{"id":2343937,"date":"2026-03-24T19:04:32","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T19:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2343937"},"modified":"2026-03-24T19:04:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T19:04:32","slug":"new-discoveries-and-biggest-takeaways-from-sxsw-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/new-discoveries-and-biggest-takeaways-from-sxsw-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"New Discoveries and Biggest Takeaways from SXSW 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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SXSW in Austin this year was supposed to be truncated to one week ending on Wednesday, March 18th. But ironically, but trying to shorten the event, they extended it with many of the biggest annual events deciding to happen after the official ending, like the Luck Reunion and and their Todd Snider tribute.<\/p>

SXSW continues to be both an enigma and a mess. But Saving Country Music continues to approach the event like it was initially meant to be: to discover and reveal musical talent that deserves more recognition. You can find more detailed reviews\/reports on Ray Benson\u2019s final birthday bash<\/a><\/strong>, as well as the huge \u201cTodd Snider Rules!\u201d tribute<\/a><\/strong>. But here are some of Saving Country Music\u2019s biggest takeaways from SXSW 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Olivia Ellen Lloyd<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Olivia Ellen Lloyd is one of the greatest songwriters out there at the moment. That is why her 2025 album Do It Myself<\/em> earned a nomination for Saving Country Music\u2019s Album of the Year<\/a><\/strong>, and her heartbreaking song \u201cLive With It\u201d earned a Song of Year nomination.<\/p>

What becomes glaring evident when seeing her perform live is what an incredible, powerful singer she is as well. As part of the \u201cTodd Snider Rules\u201d tribute at Luck, TX on Friday (3-20), Olivia participated in a songwriting round in Willie Nelson\u2019s chapel, and her voice and songs raised and rattled the rafters, leaving a large impression with the appreciative audience.<\/p>

Such breathtaking talent here. Click Here<\/a><\/strong> to see some video of her performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Anna Tivel <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Amid the hoi polloi, extraneous noise, and brand-driven madness of SXSW and Willie Nelson\u2019s Luck Reunion, Anna Tivel\u2019s hushed tones came forth like horn blasts. Her delicate compositions cried out like barbaric yawps. Her expressions are so gentle, yet carry the ferociousness of an apex predator. There\u2019s more wisdom per line of phrase in the songs of Anna Tivel than any other source.<\/p>

Only appropriate Anna\u2019s captured here performing in Willie Nelson\u2019s chapel at the 2026 Luck Reunion. Witnessing Tivel sing is nothing short of a spiritual, religious experience. Anna Tivel, one of the most important songwriters of this generation, and she has one of the most important songs for this generation called \u201cHeroes.\u201d<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

Whether it\u2019s the story of Todd Snider, or Justin Townes Earle, or Luke Bell, or Townes Van Zandt, or all the way back to Hank Williams before them, \u201cHeroes\u201d hauntingly encapsulates the ugly truth, and incredible tragedy behind the story of the troubled artist, and the conflict behind lionizing these individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Joshua Ray Walker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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When anyone broaches the subject of the greatest modern singers in country music, you better damn well make sure that Josh is at least in the conversation. The range and power this dude has is incredible, and he can yodel with the best of them.<\/p>

One of the signs you\u2019re doing something right in music is when you get the opportunity to play Willie Nelson\u2019s Luck Reunion. Joshua Ray Walker first attended the event in 2018, swearing some day he would get the opportunity to play. In 2026, that dream\/promise came true, and on the main stage no less.<\/p>

For Joshua Ray Walker, every milestone and achievement is a dream after he vanquished Stage III colon Cancer. He announced from the Luck stage that his most recent scan came back clean, and he\u2019s been Cancer free now for a year.<\/p>

His new album appropriately titled \u201cAin\u2019t Dead Yet\u201d will be released on May 29th.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Band Loula<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Stunning two part harmonies brought to heartfelt compositions is what North Georgia natives Malachi Mills and Logan Simmons are all about. The swell of emotion that this duo can conjure without the assistance of a band is something we haven\u2019t seen in roots music since The Civil Wars. There\u2019s just less war, and more civility with this young, exciting duo. The two long-time friends met when they were 13 singing in church, and have been interweaving their voices together in pursuit of harmonious perfection ever since. <\/p>

Though similar to The Civil Wars, The Band Loula is more a \u201croots\u201d project than \u201ccountry,\u201d they did feature a cool country and Western song at their set during the Luck Reunion called \u201cPecos Bill.\u201d It was supposed to be on the Twisters soundtrack, but got bumped for a Miranda Lambert song. <\/p>

