Hello from Austin! We're excited to be part of one of the world's biggest music discovery events, the SXSW Music Festival. Every day this week, we'll be sharing updates on what's news and what's next.

Today is the first of four day parties we're co-presenting with Noisetrade at the Blackheart on Rainey Street. If you're in Austin, come by and see us!

If you're not at SXSW, you can watch The Current's Facebook page as Jade talks with several artists, starting at noon. Today, we're planning to talk with the Shelters, Split Single (including Spoon's Britt Daniel), Communist Daughter, Sylvan Esso, and Temples. You can also hear Jade occasionally report from SXSW on The Current.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (thecurrentsnaps) for live reports on all the action.

Here's the lineup today at the Blackheart:

Indoor Stage
11:30 to 12 p.m.: Swimming with Bears
12:30 to 1 p.m.: Erick Slick
1:30 to 2 p.m.: Naked Giants
2:30 to 3 p.m.: Split Single
3:30 to 4 p.m.: Jamie Isaac
4:30 to 5 p.m.: Jonny P

Outdoor Stage
12 to 12:30 p.m.: Charly Bliss
1 to 1:30 p.m.: The Shelters
2 to 2:30 p.m.: Ben Sollee
3 to 3:30 p.m.: Communist Daughter
4 to 4:30 p.m.: Ne-Hi
5 to 5:40 p.m.: Temples

SXSW Music is just ramping up today, but there's still plenty of cool stuff to do if you're in Austin. Spoon's three-night residency at the Main (formerly Emo's, temporarily re-designated "Eno's" in honor of the band's founding drummer) starts tonight, with "a unique lineup" of guest artists promised each night.

In addition, there's an official opening party at Maggie Mae's, with performances by artists including The Current's Birthday Party alumni the Lemon Twigs. Up on the rooftop at Maggie Mae's, a showcase of dance bands include !!!!

Also tonight, Temples are playing a rock showcase at the Gatsby; and a slamming showcase at the Empire features artists including Hurray for the Riff Raff, Julie Byrne, Real Estate, and Sleigh Bells. Wisconsin electro-poppers GGOOLLDD will be at Swan Dive, while Francis and the Lights will bring their signature flair to Levi's Outpost. The Wu-Tang Clan (!) are anchoring a night at the Moody Theater that will also include a DJ set from Erykah Badu.

Bilal, who wowed the crowd at last fall's Revolution reunion and the official Prince tribute with his searing rendition of "The Beautiful Ones," will be at Buffalo Billiards; while Benjamin Booker is holding it down at the Belmont. Fans of Japanese punk will want to make their way to Valhalla for a Peelander-Z set that's sure to be better than the new Power Rangers movie.

For a complete lineup of today's official music events, see sxsw.com.

The trip to Austin, and a hello from Har Mar

Our crew arrived in Austin yesterday, after a trans-continental road trip in The Current van. It's great to be here, and we're glad to be sharing the adventure with you!

Our first order of business was to say hello to the staff at the Blackheart. It's an awesome space, and we can't wait to set up shop.

Later Monday night, several of us headed down to C-Boy's on South Congress for an intimate set by our hometown hero Har Mar Superstar. In addition to his own songs — including "Youth Without Love" and "Lady You Shot Me" — Har Mar treated the Austin audience to his cover of Prince's "When You Were Mine."

Whew! SXSW, let's rock it.