Last night we got shut out of the songwriters in the round and wandered instead to Barsuk. Saw Rocky Votolato, avoided Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter and were awaiting Aqueduct when we got a tip of a free Rapture show down the street at 1 a.m.

So here we are in Austin. Is it ever what you expect? Two days down and there are many with whom we've thus far failed to connect, publicists and musicians and writers with whom we correspond all year, building relationships of a sort, if not camaraderie and a sense of humor. Of the bands I highlighted pre-SXSW, I've yet to see one due to high ticket prices or sold-out shows (I'm accompanying a badgeless musician, which makes nighttimes tough). But the day parties have been a fun whirlwind and the beer has been flowing (more Lone Star than Shiner Bock, that's for sure) and the free food has been decent if not quite plentiful. I'm less afraid this year, which means I'll approach more people, introduce myself and my artists, make a connection. But have I made any key connections thus far? Hard to say.

Last night we got shut out of the songwriters in the round and wandered instead to Barsuk. Saw Rocky Votolato, avoided Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter and were awaiting Aqueduct when we got a tip of a free Rapture show down the street at 1 a.m. Giddy (but for Todd, who was stumbling-over-his-feet tired), we rushed over, met up with some friends, and waited. First up was IV Thieves, a very pleasant surprise. Their set concluded with the announcement that, yes, it was true: the Rapture were up next...to DJ. Gypped. We had to stay a few minutes just to snap the requisite pictures, but our hopes had been dashed.

Now we're sharing a room with the Daybreak Boys, who moved in while we were out on the town last night. Off to a couple breakfasts today, followed by the mandatory Spin party and more shows by my bands. And yes, it's another beautiful day in Austin; ahh, spring.