SXSW Sydney has unveiled over 50 new performers including electronic artist Ninajirachi and American indie rockers Whitney.
Australia’s biggest music conference continues building its 2025 lineup with standout additions spanning electronic, indie rock, and experimental sounds. Leading the local charge is electronic producer Ninajirachi, whose debut album has been earning widespread acclaim, alongside mysterious duo 2charm and Northern Territory’s Drifting Clouds, who blend synth-pop with country influences.
International additions bring serious star power with beloved Chicago indie rock band Whitney making their Sydney debut, Irish arena act Picture This, and UK rapper-producer Lex Amor. From the Philippines, singer-songwriter Angela Ken and Maki join the bill, each bringing billions of streams to their impressive resumes.
SXSW Sydney
- Where: Various venues across Sydney, with music precinct in Chippendale
- When: 13-19 October
- New partnership: Johnnie Walker Black Ruby House at UTS Underground, 14-18 October
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Canberra’s Sonic Reducer will deliver punk and garage rock intensity, while Sydney experimental four-piece xiao xiao blend dream pop with hip hop punk. Taiwan’s Modern Cinema Master adds post-punk grit to an increasingly diverse international roster.
New venues for 2025 include Eveleigh Hotel, Embassy Conference Centre, and outdoor stages at Seymour Centre and Kensington Street. Pop-up stages will appear throughout Chippendale’s music precinct, hosting parties and showcases from American Apparel, APRA AMCOS, British Music Embassy, Laneway Festival, triple j’s PRISM, and many others.
SXSW Sydney has partnered with Johnnie Walker Black Ruby to launch the Walk to Austin Award, recognising outstanding emerging talent with a performance opportunity at SXSW 2026 in Austin, Texas. Industry pros can access mentoring sessions, AI workshops, and masterclasses featuring speakers from Laneway Festival, Outside Lands, and TuneCore South Asia.
For more information, head here.
