SXSW RECAP: A WEEK OF SRI

By Ammu Christ
April 6, 2026


Stock Image by @sxsw, taken during her set @ DJ_Dave’s ALGO RAVE.


ALL THEY WANT IS TO STOP & STARE AT TRANSGENDER STARS. ✦

Sri came to town this SXSW to tear up the scene with spunk and energy and light up the SXSW concert-goers. Just before the festival, she released her international anthem titled STOP&STARE, an interpersonal single detailing how transgender women are viewed in society. The song spotlights the most vulnerable side of her identity, but emanates resilience, powered by the Desi-Jersey fused baseline. 

Sri was able to spend the entire week in Austin playing for 5 different showcases and shooting a studio-grade music video for an unreleased song. During my eventful spring break, I got to experience the exclusive BTS of Sri and the worlds Sri is able to transform and create.


Stock Image by @ri.shi.ka on Instagram

INTRODUCING… SRI!

Sri is Brooklyn’s very own South Indian musician, model, DJ, and, of course, a transgender star1. She was selected for SXSW’s South Asian House, DJ_Dave’s Algo Rave, and three additional SXSW exclusive networking events to DJ.

And this wasn’t Sri’s first rodeo.

This time last year, she went to DJ local parties in Austin and was featured as a keynote speaker in the UT South Asia: deconstructed conference through the South Asia Institute.

I’ve gotten to know Sri since early 2022 as her rise to fame began. When I first took a dive into transitioning, she played a huge role in lighting the path, and continues to do so for others. She uses her voice to advocate for her community and talents in bringing desi-trans women together, receiving praises and love from New York to Chennai.

Her career has been nothing short of immense success, playing for events such as New York Fashion Week, the JBL SoHo grand opening, and all the hottest clubs and bars in Brooklyn. With the recent release of her single “STOP&STARE”, she has gotten featured in STUDIO NOTION, an on-air KVRX interview, and Apple Music’s Indian Hip-Hop, India – New Music Daily, and India – New in Hip-Hop. The success and support comes from the community she has built in the movements she carries with her, ranging between her identity to ongoing injustices.

A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF SRI IN AUSTIN

As SRI touched down in Austin, we kicked off our business trip with dinner at Matt’s El Rancho and explored downtown on a scooter chase! Prior to her first showcase at South Asian House, I was able to see her perform a trial DJ set. I watched as she applied her final touches to her set, mesmerized at her craft. I could tell from that very moment, that set was going to be her MOMENT. After some feedback from me and my friends, the day had arrived for her first SXSW showcase.

Flamingo Cantina was packed with extensive SXSW goers and supporters of South Asian House, synonymous with SOUNDVILLA. After amazing performances from Rehma to Karma Sheen, it was finally Sri’s turn to work some turntables.


Photo by Caleb Pickens


The crowd was livid for Sri. Every transition during the set came screams and cheers for her magic and craft. People were enjoying themselves and dancing in the moment, a glimpse of the beauty of queer clubs and dance spaces.

At the end of her set, she centered the importance of how ICE affects our communities, and that one of her crew stylists and SPARK alum, Otofu, was recently detained by ICE, calling to support his fundraising for legal fees. Otofu’s story is one facet of fear of how ICE is imposed onto immigrant communities, and has been a political device to increase violence against trans people. As the showcase concluded, we reflected on the importance of leaning on our community in tough times, and felt proud that people came together the second that his arrest became known.

ALGO RAVEEEEEE

Her most favorite set of all time came from playing at DJ_Dave’s ALGO RAVE, which was held at Kingdom nightclub and featured live-coding and futuristic production. Upon arrival, three others and I helped assist her looks, visuals, and energy through dancing. Sri truly put on a performance. The crowd lit up like electricity as they moved to the ethereal world mix, with screen visuals that were made in real time.
 
Photo by Nirvika Dhanasri

After the set, many folks came up to meet Sri. We finally got to meet DJ_Dave, who knew that Sri would be a hidden gem when finalizing the ALGO_RAVE lineup. We got to interact with many trans folks at the show, including getting a surprise welcome by two men in sunglasses, who would go to perform as the duo 2charm☆.

Once finished with her set, we went to eat at one of the best food trucks nearby, DittyDog, celebrating the conclusion of an amazing DJ set.

THE MUSIC VIDEO


Photo by Emily Nuñez

The Austin trip couldn’t just stop at SXSW–we’d also planned the production for a video shoot for Sri’s unreleased single. In a battle against the wind, fire, and freeze, we forged and lit the day away during shoot time. Directed by Amelia Nickle, Sri finds herself in the midst of a queer love story as the “matchmaker.” In helping the lovers find “New Luv”, the visuals gave off tunnel-rave-meets-summer, with undertones of Calvin Harris and Melodrama Lorde. The shoot locations utilized a private studio in West Campus and the infamous tunnels near Austin High, setting the mood for an exciting release of the next big hit of the summer. 

What a time. 

A spring break well spent at my first SXSW, managing the coolest person ever.

Sadly, the week came to an end and Sri had to return to Brooklyn. There, she would spin heads and CDJs to the heartbeat of the borough’s dance tunes. On an early flight back after a night of reflection, one final stop was made to the best Thai food spot in North Campus, PD Thai. The night was spent enjoying warm Massaman curry and taking in a serene and beautiful night, concluding the lively Austin trip.

Love you, Sri. Keep being you.
You’re a superstar–shining so brightly that everyone can only STOP&STARE at your grace, beauty, and love for your community.

~ Ammu, SPARK Magazine


1 “transgender star” was quoted from Bobby Sanchez in “ts star” that Sri was inspired from ■

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