It's not every day you see a Samoan artist take the stage at South by Southwest (SXSW) — one of the world's largest and most influential festivals celebrating music, film, and technology in the heart of Austin, Texas. A city known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is where countless artists dream of making their mark. And at just 19 years old, Teo Glacier is doing exactly that.
Hailing from New Zealand, Teo's journey to SXSW was more than just a 13-hour flight across the Pacific, it was the culmination of years of dedication, passion, and belief in his music. Standing on a global stage, thousands of miles away from home, he wasn't just performing for himself; he was carrying the weight of his culture, his people, and a new generation of Polynesian artists breaking into the industry.
"When I found out I was performing at SXSW, I was stoked," Teo says, his face lighting up with excitement. "I've only been to the States once before, and between LA and Austin, I way prefer Austin."
Performing across multiple showcases, Teo has been soaking in every moment, from the electric crowds to the chance to witness fellow artists share their craft. "The crowd has been amazing, and I love that I get to watch other artists perform too, it's mean!" he shares.
Among the many performances, one stands out for Teo: the New Zealand showcase at The 13th Floor. A lineup featuring some of NZ's finest talents, this stage was more than just another set, it was the moment Teo truly felt at home on stage.
"That performance was probably my best one yet. I can feel myself getting more comfortable up there. That was my sixth time performing, and it felt mean."
But beyond the bright lights and the roaring crowds, Teo knows the struggles that young artists face. When asked what advice he has for others navigating their journey, his response is simple yet powerful: "The main thing is to be yourself. People will always have something to say, but as long as you stay true to who you are and stay consistent, you'll get somewhere. I was posting on TikTok for one or two years before anything really took off. Where my music is now? That's all because of consistency, sticking to what I love."
His words carry the weight of experience. Social media has become a launchpad for many artists, but behind every viral moment is grit, patience, and the courage to keep going, something Teo knows all too well.
As we wrap up our conversation, I ask him about the deeper significance of this moment. Performing at one of the biggest music events in the world, in a city synonymous with live music, while carrying the pride of being Samoan, what does it all mean to him?
His response is instant, and it's heartfelt. "It means a lot. My dad always reminds me, there's only about 700,000 to 800,000 of us in the world. So to be one of them here in Austin, Texas, representing? It's mean."
With that, he lifts his arm, proudly showcasing his tatau, a traditional Samoan tattoo inked by his uncle Sione back in New Zealand. It's more than just body art; it's a symbol of identity, history, and resilience.
"I'm proud to be Samoan, and it feels good to be here, representing us. 685 to the world, baby!"
Teo Glacier may be young, but his journey is proof that passion, authenticity, and hard work can take you anywhere, even to the grand stages of SXSW. And as he continues to carve his own path, one thing is certain: this is only the beginning.
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, April 2025 (Vol. 2 No. 4).
April 2025 · Digital Magazine
