The South of the Border Takes on SXSW: 6 Mexican Acts to Catch at SXSW 2026
The Austin festival spotlights an array of fresh sounds and artists from its southern neighbor.
Written by Valeria Mota
Design by Jenya Ratanjee
South by Southwest (SXSW) has long been a global hub for musical talent, with this year’s festival featuring over 50 participating countries across its seven-day run. Each country brings its own diverse musical landscape, and Mexico is no exception. From broody rock to sultry electropop, here are six acts from south of the border to catch at this year’s SXSW.
Valsian
Photo courtesy of SXSW
Straight from the country’s capital, pop duo Valsian are set to grace SXSW with their mix of atmospheric dream pop and introspective lyrics. Founded in 2013, the duo is characterized by frontwoman Eunice Guerrero’s romantic vocals and multi-instrumentalist Oscar Dominguez’s upbeat production. Valsian has collaborated with fellow Mexican artists Rubytates on “Las Almas” and Siddhartha on “Nada Te Lastima,” strengthening its ethereal synth sound with danceable production. Guerrero and Dominguez have already toured all over Mexico, but at SXSW, the duo will perform their upcoming album, TODO SE REPITE, after its release on March 6. Groove alongside the duo on March 15 at 9:00 p.m. at Shangri-La.
Diles que no me maten
Photo courtesy of Melisa Lunar
Pulling its name from Mexican author Juan Rulfo’s short story, art rock collective Diles que no me maten has been a fixture of Mexico’s indie scene since its inception in 2017. Founded by brothers Raúl and Gerardo Ponce in Mexico City, the five-piece base their artistic creation around improvisation and introspection, massaging listeners’ emotional wounds with an expert use of dissonance. Understated cuts like “Outro” and “Wako” fit diverse sounds together like puzzle pieces, forming a harrowing reflection. Experience the band’s self-named “forced jazz meditation” on March 16 at 1:00 a.m. at Chess Club.
LU GOT THE TASTE
Photo courtesy of Spotify
Releasing her first track, “Moschino,” only a year ago, Monterrey-born rapper LU GOT THE TASTE is determined to dominate the world with her braggadocious rapping and over-the-top visuals. The cocky “Katana” and the trap-infused “ONE SHOT” are set to have you dancing on the club floor, and while the confident artist may only have four tracks to her name, her sheer hunger and palpable determination already set her apart as a rapper to look out for this year. Get a taste of LU at Mala Fama on March 15.
La Texana
Photo courtesy of Bandcamp
Established in 2021 in Baja California as the solo project of Josue Ramirez, La Texana brings catchy riffs and endearing vocals to the Mexican alternative rock scene. Ramirez’s pairing of energetic synths with heartwrenchingly straightforward lyrics defines La Texana’s approachable vulnerability. Tunes like “Siempre me cuesta regresar” and “Resiste” show Ramirez’s naturally developing sound while still maintaining his project’s signature intimacy. La Texana is currently touring his 2025 release, la casa que cae, across Mexico and the United States, including a SXSW stop at the Radio Day Stage on March 17.
Sofish
Photo courtesy of Deezer
Sofish, the flirty musical persona of artist Sofía López Jiménez, is bringing her eccentric fusion of R&B and electropop from Jalisco to the SXSW stages. Jiménez’s global appeal was established with the viral “Me Caigo,” seamlessly integrating her French roots into a danceable, Spanish-dominated track. Songs like “París (Junto a Ti)” and “Hola Senpai” perfectly showcase Sofish’s natural seduction, an element that will only be refined in time for her debut album, La Femme Illustrée, releasing in May. Catch Sofish’s first performance at an American festival on March 17 at Las Perlas.
YOSHI
Four-time Latin Grammy-nominated musician José Alvarado blends his innate creative vision with compelling alt-pop production for his solo project, YOSHI. The Mexico City native broke into the Mexican music scene as a producer and ghostwriter, racking up accolades and collaborations with Jesse Baez and Latin Mafia. Soon enough, Alvarado released two solo albums, 1UNAMORSUPREMO and PD. NOS VEMOS, both showcasing his sonic and lyrical range. Watch the multi-talented YOSHI blend R&B and modern rap on March 18, the last day of SXSW, at Las Perlas.