Qobuz Announces SXSW Sessions: 3/16 - 3/17 Feat. Barrie, Caramelo Haze, Daniel Villarreal, DoomCannon, Kiwi Jr., Miss Grit, Shana Cleveland (La Luz), and Yazmin Lacey

Qobuz continues “Boutique in a Superstore World” Approach IRL with Focus on Independent Artists + High-Quality Sound

Qobuz, the music lovers’ high quality music streaming and download platform, will present an intimate series of live-to-record sessions at this year’s SXSW - March 16th and 17th at KMFA Studios in East Austin. In keeping with Qobuz’ independent-minded, “boutique in a superstore world” approach, the two-day event will feature an array of today’s top indie and experimental artists performing stripped down sets in front of small audiences. Each set will be recorded with top-notch equipment, and will be released exclusively on Qobuz as SXSW Sessions EPs, giving listeners the true “in the studio” sound quality that you can only get with live music in full 24-bit Hi-Res.

Slated for sessions are: Brooklyn-based left-of-center pop singer Barrie; the newly-formed all-star outfit featuring Beto Martínez, Alex Chavez, Victor “El Guámbito” Cruz, and John Speice, Caramelo Haze; psych-folk-funk drummer and DJ Daniel Villarreal; London-based jazz composer and multi-instrumentalist DoomCannon; Canadian alt-rock outfit Kiwi Jr.; acclaimed NY-based indie rock artist Miss Grit (Margaret Sohn); LA-based musician and visual artist Shana Cleveland (of La Luz); and British R&B singer Yazmin Lacey. Both Miss Grit and Yazmin Lacey’s last albums were bestowed the prestigious Qobuzissime award, given to a select group of early-career albums every year that have ventured into unexplored territories.

Sujan Hong, Qobuz USA Head of Music Content, said: “Qobuz is really excited to work with this great, independent line-up. I can’t wait to watch these talented artists perform in such a cool space, and then be able to share the music exclusively with our discerning users.”  

Since launching four years ago in the US, Qobuz’ exclusives—like the SXSW Sessions, and other exclusive releases by the likes of Christian McBride, Dinosaur Jr., Circuit des Yeux Makaya McCraven, and more—plus its unique offerings have established Qobuz as the only true choice for music lovers. Beyond the best sound, Qobuz also creates the most immersive listening experience in the field by offering PDF booklets and credits, human-curated playlists, and its in-app recently redesigned Magazine, which boasts expert editorial features like Panoramas (deep dives into an artist’s catalog or a singular work, influential eras, and record labels), reviews, interviews, and more. 

Last year, after a SXSW virtual session (and resulting exclusive EP) with London-based neo-classical / avant-garde label Mercury KX in 2021, Qobuz hosted its first in-person SXSW event with performances by Circuit des Yeux, Moor Mother, Claire Rousay, and Marina Herlop. Featuring the best equipment and sound in Austin (as this year’s event will, too), Circuit des Yeux said “Qobuz is one of the leading streaming platforms for contemporary music. They put artist friendly ethics and audio quality before corporate profit. "