SXSW Sydney 2025 Announces Significant Program Expansion
Eora/Sydney, Australia – SXSW Sydney®, often lauded as Australia’s most forward-thinking cultural festival, today announced a substantial expansion to its 2025 Music Festival and Conference program. The event, set to return to Eora/Sydney from October 13–19, 2025, has bolstered its offerings with the addition of 62 new international and local music acts, a robust speaker lineup featuring global industry leaders, and initial details on cutting-edge music conference sessions. This expansion is strategically aimed at reinforcing the festival’s position as a pivotal hub for music discovery, professional networking, and industry dialogue across the Asia-Pacific region.
Expanded Music Lineup Showcases Global and Local Talent
The newly revealed music acts significantly broaden the sonic landscape of SXSW Sydney 2025. The roster now includes a diverse array of talent spanning genres and geographies.
Noteworthy international artists joining the bill include the acclaimed Indian alt-pop artist Rashmeet Kaur, known for her distinctive fusion sound; the innovative US electronic producer Vandelux, whose work spans electronic and soulful elements; Indonesian duo Tenxi & Jemsii, bringing their unique collaborative energy; and the introspective Filipino neo-soul artist August Wahh. These additions highlight SXSW Sydney’s commitment to presenting a truly international showcase, offering audiences and industry professionals a curated glimpse into emerging sounds from around the globe.
The festival also continues its strong tradition of championing Australian talent. The expanded lineup features exciting acts from across the continent, including Brisbane’s atmospheric dream-rock outfit blue diner, Melbourne’s compelling indie-folk artist Holly Hebe, the genre-bending Korean-Australian psych-pop artist Munan, and Sydney’s own captivating artist Yasmina Sadiki. The inclusion of these local artists underscores the festival’s role in elevating Australian music onto an international stage.
These additions build upon an already impressive foundation that featured artists from Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the UK, and Australia. Previous announcements had already included the powerful sounds of Cardinals from Ireland, the dynamic presence of Jamaica Moana, and the unique artistry of Suichu Spica from Japan, signaling the festival’s breadth and depth even before this latest expansion.
Influential Speakers Join the Conference Program
Complementing the musical performances, SXSW Sydney 2025 has significantly enhanced its conference program with an expanded list of influential speakers from across the global music industry ecosystem. These thought leaders represent various facets of the business, from major festivals and record labels to digital platforms.
Key figures joining the speaker roster include Rachel So from Goldenvoice, the renowned company behind major events like Coachella and Stagecoach; James Cheney representing Reservoir, a leading independent music company; Bryan Duquette from Outsidelands, another prominent festival producer; Stacy Nam of Warner Music Korea, offering insights into the vital South Korean market; and Chantelle Georgiou from Amazon Music ANZ, discussing the dynamics of digital streaming in the Australia and New Zealand region.
The participation of speakers from such esteemed organizations provides attendees with unparalleled opportunities to gain insights into global trends, industry strategies, and the future trajectory of music and entertainment. The conference element remains a core pillar of SXSW Sydney, fostering critical dialogue and professional connections.
Cutting-Edge Conference Sessions Revealed
Initial details have also been unveiled regarding the cutting-edge music conference sessions planned for SXSW Sydney 2025. These sessions are designed to address the most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities facing the music industry today.
Topics scheduled for discussion include the transformative impact of AI in music, offering perspectives on creation, distribution, and rights; strategies for overcoming procrastination in creative and business workflows; in-depth analyses of global market strategies for artists looking to expand their reach beyond domestic borders; the rising importance of creator-led marketing and direct audience engagement; methods for building superfans through direct engagement, leveraging digital tools and community building; practical advice on breaking out of geographical limitations to connect with international audiences and opportunities; and explorations into the frontiers of next-gen AI music creation.
These sessions reflect the forward-thinking ethos of SXSW, providing practical knowledge and strategic foresight for artists, industry professionals, and innovators alike. The conference program is structured to facilitate learning, debate, and collaboration on the issues shaping the industry’s future.
Shaping the Future of Music in the Asia-Pacific
According to Claire Collins, SXSW Sydney Head of Music, the festival serves a crucial function for the industry. \”SXSW Sydney is fundamentally a place where deals get done, where the next generation of artists are discovered, and where the future of the music industry is shaped,\” Collins stated. This perspective reinforces the event’s dual focus on artistic showcase and industry development.
The significant expansion across music performances, speaker faculty, and conference content underscores SXSW Sydney’s ambition to be the preeminent platform for the music industry in the Asia-Pacific region. By bringing together a diverse mix of talent and expertise, the festival aims to stimulate growth, foster innovation, and create meaningful connections.
Attendees eager to participate in SXSW Sydney 2025 and experience this expanded program can secure their place, as passes are currently on sale.
