Every March, along with the first breath of spring, comes the chance to take what can only be called a "biz-cation" — a debauched combination of work and pleasure set in Austin, TX, at the annual South By Southwest festival, where indie-rock, beer and BBQ fuel four days of non-stop schmoozing and show-going. For years, SXSW has been my preferred music fest, easily beating out my fellow editors' favorite events (Austin Scaggs is partial to Bonnaroo; Brian Hiatt to Coachella), and here's why:

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