SXSW 2025 panels worth voting for from Bandsintown, Rock Paper Scissors, The Orchard & more

SXSW PanelPicker voting ends this Sunday, August 18. We’ve put together an extensive list of SXSW 2025 panels worth voting for. Anyone can register for a free SXSW account to vote, helping ensure the best panels are chosen.

SXSW 2025 panels worth voting for

Below are the panel titles, descriptions, and links to the SXSW 2025 panels worth voting for from Bandsintown, Rock Paper Scissors, The Orchard, and more.

Fabrice Sergent, the co-founder and managing partner of Bandsintown, is a panelist in two of this year’s top SXSW submissions: one from the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and the other via Artist For Artists.

Small Stages, Big Impact: Saving Indie Stages for Artists

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.

Panelists

• Stephen Parker, Executive Director, National Independent Venue Association (NIVA)
• Andre Perry, Board President of NIVA and Executive Director of the Hancher Auditorium and the Office of Performing Arts and Engagement, University of Iowa, National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and University of Iowa
• Fabrice Sergent, Managing Director, Bandsintown
• Kiely Mosiman, Music Agent, Wasserman

The Future of Live Music Experiences

We will go past the surface on groundbreaking changes shaping the future of live music. Industry leaders, tech innovators and prominent artists will discuss the evolving landscape...from the rise of virtual and augmented reality concerts to the integration of AI-driven productions and developments in audience engagement/accessibility. The discussion will cover the sustainability and logistical challenges of these emerging formats, aiming to provide a comprehensive outlook on our industry.

Panelists

• Matthew Reich, Co-Founder, Artist For Artist
• Fabrice Sergent, Managing Partner, Bandsintown
• Mark Barden, Co-Founder/CEO, Sandy Hook Promise
• Jabari Johnson, Founder/CEO, COLORS Worldwide

From The Orchard

The Future Of Hip-Hop Is Global 

This will address the massive influence that Hip-hop has across the global music industry. Hear from label owners, A&R executives, and more on how they are discovering and developing the next generation of Hip-hop artists. Learn about the global fanbase of hip-hop and the way the genre is adapting, influencing a new era of artists, and reaching new audiences beyond the US.

Peek-A-Boo: Children’s Music Is Hiding In Plain Sight 

Talk about fans… no fans are quite as dedicated to their favorite musical artists as kids. This session will discuss the nuance of children’s music, the advantages of investing in Children’s music, and the many ways we can learn from this fandom and apply a similar strategy across a variety of independent music genres.

From Rock Paper Scissors

A New Age of Independence: Modernized Artist Services

The steady growth of the DIY and independent side of the recorded music market, with indies having accounted for a groundbreaking 50% of the total revenue generated in 2023 on Spotify, calls for a discussion of what models and services are available to this group of artists.

This session will focus on the emergence of alternative models for independent and DIY artists, who have a diverse range of ideas about what success looks like. The panelists are industry experts who have an intimate knowledge of these ideas and how new models can productively respond to independent artists’ needs.

Artists in Games – What Works?

Gaming has 3.5B global players and intense loyalty and fandom. Can music artists break in games? Can artists develop new fans? Do these fans engage outside of the game? What does in-game monetization look like for artists beyond the sync license — virtual merch, emotes, and? We are entering an era of creativity and convergence of tech around music experiences, games, and virtual worlds. We need an equal amount of innovation in how artists and gaming engage fans together, and build successful practices to all artists. Join us and learn from key players who are deep in music and gaming.

Scrubbing the System: Music Data Management Today

In today’s music industry, data is king. It must be accurate, updated and consistent. Historically, data management has been another way the industry favors recorded music over publishing, with DSPs relying on labels to submit backend data. To protect all parties involved and ensure accurate compensation, we must foster open dialogue addressing our data management challenges. We will discuss how to treat data meticulously, hold rights holders accountable, and set responsibilities that achieve results for all. We plan for a music business journalist to moderate, and speakers from a DSP & label.

Music Tech Meetup – RPS

Music Tech Meetup where we bring together innovative minds in music and technology for a roundtable. Let’s share why we got into the space, B2B tips on how to succeed in making partnerships, and discuss how to attract great talent to your company.

Forge New Connections: Reimagining Artist Management in a Fragmented World

 The media landscape is fractured, audiences are diverse. How can artists adapt and forge lasting connections? Join Ross Michaels from Park Ave Artists, the forward-thinking agency redefining artist careers, and GRAMMY-nominated artist/producer Alissia (known for her work with Mary J. Blige, Bruno Mars, and more) for a fireside chat exploring innovative artist management strategies. Learn how to create space for artists beyond traditional channels, build engaged fanbases, and leverage technology & unexpected partnerships to forge unforgettable connections with audiences.

Rethinking the Tune: Ethical Compensation Models for the AI-Powered Music Industry

The music industry is undergoing a sonic revolution. AI is rapidly transforming music creation, distribution, and consumption. While exciting, this shift raises a crucial question: how can we ensure artists are ethically compensated in this evolving landscape?Join the Head of Audio for Kits.AI, Kyle Billings, for a thought-provoking presentation that will explore ethical AI-based compensation models for artists in the music industry. Delve into the current challenges and discover innovative solutions that empower artists and ensure they are fairly rewarded for their creativity.

From Local to Global: Navigating Emerging Markets

Audiomack Co-Founder and CMO David Ponte will sit down with a global artist TBD to discuss the ins and outs of breaking as a global musician. The wide-ranging discussion will be a mixture of personal anecdotes and actionable tips for musicians from smaller market areas or countries looking to find their audience – and their true fans – no matter where in the world they reside. 

How to make your tech work for you and your music career 

For indie artists, tech and its trends can feel like an overwhelming headwind, forcing musicians into panic mode or the fetal position. Yet technology can be mastered, and the more you know, the better you can use these tools to your advantage. To do this, artists need to think like a Chief Technical Officer (CTO).

Audiosalad CEO Iain Catling will show musicians how they can embrace the role of CTO in their careers, taking charge of their tech stack just as they do the tools used to create their art. Young labels will also learn how best to support their emerging artists.

The Future of Monetization in Music (Is Not Streaming)

For too long creators have wrongly assumed that their best avenue for sustainable monetization is through streaming royalties. That couldn’t be more wrong.

Our panel of experts will explore the vast opportunities creators have to monetize their work outside of uploading to DSPs and waiting for meager royalty returns. There is an entire ecosystem of monetization possibilities before the distribution phase, a fact that is often overlooked and underused.

Attendees will leave equipped with practical insights to transform their approach to monetization through new forms of creation and collaboration.

Share your Story: Why I got into Music Tech 

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.

Harnessing the Healing Power of Music in Modern Medicine

Discover the transformative role of music in contemporary healthcare at this enlightening panel. With advancements in streaming technology and AI, accessing therapeutic music has never been easier, offering personalized recommendations and curated playlists tailored to individual preferences and needs.

Join leading experts who are pioneering the integration of music into medical practice. They will share real-world applications and explore the future of music as a vital component of healthcare, enhancing mental well-being, pain management, and overall quality of life.

Navigating the Digital Soundscape: Safeguarding Gen Alpha’s Music Journey

As Gen Alpha dives into the digital world, their interaction with music is evolving faster than ever before.

Our panel explores the dynamics of music consumption among young people, examining the impact of current safety measures such as age-gating on their access to music.

Are these safeguards inadvertently restricting their musical exploration and creativity?

We delve into how children are discovering, purchasing, and interacting with music amidst stringent online safety protocols.

Bruce Houghton