12 Asian Artists Performing at the 2024 SXSW Music Festival

Every year, both emerging and established artists are chosen to perform in front of press, fans and industry professionals at the SXSW Music Festival, which is being held from March 11-16, 2024. Read on for some of the Asian musicians selected to be showcase artists at this year’s festival. 

1. Ankur Tewari 

• From Mumbai, India, Tewari is a music veteran, having been in the business since 1998. The folk artist has made music for children and adults alike, with work out that is catered to both demographics. Most notably, Tewari’s 2019 song about climate change, “Dhuaan Dhuaan,” reached internet fame via YouTube, and during a number of protests in India, his anthem “Woh Hum Nahin” was performed. You can also catch Tewari as the frontman of Ankur & The Ghalat Family, a Hindi rock band centered on acoustics and folk-rock. 

2. Chance Emerson

• An Americana pop songwriter from Hong Kong, Emerson came to Rhode Island to further his studies and quickly after, he began to perform his music all along America’s Northeast. Most recently, Emerson released his 2023 album, “Ginkgo,” and received the John Lennon Songwriting Award from BMI. 

3. BackDrop Cinderella

• Described as DIY and self-produced, BackDrop Cinderella is a four-person punk band from Tokyo that was formed back in 2006. Their first international performance was at the 2023 SXSW, and luckily enough, they have returned for another year’s festival. Since its formation in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro, the band has yet to change members or genres. Over the years, they have adopted the phrase “UNZA! UNZA!” to energize themselves and their fans. BackDrop Cinderella will play Elysium on…