Austin, Texas has a lot going on. But above all the hustle and bustle of the nation’s fastest growing city is its world renown arts and music conference known as South By Southwest. This conference runs for just over a week’s time, and hosts some of the biggest names across multiple industries. Anything from video game showcases, to film conferences, all varieties of concerts and (most importantly) more DJs gathering within five square miles than any dance music fan could hope for.
With so many fun activities going on around Austin, it can be hard to keep up with or know where you should be headed on any given night. Luckily for you, we here at EDMTunes have done a lot of the legwork for you. We have gathered as many different shows, showcases and gigs as we could find across the internet and congregated them all into this convenient source. We are always finding more events to add to the list, so keep checking back for more fun shows as SXSW gets closer.
March 15:
SXSW: Spotify House – Spotify is showing their love for the Texas music scene by bringing in ILOVEMAKONNEN to spin at their Spotify house located in Austin’s downtown.
STYLSS x 808k SXSW Day Party at Barcelona – You are not going to want to miss some of the West Coast’s best talent coming in to spin at Barcelona. Many of these acts have been doing big things in the Portland scene and they are all anxious to stake their claim during an event such as SXSW. This show will have a wide range of styles including some hip hop, house and anything in between.
CAPS LOCK CREW & FRIENDS – Held at one of the better venues in Austin, New York New York, CAPS LOCK CREW will be bringing in a wide range of acts to help support one of the best nights of the week. Some of their friends include the likes of Riot Ten, Prismo, and The Hi-Yahs, so don’t miss this epic night. This night is sponsored by some of the biggest names in bass music, including Trapstyle, Trap Party, and Austin’s own DEAF.
Resident Advisor at SXSW – This is arguably the biggest event of the conference. Austin’s premier dance music venue, Kingdom Night Club, is an official host of SXSW this year, and they couldn’t choose any better act to bring in for the night than techno legend Richie Hawtin. This club’s capacity is only 150, so it is sure to be an intimate show.
Music Tech Mashup – The popular music app, Jukely, is taking the reigns on this event. With some of the hottest live acts in dance music, this is arguably one of the hottest shows of the week. Keys n Krates and Break Science will be playing with the support of more artists than we can even count, so mark your early week schedules for this show.
March 16th:
No Parents No Rules Unofficial SXSW Showcase – This showcase is happening slightly off the beaten path on Austin’s historic Rainey Street. Bringing in the likes of Blunt Force Trauma, Vice City and Alean & Skyy, this is sure to be one hell of a party.
DeadBeats Presents: Zeds Dead x Just Blaze X Rezz x Oshi X Pusher x Omar – This is definitely the hottest spot to be on the 16th. Hosted at Kingdom Nightclub in downtown Austin, some of the most iconic names in dance music will be playing into the wee hours of the morning. Intricate and hard hitting productions are to be expected out of the likes of Zeds Dead and Just Blaze, so mark your calendars for this one.
Trap Nation Showcase – Some of the best 808 music in the game will be playing at Amped Austin. This event is free, so RSVP now or else you’re going to have to eat the couple bucks that it will cost at the door. This is an unofficial event, so no wristbands are needed!
Danny Howells and Jody Wisternoff – Ethics Music Lounge is known for bringing a close up feel to any artist they bring in. Jody Wisternoff is definitely one to capitalize on such a venue, so make sure you mark your lists for this phenomenal night.
Ultra Records Showcase – Arguably the hottest show of the week. Ultra has always been a power player in the world of dance music, so its fitting that they make their mark on 2016’s SXSW by bringing in the likes of Steve James, Bearson, and many more. Seems like we dance fans will be spending a lot of time at Empire Garage over these next few days.
March 17th:
Saturate! SXSW Showcase – There has been a lot of eye rolls as this list comes out, due to SXSW’s lack of the more meldoic genres. Well anyone feeling down for a lack of trance or more melodic house genres need to look no further, as Saturate! is bringing some of their heavy hitters to Austin. Taking over Barcelona, Saturate! is bringing in a handful of their artists from all over the world to throw down for a sure to be amazing party.
IRL Music X SXSW Present: Too Cute – Held at Ten Oak Bourbon House, this is sure to be a hot spot for next Thursday. With nine artists being brought out, including a couple very special guests, this is sure to be one great time. A wide array of producers will be showing their skills, so there will be a little bit of everything for everyone.
Audiophile Pop-Up Party – Audiophile is one of the best labels to come out of Texas, so it’s fitting that they stake their claim on Austin’s historic Rainey Street during SXSW. Held at an incredibly small and intimate venue, some of the labels best talent will be rocking the decks from AM to PM.
The Bassment Unofficial SXSW Showcase – Austin’s own Deaf Productions is lending yet another helping hand to showcase some amazing talent. Held right in the heart of 6th street in downtown Austin, this is going to be after hours party that will have more bass than you probably can handle.
March 18th:
The Pitchfork Day Parties at SXSW – Pitchfork has always been a house hold name when in comes to music and its discovery. Pitchfork’s day pary is going to be held at the Barracuda in Austin and is the perfect venue to host some of the most unique artists that are being brought in for SXSW. Check out the event page for further details.
Play Me x EARMILK present Sadbass TX – Bringing in some heavy hitting players to the Voodoo Room in Austin, Play Me and EARMILK are going to be hosting one wild night. We at EDMTunes are especially looking to check out Pusher and ill-esha do their thing alongside a very eclectic range of other producers.
Play Me Takeover – Once again, Play Me is bringing in some fantastic artists to showcase the label’s wide range of productive talents. Barcelona-Austin will be hosting the event. The best part is that this is an unofficial event, so no wristbands required!
12th Planet and Friends – 12th Planet always puts on a good show, so it is safe to say that this free event is a must-attend for any bass music lover. The only restriction for this one is that you have to be over 21. Other than that, there is no wristband needed, so come hang out!
March 19th:
Austin Music Week Showcase – Austin’s newest event production company, DEAF, is throwing a handful of killer events throughout the week. This event is set to bring in some pretty hard hitting bass music to Austin’s Club Rio. This is an unofficial party, so no SXSW wristbands are needed to attend!
That is all the list that we have gathered for the time being. As stated above, we will be continuing to add more events to the list as they surface. Watch out for this post as we keep hearing about more sick shows you need to check out for SXSW 2016.
March 20th:
Disco Fries: South Bye Go Home – Just when you thought that SXSW was winding its way to a close, DEAF brings one final show to finish up a phenomenal week. The day kicks off at 4pm with Disco Fries, all playing poolside at one of Austin’s best rooftop venues. With some of Austin’s best local acts playing support, there cannot be any better way to finish out a killer week than drinking mimosas poolside with some greats acts. Tickets available here.
