Bee Blackwell @ The New Colossus Festival 2026
Last year, Austin shoegaze act Bee Blackwell released her EP New Familiar. The five-track release sees Blackwell digging further into an alternative rock/emo sound, this time with crunchier guitars. It’s a fitting sound for an artist that began by making covers of 90s alt rock/grunge songs. Her standout set at this year’s New Colossus Festival solidifies her as an artist to watch. With her newly announced tour with Julia Wolf this fall, she’s on her way to bigger stages.
We talk gear, DIY and emo, Baker Falls and more in our Q&A.
Bee Blackwell (@beeblackwell_)
Homebase: Austin, TX
Tell us about a highlight of the event… Definitelyhanging out up on the balcony of Baker Falls watching all the other bands from above, super cute and cozy little space and great view of all the bands!!
What’s your songwriting process? I usually write a basic chord structure on my guitar and then sus out a melody from there, I'll take that acoustic demo and lay down some tracks on Logic to get it closer to where I want it to be.
What’s your greatest creative influence? The DIY scene and emo music in general.
Favorite piece of gear? My tube screamer and my guitar but I wasn't able to bring it with me on our trip :(
Did you catch any other bands at the festival? If so, any standouts? The Sewing Club and Glassio were super dope, as well as the Dutch Kills.
Follow Bee Blackwell on Instagram.