BMI at SXSW 2026

Born in 2001 in Fort Worth, Texas, to an attorney mother and professional musician father, Claire Hinkle grew up with music all around her. Learning turn of phrase from her dad, she leant her first chorus to one of his songs at the age of 7. In a few years, she began to feel comfortable performing with him. By age 15, she was developing her own style and began performing solo around her hometown. After graduating high school in 2019, Claire moved to New York to study music and philosophy at The New School, graduating in 2022. During college, she played iconic New York venues like The Bitter End. Upon returning to Texas, Claire formed a band that performed regionally for a few years. After a visit to the LUCK Reunion at SXSW 2024, she was invited to perform with friends for the LUCK After Party at Poodies Roadhouse, where she was inspired to return to her Country Americana roots. Her ensuing batch of new songs caught the attention of GRAMMY-winning producer Shooter Jennings, who has gone onto produce several singles for her, with more in the works. 

Austin-based Elijah Delgado is a 23-year-old singer/songwriter who plays indie rock lullabies, emotional songs brimming with cinematic energy and textured guitar work. Since releasing his debut EP When I Was On Cloud 9 in 2021, which surpassed 800,000 Spotify streams, Elijah has emerged as one of Austin’s most compelling new voices. He’s performed on some of the city’s biggest stages, including Blues On The Green 2025 for 20,000+ fans, sang the National Anthem at Austin FC, and played opening slots for Chaparelle, Next of Kin, Zach Person, and West 22nd. Festival highlights include Old Settler’s, UtopiaFest, Hot Summer Nights, and ACL Radio’s Drop-In, as well as headlining Meridian Buda’s first sold-out show and a packed Stubb’s Indoors set following Dayglow. His latest release, Moonboy features the explosive single “Hide + Seek,” as well as the aching title track, exploring isolation, hope, and transformation. Elijah is swiftly building a loyal audience and cementing his place as a rising Austin artist to watch in 2026 and beyond.

Austin-based Magna Carda is a hip-hop outfit comprised of Megz and Dougie Do. The MC-producer duo is notable for their eclectic musical style, a genre-defying blend of rap, jazz, R&B, and electronic, and performing with elaborate live arrangements and instrumentations. Magna Carda draws inspiration from the cool jazz, hard bop, and avant jazz eras, contemporary art, and their roots in the Black South. Their music has been featured on TV shows and films like The Chi, Dare Me, The F*ck It List, Street Heroines, and Flatbush Misdemeanors. Photo: Kimiko Matsuda Lawrence

The Güeyfarers (pronounced Wayfarers) is a five-piece compromised of Matt Kirk on lead vocals, guitars, mandolin and harmonica, Jimmy Hartman on bass and harmony vocals, Brandon Custer on drums, Matt Cain on organ and piano, and Eric Demmer on saxophone and harmony vocals. Their 2022 self-titled debut album launched The Güeyfarers into the public eye and gained a loyal, growing fan base throughout central Texas. Drawing from the rich musical heritage of the Texas Hill Country and the legendary artists of Gruene Hall, The Güeyfarers blend Americana, blues, folk, rock, and country into a distinctive style they affectionately call “Texicana.”

Visit Matt Kirk and The Güeyfarers’s website

Comprised of Mackenzie Bryce (Texas) and Ross Martin (South Carolina), MackMartin is an alternative country duo that blends their southern background and love of authentic country music with into a unique sound. With strong vocals delivering their unapologetic lyrics, MackMartin have become renowned as a commanding live act. Having opened for artists such as Austin Snell, Eric Paslay, Joy Oladokun, Kristian Bush, Tim Nichols, and Levi Lowrey, playing iconic venues like The Bluebird Cafe, Exit/In, and The Basement, booking independent shows across the U.S. and appearing at festivals like the Key West Songwriters Festival and Columbia, SC’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival, MackMartin have honed their ability to connecting deeply with audiences. Whether playing intimate acoustic sets or larger stages, MackMartin have established themselves as a rising fore in alternative country.

The 4411 is an Austin-based indie folk band formed by lifelong friends, drummer Tomas Gerlach and vocalist Cogan McBride. After their breakout hit “Candy Heart,” the band expanded into a full four-piece adding guitarist Alan Holmquist and bassist Nick Speer, released their 2024 debut EP We Killed the Sun, and played a sting of sold-out shows. Since then, The 4411 has continued to tour, selling over 4,000 tickets, playing 13 new cities, and supporting The Oh Hellos at a sold-out show at Austin’s Stubb’s. With new singles like “Her” and “Sweet July,” they continue to gain recognition as one of Austin’s leading indie act.

