Flint music artists bring “The Sound of Flint” to SXSW

FLINT, Michigan — The Flintdustry is landing in Austin, TX for the South by Southwest global music festival this month. Representing the genres of pop, hip-hop, rap, and R&B, several Flint music artists are performing on various stages throughout the week to spread Flint culture, network, have fun, and of course, perform their music.

South by Southwest, or SXSW, is being held from March 11-20, 2022 in-person and online. According to its website, SXSW is an event that "dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, TX, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. An essential destination for global professionals, the event features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together."

Queer pop-R&B artist Furillostar has already arrived at SXSW to kick off the slew of Flint performances. His set, which included R&B star Brelia Renee, took place on SXSW's Midwest House Stage for two days in a row. With signature dance moves and vocals, Furillostar is the only queer artist from Flint to perform at the venue. 

"I think that being Black and queer, people automatically write you off, especially your fellow peers in the Black community. I feel like my impact has shown other queer Black talent that you can have your lane and you can ride in it for miles on E," he says in between a seminar. "But I believe if I keep doing what I'm doing now, that's what going to expand and elevate me to where I wanna be. And that's honestly staying on stages, continuing to network and showing everyone who I am, not only as a performer and artist but a person as well."

"I feel like my impact has shown other queer Black talent that you can have your lane, and you can ride in it for miles on E." - Furillostar
Newcomer artist Shorti is set to take the stage in Austin as well. "It's an honor and great opportunity to showcase my talent on such an amazing platform. Flint has so much talent, and I'm proud to play a part in showing people what we can do. I'm excited and ready to set the stage on fire!"

Rap artist and Laid Back Ass Podcast founder Figga Da Kid will arrive at SXSW this week, performing on the Rizzle Hizzle Hip Hop Showcase with hits from his recently released album, The Pop Up Shop. This isn't his first time at SXSW; nevertheless, he's excited to perform, network, and build community.

"Flint has taken over SXSW before but I think this is our largest presence down there. I'm excited to see all of our artists network and make connections that can benefit them in the long run. I still have plugs with artists and event planners I met years ago at SXSW," he says. "I'm just hoping to network and build my community of peers and fans. Hopefully, meet people who can put me on stages around the country throughout the year."
The flyer for the Rizzle Hizzle Hip Hop Showcase happening during the SXSW festival.
Music artist BayBro will hit the Rizzle Hizzle Hip Hop and Color Coated Showcase. BayBro will bring his signature smooth hip-hop R&B sound to SXSW, including his latest single "Lunazel," shot by Ayehab inside Flint's newest photography studio, Studio/Crypt.

"I feel if Flint goes to SXSW and move as a unit and support each other, then we can demand to be heard. It's a ton of opportunity at SXSW. We have to take advantage of it," BayBro explains. "I'm using SXSW as an opportunity to network with people outside of the city as well. I have a few people that are allowing me to perform on their stage and I plan on building my relationship with them for future opportunities outside of SXSW."

Rising music artist Vaughn Lambo will be joining BayBro on the Rizzle Hizzle stage to perform a few of his singles.

"It's amazing the city is represented so well. It's showing to folks everywhere that we're more than what mainstream media shows," he says. "The biggest thing I'm looking to accomplish is going to be creating a larger awareness of myself as an artist and my music amongst listeners and artists alike."

The culmination of Flint music comes from its first-ever SXSW stage dedicated to Flint artists by The Antidote Studio. The studio presents a unique showcase of Flint artists called The Sounds of Flint. In addition, Antidote also partnered with Steel Sessions and Space333 to host "exclusive panels, networking sessions, podcasting, and offer a creative lab with a mobile studio featuring Grammy-nominated producers, top executives, industry experts, and Q&As to help establish international relationships that build careers and businesses." 

The Sounds of Flint features an all-star lineup of Louie Ray, RMC Mike, YSR Gramz, Krispy Life Kidd, King Ca$hes, Jeff Skigh, Tay Boogie, Cameron Tyler, Ace Gabbana, and more. 

The Sounds of Flint stage is set for kick-off Thursday, March 17, 2022. Doors open at 10:00 a.m.