Music Track
innovation conference
Hear what’s next
The Music track brings together artists, creators, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers to explore the forces shaping music’s next era, including AI, creator tools, fandom, rights, and monetization. Complementing its forward-thinking conversations, the track delivers interactive experiences, artist feedback forums, and networking opportunities designed to spark collaboration, discovery, and new opportunities across the music ecosystem.
Tyson Ritter
co-founder and frontman, the all-american rejects
“There’s something about having to get out and face your crowd, so that they know you’re real and that they love you. Fandom has become so digitized that I think the only way to do it is to go back to the formula and play shows.”
programming themes
- Audience First
- Masters of Craft
- Hollywood Rewired
- Owning the Story
Past Speakers
The people shaping how stories get made.
Tierra Whack, Artist
“Play It Live- How Livestreaming is Rewriting the Rules of Music”
Russ, Artist
“Make Your Own Wave: Russ & Andreea Gleeson on Independence”
Margo Price, Artists
“Keynote: Margo Price”
Ghazi, CEO of Empire
“How to Conquer the Multisector and The Next Frontier of Music”
Conference Rewind
Take a look back at the sessions you don’t want to miss.
A Conversation with The All-American Rejects
For their first-ever SXSW appearance, The All-American Rejects will share how their sold-out House Party Tour reimagined live music by performing in backyards, skateparks and unique spaces for fans and artists. Once a staple of the major label system, the band is now fully independent—writing, recording, and releasing on their own terms. In this session, they’ll explore how artists can break into touring without gatekeepers and build community-driven experiences outside traditional venues.
A Conversation With Spotify's New Co-CEO
Twenty years ago, the music industry faced an existential crisis. Piracy was reshaping consumption, the old model was unraveling, and no clear path forward existed. Spotify was born from a simple but radical belief: that technology could reconnect artists and fans in a way that worked for both. Join Gustav for a look at the future of Spotify’s technological transformation across music, podcasts, and audiobooks, exploring how user control, creator innovation, and thoughtful technology are shaping the next chapter of entertainment.
Make Your Own Wave: Russ & Andreea Gleeson on Artist Independence
Chart topping artist/actor/author Russ sits down with TuneCore Chief Executive Officer Andreea Gleeson to discuss his path to success as an independent artist and the nontraditional fan engagement, release strategies, and alternative revenue streams that have paved the way for global stardom. From the foundation of his label DIEMON to his stint on the Columbia roster, his triumphant return to independence and the success of his latest Billboard chart topping album W!LD, Russ has built a career as a modern renaissance man on his own terms and serves as an inspiration for other aspiring artists.
Additional Information
Each year, SXSW brings the best speakers in the world to Austin, TX< to present sessions on what’s next in the worlds of film, culture, music, and technology.
The convergence of first-class talent from so many different disciplines and backgrounds creates a unique environment for attendees to explore.
SXSW Conferences include the Innovation Conference, Music Conference, and Film & TV Conference.
Accompanying the SXSW Conference are events including expos, a pitch competition, parties, and more.
Explore Keynotes, Featured Speakers, Session Formats, and programming tracks, of visit the Conference Formats page.
SXSW Conference sessions will be divided into multiple tracks across three overarching verticals:
- Innovation Conference Tracks explore technology, marketing, health, the creator economy and more.
- Film & TV Conference covers both the creative and business elements of film and TV production.
- Music Conference features content on the making, marketing, impact and future of music.
Visit the Tracks pages for detailed information on each of the tracks.
Conference session formats range from presentations and fireside chats to panels, workshops, mentoring, networking and more.