The music world gathered in Austin for Rolling Stone's third-annual Future of Music showcase, a vibrant event featuring artists ranging from newcomers to seasoned performers. Headlining the night was Benson Boone, whose energetic set showcased not only his vocal prowess but also his athletic stage presence. With a new album on the horizon, American Heart, Boone delivered a mix of old favorites and fresh tracks, leaving the audience in awe. Earlier performances by Duplexity, jasmine.4.t, Laila!, and Hannah Bahng brought unique sounds and personal stories to the stage, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.
Each act contributed its own flavor to the event, creating a tapestry of genres and narratives that resonated with fans. Jasmine.4.t shared heartfelt messages about her identity and advocacy work, while Laila! electrified the crowd with her self-produced hits. Hannah Bahng closed out the pre-headliner acts with a blend of emotional ballads and unexpected covers, further warming up the audience for Boone's spectacular finale. The night concluded with Boone's high-energy performance, proving why he remains one of today's most captivating live acts.
Diverse Voices Take the Stage
The evening commenced with a series of acts that highlighted the diversity within contemporary music. Duplexity kicked things off with their dynamic sound, blending alternative rock and metal influences into an engaging setlist. Their performance was characterized by powerful instrumentals and commanding vocals, capturing the attention of every attendee. Following them was Manchester-based singer-songwriter jasmine.4.t, who used her platform to address social issues close to her heart, including transgender rights and activism. Her set was both musically rich and emotionally charged, connecting deeply with listeners through poignant lyrics and expressive melodies.
This segment of the showcase underscored the importance of representation and authenticity in modern music. Each artist brought something distinct yet complementary to the table, contributing to a cohesive narrative throughout the evening. Duplexity's retro-inspired tunes evoked memories of past eras while simultaneously feeling refreshingly current. Meanwhile, jasmine.4.t leveraged her moment in the spotlight to speak candidly about experiences as a trans woman, reinforcing her role as both an entertainer and advocate. Together, these performances demonstrated how musicians can use their craft to foster understanding and inspire change among diverse audiences.
Benson Boone Shines Brightest
As the headliner, Benson Boone delivered a performance that encapsulated everything great about live music. Kicking off with "Sorry I'm Here for Someone Else," he immediately engaged the crowd with his charismatic demeanor and impressive athleticism. Throughout the show, Boone alternated between showcasing his incredible vocal range and executing daring stunts like flips off pianos, maintaining constant interaction with fans. Songs such as "Drunk in My Mind" and "Slow It Down" provided glimpses into his forthcoming album, American Heart, hinting at a nostalgic yet innovative direction influenced by legendary figures like Bruce Springsteen.
Boone's ability to connect personally with individual members of the audience exemplified his exceptional talent as a performer. Whether discussing relationships during song intros or engaging in heartfelt conversations mid-set, he ensured everyone felt seen and valued. His rendition of "Beautiful Things" became a communal experience when thousands joined him singing along, culminating in dramatic acrobatics mid-performance. Ultimately, this unforgettable display solidified Boone's status as a leading figure in today's musical landscape, demonstrating why he continues to captivate global audiences year after year. Through sheer dedication and relentless creativity, he left no doubt that brighter days lie ahead for both himself and those fortunate enough to witness his brilliance firsthand.