Rolling Stone has officially revealed the dynamic lineup for its Future of Music showcase at South by Southwest (SXSW) 2026. This highly anticipated event will span three nights, from March 12th to 14th, at the iconic ACL Live at the Moody Theater in Austin, Texas. The showcase is set to feature an exciting blend of genres, including pop, hip-hop, country, and música mexicana, highlighting both established stars and promising new artists who are shaping the sound of tomorrow.
Future of Music: Diverse Talents Converge in Austin
The first night, March 12th, will be headlined by the critically acclaimed U.K. pop artist Lola Young, known for her raw honesty and compelling pop anthems. Supporting her will be a cohort of captivating vocalists, including Texas native Susanna Joffe, Southampton's Saint Harison, and East London singer-songwriter Sofia and the Antoinettes, who recently released their impressive debut EP, 'Women Who Love Too Much'.
March 13th is dedicated to the vibrant sounds of música mexicana, featuring the incredibly successful San Bernardino group Fuerza Regida. Led by frontman Jesús Ortíz Paz, also known as JOP, Fuerza Regida is celebrated for their electrifying arena performances. Their intimate showcase at SXSW is expected to be an unforgettable experience. They will be joined by top acts from JOP’s Street Mob Records, such as the rapidly rising Linea Personal, the popular Salinas, California-based band Clave Especial, and the buzzing Mexican singer Chino Pacas.
The final night, March 14th, will bring the essence of Texas to the stage. Dallas’s very own BigXthaPlug, celebrated for his hits that fuse the rich traditions of Texas hip-hop and country, will headline. His set will be complemented by a special showcase from his label, 600 Entertainment, featuring some of the hottest new artists in Southern rap, including Kaine Music, Bandman Kevo, Yung Hood, and PB. A standout performance is also expected from INK, a talented collaborator with music icons like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar.
The Rolling Stone Future of Music showcase is designed to be a prime platform for discovering the next generation of musical superstars. It offers attendees the unique opportunity to witness artists on the cusp of greatness before they achieve global fame. This event is intrinsically linked to Rolling Stone’s annual Future of Music issue, which will be released in April 2026, featuring stories on groundbreaking rising artists across all genres throughout mid-March. Previous honorees of the Future of Music include notable names such as Peso Pluma, Chappell Roan, Benson Boone, Rema, Megan Moroney, and Young Miko.
Tickets for this extraordinary musical journey are currently available through AXS. Additionally, a limited number of tickets have been reserved for SXSW Platinum and Music Badge Holders, as well as SXSW Music Festival wristband holders. Music enthusiasts are encouraged to stay alert for further artist announcements in the forthcoming weeks.
Beyond the Music: The Enduring Impact of Live Performances
This year's SXSW Future of Music showcase by Rolling Stone stands as a testament to the enduring power of live music and its role in shaping cultural landscapes. In an era increasingly dominated by digital consumption, these curated live events offer invaluable opportunities for both artists and audiences. For emerging talents, it's a chance to connect directly with fans and industry professionals, gaining exposure that streaming platforms alone cannot fully replicate. For attendees, it's an immersive experience that rekindles the excitement of discovery and the raw energy of performance. The showcase not only highlights diversity in music but also reinforces the idea that true artistry transcends genre boundaries, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic global music scene. Such events are vital for nurturing new voices and ensuring that the future of music remains vibrant and innovative.