SXSW Sydney 2025 Reveals First Music Conference Speakers

SXSW Sydney has unveiled the first wave of speakers and artists set to feature in its 2025 Music Conference, returning to the city from October 13–19. Marking its third year, the local edition of the globally recognised creative industries event will again take over key precincts including Darling Harbour, Chippendale and Broadway for a week of conversations, showcases, and collaboration.

The initial speaker lineup includes prominent global figures such as Emmy-nominated music supervisor Jen Malone (Black & White Music), Dr Marcus Collins (Beyoncé’s former digital strategist and bestselling author), and artist manager John Watson (Eleven Music), recently honoured with the AAM Legacy Award. Also on board are Lucy Atkinson (ATC Live), Justin Sweeting (Clockenflap Festival), and Meng Ru Kuok (BandLab Technologies), along with a diverse mix of A&Rs, festival programmers, and marketing leaders from around the world.

This year’s talks will explore topics like artist independence, breaking into international markets, the role of AI in music, and strategies for navigating the evolving digital landscape. According to SXSW Sydney’s Head of Music Claire Collins, the conference is built for “big ideas, bold conversations, and unexpected connections.”

The first artist announcement includes UK indie act jasmine.4.t, fresh off a SXSW Austin win, alongside early showcases from Cardinals (Ireland), Suichu Spica (Japan), Jamaica Moana, JJ4K, RICEWINE, and more. With hundreds more artists, panels, and events still to be announced, SXSW Sydney 2025 is already shaping up as a key date on the regional music calendar.