South by Southwest

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More than 20,000 are presumed dead or missing in Japan after a massive earthquake and tsunami hit on March 11. In response, the music community has been actively trying to raise relief money to send the small island nation.

The Last Republic performing. Photo by Leigh Belz. Jessica Lea Mayfield performing. Photo by Leigh Belz. The Foo Fighters performing. Photo by Leigh Belz. Wiz Khalifa performing. Photo by Leigh Belz. The vibe around Austin this year at South...

Next week, I'm heading west. (South by South)west. The music part of the annual Austin, Texas, festival (which has digital and film concentrations as well) is running this year from March 16 through the 20th. SXSW is important because it gives thousands of young acts the chance to be seen by those from all sides of the music industry and the media--in addition to the swarms of fans who attend every year to enjoy some new rock, pop, rap, and more. In previous years, I was introduced to Laura Marling, Mumford & Sons, Rye Rye, The Antlers, VV Brown, Fitz & the Tantrums, The Lonely Forest, The Temper Trap, Dawes, Local Natives, and even, seriously, Katy Perry--she played to a room of about 100 in 2008--through SXSW.

AnnaSophia Robb opens up about her latest flick Soul Surfer.

Marina Diamandis of U.K. pop sensation Marina and the Diamonds tells Leigh Belz about finding success and breaking the mold. Marina Diamandis is restless. When I meet her in the lobby of the Austin Hyatt...

If Wednesday was my day of new rootsy rock/folk and Thursday was one of discovery, Friday at South by Southwest was mostly about rediscovery - seeing artists I've long liked and hearing their new material....

I loved this girl's watermelon skirt, and cute braided hairdo. I was sure the skirt was vintage, but it turns out, it's from Anthropologie! These dudes were inside the Levi's store at the Levis + Fader fort. Usually I'm not...

Getting ready for Prom just got a whole lot easier! Check out our Ultimate Prom Guide now!Our intrepid music blogger, Leigh Belz, reports live from SXSW.Excited for The Runaways? Check out leading ladies Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning's NYC...

Thursday morning at SXSW, I was determined to mix things up a little. After watching a solid set from Miles Korosky (formerly of the band Beulah), my friend Jeff suggested a band called Terror Pigeon...

Just as long as they're nicely painted...DailyCandy: We've got spring fever but isn't it too soon to peep our toes?Shirtless dudes = Spring. RackedNY: It isn't really spring until the Hollister employees take their shirts off....

The annual South by Southwest music festival in Austin is often called "spring break for the music industry" because of the non-stop festivities and relentless socialization. But for a music writer looking to scout...

Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens are Lakers lovebirds. [Just Jared] SXSW announces its 2010 film lineup. [New York Times]Young Hollywood alum AnnaSophia Robb and country music star Carrie Underwood to star together in an indie...

Last March, I had the honor to meet 23-year-old Zee Avi at one of her shows during the South by Southwest music festival. The young singer-songwriter's rich voice is a mix of modern Kimya Dawson...

Dig summer for the cute summer dress.Playing our first ever show at SXSW - the venue, Stubbs, was awesome.Dig the boots!Getting ready for our second of four shows that day - gigging 12pm-12pm, crazy!The new...

Those Darlins liveMy Friday morning started with an excellent brunch at the Carrera Cafe, a temporary hangout set up for artists and the media. After debriefing with a few friends and spotting some hungry musicians...

Amber Rubarth performsThursday morning in Austin was cloudy and cool -- but by noon the sky had cleared and the bands who braved the stage for the day parties faced the bright, hot sun. "Does...

Picking a first show to attend at Austin's annual South by Southwest music festival is pretty daunting. With hundreds of intriguing choices, you don't want to start off on the wrong note. (Music pun not...

One of the bands I'm most excited to see at SXSW is Australian duo An Horse. The band, whose debut, Rearrange Beds, just came out on Tuesday, is comprised of vocalist/guitarist Kate Cooper and drummer...

This afternoon I'm flying from NYC to Austin, TX for the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival. I'm excited -- in years past I've seen some amazing bands for the first time at SXSW. (And...