credit:  Ima Leupp

Nakia & The Never Not Now at Lefty’s Brick Bar

Mar 13, 2025

7:00pm – 7:40pm CT

Lefty’s Brick Bar

Austin’s Nakia & The Never Not Now deliver a powerhouse blend of electric, modern soulful rock, driven by deep grooves, soaring harmonies, and an electrifying stage presence. Fronted by Nakia, a consummate showman and bandleader known for his commanding vocals and dynamic performances, the band fuses vintage soul, gritty rock, and cinematic synthesizers into a sound that’s both timeless and cutting-edge. While many first discovered Nakia from his breakout run on The Voice, he’s long been a force in the Austin music scene, captivating audiences with his raw energy and undeniable charisma.

With Benjamin Howard on bass, Andy Nolte on keys, Travis Deardorff and Jon Sanchez on guitar, and Danny Piccurrio on drums, the band is stacked with some of Austin’s finest musicians—each bringing their own fire to the stage. Every member contributes rich, layered backing vocals, creating a wall of harmony that elevates every song. Their sound is a high-voltage mix of The Nightsweats’ grit, Prince’s funk, and Otis Redding’s swagger, all pulsing with deep, groove-heavy synths and blazing guitars.

Nakia & The Never Not Now hold a residency at C-Boy’s Heart & Soul.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

Primary Access
Free to the Public
About
From: Austin, TX, United States
Genre: Rock
Subgenre: Alternative
Type: Showcase