By the time I caught up with Poliça they were just wrapping up their 10th show in five days, many of which were in front of capacity crowds eager to see what the much-hyped Minneapolis quartet are all about. As the band unwound, did laundry, and prepared to head back out on the road for…

Friday was a busy day for Minnesota showcases at SXSW, with both First Avenue and IPR throwing all-local parties down in Austin. First Avenue’s party was especially bustling all afternoon as Brother Ali performed songs off his forthcoming Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color backed by a live band, Doomtree performed a nonstop full-crew set,…

Mould says new record is inspired by playing with the Foo Fighters

Mark Wheat and Andrea Swensson call-in live from Austin

Sophomore album tentatively due out in September, label TBA

Highlights from Thursday's festivities

Thank you, NPR Music, for conveniently lining up several of this year’s indie buzz bands on one bill. After a particularly tedious day of traveling difficulties I wasn’t feeling particularly adventurous when I rolled into Austin last night, but I was pleasantly surprised by the array of talented acts I was able to witness by…

Mark Wheat and Andrea Swensson call-in live from Austin

Andrew Bird's bandmates talk about Dan Deacon and appearing on The Colbert Report

Over the next five days, you are going to hear an awful lot about the South by Southwest festival, particularly the music portion as it officially kicks off tomorrow. The Current will be journeying to Austin, Texas to report on the festival live, and I will be working alongside The Current’s program director Jim McGuinn…