Jessica Pyrdsa, pka Datura, is a Lockhart, Texas-based singer/songwriter whose piano-driven music fuses jazz, folk, and poetic storytelling. After making her mark in Austin’s music scene and co-founding Jazz Kween, Datura released her self-titled debut album in 2016 followed by standout singles like “Hotel Lobby” and “Kind of Love.” Her 2025 album, Saint Cecilia, highlights both her wit and emotional depth, blending influences from Lana Del Rey and Tom Waits. Her work has been described as “pure emotional wreckage” (Kevin Curtin, Austin Chronicle) and “existential ennui” (American Songwriter), echoing the raw intensity and poetic edge at the heart of her sound.

The Tullamarines, a four-piece from Adelaide, tell their stories through a shared perspective that feels intimate, honest, and quietly uplifting. Band members Josh, Angus, Benny and Lucinda met on the local gig circuit, quickly bonding over a mutual love for songwriting and collaboration. From those early connections, they’ve crafted a sound that reflects each member’s individual sensibilities, a style they affectionately call cosy-pop. Their songs move through life’s highs and lows with the warmth of an old friend, a sense of closeness reflected in both their recorded work and live shows.

Avery Cochrane is a rising star in the music industry, known for her vibrant presence both online and on stage. With over 60,000 social followers overall, club performances, multiple remixes, and features in 30+ blogs, Avery continues to expand her fanbase and industry profile. Her viral hit “Shapeshifting On A Saturday Night,” has 4 million global streams, over 20 million TikTok views, a BBC Radio 1 ‘Future Hits’ feature, and a new sync placement in Amazon Prime’s Off Campus. Her new single, “Losing Streak,” drops on February 27, followed by the EP Male Validation and Other Drugs releasing March 27. Throughout this year, she’ll be supporting AJR’s West Coast Summer Run and appearances at venues and festivals like Barboza in Seattle, 101 in New York City, and the Capitol Hill Block Party in August.

Easy Honey is an indie rock band from Charleston, South Carolina, blending folk roots with East Coast surf-rock influences. Formed at The University of the South: Sewanee, members Selby Austin, Darby McGlone, Charlie Holt, and Webster Austin showcase their creative synergy in their EP Plaid (out April 30), recorded during a three-day cabin session in Marble, Colorado and mixed by Tony Hoffer. Their five-track release combines catchy melodies and lyrics about love and life’s moments with diverse influences ranging from classic rock to ’90s alt and modern indie bands. Known for energetic live shows and extensive touring, Easy Honey has built a dedicated following with an open-armed, all-are-welcome spirit. Photo: Isaiah Pate

The Sophs is a multi-genre six-piece hailing from Los Angeles, California, known for their confessional lyrics and nostalgic instrumentation that leave a lasting impression, whether intentional or not. The group features Ethan Ramon (vocals), Sam Yuh (keyboards), Austin Parker Jones (electric guitar), Seth Smades (acoustic guitar), Devin Russ (drums), and Cole Bobbitt (bass). Their highly anticipated upcoming EP, GOLDSTAR, is set to follow a string of standout singles including “DEATH IN THE FAMILY,” “I’M YOUR FRIEND,” and their latest release, “SWEETIEPIE.”

Timmy Skelly is a singer/songwriter from Sandwich, Illinois, known for his distinctive “Midwest Y’alternative” sound, a genre-spanning blend shaped by the environments and music of his upbringing. Following his debut EP Dive Bar Sermon, he has released hit singles like “Nowhere Land,” “Summer of ‘16,” and “QB1,” leading up to his 2026 album Meet Me In Nowhere Land. Skelly’s heartfelt songwriting and evocative storytelling capture the spirit and warmth of the Midwest, resonating with listeners through a sound that feels both familiar and fresh.

MEEK is a fully realized artist with a distinct sound influenced by pop legends and countercultural icons. Her music is bold and immediate, often beginning with powerful vocals or striking guitar hooks—reflecting her determination to make an impact without delay. MEEK’s visual style is accessible glam, blending prom aesthetics with everyday wear to encourage individuality and sustainability. She exudes strong self-confidence and delivers memorable, unapologetically expressive performances, embodying both originality and charisma in her art and persona.

