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AUSTIN, TX- It was a sweltering afternoon at The Creek and The Cave, but spirits were high and the sausage was smoking on the grill. The Sounds Australia SXSW showcase buzzed with energy as attendees sought out shade and noshed on free BBQ. Easily one of the most talked-about showcases at this year’s South by Southwest, the event seemed to underscore a broader theme: some of the most exciting acts in the industry right now are coming from overseas.
As New South Wales’ own Surely Shirley wrapped up their set of Laurel Canyon-inspired folk, I finished exploring the venue and committed to a shady spot by the bar. That’s where I had the pleasure of chatting with the next band on deck: Betty Taylor. The all-girl indie rock four-piece were bubbly, friendly, and clearly thrilled to play. After the group headed off to prep, I chatted with their manager, who mentioned they’d be heading to Los Angeles after SXSW to tour a studio.
Though their discography is still growing—they’ve only released one EP and a few singles—the music they do have out already captures the essence of their live performance.
The first word that came to mind as I bobbed my head along to Betty Taylor’s set was breezy. On one of the sweatiest days of SXSW, that kind of vibe was exactly what we all needed. Their songs were upbeat, vibrant, and refreshingly unpretentious. Their EP is literally titled Young, Dumb and Immature. And while I wouldn’t call them either of the latter two, there’s an undeniable youthful candor to their songwriting. At times, the music felt a bit unserious—but in the best way. Their polished vocal harmonies and shimmering guitar lines provided the perfect soundtrack for a sun-soaked afternoon.
What I appreciated most was the sincerity of their set. It felt loose, friendly, and unforced—like you’d accidentally wandered into a sleepover that turned into a band practice. The onstage chemistry was undeniable, marked by knowing glances between the members and giggly asides that made it feel like they were performing for their best friends. Each track was a catchy, straightforward indie-pop dream.
Betty Taylor’s set was pure fun and made no apologies for keeping things light. Their lyrics, often focused on navigating the complexities of relationships as young women, were instantly relatable. The rhythm section laid down a solid foundation without overplaying, and the guitar hooks kept things buoyant while lead singer Sophie Patrick’s sweet, sincere voice floated above it all.
While I enjoyed the whole set, I especially loved when their songwriting leaned into a brattier edge. Standouts included the delightfully messy “Fuck You”—a track reminiscent of fellow Aussies Camp Cope—and the moodier, dream-pop-leaning “Gaslighter.” Their bouncy sensibility also called to mind Philly’s lo-fi indie outfit Cayetana, in the best possible way.
Betty Taylor feels like a band that would fit perfectly at an all-ages record store show, selling cassette tapes to wide-eyed teenagers. Their charm lies in the fact that they’re not trying too hard. The songs aren’t overworked or overthought—they’re just real. The indie pop-rockers wore cheerful smiles as they braved the unforgiving Austin heat, a feat in itself. And honestly, it felt like the whole audience had crashed their rehearsal—but they were having too much fun to notice.
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CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE ACTS WE CAUGHT AT SXSW!
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LIVE CLIPS
Betty Taylor Brings Breezy Aussie Indie Rock to SXSW’s Sounds Australia Showcase
