Navigating the overwhelming noise at SXSW in Austin, Texas, was challenging, but the Satellite Ranch provided a brief escape as I discovered dynamic artists Sedona and ÅNGEL 004.
Stream: “Touch & Go” – Sedona
As someone who grew up in New York, I typically remain unshaken, yet I must admit that attending SXSW for the first time truly felt overwhelming. The sheer volume of shows happening simultaneously, each with impressive lineups in intriguing venues, left me grappling with intense decision paralysis. Every moment seemed packed with the opportunity for good music and unforgettable experiences. While this in itself is not a problem, the thought of missing a fantastic show for another felt like an unsolvable dilemma. My anxiety was further heightened by the omnipresent networking culture that transformed every interaction into a potential business deal. Having traveled all the way to Texas, I succumbed to the urge to maximize my experience, which led me bouncing from show to show with a rigid itinerary and a dedicated resolve to “link and build.”
However, I quickly realized that my connections with others were superficial at best, and I was too preoccupied with my environment to genuinely enjoy the music. While the vast creativity and controlled chaos of SXSW was impressive and inspiring, it ultimately felt somewhat empty and insincere. This disappointment triggered a small existential crisis as I pondered the role of art in the world, encountering artist after artist who seemed focused on relentless self-promotion. That changed when I stepped onto the Satellite Ranch grounds.
Organized by the Lower East Side gallery, Satellite Gallery, the multidisciplinary arts festival featured immersive art installations, experimental music acts, clowns, emerging pop stars, and a range of engaging sounds and visuals, creating what I could only describe as an eclectic art haven that offered a much-needed alternative to the heavily commercialized SXSW programming downtown.
Spread over ten acres, the ranch provided ample space for easy movement between the three main lodges showcasing various art installations and two musical stages featuring performers from different genres.
Sedona at SXSW 2025 © Eden Chinn
The standout performances for me were by Sedona and ÅNGEL 004. Sedona delivered a captivating mix of songs that beautifully complemented the ethereal atmosphere of the festival. As night set in beneath the expansive Texas sky filled with stars, Sedona's set included moments that were both light enough to dance to and deeply emotional, grounding the audience in her music. The weight of her lyrics, paired with her smooth and sultry vocals, created an intriguing dissonance within her songs, transporting listeners to an enchanting world characterized by her genre-blending sound.
Drawing on the infectious spirit of an ’80s-inspired pop era, Sedona not only evokes nostalgia but also introduces something fresh, wrapped in a mysterious vibe that flows through her melodies. Her performance radiated an intense warmth and a genuine passion for her craft, inviting her audience to embark on a journey through the most vulnerable aspects of heartbreak, self-exploration, and victory.
ÅNGEL 004 at SXSW 2025 © Eden Chinn
In contrast, ÅNGEL 004 explored the experimental edges of pop, infusing elements of electronic music and hip-hop into her performance. Accompanied by backup dancers executing precise choreography, she commanded the small stage with remarkable energy. ÅNGEL 004 delivered a balanced mix of high-energy tracks with catchy hooks and sharp verses that showcased her ability to hold her own against seasoned rappers.
Overall, her performance was immensely enjoyable; the kind of music that encourages presence in the moment, shifting between dancing, smiling, and watching in awe. She concluded her set with an unreleased emotional ballad, “Heartstrings,” which impressively showcased her vocal range and elicited a moment of quiet reflection among the crowd. ÅNGEL 004’s act embodied the essence of the entire festival — diverse, distinct, and heartfelt.
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© Eden Chinn
The Best Sounds from SXSW 2025 :: REVIEW ::
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Amidst the overwhelming noise of SXSW in Austin, Texas, the Satellite Ranch provided a brief respite as I discovered the talented artists Sedona and ÅNGEL 004.