Live Report: Irish artists takeover at the SXSW 2026

At Swan Dive Bar, and we didn’t have to wait long to see the best musicians Ireland has to offer. Sarah Crean, Basht, Sugaboo, Moio, Bricknasty and Yard all took to the outdoor stage on a balmy Texas night.

For the entire evening, emerging talent from Ireland drew constant crowds to watch them. Once again proving, the flair continues to flow from the bottomless Irish talent pool.

Opening the showcase was the absolutely charming Clondalkin native, Sarah Crean. The singer-songwriter instantly enraptured the attention of spectators with catchy indie melodies, sensational vocals, and non-stop wit in between tracks.

Although it was Friday 13, mosquitoes, the heat and unfounded smeared lipstick paranoia couldn’t thwart the exuberant energy from Sarah that drew the Texas crowd to begin an impromptu line dancing shuffle with one of the only country style songs she performed.

The Dubliner’s striking lyrics, combined with the band’s natural chemistry, were an obvious example of endless hard work. Sarah’s commanding stage aura reflected in an inspirational show that was one of the most memorable of the week. Her magnetism and aptitude are a lethal pairing that could see the singer’s profile blossom significantly in the future.

When it comes to Sugaboo, you can’t help but grin. The Dubliner’s instant charisma comes across from the moment he saunters on stage. From his pocket, he holds aloft his passport and proceeds to prove why he is in America by merit.

Teasing the Texan crowd with his thick Kimmage accent, “youse haven’t got a clue what I’m saying,” he quips.

This set is feel good vibes through and through. Underpinning Sugaboo’s laid back demeanour is serious skill. Bars, flow, cadence and delivery, he’s got it locked down.

The gig elevates further when Lil Skag joins the party to spit for a few songs. Their back and forth combo is impeccable. Cementing that Irish hiphop is being steered towards new highs.

Welcomed on next was the hotly tipped Moio. Singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer, this performance exhibited why his musical ability is becoming increasingly impactful at home and abroad.

Moio’s capacity to set the mood in the crowd is astonishing. His vocals sore to emotional highs and lows, drawing in onlookers to his world.

His clarity and passion while performing brings an ardent sense of an artist who knows exactly what they want to say and present to the musical audience.

Debuting new tunes from his upcoming project, it’s safe to say that this Moio is on a journey that could be significantly impactful on a global stage.

Right from the sound-check, Bricknasty had the crowd smiling. While testing his vocals through the monitors, frontman Fatboy, began repeating variants of the phrase “Can we get the six counties back? Please, Brits have had them long enough. Can we get them back now!”

It’s fair to say the group were being talked about a lot at SXSW. This being evident by the number of back to back showcases, over multiple days, they were taking part of all over the city.

The five-piece’s set is a meandering voyage through soulful and playful sounds. A jazzy funk experience that takes listeners down a river of unexpected twists and turns full of tempo changes.

Bricknasty were honed and ready for this festival. Even through 30 degree sweltering weather the singer’s trademark ski-mask stays on. We commend the dedication. The unrelenting humidity didn’t deter saxophone player, Chris LaMotte and drummer, Korey Thomas, bassist, Sam Healy and producer Cillian McCauley emptying every ounce of intensity in to their craft.