Stereogum returns to SXSW this year bigger and better than ever, having teamed up with the NYC-based record label Sacred Bones and Austin’s own Chaos In Tejas for a free all-day event. Put your spreadsheet down, skip the hassle of running around to twenty different venues, and settle in at Beerland with this international showcase of fourteen bands, which includes a special showcase by Zola Jesus -- the experimental Russian American’s only performance during SXSW this year. more ›

Motörhead at Austin Music Hall (3/17): Previously reserved for the Austin Music Awards, the opening night of SXSW Music at the Austin Music Hall this year was a welcome blast from the past for metal fans. Although history does not see them in the same light as the Metallicas or the Megadeths, Voivod were veritable contributors to the thrash metal movement of the ‘80s. It was heartening to see they could still deliver the goods at a sizable venue, albeit to a meager crowd. Next up, Michael Monroe ensured the days of glam were not forgotten, performing solo material as well as classic Hanoi Rocks songs to a growing and enthusiastic audience. The tunes were anthemic and enjoyable, but it was Monroe who stole the show, prancing all over stage, twirling his mic continuously, and jumping into the photo pit to allow an eager group of fans to join in on the vocals. We were a little surprised that AMH was not jam packed when Motörhead took the stage around 10:30. Considering that the band had played the night before at Stubb’s and Lemmy: The Movie had already been in the SX news for days now (plenty of Lemmy sightings included), perhaps Motörhead had worn out their welcome in town? Not in our book! The band took no prisoners as they delved into their healthy catalog for a number of speed metal gems, reminding us why they are held in such high esteem by fans of that genre. more ›

The avalanche of SXSW day party announcements continues, and here’s another one to add to your list: on Thursday the 15th, the Athens, Georgia-based PR and radio promotions powerhouse Team Clermont is teaming up with music blog aggregator MBV to present their now annual “SXSW College Party” at Flamingo Cantina. They’ve cooked up all kinds of reasons to induce you to attend, first and foremost being the lineup, which includes notables Califone, Dengue Fever, and the excellent Collections of Colonies of Bees. They’ll also be giving away scads of free vinyl from various indie labels, which will be handily delivered in a tote bag designed by animator and poster designer Lauren Gregg. Lineup and set times after the jump. more ›

For $129 smackers, you can get yourself your very own fancy bracelet this morning that will grant you access to any of the official music venues during SXSW without paying cover. Granted, entrance is based on capacity and badges still get in ahead of wristband holders, but if you are planning on hopping around a lot, then this will prevent you paying a $25 cover charge at Buffalo Billiards to hear one band, which is what we did one year. Totally worth it, right? Go here and get your refresh button good and limbered up before the starting gate drops at 10am! more ›

Police were called in at 2:45 this morning after two members of the band Iglu & Hartly, in town for SxSW, were found running around the Hilton downtown, and playing the 6th floor piano, in the nude. Hotel staffers asked Michael Anderson Jarvis and Samuel Martin to put their clothes on; when that didn't work, security was called. Jarvis then punched the hotel security guard three times. Jarvis (his band bio says his name is Jarvis Anderson) has been charged with felony assault on a public servant. [Statesman] more ›

Akron/Family is a band unlike any other in the current indie scene: they sport three part vocal harmonies, they can folk it softly, they break out the classic rock, and they do all of it with an attentive eye on the higher planes and greater depths of existence. Not only that, but they're going to be a little busy in Austin next week, playing four shows, including a headlining spot for Austinist's day party, Gonna Gonna Get Down IV, at the Mohawk on Wednesday the 18th. Just about to release their stunningly cathartic new album, Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free, we were lucky enough to hit up founding member Miles Seaton for a wide-ranging talk on the pursuit of truth, the SXSW blender, and why he's optimistic for the future of humanity. more ›

The Integrated Media Community, a "collective group of Austin-based film, music, interactive and arts professionals working to create a sustainable media economy in Austin, Texas," is throwing their second annual ATX Emerge party, which combine the talents of local filmmakers, artists and musicians. Tomorrow evening's party at the Mohawk features Belaire, Brazos, Foot Patrol, Freshmillions, Harlem, Sunset, The White White Lights, Ume, Zeale, and DJ Blissom. They'll also have a media room set up where you can see new video game and film work being presented. The event is free, but an RSVP (see box) is required. more ›

RSVP here for Soundcheck Magazine’s 3rd Birthday Party at Emo’s Annex on Friday (Noon to 6 p.m.). Free El Arroyo tacos while they last and music from Port O’Brien, Fanfarlo, Blind Pilot, Pete & The Pirates, Harlem Shakes, The Antlers, Motel Motel, and Moth Fight. more ›

All week long, Austinist is giving away tickets and guestlist spots to some of the hottest private, unofficial parties taking place during the annual SXSW Festival. Contests will be posted throughout the day and run for a few hours apiece, so check back frequently for your best chance to win. more ›

All week long, Austinist is giving away tickets and guestlist spots to some of the hottest private, unofficial parties taking place during the annual SXSW Festival. Contests will be posted throughout the day and run for a few hours apiece, so check back frequently for your best chance to win. more ›

