A few unrelated news bits surrounding SXSW (mostly from the Statesman’s Music Source blog):

• R.E.M. will kick off the 34th season of tapings of Austin City Limits on March 13th during SXSW. There’s certain to be a riot to get tickets for that taping (Statesman Austin Music Source Blog).
• Guitar Hero III will have a presence at SXSW this year, including possibly one or two bands from the game (Statesman Austin Music Source Blog).