The South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival, one of the most anticipated events on the music industry’s calendar, is gearing up for its return in 2024. Running from March 11 to March 16, this iconic festival is set to deliver another spectacular showcase of musical talent, bringing together artists from across the globe. SXSW has now unveiled the first wave of artists scheduled to perform at the event, offering music enthusiasts a glimpse of what to expect.
The festival’s first artist lineup announcement, made recently, includes an array of talented performers spanning a wide range of genres and styles. From rock and indie to experimental and pop, there’s something for everyone. Among the many artists set to grace the SXSW stage are Dry Cleaning, Bodega, Cumgirl8, Hinds, Sen Morimoto, Mamalarky, Viji, Horse Jumper of Love, Kiwi Jr., Rawayana, and Lo Moon. With this exciting lineup, the festival promises to deliver a dynamic and diverse musical experience, as it always has.
However, the road to SXSW 2024 hasn’t been without its fair share of controversy. In February of this year, the Union of Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW) called on SXSW to increase artist payments, urging the festival to commit to a minimum payment of $750 for all artists performing in an official capacity. The call was supported by more than 120 artists, including notable names like Eve 6, Guy Picciotto, Vijay Iyer, Zola Jesus, and Wednesday, who signed an open letter to express their concerns.
In response to the pressure from UMAW and the rallying efforts in June, which included a protest at the New York offices of Penske Media Corporation, which owns 50% of SXSW, the Austin Parks and Recreation Board decided to take action. They approached the city council to implement changes in artist compensation at the festival.
As a result of these developments, SXSW announced in June that they would be raising fees for domestic artists. Bands will see their fees increase to $350 from $250, while solo artists will now receive $150, up from the previous $100. However, it’s important to note that international artists remain uncompensated.
The decision to raise fees for domestic artists marks a significant step towards addressing some of the concerns raised by UMAW. While there is still ongoing debate about artist compensation at SXSW, this move demonstrates that the festival is willing to engage with the issues raised and take action to improve the experience for artists.
SXSW is more than just a music festival; it’s a cultural phenomenon that brings together the best and brightest in the music industry. It offers emerging and established artists a platform to showcase their talent, connect with fans, and network with industry professionals. As the festival gears up for its return in 2024, music enthusiasts from around the world can look forward to an exciting and diverse lineup that promises to make this year’s event a memorable one.
While the festival has taken steps to address concerns regarding artist compensation, the ongoing dialogue about fair pay and opportunities for artists continues. The music industry, like many others, is evolving, and it is crucial that events like SXSW adapt to meet the needs and expectations of the artists who make the festival the incredible experience it is. The journey to SXSW 2024 promises to be an exciting one, filled with music, culture, and discussions that are sure to shape the future of the industry.
