Austin, TX: South Asian House is set to launch the 2025 SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas, with a full day of thought-provoking conversations and electrifying performances on Monday, March 10 at the Austin Convention Center and Flamingo Cantina. The event will open with a powerhouse industry panel discussing the rise of South Asian crossover talent, followed by the Official Soundvilla Music Showcase, featuring nine phenomenal international artists.
Now in its second year, Soundvilla, presented by South Asian House, returns as one of SXSW’s most highly anticipated events. Taking place in the iconic Dirty Sixth historic district, this showcase highlights emerging South Asian artists with global appeal.
Monika Varma Samtani, Founder of Soundvilla, returns as presenter and curator of both the panel and showcase. Reflecting on last year’s success, she shares, “After the incredible response to our inaugural South Asian Music Showcase in 2024, I’m thrilled to introduce the newly branded Soundvilla to SXSW. This year’s lineup brings another extraordinary group of international musicians, and I’m honored to open the festival with a panel featuring industry leaders who are dedicated to cementing South Asian artists' place in the global music scene.”
The Soundvilla showcase will feature a dynamic mix of nine international artists, including:
Gayathri Krishnan (Los Angeles) – A unique fusion of Carnatic music roots with modern R&B influences.
Ramya Pothuri (Los Angeles) – A seasoned guitarist and singer-songwriter exploring themes of love, womanhood, and self-reflection.
Paravi (Los Angeles) – The rising singer-songwriter featuring her new music, and sharing, "I’m deeply honored to be a South Asian House official artist for SXSW 2025. Premiering the resilient beginnings of my upcoming project at a showcase created by a fellow tenacious brown woman will be disruptive in the best of ways—and really freaking cool.”
PRIYANKA (Los Angeles) – Delivering a Boiler Room-style B2B DJ set with GNDHI, blending R&B, Neo-Soul, Bollywood, Amapiano, House, and World Music, accompanied by Austin-based fusion dance group bollyflow.
GNDHI (Bangalore, India) – Showcasing a unique fusion of Electronic Music and live instrumentation.
Baby Said (London) – A fierce rock sister duo bringing electrifying guitar riffs and powerhouse vocals.
DJ Anupi (Austin) – Returning with her signature fusion sounds between sets.
KAVI (Florida) – A mixed-media artist creating a live interactive painting, later auctioned to support SevaSphere, aiding first responders affected by the LA fires.
To kick off the SXSW Music Festival, South Asian House will host an engaging panel, "The Rise of South Asian Talent & How the West Can Embrace It," moderated and curated by Monika Varma Samtani. Featuring prominent industry leaders, the discussion will focus on promoting diverse talent, overcoming entry barriers, and providing essential resources for success in the English-language music scene.
Panelists include:Umer Durrani – Agent, Digital Media at WME; Jashima Wadehra – CEO, Ode Consulting; Gayathri Krishnan – Music Artist; Natasha Samtani - (introduction of panelists) - Music & Entertainment Attorney, Schwartz & Schreiber.
Event Details
Monday, March 10, 2025
Panel: The Rise of South Asian Talent & How the West Can Embrace It
10:00 - 11:00 AM CT
Austin Convention Center, Room 18AB
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Music Showcase: Soundvilla presented by South Asian House
Doors Open: 7:30 PM
Flamingo Cantina, 515 6th St., Austin, TX
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