On The Download: Live Music Is On At Austin's SXSW

Austin, Texas is in full swing with the South by Southwest music festival, which kicked off on Thursday.

The conference, called SXSW for short, traditionally celebrates new music and this year, despite the lagging economy, close to two thousand acts — from new-wave legends Devo to hip-hop star-on-the-rise Kid Sister, and from beat-happy popster Little Boots to Portland indie-rockers The Decemberists — are making a splash.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: On The Download

A host of acts are already tipped as ones to catch including Glasvegas, a pompadour sporting four-piece from Scotland, who set off a buzz when they performed just a handful of dates earlier this year in America.

Their dark, cinematic, moody rock, performed under dimly lit concert lights created a big word of mouth this past winter and everyone who didn't catch their obscenely packed show at LA's Troubadour in February (guests included Lisa Marie Presley who was so impressed she invited them to a party at her house days after their show), are gagging to catch the group.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Rock Stars

Also hot on the ones-to-catch-list at the festival is Eminem-a-like rapper Asher Roth. The Pennsylvania college and beer loving hip-hopper is playing at least two late night gigs, which no doubt will be heavily subscribed.

Me, I'm going to try and catch Adam Freeland, who is dropping the breaks and moving over into the rock world. He recently ditched the UK for the US and made a rock record using his friends for vocalists including former Distiller's frontwoman, Brody Dalle, Pixies guitarist Joey Santiago and Jerry Casale from Devo, who is appearing live with the bleach-blonde one on Thursday night!

Also on the list, a little bit of unsigned soul-indie from Aussie's The Temper Trap, and fellow down under outfit, five-piece Dappled Cities, who just wrapped up a new album for DangerBird Records. A little jump around to Sweden's Ida Maria might be nice, especially if she breaks out her uber-catchy "I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked," as would a swoon to London's post-punkers We Have Band, or Crocodiles, who sound not unlike an American Spiritualized.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: On The Download: Jon McLaughlin

And of course, a little BBQ from Rachael Ray on Saturday afternoon!

We'll be blogging from the event, so check back for tips and pics!

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