The annual South by Southwest Festival is up and going. I like this conference for a couple reasons. First, it's all about the artists. You gotta love that.

But what I really love is the free music. OK, I'm a cheapskate. I'm also opposed to giving money to record labels that don't really care about their clients and instead sue their customers. I can't justify taking the music either, so it's nice when they give it away. To be honest, it's turned me on to a few bands that I would have never found any other way, such as the Eli Young Band. It's too bad they're on an RIAA label. I really considered buying some of their music.

I usually end up deleting about 1/3 of the music. Be warned that some of the lyricists have potty mouths and some of the musicians should really be working in fast food. But still, 2/3 of 738 ain't bad.