
Top Picks Today at SXSW: Indie Stages • Music Tech Meetup
As Day Four begins today at SXSW Music 2025, we’ve got two daytime picks: Small Stages, Big Impact: Saving Indie Stages for Artists with NIVA, Bandsintown, Wasserman and more and the annual Rock Paper Scissors and Music Tectonics must attend Music Tech Meetup.
Today at SXSW Music 2025

Small Stages, Big Impact: Saving Indie Stages for Artists
- 10 am – 11:00 am
- Austin Convention Center Room 17 AB
- SXSW Badge Required
This panel will explore the challenges faced by independent stages and the essential role they play in nurturing new artists and fostering vibrant communities. Hear from industry experts and artists who have first-hand knowledge of supporting these stages. Discover how a national program, Live Independent, is working to elevate cultural havens and ensure a thriving future for live music.
In a world where corporate dominance threatens the diversity of live music, these intimate spaces are crucial for emerging talent to hone their craft and connect with audiences.
- Alex Christie – Wasserman
- Stephen Parker – National Independent Venue Association (NIVA)
- Andre Perry – University of Iowa
- Fabrice Sergent – Bandsintown
Music Tech Professionals Meet Up
- 11:30am – 12:30pm CT
- Austin Convention Center Room 13AB
- SXSW badge required
Music Tectonics’ own Shayli Ankenbruck facilitates. Take a breath from the panels and meetings to connect with people who share your passion! Join veterans and newbies from all walks of the industry as they journey through their story of working at the convergence of Music and Tech. Hear what trials and tribulations peers faced to get to where they are and how far the industry has come. Meet and connect with potential partners, co-founders, investors, and advisors who will help you take your business to the next level all in a supportive and facilitated environment.
Music Tectonics and Rock Paper Scissors have a guide to all the Music Tech events at SXSW 2025 . Sign up now to get it in your inbox.