SXSW: Out Of 1,800, Three Artists To Watch

Four full days, 1,800 bands — it's time again for the annual South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas. There will be live music around the clock in bars, restaurants, churches and even beauty shops. For many bands, it could be their chance to break out.

In an interview with Michele Norris, All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen says he prepared for SXSW by listening to 1,083 songs — well, at least parts of them. Out of the 100 artists that caught his ear, he plans to take in the wild pop songs of Micachu and The Shapes, the horn-packed Sgt. Dunbar and the Hobo Banned and Blind Pilot, who performs as part of NPR Music's SXSW Day Party on Thursday.