New Acts, Parties, Venues and More: The SXSW Sydney Music Festival Gets Even Bigger

Just when you thought the SXSW Sydney® Music Festival couldn’t get any bigger, we’ve just announced another wave of acts, parties, and ideas that will electrify the city this October 15-18. 

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With more than 50 new artists, fresh conference sessions, unmissable showcases, and the announcement of Johnnie Walker Black Ruby coming on board as this year’s Major Sponsor, this year’s Music Festival is shaping up to be the ultimate celebration of creativity and culture.

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New Acts Announced

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Another 20 international artists join the line-up, including American indie rock band Whitney; Irish arena act Picture This, making their Australian debut; and compatriots Le Boom, whose frenetic live sets have attracted 4,000+ fans at their infamous secret raves. There’s also breakout singer-songwriter Angela Ken and Maki who have each amassed billions of streams in their native Philippines, and Taiwan’s Modern Cinema Master who bring post-punk grit and lo-fi textures. From the UK, acclaimed rapper-producer Lex Amor joins Jazz-refreshed signee Amy Gadiaga to bolster a truly exciting global line-up.  

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The homegrown line-up is boosted by electronic artist Ninajirachi, whose debut album has gained five star reviews across the board, the mysterious and iconic 2charm, and Drifting Clouds, formed in the heart of Bunhungura/Gapuwiyak, NT and bringing a unique fusion of synth-pop, 80s, rock and country to the stage. Canberra’s Sonic Reducer will amp up the intensity with a gritty mix of punk, rock and garage that’ll have you hooked from the first riff, and from Sydney’s underground comes experimental four-piece xiao xiao who blend dream pop and hip hop into their unique punk sound.

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Introducing The Walk To Austin Award

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SXSW Sydney is excited to partner with Johnnie Walker Black Ruby to hero and support the next wave of music talent. In recognition of their creativity, originality, and potential to connect with a global audience, one standout act who performs on the Johnnie Walker Black Ruby House stage will be selected by a panel of industry judges to receive the Walk To Austin Award and perform at SXSW® 2026 in Austin, Texas. 

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The City Comes Alive

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Beyond the stages, the festival atmosphere will spill into the streets. The Chippendale Music Precinct transforms into a hub of showcases, secret sets, and legendary mixers, with names like British Music Embassy, Laneway Festival x Outside Lands, Rolling Stone and triple j leading the charge. New venues — from the historic Eveleigh Hotel to outdoor stages at the Seymour Centre and Kensington Street — will ensure that every corner of the city hums with sound and possibility.

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More Than Music

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For Pro Pass holders, SXSW Sydney is as much about inspiration as it is about entertainment. This year’s conference invites festival-goers to dive into the future of music and creativity with AI workshops, marketing masterclasses, and one-on-one mentor sessions. Industry leaders and tastemakers, including Anmol Kukreja (Skillbox India), Danny Rogers (Laneway Festival) and Akhila Shankar (TuneCore South Asia) and Sally Dunstone (Agent, Primary Talent), will share insights on building sustainable careers in an ever-shifting landscape

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Explore the current list of artists, speakers, and sessions now at sxswsydney.com/music-festival.

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