British Music Embassy to showcase 80 acts for SXSW

The British Music Embassy will return to Texas’s South By Southwest (SXSW) this week, bringing 80 acts to perform in an expanded venue.

Now in its 17th year at the Austin institution, the BME will import acts such as Alt Blk Era, Big Special, Confidence Man, CVC, Sam Ryder and Steam Down for this year’s edition.

Upgrading to a 700-capacity venue, the Palm Door on Sixth Street, the UK residency will boast a two-stage indoor and outdoor venue, programming dozens of rising UK stars from 8-15 March. The venue boost signals another year of growth for the series, which upgraded to 600-cap venue The Backyard @ Downright Austin last year.

“The British Music Embassy provides a brilliant and exciting platform for UK artists and talent to showcase at SXSW. It remains a hugely important global facing platform for the best in music, film, arts and technology, creating international networks, business conversations and exchange,” says Joel Mills, director of music for the British Council.

“We are delighted to be supporting the British Music Embassy again in 2025 alongside other UK music partners to showcase some of the best of UK talent. It’s an important catalyst for developing international profile and audiences for UK artists.”

“SXSW is a vital platform for talented British artists”

The BME is a collaboration from BBC Introducing, UK record labels association British Phonographic Industry (BPI), the Department for Business & Trade, the British Council, and music licensing company PPL.

“SXSW is a vital platform for talented British artists looking to reach influential international audiences, which remains a challenge in today’s competitive global music landscape. The British Music Embassy is an incredible springboard for new acts and has played host to a diverse range of UK musical success stories over the years, including the likes of Dave, Glass Animals, IDLES, Jungle and Little Simz,” says Dr Jo Twist OBE, BPI CEO.

“There are some great names across this year’s BME line-up, including some supported by the Music Export Growth Scheme, a funding initiative which sees the UK industry and Government unite to help artists develop on the global stage.”

“A fantastic opportunity to showcase some of the most exciting UK music talent to a global audience”

Programming collaborators across the week include Beyond the Music Manchester, Future Arts & Culture, PIAS, Ristband, Awesome Friends, Northern Sounds, Band Share & Output Belfast, Fatsoma, Bonza Music and Omen Magazine.

Peter Leathem OBE, CEO of PPL says: “The event provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase some of the most exciting UK music talent to a global audience and this year is no exception. We are looking forward to the shows and meeting industry partners from around the world at what promises to be an exciting eight days of music and networking.”

Additional artists for 2025 include Antony Szmierek, Beth McCarthy, Big Special, Black Fondu, Freak Slug, Gurriers, JC Stewart, Mary In The Junkyard, Master Peace, Summer Pearl, The Molotovs, Tokio Myers, Wynona Bleach, Yoshika Colwell, with dozens more on deck.

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