The first round of showcasing artists for the 2025 SXSW Music Festival has been revealed – including Irish acts Gurriers, John Francis Flynn, Soda Blonde, M(h)aol and Really Good Time.

The 2025 edition of the festival returns to Austin, Texas from March 10-15.

Irish artists – including Soda Blonde – were at the forefront of this year's major boycott of SXSW in protest against the festival's US Army sponsorship, and the participation of prominent defence contractor RTX Corporation in the event. Many of the artists publicly expressed their solidarity with the people of Palestine when announcing that they were pulling out.

Other acts – including Gurriers – stood together in Austin instead of performing, and read out a powerful statement, explaining their actions.

Following that boycott, the festival revealed over the summer that "the US Army, and companies who engage in weapons manufacturing, will not be sponsors of SXSW 2025."

In previous years, the iconic showcase festival has welcomed the likes of Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Chance The Rapper and Megan Thee Stallion.

Announcing 100+ Showcasing Artists for the 2025 #SXSW Music Festival including #JustinMorales, @guitar_yaz, @Twinshadow, @gurriersband, and more! 🙌 Check out the lineup of artists headed to Austin in March and register early for the lowest badge rates. https://t.co/LlYQ5YC2Zp pic.twitter.com/iJOfD9P2cw

— SXSW (@sxsw) October 29, 2024