by Rodel Delfin

Yes, South By Southwest, the little ‘ol Austin confab that kicks the weaseling season into high gear, is upon us once more. So whether you’re looking to lock down the nexbigthing from the U.K. or hook up a meeting to steal away that one remaining A&R gig, Austin is the place to be. We’ll be sure that you finish that 11^th shot of tequila as you stumble out of the Four Seasons.

This year may really be the last hurrah. And judging from the feedback we’re getting from label peeps on both coasts, only a select few were given T&E approval to attend. But expect maximum A&R presence, as usual. Austin maintains its role as a getaway to network, especially for those on the job hunt, the de facto spring break for the music biz.

So, who are the big buzz bands to watch?

Domino Records act Franz Ferdinand, newly inked to Sony Music, descends on Austin on Thursday (3/19) at Buffalo Billiards. Expect mad attendance at this show.

Meanwhile, the Brian Schwartz-managed Rose Hill Drive is attracting serious weasel attention. The three-piece, Boulder, CO, rock ensemble has been doing the label meet-and-greet circuit lately. Word has it two label suitors have stepped up with offers; hotshot producer/mixer Brendan O’Brien is already on board. Sounds like this one is already nutty. Stay tuned.

Here are some recommendations for next week:

WEDNESDAY (3/17)

The Hong Kong at Elysium at 8pm
Quitter at Bigsby’s at 9pm
Boss Martians at the Jackalope at 9pm
Subset at Caucus Patio at 9pm
Woven at Rockstars at 9pm
The Lot Six at Emo’s Jr. at 10pm
Allrise at the Vibe at 10pm
The Dears at Buffalo Billiards 11pm
Vagenius at the Lounge at 11pm
The Southland at Friends at 11pm
Keaton Simons at Friends at 12am
Lucero at Buffalo Billiards at 12am
Decibully at Blender Bar at 12am
Boy Hits Car at the Back Room at 12am
Cordelene at Friends at 1am
Grand Champeen at Club DeVille at 1am
The American Analog Set at Buffalo Billiards at 1am

THURSDAY (3/18)

Domino Records Showcase at Buffalo Billiards featuring Franz Ferdinand, Clearlake, Mahjongg, Sons & Daughters and Electrelane
Swedish Music Showcase at BD Riley’s featuring Kristofer Astrom, Holden, Kamera, Hell on Wheels and Hardcore Superstar

Joe Purdy at Pecan St. Ale House at 9pm
The Sounds at Rockstars at 9pm
Criteria at Rockstars at 10pm
Gingersol at Club de Ville at 10pm
Calla at the Elysium at 11pm
Communique at The Blender Bar at The Ritz at 11pm
Irving at The Caucus at 11pm
The Q at the Copper Tank at 11pm
The Church at the Elysium at 12am

Denali at the Parish at 12am

The Apes at Beerland at 1am

FRIDAY (3/19)

Rose Hill Drive at Club de Ville at 8pm

Maxeen at Emo’s Annex at 9pm
Endochine at the Fox and Hound at 10pm
TV on The Radio at Exodus at 11pm
The Belles at Sake on Sixth at 11pm
The Black Keys at Antone’s at 12am
The Pleased at the Copper Tank at 12am
Say Anything at the Copper Tank at 1am
The Crimea at BD Riley’s at 1am
Constantines at Blender Bar at 1am

The Vue at Maggie Mae’s at 1am

SATURDAY (3/20)

Metric at Momo’s at 9pm
The Pale at Copper Tank at 9pm
Retisonic at Lava Lounge Patio at 12am

BUZZIN’: BBQ and Tequila