The Chronicle's Austin Powell tells Michael Corcoran that Metallica's people were told by Metallica that the band "will indeed be playing Stubb's" during SXSW, as had been previously rumored. more ›

All week long, Austinist is giving away tickets and guestlist spots to some of the hottest private, unofficial parties taking place during the annual SXSW Festival. Contests will be posted throughout the day and run for a few hours apiece, so check back frequently for your best chance to win. more ›

All week long, Austinist is giving away tickets and guestlist spots to some of the hottest private, unofficial parties taking place during the annual SXSW Festival. Contests will be posted throughout the day and run for a few hours apiece, so check back frequently for your best chance to win. more ›

All week long, Austinist is giving away tickets and guestlist spots to some of the hottest private, unofficial parties taking place during the annual SXSW Festival. Contests will be posted throughout the day and run for a few hours apiece, so check back frequently for your best chance to win. more ›

All week long, Austinist is giving away tickets and guestlist spots to some of the hottest private, unofficial parties taking place during the annual SXSW Festival. Contests will be posted throughout the day and run for a few hours apiece, so check back frequently for your best chance to win. more ›

Applications for Temporary Use, Temporary Change of Use, Sound and Outdoor Venue permits are due by today, says the City of Austin. more ›

The Chronicle's Austin Powell casually leaked what amounts to an unofficial confirmation that Metallica—or members of the band—may show up during SXSW for an unannounced performance at Stubb's. more ›

Keep checking our big post with SXSW related party information regularly for updates. more ›

Nashville’s music scene and reputation for churning out singer/songwriters should come as no surprise to anyone. But, perhaps one of the latest of these musicians coming from that way worth mentioning is Caitlin Rose, and you’ll have the chance to sample the sound yourself during South by Southwest this year. more ›

We're happy to welcome Akron/Family, Vetiver, the Mae Shi, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Gringo Star, J Tillman, Young Widows, Here We Go Magic, Kevin Devine, Caitlin Rose, Garotas Suecas, TV/TV and Telekinesis, along with a DJ set by Ceeplus Bad Knives. As always, the party is free, 21+, and open to the public. We'll be serving treats from Home Slice and Mary Louise Butters and providing free booze all afternoon, and we'd love to see you. Over the coming weeks, we'll be introducing you to our lineup - get to know a few of them (and make a note of the set times) after the jump today. more ›

SXSW is still looking for around 150 volunteers to help with our Music Production crews. more ›

SPIN.com has announced the lineup for their annual Friday afternoon day party at Stubb's. more ›

SXSW is fast approaching and the blogosphere is already bursting at the seams with a plethora of lists containing “confirmed” and “unconfirmed” artists scheduled to perform at official showcases this year. We’ve done our best to compile the data from the many sources - our list can be viewed after the jump. more ›

While you were away at your family get-together or taking a much needed break from excessive internet usage this holiday season, SXSW announced a set of confirmed bands playing the festival next year, including Primal Scream, Friendly Fires, and Ra Ra Riot. St. Vincent, Beach House, Bonnie Prince Billy, Black Lips, and Dappled Cities are just a few of the other confirmed names we’re already getting excited for. There is a fairly extensive list on Do512’s blog containing rumored as well as confirmed artists. more ›

So my original guarantee - that every big rapper in the state would come to SXSW again - kind of didn’t pan out, though our city’s finest will be out in force (more on that later). Still, sans Lil’ Keke, Matt Sonzala’s rap line-up for the official events is particularly strong, bolstered by a handful of legends and all sorts of regional stars. Here are my picks from the official showcases in no particular order (except that Bun is first): Bun B (Houston) Mike Jones will be telling his great grandkids about Bun’s first Houston show after Pimp C’s death. Bun will pay tribute again tonight at Fuze (or, to be more exact, early morning on Thursday). You’re probably already planning on going. more ›

The wait for SXSW Music is almost over but the information overload will persist for another few days! Our writers combed through stacks of emails, tons of event listings, and pages and pages of our beloved "Party Flyers" slideshow to come up with a list of recommended happenings. more ›

SXSW Music kicks off on Wednesday the 12th, as always with the Annual Austin Music Awards at Austin Music Hall, but it has become clear over the last few years that the music really starts the night before. Just thinking back to last year, we remember walking up and down Red River, watching bands like Golden Bear, White Denim and Broken Teeth at venues such as Beauty Bar, Emo’s and Red 7, and congratulating ourselves for getting started early. more ›

The list is here. more ›

This year's SXSW Music lineup seems to be taking shape a bit more quickly than last year, as bands have taken it upon themselves to announce showcases publicly before the official list release by SX organizers. This is a departure from prior years, but since festival officials aren't complaining, we assume they're happy to let the hype build as the acts trickle in. This week's top twelve additions: more ›

It's official: Lou Reed is the keynote for SXSW music 2008. His speech will be held in conjunction with Julian Schnabel’s film Lou Reed’s ‘Berlin,’ which documents a recent performance of the landmark 1973 album. more ›