artists performed in Spanish, it was amazing to see a crowd of diverse backgrounds come together to enjoy the sounds that make our culture so rich.
This is why we love Austin!
