SXSW 2025: Radio Free Alice

This band from Melbourne is playing Cheer Up Charlie's on Wednesday and the Paste party on Thursday. They call themselves post punk. According to Rolling Stone:

There is something intriguingly Aussie-anomalous to Radio Free Alice’s sound: it’s a heady throwback to the guitar music that spread across the Atlantic at the beginning of the 2010s, when Twin Peaks and Parquet Courts roamed Chicago and Brooklyn, and The Vaccines and The Maccabees did their exuberant thing in Britain. 

"Empty Words" reminds me of Modest Mouse.

"Johnny" is good.

This was my favorite.

SXSW 2025: Schedules

For the most comprehensive list of all the unofficial parties go to the Austin Chronicle.

I've narrowed that down to the top day parties for each day, mostly in order of my preference. The links are for bands I sampled and a quick overview of them.

These are a work in progress as changes happen daily.

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

SXSW 2025: Bobby Dove

This country artist is playing quite a few evening shows but only one show at a reasonable hour: Saturday at 6pm at the Fairmont Hotel. Per SXSW:

Bobby Dove, the Montreal born singer-songwriter, is quickly becoming a magnetic presence in the world of Country and Americana music. With a voice as powerful as their storytelling, this trans/non-binary troubadour pays tribute to the golden age of honky tonk, while crafting original, emotionally charged songs that “blend genres with the touch of a master.” (Mary Gauthier)

Currently based in rural Manitoba, Bobby Dove is preparing to release a new full-length album in the spring of 2025, including a cowrite/duet with grammy winning songwriter, Jim Lauderdale.

"I Dreamt I Met John Prine" is a good acoustic song.

This is live. Nice.

SXSW 2025: Jo Hill

This artist is on the big British Music Embassy night showcases but I find only one day party: Thursday at 1pm at Waterloo Records. Her bio says:

Jo Hill is a singer/songwriter from Cheddar. Taking influence from Fleetwood mac, Remi Wolf, Kasey Musgraves, and Benee, her music is a combination of indie pop/rock/soul with a sweet smattering of country.

"Off the 45" is a single off her new album.  Not sure what to think of it.

"Honeymoon" is her most streamed song. Catchy pop. 

This was the best I heard. 

SXSW 2025: Dutch Interior

This band out of L.A. is playing a few big day parties: Paste at High Noon (no date yet), Cheer Up Charlie's on Wednesday at 5pm, Valhalla and the 13th Floor on Thursday. Per their bio:

the LA County-based band of lifelong friends Jack Nugent, Conner Reeves, Davis Stewart, Noah Kurtz, and brothers Shane and Hayden Barton — today announce their Fat Possum debut, Moneyball, out March 21st

 "Sandcastle Molds" is pretty good.

"Ecig" reminds me of TVOTR.

This has a very MJ Lenderman feel, especially the guitar.