Soundvilla Aims To Amplify South Asian Talent At New Edition Of SXSW

India-West Staff Report

AUSTIN, TX – Soundvilla is set to return to SXSW 2025 with a powerhouse lineup of artists and a panel discussion addressing barriers in the global music industry.

Scheduled for March 10 at the Austin Convention Center and Flamingo Cantina, the event will kick off with a high-profile panel, “The Rise of South Asian Talent & How the West Can Embrace It.” Industry leaders will discuss the challenges South Asian artists face in the English-language music scene and explore pathways to global recognition. Panelists include Umer Durrani (WME), Jashima Wadehra (Ode Consulting), artist Gayathri Krishnan, and entertainment attorney Natasha Samtani.

Following the discussion, the Soundvilla Music Showcase will feature nine international artists spanning genres from R&B and rock to electronic and fusion. The lineup includes Gayathri Krishnan, Ramya Pothuri, Paravi, PRIYANKA & GNDHI, Baby Said, DJ Anupi, KAVI, and more. Adding a creative twist, KAVI will present a live interactive painting, with proceeds benefiting SevaSphere’s relief efforts for LA fire first responders.

Soundvilla founder and event curator Monika Varma Samtani expressed enthusiasm for the showcase’s return. “After the incredible response last year, I’m thrilled to introduce the newly branded Soundvilla,” she said.

Originally founded in 2023 by independent producers Monika Varma Samtani (Ms. Media) and Rohi Mirza Pandya (Box Office Guru Media), South Asian House has become a key platform for South Asian creatives at major music and film festivals. The event will take place in Austin’s historic Dirty Sixth district.