Today we’d like to introduce you to She 23.
She, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Born and raised in Austin, Texas, She23 is a music artist, DJ, songwriter, and event curator whose work is rooted in the city’s rich creative culture. With a passion for bringing people together through music, she has built a name for herself by creating experiences that connect with audiences on and off the stage.
As an artist and songwriter, She23 uses music as a form of storytelling, drawing inspiration from real-life experiences, personal growth, and the vibrant energy of her community. Her sound is both expressive and relatable, reflecting her commitment to creating music that resonates with others, while still bringing the party.
Behind the decks, She23 is known for her ability to create memorable moments through thoughtfully curated sets that blend genres and keep audiences engaged. Her talent and dedication have earned her recognition as an official performing artist such as SXSW for multiple years, AfroTech, DreamCon and more,
In addition to performing and creating music, She23 curates events that celebrate culture, creativity, and community. Whether she’s on stage, in the studio, or behind the scenes bringing people together, her mission remains the same: to create meaningful experiences through the power of music.
Proudly representing Austin wherever she goes, She23 continues to grow her impact as a multifaceted creative, using her platform to inspire connection, expression, and culture.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to building a career in music has been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life. Being born and raised in Austin, Texas—a city known around the world for its music scene—many people assume that opportunities are easy to come by. The reality is that Austin is incredibly competitive, and making a name for yourself among so many talented artists takes years of consistency, sacrifice, and perseverance.
Music became my priority at a young age. As a teenager, I made the decision to transition to online schooling so I could dedicate more time to rehearsals, performances, songwriting, and developing my craft. While others were experiencing a more traditional high school life, I was balancing coursework with long nights preparing for shows, networking, and chasing opportunities that could help move my career forward.
One of the biggest challenges has been managing the demands of the industry while protecting my mental health. Being an independent artist means wearing multiple hats every day—creating music, booking performances, promoting events, building relationships, managing social media, and constantly finding ways to stay visible in an ever-changing industry. The workload can be overwhelming, and there have been moments where the pressure felt heavy. Learning how to balance ambition with self-care has been an ongoing journey.
There have been setbacks, disappointments, and moments where progress felt slow. But every challenge has strengthened my determination and deepened my passion for what I do. The experiences I’ve gained, the lessons I’ve learned, and the community I’ve built along the way have made every sacrifice worth it.
My journey is a reminder that success in music isn’t just about talent—it’s about resilience. It’s about continuing to show up, even when the path isn’t clear, staying true to yourself, and believing in your vision long before the world sees it. Every performance, every song, and every opportunity I’ve earned is the result of years of hard work, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to my dream.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a music artist, DJ, songwriter, and event curator. My music is rooted in hip-hop, but I’ve never believed in staying inside one box. I draw inspiration from rock, R&B, and pop, creating a sound that reflects all the different influences that have shaped me as both an artist and a person. Some of my major influences are Hayley Williams, Rico Nasty, Dora Cat and Teena Marie. Growing up in Austin, a city known for its rich music culture, z.inspired me to pursue music from an early age.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to perform on some incredible stages, including multiple appearances as an official artist at SXSW, as well as performances at AfroTech and Dream Con. Being recognized as a recipient of the Austin, Live Music Fund Grant ’26 is another meaningful milestone in my journey and a reminder that the work I’ve been putting into my craft and community continues to make an impact. As a recording artist, I use music as a way to tell stories, express myself, and connect with others.
My EP 2H3EO represents an important chapter in my artistic growth, showcasing my willingness to experiment with different sounds while staying true to who I am. One of my favorite releases, “Goofy Goober,” captures a side of me that isn’t afraid to be playful, creative, and authentic—qualities that are at the core of everything I create.
As a DJ & event curator, I have celebrated the 5 year anniversary of my annual event “Back On My Bullshit” and just celebrated my biggest event- on Juneteenth “All Black Everything” hosted at Coconut Club where I teamed up with Pride in Black to throw a kicks event .
What makes me different is that I don’t just create music—I create experiences. Whether I’m performing on stage, DJing an event, writing songs, or curating spaces for people to connect, my goal is always to bring people together through creativity, culture, and genuine expression. I believe some of the most powerful moments happen when people feel seen, understood, and free to be themselves.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Being true to myself
Not having fear and just going for it
Keep an open mind
Consistency
Practice
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/she23.music/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/she23
