• More SXSW news, reviews, videos and tour dates
• Buy SXSW music from Amazon
• • SXSW news RSS Feed

A host of afternoon gigs are about to kick off today (March 12) in Texas, to mark the beginning of the SXSW festival 2008.

Highlights include The Spinto Band heading up a line-up including Division Day, Joseph Arthur and AA Bondy at the Creekside Lounge, while at the Red Eye Fly a bill including Two Gallants, Die! Die! Die! and White Denim kicks off at 11am (CMT).

Holy Fuck, The Cool Kids and Ghosthunter play afternoon shows at the Peacock from 1pm, with The Raveonettes, These New Puritans and Evangelicals playing at Emo’s from midday.

At Hotel San Jose Londonrecent NME cover star Lightspeed Champion headlines a bill kicking off at noon, with Scissors For Lefty, Deadly Syndrome and Mason playing before him.

NME.COM is bringing you full coverage of SXSW as it happens. Head to the NME SXSW page now for all the latest news, galleries and blogs direct from the festival.

Visit NME Video for the latest music videos and artist interviews

• Previous: Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson to release horror film
• Next: The Enemy and Goldfrapp confirmed for Glastonbury