No, I’m not going to look like anyone in this photo. This is just the best representation I could find that I took of a band/crowd interaction at last year’s SXSW.

If you’re reading this, I’m on a plane to Austin. Actually, no I’m not. I’m on a plane to Detroit, which is apparently the best way to get to Austin from Lexington, Kentucky. Through Detroit. Anyway, if you’re reading this, then I’m on my way to the best non-festival, festival in America! (Suck it, CMJ) I’m excited to have a week to eat mexican food, hang out with friends from around the globe and drink whatever alcoholic beverage is sponsoring the party I’m attending at that moment. But mostly I’m excited to take photos and report back to you about all the goings-on.

MP3: Harry Nilsson – Let The Good Times Roll

This year is especially exciting because it’s the first SXSW that I’ve had a laptop. So instead of getting all the photos starting Sunday afternoon, you (should) be able to see most of them within a day or so of when they were shot. Additionally, I’ll be shooting/writing for Artist Direct this year, so check that out this week.

And as a special bonus for any stalkers or people who still don’t have their schedule figured out, I’ve included a rough list of all the parties I think I’ll be attending this year. The only ones that are absolutely concretely for sure I’ll be attending are our Hot Freaks! parties (obviously), but the rest are my top choices. Feel free to read the list after the jump and share your choices and suggestions in the comments!

See you in Austin!

-Matt

You should also check out Sched.org to keep track of your SXSW events. You can even cheat off my schedule.

Wednesday

4AD showcase – Central Presbyterian Church 200 E 8th St
8:00pm – 9:00pm Anni Rossi
9:00pm – 10:00pm M Ward
10:00pm – 11:00pm Department of Eagles
11:00pm – 12:00am St. Vincent
12:00am – 1:00am Camera Obscura

Thursday, March 19

Gorilla vs Booze III The Peacock 519 Pedernales St.
1:00pm – 1:45pm Harlem
1:45pm – 2:30pm Here We Go Magic
2:30pm – 3:15pm Girls
3:15pm – 4:00pm The Golden Filter
4:00pm – 4:45pm Wavves
4:45pm – 5:30pm White Denim
5:30pm – 6:00pm Vivian Girls

eMusic Showcase – Central Presbyterian Church 200 E 8th St
7:00pm – 8:00pm Girls
8:30pm – 9:30pm Grizzly Bear

Friday, March 20

Hot Freaks! Day 1 — The Mohawk and Club Deville – 900 – 912 Red River St
12:00pm – 1:00pm The Wrens
12:30pm – 1:30pm Obits
1:00pm – 2:00pm Bishop Allen
1:30pm – 2:30pm Handsome Furs
1:30pm – 2:30pm We Have Band
2:00pm – 3:00pm The Henry Clay People
2:30pm – 3:30pm These United States
3:00pm – 4:00pm Port O’Brien
3:30pm – 4:30pm The Thermals
4:00pm – 5:00pm The Rosebuds
4:30pm – 5:00pm Richard Swift
4:30pm – 5:30pm The Hold Steady
5:00pm – 6:00pm Delta Spirit

Blackberry/Filter Party – Cedar Street Courtyard 208 W 4th St
7:45pm – 8:45pm Pete & The Pirates
8:45pm – 9:45pm Beach House
9:45pm – 10:45pm Bedouin Soundclash
10:45pm – 11:45pm Peter Bjorn and John
11:45pm – 12:45am Grizzly Bear
12:45am – 1:45am Dinosaur Jr

Saturday, March 21

Hot Freaks! Day 2 — The Mohawk and Club Deville – 900 – 912 Red River St
12:00pm – 1:00pm Harlem
1:30pm – 2:30pm Girls
2:00pm – 3:00pm Vivian Girls
2:30pm – 3:30pm The Grates
3:00pm – 4:00pm Viva Voce
3:30pm – 4:30pm Sebastien Grainger & The Mountains
4:00pm – 5:00pm Peelander-Z
4:30pm – 5:30pm Amazing Baby
5:00pm – 6:00pm Camera Obscura

Auditorium Shores Stage (Lady Bird Lake) Riverside Dr & S 1st St
6:00pm – 7:00pm Beach House
7:00pm – 8:00pm The Cannabinoids feat. Erykah Badu
8:00pm – 9:00pm Explosions in the Sky