For one week every March, Austin floods with industry bigwigs and concertgoers alike to check out over 1,500 artists showcasing at the South by Southwest Music Festival. The conference draws over 10,000 international participants to generate the most revenue of any public event in the city, and as a result, creates the world's loudest downtown traffic jam. With hordes of out-of-towners flocking to the city, knowing how to navigate this Texas town is essential.

Who better than Colin from CubikMusik, the Austin-based music blogger, to give us the lowdown on the must-see, hear, and not-to-be-missed places during the festival? Colin, the force behind one of the mostly highly anticipated showcases this year, "Above the Radar," is a favorite in-town indie anomaly, as the respected music blogger surprisingly originates from Dublin, Ireland. However, several years as a Texas resident with a steady finger on the pulse of the local scene provides him with an invaluable insider's perspective on how to survive the week:

What was the biggest culture shock in your move, and what’s taken the longest to adjust to?
I've been in the USA for almost six years and Austin for four of those [years]. The biggest culture shock: the heat during the summer. 100 plus degrees and 100% humidity is something else. In saying that, I prefer it over being cold!

Austin is lauded for its incredible indie-music scene. How would you compare it to the one in Dublin?
Having lived in San Diego for a year and a half and then on to Austin, I really appreciate the Austin way of life. Population-wise, it is smaller than Dublin, but of course, it’s bigger in size. Texans remind me of the Irish sometimes: we stick to our guns (excuse the pun) and speak our minds. That can get you in trouble, but at least you know where you stand. Austin and Dublin are similar with regard to some of the indie/creative elements of life so that’s absolutely appealing. And needless to say, both cities have lots of great music also.

Where do you go when you're jonesing for some barbeque, and what's your preferred beverage to go with it?
I like the Salt Lick but it’s too far out of town if you don't have a car. Artz Rib House on South Lamar is great. Ironworks behind the Convention Center is pretty darn good. As for beverage, you know I'm not [from] Texas 'cuz I like my tea hot…not iced. Beer goes remarkably well with BBQ, though.

In a town notorious for barbeque, any suggestions for vegetarians?
Whole Foods on Lamar is great for veggies or meat lovers alike. VegSXSW might be useful also.

During SXSW, you're invaded by a million tourists. Any places you avoid during this week?
Taco Xpress on South Lamar is packed. And driving downtown, the furthest I'll go is to South Congress.

With hotel rooms and hostels packed, any suggestions on last-minute places to crash?
Craigslist is full of rooms, apartments, houses and even funky Airstream-type trailers to sleep in. And if you're in Austin and know who I am but don't realize I live here, hit me up for a room!

Best showcase to score food, drinks, and swag?
By the looks of things I'd say the iheartcomix vs Mad Decent party on Friday. Great tunes, booze, food, fun, and maybe even some swag! Of course, a lot of the time you find out about the best swag spots on the day.

What's the craziest method you've resorted to get into a show?
Not really about getting into a show but more so about getting to one. After a very heavy night out involving stuff I can't talk about, I got to bed around 5 am and was awoken by a mate at around 10 am telling me that we were going to hitchhike to Cork (Southern Ireland) to see Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds play that night. It was about 350 miles of a trip, but up I got and we hit the road. About 7 hours later, after we got separate rides, we got to Cork and spent about the equivalent of $25 on tickets. Got into the show about 30 minutes before they came on stage, delighted with ourselves. Then they only played one song! Needless to say we were pissed. I met one of the Bad Seeds about 7 years ago and told him the story. He thought it was brilliant.

Any suggestions for how to score last-minute tickets?
Did I mention Craigslist? Also, I guess there may be a good few competitions online that you can enter. At least with the day shows, you don't need wristbands or badges as much, so you can still get to see a lot of great stuff.

Any secret all-nighter food places to stave off the inevitable hangovers?
Kerby Lane, Katz's, Magnolia.

What would be the best way to spend an extra day, post-festival?
If it’s sunny you've got go to Barton Springs, a natural pool in the middle of a greenbelt close to downtown, Waterloo Records and then, Mean Eyed Cat, my favorite bar. I know I'll be hanging out in my backyard with some cold beers and BBQ. After four days of lot loud music, I know I'll be fine listening to the birds singing.

Got a secret about Austin that out-of-towners wouldn't know?
Apparently, it's legal to be topless downtown in Austin. I have no idea if that’s true and have never seen anyone doing it, but have heard it a few times from different people and always found it strange.

~Abbey Braden

First photo by KK via Flickr
Second photo by Thisfatguy via Flickr
Third photo by Ben and Becs BP's via Flickr
Fourth photo by kaanah via Flickr
Fifth photo by SFBart via Flickr
Sixth & seventh photos by Andrew Kendall via Flickr
Eighth photo, courtesy of Kerbey Lane Cafe
Ninth photo by Steve Hopson via Flickr
Tenth photo, courtesy of Austin Parks & Recreation Department
Eleventh photo by Evil Cabeza via Flickr
Twelfth photo, courtesy of Mean Eyed Cat
Thirteenth photo via The Think Blog