Raynes is a British-American trio formed when North Dakota natives Mat Charley and Joe Berger discovered UK singer Mark Race on Instagram. After connecting online, Mark joined them in the U.S. to start the band. Since their debut, Raynes has signed with Sony Music Publishing, released multiple singles and EPs, performed at BottleRock Festival and venues across the U.S. and UK, and accumulated millions of streams. Their cover of Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me” appeared on Love Is Blind in 2025. Known for complex harmonies, unique instrumentation, and poetic lyrics, Raynes blends folk, rock, chamber pop, and world music into a distinctive sound that defies easy categorization.

Formed in 2022, Grocery Bag is a four-piece psych-garage rock band from Austin, Texas. The multi-instrumentalists channel a raw energy and DIY ethos of classic garage rock, while infusing it with a modern psychedelic twist, creating a sound that is both timeless and cutting-edge. Unveiling the psych essence of Austin’s underground, the band brings their loud, fast-paced energy to any stage they perform on.

On their vibrant new album, Thank the Lord…it’s The Pink Stones, bandmates Hunter Pinkston, Caleb Boese, Michael Alexander, Adam Wayton and Neil Golden, deliver a lively blend of ’60s country, folk, bluegrass, soul, and psychedelic rock. Recorded with co-producer Henry Barbe in Athens, Georgia, the album highlights a more refined, mature sound shaped by years of touring and growth. The songs are humble, timeless, and full of witty storytelling, with performances that feel relaxed yet expertly crafted. The record pays homage to legends like Merle Haggard, Earl Scruggs, Don Williams, and The Byrds, balancing nostalgia with fresh creativity.

Joshua Ray Walker is one of Americana’s most intriguing new voices. A Texas singer/songwriter whose powerhouse vocals, razor-sharp writing, and magnetic stage presence have earned praise from Rolling Stone, NPR, Billboard, and fans around the world. Known for his humor, heartbreak, and once-in-a-generation vocal range, Walker’s show pulls back the curtain on his prolific and acclaimed discography. On stage, he’s warm, hilarious, and disarmingly honest, moving from roaring laughter to pin-drop-quiet confession in a matter of seconds. Walker’s performances reveal him at his very best: raw, vulnerable, and unforgettable.

Jacob Nenry Allen, pka Deloyd Elze, is a genre-blending country artist from Jacksonville, Florida, who fuses traditional American songwriting with modern electronic sounds. His music features twangy guitars, lo-fi drums, dissonant synths, and acoustic textures. Named after his resilient great-grandfather, Deloyd’s work reflects themes of authenticity and perseverance through the complexities of the human experience. Now in Los Angeles, he draws inspiration from his family’s legacy and personal journey.

Esty is a Dominican American singer/songwriter, guitarist, and genre-disruptor blending Dembow, pop, Bachata, and alt-electronic textures into a signature Spanglish sound and bold visual identity. Raised between New York and Rhode Island, her music merges cultural pride with emotional honesty and sharp perspective. A co-writer with credits alongside Chris Brown and Tyga, Esty has built her artistry from the ground up — crafting ethereal, heartfelt music that is entirely her own. Her 2023 EP Estyland earned recognition fromBillboard, Pitchfork, the Los Angeles Times, Remezcla, and PAPER. Having collaborated with global artists and partnered with brands like Nike, Puma, and Burberry, she continues to redefine Latin alternative pop — most recently releasing “V3n3n0” from her upcoming album Domi Star.

Susannah Joffe is a Texas-raised, NYC-based musician whose music is a youthful embodiment of her roots in Austin’s soft indie rock scene and the ecstatic colors of queer pop. Susannah has grown immensely this past year, reaching 2.2 million listeners on Spotify and headlining sold-out shows in NYC, LA and Austin. In June of 2025, she released her latest EP Cult Leader and is working on her debut album, set to release fall of 2026 through Broke Records.

Jo Alice is a singer/songwriter who has been working on her first album with Britt Daniel, Stephen Patterson and Mike McCarthy with a scheduled release for 2026. She has toured with artists such as Hamilton Leithauser, CAAMP, Spoon, Chapparelle, The Technicolors, Blind Pilot, Tré Burt and Nicole Atkins. Beyond her musical abilities, she is also fluent in French, English, Portuguese, Spanish and Italian.J

Colombian Dominican NEZZA is a triple threat – singer, songwriter, and professional dancer who seamlessly blends heritage, artistry, and innovation into a compelling mix. As a YouTube creator since 2018, she has leveraged her early fame into a genre-defying career, dancing alongside icons like Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, and Zendaya. Breaking into music in 2018, NEZZA’s debut EP Club Solita fused R&B and Reggaeton, amassing 1M+ Spotify streams per track and international radio play. Her 2022 sold-out tours showcased electrifying stage presence, and her current project set to release in 2026 weaves Spanish melodies with English hooks, pairing pristine production with intimate storytelling. NEZZA embodies the Spanglish vanguard—raw, multifaceted, and rooted in community.

