SXSW 2009

South by Southwest. It's epic, it's amazing, it's exhausting. For one week in March, Austin, Texas is transformed into the musical Mecca of the world, as hundreds of bands play thousands of shows, 24 hours a day, in venues big and small (with quick breaks for BBQ and beer, of course). Anyone who’s anyone is here: reunited rock legends, much-buzzed blog bands, and a handful of acts looking to score that illusive record deal. And, of course, MTV News is on the ground, too. Over the next few days, we'll be bringing you round-the-clock SXSW coverage; checking out the can't-miss shows, talking to bands you know (and some you'll be knowing very soon), and forgoing sleep altogether. It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it.