SXSW 2025 Playlist – Heywood Hotel Picks
February 13, 2025
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The Best Music to Discover at SXSW 2025
SXSW 2025 is set for March 7-15 in Austin, Texas, bringing together trendsetters in music, tech, film, and education. With so much happening, navigating the festival can be overwhelming—but the Heywood Hotel is here to help! For more information, read on…
…Or get right to it and jump to the Heywood Hotel SXSW 2025 Playlist.
What is the SXSW Music Festival?
Since 1987, SXSW has been the ultimate showcase for emerging artists. Now a citywide event, the 2025 SXSW Music Festival runs March 10-15, featuring performances across downtown Austin, East Austin, and Rainey Street — all just steps from the Heywood Hotel.
Why should bands play SXSW?
For musicians, SXSW is a launchpad for discovery, networking, and career growth. It’s a prime opportunity to connect with industry insiders, build an audience, and even land a record deal.
Why should music fans attend SXSW?
With more than 1,000 bands performing, SXSW is the best place to discover new artists and see intimate performances from future stars. These once-in-a-lifetime moments create lasting connections to the music. There is no better place than SXSW to experience the thrill of discovering a new artist, or seeing a band you already love play a small venue.
How to choose which bands to see at SXSW?
With so many acts, planning ahead is key. Most SXSW performers are up-and-coming artists, many with only a few hundred followers online. Fortunately, SXSW has released an official Spotify playlist featuring over 500 artists to help us all prepare, and the Heywood Hotel has selected our favorites from that list.
Our team listened to more than 30 hours of the official playlist to curate our top picks for SXSW 2025. We invite you to listen!
Are there free SXSW music events?
Absolutely! While SXSW features official showcases requiring badges or wristbands, there are countless free concerts, pop-up performances, and unofficial events happening all over Austin. Many bars, parks, and venues host free shows, often featuring the same artists playing SXSW showcases. Search our SXSW 2025 map to find free events and must-see performances near the Heywood Hotel!
Heywood Hotel’s SXSW 2025 Playlist
Just like SXSW itself, there is something in our playlist for everyone. From rock to roots to rap to R&B, indie to folk to world music. Punk bands, garage bands, country bands, electronica and more singer-songwriters than you can shake a stick at.As a “woman-owned and everyone-is-welcome-here” hotel, we were especially impressed by the inclusion of so many female artists, BIPOC artists, LGBTIQA+ artists, transgender artists and nonbinary artists this year.
Across the board, the musicianship is excellent. Kudos to the SXSW team for curating such a diverse lineup of musicians.
We invite you to check out our Spotify playlist of what we consider the must-hear picks of the SXSW 2025 Music Festival: SXSW 2025 Playlist: Heywood Hotel Picks
Some standouts that we were excited to hear were Lake Street Dive, Freak Slug, Dope Lemon, Frankie and the Witch Fingers, The Courettes, jasmine.4.t and 水中スピカ (Suichu Spica), a Japanese math rock band.
Where is the best place to stay for SXSW?
East Austin is the perfect neighborhood to stay in during SXSW. While much of the action takes place in Downtown Austin, the downtown scene can be a bit hectic and overwhelming. Choose the Eastside for a convenient, walkable location, that is calmer at night.
The Heywood Hotel is a MICHELIN-rated boutique hotel located in East Austin. We have the perfect hotel location for SXSW. We’re just one mile away from the Austin Convention Center and within walking or biking distance to more than 100 venues like Stubb’s, Mohawk, Scoot Inn, Hotel Vegas at Volstead, Waterloo Park, Low Down Lounge, Lucky’s Brick Bar and more.
Hot tip: Check out our searchable map of nearby SXSW 2025 venues.
What makes the Heywood Hotel the best hotel for SXSW?
In addition to being SXSWalkable, with just seven rooms and a serene environment, the Heywood Hotel offers unparalleled comfort. After long, action-packed days spent on your feet at SXSW 2025, you’ll want a quiet spot to recharge. Our intimate and stylish hotel is the perfect place to retreat.
At the Heywood, you’ll find luxury beds, personalized service, and a cozy atmosphere. While we’re perfectly situated to allow easy access to all SXSW venues, our small hotel is quiet and serene so you can make the most of your day, then get a good, quiet night’s sleep.
The Heywood Hotel offers discounts for stays of 4+ nights and group rentals. Each year, we are honored to host guests from all over the world who are looking for a unique place to stay that is convenient to all of the action. We hope to have the opportunity to host you, too! Check availability for SXSW 2025 Here
Feature image of Frankie and the Witch Fingers by Travis Trautt, courtesy of the band.