719 Takes Over SXSW: Colorado Springs Artists Leave Their Mark in Austin, TX

719 Takes Over 2026 SXSW: Colorado Springs Artists & Platinum Producer Scorp Dezel Leave Their Mark in Austin, TX

Austin, TX - While the spotlight at South by Southwest traditionally often leans toward major markets, this year’s wave of content, performances, and movement tells a much different story, and the 719 showed up heavy in motion!

From Writing/Production Camp pop-ups orchestrated by fellow platinum producer Scorp Dezel (Dezel Music) to late-night sessions and various performances and appearances by entities and artists like PG Nuke, KO Kelly, Niff (new 719 Mag team member), Ms Meerah , ronreezyy, Strykers Productions, Snook B, Shy Collins, YPT Jay, Pezzle Lantana, Riko2trim, Jims DTS, Tha Seekah also all alongside some Colorado heavyweights Papa Noleone, Ray Reed, HotYoungStars, She Who Won’t Be Named, Mathias DaGreat & more!

The 719 collectively moved in groups at times, as well as with the teams that accompanied each artist, while activating connections that were present in Austin within the music industry, where the soil is fertile during the first few days of SXSW weekend.

The streets of Austin, Texas this past weekend (Mar 13-15) became a content playground, with multiple artists shooting visuals, filming recaps, linking with media outlets, conducting and joining on the spot live interviews, and building real industry connections. Whether it was rooftop performances, guerrilla style video shoots, or simply out and about networking, the presence from Colorado Springs was undeniable.

This wasn’t just about being seen, it was about being documented. Cameras were rolling all week. From high energy performance clips, to behind-the-scenes moments, the 719 made sure their footprint at SXSW lives on even beyond the various events and festivals surrounding this beneficial annual conference. The consistency in content creation alone separated this group, mainly hailing from southern Colorado, showing a level of intent that matched any major market.

Recent online conversations added fuel to an already challenging moment in Colorado’s music scene. Rainwater, known for his ties to MO3, had previously sparked backlash after supposedly calling Colorado artists “trash” in an interview that popular Colorado platform Mile High Minute (MHM) brought to light. However, this past weekend Rainwater appeared to shift his stance in Austin, publicly shouting out two Denver artists IssBrazy + Tommy Jay on social media, something that seemed to intensify the conversation rather than ultimately settling it.

The situation recently pushed several respected figures in the 719 to voice their frustrations on the socials, while others, including Scorp Dezel, acknowledged that regardless of Rainwater’s position, Mile High Minute has consistently supported not only Denver artists yet also Southern Colorado artists, a point also echoed by 719 Magazine, even as some disagreed with MHM’s broader messaging.

Tensions escalated further when Denver entertainer/OG Porko Loko reportedly confronted Rainwater in Austin, Texas this past weekend over his earlier comments, with footage circulating through outlets like Mile High Minute and City of The Snow, even bringing humor to his confrontation. While some viewed Rainwater’s sudden support as growth, others questioned his motives especially amid speculation around recent paid opportunities offered to Colorado artists, raising potential “pay to play” concerns. All of this unfolded alongside a strong showing at SXSW, where many sources noted a unified and possibly even more dominant presence from Colorado Springs artists compared to Denver, adding another layer to the ongoing debate.

And that’s where the bigger narrative starts to take shape. Could refusing to give in, what some might even call “selling out” to the monetization of out-of-town artists arriving in Austin, actually be holding these same artists back from getting recognized by certain major media outlets or industry connects?

According to a trusted source from the 719 who attended SXSW this year, as well as several priors, the reality on the ground told a different story. Some of the paid opportunities in fact did not deliver the value that artists had expected, with a few events drawing little to no attention to the stages during performances by independent acts, who had invested in the promise or expectation of added exposure. While some stages did in fact deliver, this raises a new topic; how can rising artists visiting from outside Austin know what paid opportunities are actually worth the investment?

One opportunity for sure did and delivers consistently each and every time; Scorp Dezel’s SXSW Writing Camp Pop Up, held at a private location in Austin TX on Sunday March 15. Again bringing a solid avenue for artists, musicians, writers and producers to connect and even push for industry placements and the creation of potential hit records, with a set itinerary that always hits the mark with various special guests and attendees.

Despite recent posts from outlets like Mile High Minute (who we hold in high regards) highlighting Colorado’s presence, some media and perspectives did overlook a key detail: the bulk of that motion that came from the 719. Not to discredit the Denver scene in any way, who we have the utmost respect for, but if “Colorado” is being stamped on these moments,

where southern Colorado artists stand on business, is:

it shouldn’t automatically default to just Denver, Colorado..

Clearly there is a difference and a sense of pride in talent when it comes to some artist comparisons in 719 artists vs 303 artists and beyond, and not necessarily from a competitive standpoint. Denver has amazing talent, no question. While there doesn’t seem to be an open desire anywhere relevant for divisions to exists between the 2 regions, especially when it comes to artistry, there does seem to be a demand for recognition from many artists and musicians within southern Colorado.

SXSW 2026 made one thing clear:

719 didn’t just participate, we represented.

And for certain:

719 will be recognized.

Respect to the entire box state #Colorado

…from the 719!

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