Thinking about attending SXSW this year? 🔊⚡️ SXSW has long been one of the most important gathering points in the music industry, turning Austin into a global hub for artists, industry professionals, innovators, and tastemakers. With a full week of panels, showcases, and nonstop networking opportunities, it’s the kind of event where conversations can turn into real career momentum. Here’s everything you need to know before you go…
Let’s Connect at SXSW 2026
📆 When: March 12–18, 2026
📍 Where: Austin, TX
About SXSW
SXSW (South by Southwest) is one of the most well-known and influential music industry events in the world, drawing artists, industry professionals, media, tech innovators, and tastemakers to Austin each year for a week of discovery, connection, and creative exchange. What started as a regional festival has grown into a global platform where emerging talent is showcased, industry conversations take center stage, and new ideas about the future of music are explored in real time.
The event blends live showcases with conference programming, offering panels, workshops, networking meetups, and opportunities for artists to connect with labels, managers, publishers, music supervisors, and other key players across the industry. SXSW is also known for its ability to spotlight what’s next, often serving as an early stage for artists and trends that go on to shape the broader music landscape. In 2026, SXSW will take place in a reimagined seven-day format, continuing its tradition of bringing the music community together for one of the busiest and most energizing weeks of the year.
How To Prepare 📚
SXSW moves fast, and with so much happening at once, planning ahead makes all the difference. We recommend taking time before you arrive to map out the panels, showcases, and networking moments you want to prioritize so you don’t miss the opportunities that matter most.
When it comes to promo materials, keep it modern and easy to share. QR code listening cards, business cards linking to your Spotify or EPK, stickers, or simple one-sheets are all great tools to help people remember you after a quick conversation. And as always, the follow-up is where the real value comes in. Reaching out after SXSW, staying connected on social, and continuing the conversation can turn a brief introduction into something long-term.
Symphonic’s Michael Burrows (VP, Client Marketing & DSP Relations) and Guji Lorenzana (Director, A&R and Client Development, Asia-Pacific) will both be participating in panels you won’t want to miss. 🎤 See details below…
Michael Burrows (VP, Client Marketing & DSP Relations)
📆 March 17, 2026 @ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CT
📍 Downright Austin – Capitol Ballroom E
How to Build a Career Without Going Viral: “While there are many recent examples of viral songs on social media launching major artist careers, chasing that viral hit isn’t always necessarily sustainable or the most feasible way for an artist to go about building long-term success. Rather than solely focusing on going viral, there are several other areas an artist can look at for building their career, such as defining their unique brand and sound, consistently releasing high-quality music, and building community. This session will dive into each of these areas to provide artists with realistic tips that they can apply to their careers.”
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Guji Lorenzana (Director, A&R and Client Development, Asia-Pacific)
📆 March 18, 2026 @ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CT
📍 Downright Austin – Capitol Ballroom E
Owning Your Narrative: Global Strategies for Indie Artists: “The international music business is far larger and more lucrative than many expect – just look at the broad worldwide impact of LATAM artists like Bad Bunny and K-Pop groups like BTS. The question is, how does an artist from these regions and beyond achieve this kind of success? The answer lies with music distributors, marketers, and data analysts, who have the tools to break talented artists both in their home countries and around the world. In this panel, experts will explain which resources and team members artists should bring on board to generate international interest, and when.”
Let’s Connect!
If you’d like to request a meeting with someone from our team, please fill out this form.
See you in Austin!
