Solange

10 Huge Artists Just Announced for SXSW

SXSW is just around the corner (next week!) and while 95% of the lineup features up-and-comers, there are no shortage of big names playing too, with more continuing to be announced. We already knew about Weezer (who now also play Rachael Ray’s show), Gary Clark Jr., Royal Trux (who play the Levitation party), The New Pornographers (who play the NPR showcase and a Stereogum/Mazda party), Joey Bada$$ (also plays NPR), Wu-Tang Clan (who play the WeDC showcase), Sleigh Bells, and Jimmy Eat World.

Here are 10 more big ones recently announced:

Solange

Solange put out one of the best albums of last year and this year she’s a frequent festival headliner. Needless to say, her SXSW appearance should be a tough one to get into. She plays 9 PM on day one (Wednesday, March 15) of YouTube’s official showcases at The Copper Tank Events Center. The set is billed as “Saint Heron [her label] ft. Solange.” Badges or wristbands required. Flyer for the YouTube showcases, below.

Mastodon

One of the biggest and best crossover metal bands, Mastodon, are releasing a new album this year and making a stop at SXSW ahead of its release. They play one of the SPIN / Mazda shows at Empire Garage. They’re on the official showcase on Friday night (3/17), and they play at midnight right after Beach Slang. RSVP is open. Badge holders will be admitted first. They’re also doing a signing from 3:30 to 4:30 PM that day at Waterloo Records. “Brann Dailor, Bill Kelliher, Troy Sanders and Brent Hinds will sign autographs for fans who pre-order EMPEROR OF SAND directly at Waterloo Records Austin. All who pre-order will receive a limited edition Mastodon lithograph created especially for this SXSW sponsored event.” First come, first served.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOSNQkxXKW4

Ryan Adams

The always-busy singer/songwriter Ryan Adams just released a new album, and his many upcoming tour dates include SXSW. He’ll play the BMI showcase at ACL Live at the Moody Theater on Friday night (3/17) with Cherry Glazerr and others. Badges or wristbands required.

Migos

Migos have one of the biggest rap songs in the country right now (the one embedded above), and it feels pretty safe to assume the line to get into their SXSW show is gonna be nuts. They headline the third YouTube showcase at The Copper Tank Events Center on Friday (3/17) at 9 PM. They play as part of a Quality Control showcase, which also features their “Bad and Boujee” collaborator Lil Yachty and Kodie Shane of Yachty’s Sailing Team crew.

Rae Sremmurd

Before “Bad and Boujee” took over the world, the similarly meme-able “Black Beatles” was the biggest rap song around. Rae Sremmurd also headline one of the YouTube shows, day two (Thursday, March 16), at 10:15 PM. Their set is part of a SremmLife Crew showcase that also includes Bobo Swae and Impxct.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJEzEDMqXQQ

De La Soul

Rap legends Da La Soul released their first album in 12 years in 2016, and they’re riding that high. They’ll be at SXSW, where they play Rachael Ray’s day party at Stubb’s on Saturday (3/18), and Music on the Menu’s all-rap showcase at Cedar Street Courtyard on Tuesday (3/14) with Redman, The Pharcyde and more. You can buy tickets for the latter.

Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne has no problem filling gigantic venues on the reg, and he’ll bless SXSW with an appearance that’s a little smaller than usual to stir up some buzz for the official launch of Young Money Radio / Da$h Radio. He headlines Mass Appeal’s Live at the BBQ show on Thursday night (3/16) at Stubb’s. That show’s also got DJ Mustard & friends, Dave East, Denzel Curry, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Rapsody, and more. RSVP is open. Badges and wristband holders receive priority entrance.

Rick Ross

Another popular rapper recently added is Rick Ross. He headlines the VIBE / Mazda showcase at Empire Garage on Thursday (3/16) at 12:35 AM, taking the stage after Yo Gotti, Kent Jones, a special guest, and others. RSVP is open and badge holders will be admitted first.

Action Bronson

After becoming a staple of New York rap, Action Bronson brought his wacky style (and food obsession) to the rest of the world and he remains an always-entertaining figure. He is, of course, on the lineup for Rachael Ray’s big day party (maybe he’ll cook too?), with fellow NY rappers De La Soul and plenty of others.

Danny Brown

The great, eccentric rapper Danny Brown just gets better and better. Last year’s Atrocity Exhibition was one of the best albums of 2016, and he’s already cranked out some new songs this year. He’s on the festival circuit this summer, and he’ll be at SXSW too. He headlines the SPIN / Mazda showcase on Wednesday night (3/15) at Empire Garage at 1 AM. RSVP is open and badge holders will be admitted first.

Wyclef Jean at Brooklyn Bowl
Wyclef at Brooklyn Bowl in 2016 (more by Stephanie Augello)

BONUS: Prince tribute with Wyclef Jean and Revolution members

Wyclef Jean, who’s been making something of a comeback, will pay tribute to the late, great Prince with some of members of Prince’s former backing band The Revolution (who are touring this year. The tribute takes place on Friday (3/17) at Auditorium Shores. It’s free, but a SXSW Guest Pass is required.

YouTube SXSW

The lineups are out for our BrooklynVegan & Sound on Sound Fest parties at Cheer Up Charlies. Follow all of our SXSW 2017 coverage HERE.