Q commander-in-chief Paul Rees is at the SXSW Festival this weekend, pounding the streets of Austin, Texas in search of the Next Big Thing. Like a trooper, he's keeping a daily blog, which you can peruse right here.

Day 1: Why does everyone look like ZZ Top?

Day 2: Hoedowns, giant afros - and a midnight show from R.E.M.

Day 3: Dive bars, big shorts, and the majesty of My Morning Jacket.

Day 4: Vampire Weekend fail to shift earth off its axis.

Day 5: Kate Nash and The Pigeon Detectives storm Q's official SXSW party.