About Jumpstart
JUMPSTART IS THE UNOFFICIAL SXSW MUSIC PARTY TO ATTEND — FOR 17 YEARS RUNNING
About Jumpstart
JUMPSTART IS THE UNOFFICIAL SXSW MUSIC PARTY TO ATTEND — FOR 17 YEARS RUNNING
Hosted by Austin's champions OF FUN ROCK — The Midgetmen THEMM! — Jumpstart is considered a must-attend for both local and visiting patrons (that means "attendees") of SXSW.
“THE MIDGETMEN HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THIS BAND FOR MONTHS NOW, AND I FINALLY GOT TO SEE THEM ON THURSDAY AT JUMPSTART. IF YOU NEED A LIFE-AFFIRMING ROCK AND ROLL EXPERIENCE...GO SEE THIS BAND. IT WAS KIND OF HARD TRYING TO FIND SOMETHING TO TOP DIARRHEA PLANET. ”
2024’s Jumpstart was MORE FUN than ever and earned accolades from press, fans, and drunks alike.
2025 will be even better With bands sure to pack the space and put a smile on your face, make sure you're a part of it.
Why Attend Jumpstart
"Jumpstart may have been the best single afternoon I've ever spent at SXSW"
Why Attend Jumpstart
"Jumpstart may have been the best single afternoon I've ever spent at SXSW"
Get up close and personal with the best OF THE BEST during SXSW
Jumpstart gives fans unprecedented* access to up and coming independent artists in a way few other parties offer.
Want to sling back a few shots of Tequila with the Spider Bags? How about a deep discussion about mustaches with The Hold Steady’s Franz Nicolay? Want to see those darlings in Diarrhea Planet before anyone else? Well, you probably should have attended Jumpstart. What’ll happen this year? Come find out.
* Unless you've see any of these bands in the buff. Then, you win.
Curated (another fancy word!) by THEMM! (sign us please.), Jumpstart has featured acclaimed acts such as the Juno Award winning Hollerado, Grant Hart of Hüsker Dü, The Hold Steady’s Franz Nicolay, Ezra Furman, John Vanderslice, Spiral Stairs, Juno Award nominee Plants & Animals, Slothrust, The Henry Clay People, BRONCHO, Spider Bags and Diarrhea Planet.
All our bands are handpicked (like the stars from the heavens to form your eyes) from 1000s of bands attending SXSW. They all reflect our own commitment to DIY rock.
Jumpstart offers a little bit of everything: From upstart buzz bands like Big Joanie to award winning artists like Hollerado, and singer songwriters such as AA Bondy and John Vanderslice, Jumpstart never disappoints. Also, one time: Joseph Arthur.
Jumpstart is always 100% free to attendees. Amazing! We know! Learn why.
“I’ve been meaning to email since sxsw but wanted to tell you guys that Jumpstart may have been the best single afternoon I’ve ever spent at sxsw...I was there all afternoon and each band was mind blowing. I can only hope that next year will be even better... It was truly a great afternoon of music - the type that bring me from NYC to Austin each year...”
The Jumpstart Ethos
We give all the fucks possible.
The Jumpstart Ethos
We give all the fucks possible.
Find Great Bands
Picked based on what our ears enjoy: Brilliant bands carving their own paths.
The idea was simple enough: Design what we considered to be 'the best' showcase of indie bands — the must-see acts of any given year — and jam them into one awesome bar. That started many (many) years ago, and we remain committed to doing it all over again. (Also, we wanted to have fun with people cooler than us!)
Do It For Yourself
Keep indie rock independent — this shouldn't be a crazy idea.
Maybe we should rename it DIO — Do It Ourselves. In lieu of looking for the perfect show to play, or trying to book some primadonnas, we just did it ourselves. (You'll never figure out if we did book a primadonna band!) They're making their own way, on their own terms, and we're glad to help.
Because We Love It
We would absolutely do this forever... if we could afford it.
When it comes down to it, Jumpstart is a labor of love — just like everything everywhere. We created Jumpstart to showcase bands we love and hopefully give them get a shot at making it out of the orbit of their own home towns. Help keep Jumpstart rocking. Also, please (very much so) buy their albums and merch!
“AS THE FINAL SONGS OF SPIDER BAGS’ SET CRASH OUT OF THE BUILDING, HE TELLS ME LAST NIGHT’S GIG WAS OK, BUT THIS ONE’S GONNA BE BETTER: ‘IT SOUNDS WAY ROWDIER IN THERE.’”
Get Involved
Get Involved
How can you get involved?
First of all, come attend Jumpstart. Discover great bands. And enjoy the best in independent music. But without the contributions of others, Jumpstart wouldn't be possible.
So, please possibly consider extending more than a fist pump for your favorite band.
Attend
Look how excited people are! Pack your bags and get your beer coozies ready. We can't wait to see you. Jumpstart is yet again going to feature an amazing line up on two stages at the legendary Side Bar. Don't forget to bring your rock-fist.
Sponsor
Jumpstart is an excellent marketing opportunity local and national brands looking to increase their visibility during SXSW and beyond. Make an impression while you support independent artists. Plus, hang out with us all day.
Donate
We know SXSW is expensive —and we love that so many travel to Austin to enjoy our sunshine, beer, and tacos. But, unlike the rest of your decisions during SXSW, you'll still feel good about this one in the morning. Beer, it smells good.
“THOUGH THEY WILL TELL YOU OTHERWISE, THE MIDGETMEN (ONCE REFERRED TO AS AUSTIN’S “SLOP PUNK MAVENS”) CARE ABOUT YOU AND ABOUT THE SOUNDS THAT GO INTO YOUR EAR HOLES. IF PAST EXPERIENCE IS ANY INDICATION, THIS WILL BE THE BEST SHOW, FROM BEGINNING TO END, AT SXSW 2013”