Chuck D, John Oates Joins Speakers Lineup For SXSW 2024

Hip-hop heavyweight Chuck D of Public Enemy and Hall & Oates co-founder John Oates are among the big names added to the lineup for South by Southwest (SXSW) 2024, set to take place March 8-16 in its traditional home of Austin, TX.

The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame-inducted artists ride the second wave of featured speakers for the 38th annual gathering, announced today (Oct. 24), with AMD Lisa Su chair and CEO confirmed as the first keynote speaker.

For the 2024 edition of SXSW, Chuck D will participate in the daytime session Def Jam Renewed: The Hip-Hop Legend’s Next 40 years, which includes speakers Tunji Balogun (chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings), Bryan Biniak (president of Songtradr and GM of Bandcamp) and rapper Lady London, for an exploration of the iconic hip-hop label’s roots, the decisions that have “propelled it to global recognition for its creativity, quality, and authenticity,” and more.

Also, Oates will discuss Fame, Fortune, and Managing A Hit Music Career, in a Q&A with Alex Heiche, founder and CEO of music finance firm Sound Royalties, which will trace the singer and songwriter’s hitmaking career.

“Every year at SXSW, we’re privileged to host leaders and trailblazers who have risen to the top of their fields through hard work, thought leadership, and passion for their craft,” comments Hugh Forrest, co-president and chief programming officer.

AMD’s Su is “an innovator who continues to pioneer advancements in the chip industry and new ideas that will accommodate the needs of quickly developing AI-related technologies.”

The 2024 SXSW Conference is organized into 24 programming tracks, including advertising & brand experience, artificial intelligence, climate change, creating film & TV, creator economy, culture, design, energy, music & tech, music careers, psychedelics and more.

As previously reported, British indie band Dry Cleaning, New York punk rockers Bodega, and Swedish alternative act Waterbaby lead the first round of showcasing artists tapped for the South by Southwest Music Festival 2024.

SXSW 2024 is sponsored by Porsche, C4 Energy, and The Austin Chronicle. The SXSW Schedule will launch online Oct. 31, providing a complete rundown of 2024 programming.

Established in 1987 in the Lone Star State, SXSW is both a conference and festivals extravaganza that celebrates the convergence of tech, film and television, music, education, and culture.

Today’s announcement closely follows the conclusion of the inaugural SXSW Sydney. Held Oct. 15-22, SXSW Sydney is a collaboration with TEG, the NSW Government and Destination NSW, and is the brand’s official Asia Pacific leg.

SXSW signed a “lifeline” deal with P-MRC, a joint venture between Penske Media Corporation and MRC, the companies announced in April 2021, making P-MRC a stakeholder and long-term partner with the Austin festival. P-MRC is the parent company of Billboard.

Visit SXSW.com for more.