With its unique blend of music, technology, and entertainment, SXSW remains a key global platform for emerging talent. As always, our Production Park crew was at the heart of the action, ensuring every act had the best possible experience.
Finding a New Home on 6th Street
Sam Wilkinson, BME Stage Manager and Studio Operations Manager at Production Park, is no stranger to SXSW. Having been part of the festival for multiple years, he plays a crucial role in ensuring the crew and artists are well taken care of while keeping the stages running like clockwork.
“This was my eighth SXSW, and without a doubt, the best one yet,” Wilkinson shared. “After years of searching for a new home following the closure of the legendary Latitude 30, the British Music Embassy and UK House found their perfect base at The Palm Door on the world-famous 6th Street. The entire team came together to deliver an incredible lineup of showcases, activations, and panels.”
Wilkinson also reflected on the importance of the BME’s presence at SXSW:
“The role we play here is vital in supporting the next generation of British bands as they step onto the American and global stage.”
UK/US Collaboration
One of the major highlights of this year’s event for the team was the collaboration between students from the Academy of Live Technology and their US counterparts at Rock Lititz – Live X. Working alongside the rest of the team, students helped crew the stages, marking the first-ever UK/US student project at SXSW.
“Seeing the students work together with such technical expertise and professionalism reinforced BME and UK House as the best venue for bands across the entire festival,” Wilkinson noted.
Sam Gunton, one of the Academy of Live Technology students, reflected on his experience:
“I mixed front-of-house audio as well as monitors for the ALT stage, handling everything from patch and changeovers to radio mics and in-ear monitors. My favorite part of SXSW was mixing the Himalayas, but I also loved using the Allen & Heath Advantis console, the latest Shure microphones, and a dB Technologies PA system.
It was a pleasure to work with my fellow students and industry professionals like Jack from Allen & Heath, as well as freelancers Jez and Gareth, who taught me new concepts that deepened my understanding of the kit. I’m incredibly grateful to Sam Wilkinson for encouraging me to take this opportunity—I had fun mixing almost every band!”
North: Different By Design
This year, the BME stages also played host to a series of events highlighting the growing reputation of the North as a hub for creativity - a topic close to our hearts! These sessions celebrated the region’s unique artistic identity and its increasing influence on the global stage.
Looking Ahead to SXSW 2026
From electrifying sets by Gurriers, Black Gold, Steam Down, and Jacob Alon to an unexpected Spiderman-style showdown featuring ‘the four Sams,’ SXSW 2025 was packed with memorable moments. As the dust settles on an unforgettable festival, we’re already looking forward to what’s next. Here’s to another year of music, collaboration, and incredible experiences at SXSW 2026!
Crew Highlights
Missed the action? We've put together a playlist including some of the artists that set the stages on fire and caught the eyes of our crew over the BME and UK house sessions this year.
Photo Credit: TyneSight Media
