Julien Baker and Torres: Charisma and Excellence Collide

South by Southwest (SXSW) 2025 delivered another year of musical revelation and unforgettable performances. Among the highlights was the duo Julien Baker and Torres, who showcased a blend of charm and exceptional talent during their festival debut.Their performance offered a first glimpse of their upcoming album, Send A Prayer My Way, hinting at a sound that bridges country roots with contemporary queer narratives.

Baker’s own assessment of their performance was self-effacing yet apt. “Who needs excellence when you’ve got charisma?” she quipped,a statement that undersells the obvious musical chemistry she shares with Torres. Their sound, reminiscent of classic Americana, is updated with poignant storytelling, resonating particularly with audiences seeking portrayal and authenticity.

This collaboration speaks to a broader trend within the music industry: the blurring of genre lines and the embrace of diverse voices. the duo’s willingness to explore personal themes within a traditionally conservative genre like country highlights the evolution of the musical landscape. this trend is particularly relevant in the U.S., where regional musical styles are increasingly influenced by national and global trends.

Jessica Simpson’s Surprise Comeback: A Country Reinvention

One of the most talked-about moments of SXSW 2025 was Jessica Simpson’s unexpected return to the stage after a 15-year hiatus. Her performance at Luck Reunion, held at Willie Nelson’s ranch, marked a notable shift in her musical direction. Simpson unveiled a new country/Americana sound, shaped in collaboration with producer JD McPherson, known for his work with artists like Wanda jackson and Imelda May. The collaboration is for her forthcoming EP, Nashville Canyon.

The crowd responded enthusiastically to Simpson’s performance, drawn to her authentic expression and newfound musical identity. This reinvention aligns with Simpson’s history of adaptability within the entertainment industry. Her movement from pop star to fashion mogul and now to country artist is a testament to her versatility and resilience.

Simpson’s decision to embrace country music reflects a broader resurgence of the genre, particularly among artists seeking to connect with audiences on a deeper, more personal level. This trend aligns with a growing demand for authenticity in music, as listeners increasingly prioritize artists who are willing to share their vulnerabilities and life experiences through their work.

Emerging Artists Making Waves

SXSW is renowned for spotlighting emerging talent, and 2025 was no exception. Several up-and-coming acts captured the attention of critics and audiences alike:

Case Oats: Lyrical Depth from Chicago

Chicago-based Case Oats, led by Casey gomez Walker, made a strong impression, showcasing Walker’s knack for evocative lyricism, honed by her background in creative writing. With a rhythm section bolstered by Spencer Tweedy on drums, the band’s sound is both grounded and expansive. Their lead single, “Seventeen,” explores formative experiences and resonates with listeners who appreciate introspective songwriting. The band’s debut album is due later this year.

La Sécurité: Montreal’s Dance Punk Evolution

Montreal’s La Sécurité demonstrated remarkable growth from their previous SXSW appearance. Their energetic dance-punk style, now refined and more agile, captivated audiences. The band’s evolution from a “souped-up muscle car” to a “Formula 1 race car” (as described by one observer) highlights their commitment to honing their craft and delivering a dynamic live experience.

Delivery: Australian Punk Glam

Melbourne’s Delivery brought a potent mix of punk and glam to Austin, delivering high-energy sets with three alternating vocalists. Their album, Force Majeure, captures the band’s raw energy and penchant for combining sharp riffs with theatrical flair. In a world that often feels overwhelming, Delivery offers a cathartic and fun outlet for expressing dissent.

Edgar Alejandro: From TikTok Viral to Orchestral Heights

Edgar alejandro charmed audiences with his early morning set, showcasing his vocal talent and the appeal of his viral single, “A Tu Lado.” His performance hinted at his upcoming tour with a 14-piece orchestra, promising a rich and immersive musical experience steeped in his Guadalajara, Mexico, heritage.

Sedona: Southern California Pop Sensibility

san Fernando-native Sedona blended a Southern California vibe with contemporary pop sensibilities, captivating audiences with songs from her new record, Getting Into Heaven. Her well-crafted songs, like “Best kept Secret,” highlight her talent for songwriting and her ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.

Taylor Rae: Intimate Grooves from Austin’s Own

Austin resident Taylor Rae made her SXSW debut, previewing tracks from her upcoming album, The Void. Her performance showcased her growth as an artist and her ability to create intimate and groovy soundscapes.

SXSW 2025: A Reflection of the Evolving Music Landscape

SXSW 2025 underscored the dynamism of the music industry. From established artists reinventing themselves to emerging talents pushing boundaries,the festival provided a snapshot of the trends shaping contemporary music in the U.S. The focus on authenticity, diversity, and genre-bending experimentation suggests a future where music continues to evolve in unexpected and exciting ways.

Interview

Archyde: Eleanor, thank you for joining us today. SXSW 2025 wrapped up recently, and it seems to have been an exceptional year for music. What were your initial impressions?

Eleanor vance: thanks for having me. SXSW 2025 was truly a dynamic event. We saw established artists like Jessica Simpson reinventing themselves in exciting ways, alongside a host of rising stars making a meaningful impact.

Archyde: Jessica Simpson’s comeback has been a major talking point. Her pivot to country music, especially after such a long hiatus, is quite intriguing.What are your thoughts on this?

Eleanor Vance: Simpson’s move is a perfect example of the industry’s current trend toward authenticity. Her past experience in pop, her move into fashion—it shows her versatility. Her collaboration with JD McPherson signals a deeper dive into a more heartfelt and country-influenced sound, which resonates with the rising demand for genuine storytelling.

Archyde: You mentioned “rising stars.” Are there any upcoming acts that caught your attention at SXSW 2025?

Eleanor Vance: Absolutely! Case Oats from Chicago, with their introspective lyrics, are one to watch. La Sécurité from Montreal showed significant evolution, and Delivery from Melbourne delivered a potent blend of punk and glam. And of course, Edgar Alejandro, who is taking the viral success route, with his orchestra tour is truly fascinating.

Archyde: The collaboration between Julien Baker and Torres also appears to have been a real hit, and it reflects the blending of genres, in this case, the combination of country influences with contemporary and queer narratives.What does this collaboration say about the music environment in the U.S.?

Eleanor Vance: This collaboration reflects a larger trend in the U.S. genre blurring. in the U.S., regional styles are increasingly influenced by external sources, leading to these exciting experimental unions.It’s a sign of the times, with artists feeling unrestrained by conventional genre boundaries, open and honest dialogue, personal expression. This trend is making music exciting!

archyde: SXSW is known for its ability to predict the future. What key themes or trends did you observe that will likely shape American music in the coming years?

Eleanor Vance: Authenticity will remain key. Artists who share their vulnerabilities and life experiences will resonate deeply with audiences. And that’s why the collaborations, the genre blending, and the diversity of voices are here to stay. Listeners are looking for something real. I believe that the more varied the voices the more exciting the music will be.

Archyde: the evolution from pop star to fashion mogul and now a reinvention in music for Jessica Simpson is a testament of adaptability in the entertainment world. Do you think these shifts in career are more impactful or are they a product of an evolution or both.

Eleanor Vance:That is such a key question. I think it’s both, the best artists are adaptive and they show authenticity. It would be great to hear how our readers view this aspect. Is it authenticity or career adaptation or both?

Archyde: Eleanor, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that SXSW 2025 set some exciting directions for the future of music.