Once a year, almost every band, publicist and journalist affiliated with the music industry descends upon Austin for a weeklong parade of music, beverages, BBQ, music and more beverages. Full of private parties, secret events, label showcases, indie-celeb spotting and fans gone amok, South by Southwest is the music conference where things happen. Below you’ll find our free mix of featured artists, as well as key albums from some of the hundreds of bands performing this year. Keep checking back for exclusive live SXSW recordings.

Download SXSW: Featured Artists (iTunes, free) for yourself now.