By Sean Nelson

South by Southwest is an annual festival of rock [showcases from March 15-19] and talk [March 10-19] during which thousands of bands, label flunkies, managers, journalists and assorted industry hangers-on descend on Austin, Texas, like a herd of stampeding cattle. Though its primary function remains as a music industry schmooze-a-thon, SXSW has expanded its parameters during the past two decades to include a world-renowned film festival, trade show and interactive media symposium. But unless you're going to try to sell your movie/label/Web site, chances are the thing that's going to interest you is the boundless orgy of live music the festival offers. Five nights of shows in more than 50 venues, featuring 1300 bands and solo artists, plus innumerable parties, unannounced jam sessions and impromptu barbecue busking. Among the big names at this year's event: Neil Young, Beastie Boys, Morrissey, Kris Kristofferson, Talib Kweli, Neko Case, Goldfrapp, Anthony Hamilton and many others. The real SXcitement, however, lies in discovering bands you've never heard of -- keep your ears peeled for the likes of Robinella, Page France, Xiu Xiu, the Catch, They Shoot Horses Don't They?, the Elected, John Vanderslice, Shearwater and Smoosh.

MSN Music's SXSW coverage puts you right in the thick of things with artist interviews, video diaries and a group blog offering daily dispatches from our crack team of Austin explorers.

Check out the photo gallery, a list of artists performing and other preview features. Be sure to check back -- reports from the field coming soon. If you weren't able to get down to Texas, MSN Music is your best bet for feeling like you're there ... minus the ringing ears and aching feet, that is.

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