Photo Credit: Andy Cantu
Despite the plethora of South by SouthWest (SXSW) affiliated events happening around Austin from morning to night on Friday, a noticeable line of fans was seen in front of Elysium nightclub hours before the Friends from the East showcase was set to begin. Friends from the East festival made their SXSW debut in 2024 to massive success as they fulfilled their mission to introduce Eastern artists to a new, Western audience. In 2025, the Friends from the East showcase boasted six amazing acts consisting of Japanese artists Suichu Spica, XAMIYA, and PSYCHIC FEVER, along with Chinese artists Miso808 and Runyu, and Korean-American band Joseon.
Kyoto-based math rock band, Suichu Spica started the show off with a bang. While they initially struggled with technical difficulties, they quickly overcame them to put on a show that made fans out of every person in the crowd. It was clear that the members were happy to be performing in front of fans who were so receptive to their music, cheering and trying their best to sing along. The showcase was one stop on the band’s ongoing world tour, so if they stop in a nearby city, be sure to check them out.
From the minute the first introductory video came on, audience members were immersed in miso808’s “bedtime story.” The soloist from Shanghai performed the songs off her bedtime stories mp3 EP in between video segments that filled in the missing parts of the story. Everytime a new video came on, the crowd would go silent as they listened intensely. It was a unique experience that fans in attendance would not soon forget. Miso808’s website allows you to listen to the EP’s tracks while reading along to the story and immersing yourself in the accompanying art.
Photo Credit: Andy Cantu
Joseon didn’t have to travel as far from home as some of the other acts, but they made every mile count as they stole the hearts of every member of the audience. The LA based alternative rock band were reminiscent of 90s grunge bands with a modern twist that the crowd was instantly receptive to. After their set, members of the band could be seen taking pictures and chatting with their new fans. Mido Media had the opportunity to interview them before the show, so check it out to learn more about Joseon.
During her electric set, Runyu introduced the SXSW crowd to the Pipa, a traditional Chinese instrument that she uses to create an eccentric blend of modern and traditional sounds. With her band aid covered fingers, she tuned her instrument as she told fans the story of how her parents introduced her to the Pipa to get her to sit still as a child and how she’s been in love with it ever since. Her passion for her craft was evident in her performance and fans were obsessed. Check out her latest single “Mine” to hear her melodic voice and stellar Pipa playing.
Friends from the East knew audience members might start to feel sleepy by the time the clock struck midnight, so they brought out the most energetic act of the night to wake them back up. XAMIYA, a Japanese electronic duo, burst onto the stage with their pink hair and cowboy hats ready to make the crowd dance. In a highlight of the showcase, KAMIYA jumped into the crowd and started performing directly to fans as Xansei stayed on stage, going crazy on the guitar. Check out their latest music video “MONSTER” for a glimpse of what fans experienced at SXSW.
Fresh off the heels of their first U.S. tour, Japanese boy band PSYCHIC FEVER closed the show with their long awaited performance. The majority of fans in the audience had a photocard of their favorite member in the back of their phone case or hanging from their purse. The group performed a shortened version of their tour setlist with so much energy it was easy to forget it was almost two in the morning. Fans begged them not to leave, but the group reassured them by announcing their upcoming fanmeet tour. Dates and cities haven’t been announced yet, but it’s sure to be a good time no matter where they go.
Did you attend SXSW? What was your highlight of the festival? Let us know by leaving a comment below or by reaching out on Instagram or X!
Edited by: Martina Yee
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