Every year, SXSW brings together the biggest names in music alongside emerging talent shaping the industry’s future. As part of its ongoing mission to support young professionals, GRAMMY U attended the festival to highlight artists across genres — giving emerging artists and professional members exclusive access to conversations with established stars and rising voices.
From global pop icon Jessica Simpson to genre-blending, three-time Latin GRAMMY nominee GALE, GRAMMY U captured a diverse range of interviews, offering insights into their journeys, inspirations, and advice for aspiring music professionals. Whether discussing industry challenges, the creative process, or the impact of mentorship, these conversations serve as valuable lessons for the next generation of music makers.
Below, check out the full lineup of interviews conducted by GRAMMY U at SXSW:
Jessica Simpson
@grammyu GRAMMY U checked in with @Jessica Simpson at the Texas Chapter Block Party! 🤩 💜 Listen in to learn what advice she would give emerging professionals and creatives in the music industry. Stay in the know about all things SXSW by checking out our other SXSW features! ✨ 🎶 Leave by Jessica Simpson
Simpson's advice for emerging professionals in the music industry: "I believe the music industry is whatever we dream it to be. Throughout my career I've had to have a lot of determined patience. So even when things don't happen when you think they should, sometimes god has a bigger plan. I'm 44 coming back into the business doing it my way."
Edgar Alejandro
@grammyu #GRAMMYU got to chat with #EdgarAlejandro (@Edgar 🇲🇽) at #SXSW in Austin, TX 🎤 Learn about: 💫 His journey through creativity while maintaining authenticity 💫 How his past experiences have helped him grow as an artist Want to stay up to date on all the action happening at SXSW? Keep up with our page to stay in the know! 💜 🎶A Tu Lado by Edgar Alejandro
Regional Mexican artist Edgar Alejandro on staying true to his roots: "I have the mariachi as a base of everything and then I start incorporating other genres on top of it, and whatever starts feeling natural and whatever fits right and does feel right, then I go with that flow. I don't really force it."
GALE
@grammyu 🪩 We were thrilled to catch up with GRAMMY-nominated artist (and former GRAMMY U Conference panelist!) #GALE (@GALE 💫) at SXSW! 📣 #GRAMMYU asked about pivotal moments in her career - hear what she has to say! 🎶La Razón - Ana Mena & GALE
Puerto Rican singer GALE on her creative process taking unexpected turns: "Everyday creativity takes an unexpected turn. I feel like it never goes as planned and I also feel like that's life and there's magic there. I have to let go of control to let amazing things happen."
Brittney Spencer
Country singer/songwriter Brittney Spencer on something she's proud of: "My debut album, My Stupid Life, is something that I'm really proud of. I'm proud of myself for taking the time and for doing something that I thought was kind of risky sonically. I knew it wasn't an easy path and I took it anyway."
Sam Ryder
@grammyu 🎙️#GRAMMYU got to chat with @Sam Ryder during SXSW! Sam shares how he deals with setbacks and what “superpower” keeps him resilient as he goes through his journey as an artist. 💪🏼 🎶 Put a Light on Me by Sam Ryder
Rock pop singer/songwriter Sam Ryder on facing setbacks and adversity: "Ten years ago I was here at SXSW playing to the walls. Your superpower is a delusion. You need to have this voice inside that tells you all the time you can do this, there's something special about this dream that you're chasing and it's completely achievable."
Sierra Spirit
@grammyu ✨@sierra spirit talks special projects and pivotal career moments with #GRAMMYU at SXSW. Hear how her grandmother inspired the writing behind one of her favorite songs! 🎵 🎶 Easy by #SierraSpirit
Native American artist Sierra Spirit on her first SXSW experience: "I grew up in Oklahoma so not far from here but I'd never been to Austin. It's amazing, it's great all the running around seeing different folks and watching everybody just kind of form this community here is beautiful."
Twin Shadow
@grammyu ✨ At SXSW, @Twin Shadow shared with #GRAMMYU how he maintains authenticity in his music while still pushing creative boundaries! Continue listening for more on who he would have liked to collaborate with 🏍️ 🎶 Five Seconds by #twinshadow
Dominican-American singer/songwriter Twin Shadow on pushing boundaries while remaining authentic: "I think by not listening to the outside world so much, you kind of have to protect what you do. You have to be inspired by other people's work but not chase others, you have to kind of listen to yourself."
Aly & AJ
American pop rock siblings Aly & AJ on important women in their lives that have shaped their music industry experience: "Definitely our mom. I really feel like we found our voice in part because of our mother, she's an amazing vocalist. We would sing with her in church. In terms of people in the industry in the thick of it, Nancy Wilson from Heart has been a mentor for years."
Sunflower Bean
Indie rock trio from NYC Sunflower Bean on the legacy they hope to leave to aspiring musicians: "Something that's really important to us is trying to protect what is real and natural and non-homogenized. In rock music and indie music if that is felt in our legacy that would make me really proud."
Smooth Nature
Progressive R&B group Smooth Nature, on how it feels to be the GRAMMY U Contest Texas Chapter Block Party Winner and perform at the annual Block Party: "I was not expecting it. I told my mama, I told my coworkers, hit up my girl and I was like dude we're really about to be out there, so it really is a blessing and an honor. Shout out to GRAMMY U and the Recording Academy."