Buddy Holly 2026 SXSW Kickoff Bash Showcase:

•  West Texas Exiles

West Texas Exiles are a dynamic Americana outfit that merges the rugged spirit of the Southwest with the soulful heart of rock ’n’ roll.  With influences from The Flatlanders and Buddy Holly to Vampire Weekend and Jason Isbell, the West Texas Exiles are reinvigorating the music scene with a modern interpretation of the lone star vernacular. Grounded in rhythmic and lyrical honesty, the Exiles’ sound is the vastness of the West Texas sky and the energy of a world where nothing stands still for long.  

Driven by a passion for honest songwriting and raw musicianship, the West Texas Exiles have earned a devoted following for their electrifying live shows and reflective studio recordings. Each performance feels like a journey across sunbaked highways, and their growing discography continues to showcase their commitment to unfiltered expression and shared human experiences.  With the release of their debut EP, Volume I, they showcased the talents of their three singer / songwriters: Marco Gutierrez, Daniel Davis, Colin Gilmore (a Buddy Holly Foundation scholar) accompanied by masterful performances by bassist Eric Harrison and drummer Trinidad Leal. Their debut full-length disc 8000 Days has been on the charts for many weeks, a “Top Ten” Americana release that the critics and crowds love! 

https://www.westtexasexiles.com

• Bruce Smith

No performer has graced the Safe House stage with a more ferocious performance than Bruce Smith, another Foundation scholar.  The way he wails at a fever pitch, brings it all down to a whisper and rocks all the spaces in between, while always maintaining intensity and integrity, earns him a growing following that spans genre boundaries. Bruce Smith is a seasoned singer-songwriter whose heartfelt storytelling and melodic craftsmanship have endeared him to audiences far and wide. Drawing from the rich traditions of folk, rock, and Americana, Bruce infuses each composition with an evocative sense of place and a resonant emotional core.  A true troubadour at heart, Bruce weaves narratives of love, loss, and resilience into timeless tunes that leave listeners feeling connected and inspired. With every performance, he delivers a soulful, captivating experience, reminding audiences of the power of honest songwriting and authentic performance.  His last album, “1000 Horses,” was released to excellent reviews and his monumental “59 Stratocaster” - a Buddy Holly tribute tune - is destined for film scores. 

https://brucesmithband.com/

• Grace Pettis

Grace's music is described as a little bit of folk, a little bit of country/Americana, and a whole lot of soul. Ms. Pettis is the winner of many of the nation’s most prestigious songwriting contests, grants, and residencies, including NPR’s Mountain Stage NewSong Contest, a Buddy Holly Educational Foundation scholar, and The Helene Wurlitzer Foundation of New Mexico. Grace’s songs have been recorded by other esteemed artists, including three co-writes on Ruthie Foster's Grammy-nominated album, Healing Time (2024). Grace was an official showcasing artist at SXSW and Folk Alliance International last year (2024). Her debut album on MPress Records, Working Woman (2021), was produced by lauded singer-songwriter Mary Bragg and featured guest contributions from the Indigo Girls, Ruthie Foster, Dar Williams, and other luminaries. Grace' much-anticipated new release, Down to the Letter, captures her at the peak of her songwriting powers. Chronicling the end of a marriage and the reclamation of self after betrayal, codependency, and loss with heartbreaking detail, the lyrics deftly toe the line between personal pain and universal catharsis.

https://www.gracepettis.com

• Natalie Price

Texas-born Natalie Price is a singer-songwriter whose music blends Americana, indie folk, and melodic pop in what she calls “Ameri-kinda.” On the heels of her self-titled full-length debut, she’s released several singles that explore themes of friendship, empowerment and love, highlighting her ability to connect through both vulnerability and resilience. With a gift for transforming deeply personal experiences into songs that feel universal, Natalie is quickly becoming a fan favorite. Intoxicatingly authentic and wholly original – you’ll never forget the first time you stepped into Natalie Price’s world.  Described by Trey Gutierrez (Texas Music Magazine) as “one of Austin's most dynamic new singer-songwriters,” Price’s ethereal, one-of-a-kind sound refuses to fall neatly into one category. Amongst numerous awards, Natalie was the Grand Prize Winner in the NewSong 2023 competition, and she was named a Buddy Holly Educational Foundation Scholar in 2025.

https://natpricemusic.com

• Statesboro Revue

The Statesboro Revue is a Texas-based rock and roll band known for its gritty Southern soul sound, high-energy performances, and heartfelt songwriting. Blending roots rock, blues, and country influences, the band delivers music that feels both timeless and fiercely authentic. Fronted by brothers Stewart and Garrett Mann, their sound pairs powerful vocals with driving guitars and dynamic rhythms that bring raw emotion to every stage they play. Whether performing songs from their chart topping catalog or electrifying live favorites, The Statesboro Revue creates an experience that’s equal parts road-worn storytelling and modern rock revival.

https://www.statesbororevue.com/