The Band Loula is definitely one to catch live. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tyler-James Kelly<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Tyler-James Kelly deserves to be regarded as a serious singer and songwriter with a really soulful, woody voice. His album Dream River<\/em> is worth a listen for sure, and his latest song \u201cOne Mile At A Time\u201d is a great honky tonk track currently sitting on the Saving Country Music Top 25 Playlist.<\/p>

But damn if this dude isn\u2019t a rippin\u2019 Tele player with licks that could charm the panties off a nun. He could have a whole career just playing leads. Whether performing his own songs or sliding on stage to perform with others like he knows their catalog front to back, the dude can PLAY.<\/p>

Tyler-James Kelly is a three-tool musician with three first names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kristina Murray<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Few can make you feel the pain of a lyric like Kristina Murray, and few if anyone can make you crave that pain like her after it\u2019s gone. There\u2019s pain in her voice, pain in her eyes, and it pulls you in until you\u2019re immersed in the song.<\/p>

Kristina Murray is also the Queen of Santa\u2019s Pub in Nashville, and a signee to New West Records whose SXSW party she played Saturday night at the legendary White Horse in Austin. Her New West album Little Blue<\/em> is out now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Eliza Thorn<\/h3>\n\n\n
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What makes Eliza Thorn special is the way she brings elemental soul to the classic country realm in a unique and enriching experience. Her voice can go places others only wish they could.<\/p>

She regaled the audience at the Keyston Artist Connect day party at the newly-opened Long Step Ranch just east of Austin with songs from an upcoming album produced by Brennen Leigh. If they the new songs are any indication, it\u2019s an album you\u2019re gonna want to have on your radar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jay and Tami Neilson<\/h3>\n\n\n
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It was a triumphant return to the Luck Reunion for Tami Neilson and her brother and guitar player Jay. It was on the Luck stage where they first premiered, singing Tami\u2019s song \u201cBeyond The Stars<\/a>\u201d will duet partner Willie Nelson in 2022. <\/p>

Since then, both Tami and Jay Neilson have suffered what could have been catastrophic health setbacks. In 2024, Jay Neilson had a small lesion removed from his forehead in what was supposed to be a routine procedure. It ultimately turned into a medical emergency with swelling of the brain. Jay experienced multiple seizures, which led to doctors having to remove part of his skull. Jay also suffered numerous strokes, and was placed in a medically induced coma.<\/p>

Over the Holidays in 2022\/2023, Tami herself had to undergo multiple surgeries after a gallbladder removal turned into abdominal sepsis and a collapsed lung.<\/p>

But luckily, they both survived, and were able to return to the Luck stage in 2026, and reprise the duet with Willie Nelson once again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cooper Dickerson<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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That\u2019s Cooper Dickerson working the pedals and levers of the flying country music twang machine and sending it straight to honky tonk heaven. He\u2019s usually seen in the wild in the service of Kelsey Waldon, but was caught here with Christopher Seymore playing at the East End Ballroom in Austin as part of SXSW.<\/p>

The future of the steel guitar is certainly in good hands with folks like Coop in the cockpit behind them. CLICK HERE<\/a><\/strong> to see him playing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Austin Songwriting legend Willis Alan Ramsey performing in Willie Nelson\u2019s Luck, TX chapel<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Dale Watson with a rare acoustic set performing songs from his new album \u2018Unwanted\u2019 out April 24th <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Theo Lawrence is poised to be one of the next big things in roots music. Signed to Warner Records, he\u2019s been playing a residency at Austin\u2019s Sagebrush.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Lukas Nelson warming up the Luck, TX stage for pops<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Christopher Seymore is throwing down some serious honky tonk sounds these days. Seymore is one of the good ones, and his band is excellent.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Red McAdam has an uncommon and uncanny knack for storytelling through song.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Dallas-based singer\/songwriter Remy Reilly performing at the Long Step Ranch<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Booker T is still going strong. Nobody has ever sat down in the groove pocket better than Booker. He also sat in with Willie Nelson on keys for the 2026 Luck Reunion.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Very happy to report that Fred Eaglesmith is still as crotchety, curmudgeoney, attitudinal, and zero shits given as ever. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Kaitlin Butts was another Luck Reunion success story in 2026, first attending the festival as a fan all the way back when they called it the Heartbreakers Banquet, and returning this year as one of the fastest-rising women in country music.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Angela Autumn remains one of the most mercurial, unpredictable, but ultimately entertaining artists out there, going from authentic Appalachian music to infectious folk pop. She capture here performing in Luck\u2019s saloon. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Dave Simonett of Trampled by Turtles performing in Luck.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The Waymores waiting for their turn on stage at the Long Step ranch. Their new album \u2018The Knot\u2019 is out now.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Luck, TX at night<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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