SXSW Recap: SoundCloud Showcase Celebrates “First on SoundCloud” Creators
SoundCloud returned to SXSW for a second year, this time taking over an Austin hostel for SoundCloud x Zelle Present Room 512, a two-night showcase highlighting what’s new, now, and next in music. Celebrating the power of appearing “First on SoundCloud,” Room 512 spotlighted some of 2018’s most exciting artists, all of whom got their start and made their breakthrough on SoundCloud.
On night one, DJ duo Party Pupils kicked off the packed lineup and started the unforgettable party off right, launching directly into a high-energy set. The SoundCloud Premier duo continued to spin nothing but hits – including their smash remix, “This Is How We Do It” – throughout the night. Then songstress Nilüfer Yanya took over the mic and enchanted everyone with her soulful vocals. One of SoundCloud’s 2018 Artists to Watch, she treated the crowd to an intimate performance of her latest track “Thanks 4 Nothing.”
The room quickly turned back up once Yung Pinch hit the stage. The SoundCloud Premier artist performed a surprise cover of Weezer’s “Island in the Sun.” Elohim continued the party with show-stopping live takes of her hits “Sensations” and “Fuck Your Money.” The packed crowd exploded for headliner Whethan, who shut the stage down with his signature synth beats and fan-favorite tracks like “Good Night” and “Savage.”
More buzzworthy artists checked into Room 512 on night two. World-renowned DJ Kitty Cash kept everyone moving in between sets by spinning her signature remixes, including her hit “Missing You.” Afterwards, SoundCloud’s 2018 Artist to Watch Melo Makes Music commanded the stage with expert performances of his tracks “Blastaa (Let It Go)” and “Sleepless.” As a surprise treat, UK artist Jay Prince performed for the very first time his newest track, “In the Morning,” providing an exclusive sample of his upcoming EP to the packed room.
Not to be outdone, Rico Nasty hit the stage for an explosive set, running through hits including ”Smack a Bitch” and “Key Lime OG.” And if the crowd wasn’t already wild, the finale performance by headliner Smokepurpp ensured that no one was leaving Room 512 without turning all the way up. The Florida rapper had everyone bouncing as he performed tracks like “Fingers Blue,” his new single featuring Travis Scott, and “Big Bucks.”
Check out the photo gallery from SoundCloud x Zelle Present Room 512 below.
SoundCloud is the definitive destination for creators and listeners who want to be first to discover and share what’s new, now and next in music. Room 512’s two-night showcase brought to life the music discovery fans experience on SoundCloud everyday, tapping into every corner and every community on the platform, from hip-hop and alternative to electronic and pop.
A special thanks to all of the performing artists and to everyone who came out!