Shanghai-born, Los Angeles transplant PIAO is the singer/songwriter you’ve been waiting for. With heartfelt lyrics and a vocal range that hits both ends of the spectrum, PIAO breaks the mold of the traditional pop artist and creates her own lane. Recent Berklee graduate and multi-instrumentalist, PIAO has worked with talented artists and producers like Tiffany Day and Marianas Trench to help amplify her vision and build her musical repertoire. Prepare to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of PIAO and experience a new era of pop music.  Photo: Sophia Maguire

Following the release of her 2023 EP Hey Anna, a breakup, and a move, Anna Shoemaker’s 2025 album Someone Should Stop Her marked the start of a transformative new chapter for this singer/songwriter. Known for her alt-leaning production, intoxicating pop melodies, and unflinching lyricism, Anna’s music captures the turbulence, charm, and self-reflection of young adulthood. Recorded in Nashville, the album captures her personal evolution as she embraces a fresh, stripped-back sound, moving beyond the synth-heavy production that defined her debut album Everything Is Fine (I’m Only On Fire). Anna followed the release of Someone Should Stop Her with her latest single “Girl Song,” the first taste of what she is planning next. Photo: Caity-Krone

The disciplined lyricism of Hunter Park’s South Carolina–born, Nashville-based project She Returns From War reflects a commitment to songwriting that has earned growing recognition and is defining what it means to not only live in the modern south, but to be a trans woman and artist within this landscape. Combining folk-infused vocal melodies and evocative lyrics that capture the unfiltered human experience, She Returns From War is taking her seat in the Americana music world with grace, strength, and passion. Her fourth album, Dinner Music, is expected in 2026. 

North Georgia natives, The Band Loula—Malachi Mills and Logan Simmons—is poised for a big breakout with the release of their anticipated debut EP, Sweet Southern Summer. Produced by John Osborne (Brothers Osborne) with additional production from Greg Bieck (Little Big Town, etc.), the EP spotlights the duo’s powerful storytelling and unique swampgrass sound and consists of six tracks including their standout single, “Running Off The Angels,” which Billboard calls “An immensely promising release.” The Band Loula continues to garner widespread attention with their undeniable chemistry and near blood harmonies and recently made their Grand Ole Opry debut. Powerful live performers, The Band Loula spent the summer on the road with Dierks Bentley and Zach Top as part of Bentley’s Broken Branches Tour and has also toured with the Brothers Osborne, Ashley McBryde, Paul Cauthen, Elle King, Brent Cobb and Lukas Nelson. Their debut album coming in 2026.

The Cardiff-born singer/songwriter’s journey began with 2023’s DIY debut Ed’s House, recorded with a friend in a makeshift home studio. When lead single “Sofia” went viral, boosted by a stunt of flying to a random country for a tattoo, it catapulted him to 200K+ followers and nearly 5M global streams. His 2024 follow-up EP Hollywood marked his first professional studio work, bridging lo-fi beginnings with the polished sound of his new material. Ellis has since become a BBC Radio 1 staple with playlist support from Spotify’s New Music Friday UK and Fresh Finds. After supporting Henry Moodie and Alfie Jukes on tour, plus festival appearances including BST Hyde Park with Stray Kids, he’s earned a reputation for visceral live shows where fans sing every word.

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Horsepower is the project of Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Charlotte Weinman, who caught New York’s attention last year with a collection of songs combining the fervent energy of indie rock with the thespian flair of a self-described “recovering playwright.” Throughout 2024, Horsepower made waves in their native Brooklyn for selling out multiple local shows despite having no music out. When the band released their debut EP in June 2025, their cultlike following quietly went national. They’ve since received praise fromPaste, Rolling Stone, NME, and more, a spot in Spotify’s Fresh Finds Class of 2025, and support slots with Daffo, Hinds, and Goon. Horsepower’s latest release Force Quit was co-produced by Model/Actriz’s Ruben Radlauer, and their second EP is due out in late 2026.

