The first batch of artists has been announced for South by Southwest (SXSW) Sydney’s 2024 music festival. Last year, the massive culture and technology conference debuted in Sydney after 37 years in Austin, Texas – and the US original’s music pillar has been a career launching pad for the likes of Haim, Billie Eilish and Amy Winehouse. So though you may not know these artists now, there’s a good chance they’ll be blowing up in a few years.

Heartbreak High star Ayesha Madon doubles as a singer-songwriter and will be appearing at the festival off the back of her recently released single Eulogy. Fellow Aussie up-and-comer and 2019 Unearthed High finalist Nick Ward is also on the line-up – he’ll be bringing his signature brand of bedroom pop to the stage.

Formed in rural Colombia, Bogota-based psychedelic-funk trio Balthvs – who recently played at SXSW in Austin – are bringing their blend of cumbia (a Colombian folk style), surf rock, funk and Anatolian music to Sydney.

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Also in the Aussie contingent is Sydney-based singer-songwriter Total Tommy, whose lo-fi, grunge-tinged debut single Microdose was produced by big-time producer Dan Carey, who has also worked with Wet Leg, Fontaines DC and Bat for Lashes.

Last year, Sydney rapper Sahxl became the first ever Australian artist to sign with legendary hip-hop label Def Jam – and this year he’ll take the stage at SXSW, following the release of his second EP this month.

Japanese-Filipino pop musician and singer-songwriter Ena Mori will also appear at the festival, while Joel Sunny – an artist who weaves together influences from ’60s and ’70s cinema with folk elements, and has racked up more than four million followers across his socials – is making his debut live performance at SXSW.

Marranunggu rapper J-Milla and his brother Yung Milla will present a new live collaboration, Bruthas, a project they’ve polished during live shows in remote Aboriginal communities. Melbourne-formed, London-based duo High School will return to Australia to showcase their lo-fi tunes ahead of the release of their debut album, while indie-rock quartet Smol Fish will be following up a recent UK and European tour with an appearance at the festival.

And finally, Korean DJ 404 will set the dance floor alight with his snappy production chops and high-octane electronic style.

More artists will be announced in the lead-up to the festival, which runs from October 14 to 20 at various venues across Sydney.

sxswsydney.com