Hello world. Welcome to the “new and improved” SXSW Music blog.

I’m positively thrilled to be the bearer of all kinds of groovy new features like Pick Three, where artists, writers, industry types and even the SXSW staff weigh in on three acts they’re looking forward to seeing at this year’s festival. Also coming up, The LP Questionnaire… five in-depth probing questions with a bevy of showcasing talent.

If you’re wondering who the heck is taking over, this is Linda Park (seeing my name in print like that is kind of disconcerting) writing at you. Yes, the same Linda Park who is old, uncool and used to book The Viper Room. This is my 20th SXSW, and I’m just as excited to be here today as I was in 1988. Okay, that might not be true, but I’m here, right?

SXSW has changed a lot over the years (I mean, the entire convention used to take place at The Marriott on 11th and I-35. It’s now a Sheraton. Anyone remember that?), but in ways it’s still the same shimmering mass of industry people (some weasely, some not), music fans and bands from all over the world descending on Austin for five days of fun in the (most of the time) sun. I know I sound like I’m drinking the Kool-Aid, but really, anyone who knows me will tell you that pretending to appreciate is not my forte.

Matt Sonzala, our resident Hip Hop guru, will be weighing in not only on the rap side of things but on the whole of the fest, as well. Mr. S, of HoustonSoReal and Austin Surreal joined our staff full-time in January, and we’re ever so chuffed to be graced with his blogging skills. Or would that be skillz? I know as much about hip hop as Mitt Romney, unfortunately.

This is also your place for SXSW Music News coming to you courtesy of the great and powerful Melissa Dennis.

You can reach me (for better or worse) at musicblog@sxsw.com. I’m psyched to hear from you, dear reader, but if you just want to tell me that Louis Black and Roland Swenson are evil, please save it. Believe me, I know.

Happy Valentine’s Day, LP

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