Magnolian is the stage name for Dulguun Bayasgalan, an indie-folk singer/songwriter from Mongolia. In June of 2016, Magnolian released his debut EP Famous Men. It was named best underground album of July on Nerdist’s Bandcamping column. In 2018, Magnolian wrote the music for and starred in the film, They Sing Up on the Hill, which premiered at the 2018 Busan International Film Festival. On September 18, 2020, Magnolian released his debut LP titled Slow Burn. Magnolian’s music was recently featured in the blockbuster video game, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach by legendary game creator, Hideo Kojima. His music also appears in the Netflix hit show, Outer Banks.

Hailing from the Twin Cities, Dizzy Fae is a singer/songwriter who strayed from her original path of classical training in singing and dance to release her debut single at age 16. On her debut EP Antenna, Dizzy defied genres with a kaleidoscopic sound that incorporates pop, R&B, electronic elements and more. Opening sold-out tours for voices like Lizzo, Toro y Moi and Anna of the North, Dizzy’s music exudes effortless charm, a sprinkle of danger, and a bewitching pull. She is currently gearing up to release her debut album – an all-access pass to the unexpected. Last summer, the multi-disciplinary artist premiered her song “Try” live at the Daniel Ek-founded symposium Brilliant Minds as well as gracing the cover of the coveted Fresh Finds playlist. With recent praise from the likes of Ebro Darden at Apple Music 1 and a string of releases around the corner, Dizzy Fae is poised to make the world dizzier than ever.

little luna writes music about re-discovering your truest self, as she is on the journey to do the same. Her favorite song she’s ever written, “wildflower woman,” is currently a Trending Audio on Reels, and is featured in the film Same Same But Different premiering at SXSW on the 18^th. little luna is inspired by wildflowers, largely because they grow on the side of the highway, in the trash, with trucks flying by, yet remain open, and soft. Wildflowers are resilient, yet not hardened by life’s harsh conditions, as are the incredible wildflower women who adopt her music as a part of their life’s soundtrack.

From the quiet streets of Geismar, Louisiana, where the pulse of Baton Rouge and New Orleans flows through the air, THEBROSFRESH carry that energy with them. Now calling Austin home, they’ve crafted a sound that’s as much about where they’re from as where they’re going. A mix of R&B and rock that feels like it’s breaking rules, stretching boundaries, and reimagining what southern music can be. It’s a vibe that reaches beyond just place—it’s  a story, a feeling, that speaks to anyone listening, no matter where they’re at.

Texas-native Julianna Rankin is a singer/songwriter who was raised on classic country and the blues and inspired by artists like Bobbie Gentry and James Taylor. Her journey into the industry began in 2018 when she was a student at Texas A&M. Since then, Julianna has settled in New Braunfels, Texas, to which she credits a strong circle of talented musicians and local collaboration for her recent successes. Discovered by musical heroes Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall, the rising star made her label debut with “Bad Habits and Good Horses” which was featured in the season finale of Landman. Now charting her own path, there is more new music on the horizon from the powerhouse talent.

Emma Ogier is a Houston-raised, Nashville-based singer/songwriter whose work lives in the space between alternative pop and Americana, anchored by raw style, candid lyrics, and witty live shows. Emma’s music is genre-fluid and instinctive rather than easily categorized, reflecting her commitment to a conviction-led career path that doesn’t need to conform to traditional “industry sense” for anyone but herself. She released a string of acclaimed singles produced by David Baron and toured nationally with Bo Staloch, Jack Van Cleaf, and Carter Faith. Emma’s genre-defying music fits anywhere, from intimate songwriter spaces to energetic festival stages, thanks to her adaptability and authentic vision. While she keeps her personal process intentional and strategic behind the scenes, her growing audience and the industry alike respect both her vision and her music.

Emerging singer/songwriter Leon Majcen seamlessly blends country, folk and Americana to craft his own captivating and distinctive sound. The son of Bosnian war refugees found solace in music and songwriting from a young age, especially from Guy Clark, Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt. Majcen’s growing catalog undoubtedly portrays his unwavering ability to relay emotions through top-notch songwriting. Today Leon gains an abundance of inspiration from the incomparable and unforgettable moments only found from traveling on the open road. The independent artist has secured himself as an opener for Flatland Cavalry, Turnpike Troubadours, Evan Honer, Kip Moore, Benjamin Tod, Margo Price and Vincent Neil Emerson.