I was reassured that not all was lost for live music the night I witnessed Art vs. Science rock a packed-out show earlier this year at Mercury Lounge.

SXSW has always had plenty of coming-of-age films on offer. However, as more "adults" delay growing up, that seminal moment appears to have been postponed.

With so many bands in Austin during SXSW it is easy to get them confused. This handy reference sheet is a certifiable source if you're in a jam and need to name-drop the latest buzz band.

Congestion is not so unusual for any number of film festivals and undoubtedly indicates a certain level of success, but it is a new development for this one, which seems to be in danger of losing just a little of its scrappy outsider status.

SXSW Music is two festivals: one for the high caste of badge holders and another, more chaotic one in which the lines of privilege blur and thousands upon thousands come together.

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The 2011 edition of Cold War Kids presents the questions that come from having invested relationships with bands that insist on changing.

Our pre-screening fears were quickly silenced when the lights went down. Happy New Year played beautifully, and the audience response was overwhelming.

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While there were more cool things at SXSW than I can even think to count, some things stand out more than others. Here are my 10 must-see's at the the 25th Anniversary SXSW Fest.

This film affected me in a deeply significant way. Much like these kids, I grew up in the country. Options were few; you could try to find a minimum wage job, or if you were lucky, you could take over the family business or farm.