From heavyweights Rick Ross and Mastodon to shining new artists like Vagabon and Diet Cig, the Mazda Studio at Empire was a hotbed of activity for the best and brightest at SXSW 2017. Presented by SPIN along with our friends at VIBE and Stereogum, we hosted nine stacked showcases throughout the week. Here’s a candid look at some of the highlights behind the scenes captured by our photographers Erik Voake, Wilson Lee, and Tino Tran.