New Discoveries and Biggest Takeaways from SXSW 2026

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.

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’s final birthday bash, as well as the huge “Todd Snider Rules!” tribute. But here are some of Saving Country Music’s biggest takeaways from SXSW 2026.

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Olivia Ellen Lloyd

Olivia Ellen Lloyd is one of the greatest songwriters out there at the moment. That is why her 2025 album Do It Myself earned a nomination for Saving Country Music’s Album of the Year, and her heartbreaking song “Live With It” earned a Song of Year nomination.

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

Such breathtaking talent here. Click Here to see some video of her performance.

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Anna Tivel

Amid the hoi polloi, extraneous noise, and brand-driven madness of SXSW and Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion, Anna Tivel’s 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’s more wisdom per line of phrase in the songs of Anna Tivel than any other source.

Only appropriate Anna’s captured here performing in Willie Nelson’s 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 “Heroes.”

Whether it’s 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, “Heroes” hauntingly encapsulates the ugly truth, and incredible tragedy behind the story of the troubled artist, and the conflict behind lionizing these individuals.

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Joshua Ray Walker

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.

One of the signs you’re doing something right in music is when you get the opportunity to play Willie Nelson’s 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.

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’s been Cancer free now for a year.

His new album appropriately titled “Ain’t Dead Yet” will be released on May 29th.

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The Band Loula

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’t seen in roots music since The Civil Wars. There’s 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.

Though similar to The Civil Wars, The Band Loula is more a “roots” project than “country,” they did feature a cool country and Western song at their set during the Luck Reunion called “Pecos Bill.” It was supposed to be on the Twisters soundtrack, but got bumped for a Miranda Lambert song.

The Band Loula is definitely one to catch live.

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Tyler-James Kelly

Tyler-James Kelly deserves to be regarded as a serious singer and songwriter with a really soulful, woody voice. His album Dream River is worth a listen for sure, and his latest song “One Mile At A Time” is a great honky tonk track currently sitting on the Saving Country Music Top 25 Playlist.

But damn if this dude isn’t a rippin’ 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.

Tyler-James Kelly is a three-tool musician with three first names.

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Kristina Murray

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’s gone. There’s pain in her voice, pain in her eyes, and it pulls you in until you’re immersed in the song.

Kristina Murray is also the Queen of Santa’s 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 is out now.

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Eliza Thorn

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.

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’s an album you’re gonna want to have on your radar.

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Jay and Tami Neilson

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’s song “Beyond The Stars” will duet partner Willie Nelson in 2022.

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.

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.

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.

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Cooper Dickerson

That’s Cooper Dickerson working the pedals and levers of the flying country music twang machine and sending it straight to honky tonk heaven. He’s 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.

The future of the steel guitar is certainly in good hands with folks like Coop in the cockpit behind them. CLICK HERE to see him playing.

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