SXSW 2012: the music begins – in pictures

Santigold performs at SXSW on 13 March 2012 in Austin, Texas Photograph: Jesse Knish/WireImage

British soul singer Michael Kiwanuka performs at SXSW in Austin, Texas, on 14 March 2012 Photograph: Jack Plunkett/AP

Jake Dilley performs at SXSW 12 March 2012 in Austin, Texas Photograph: Sean Mathis/WireImage

Jay-Z performs at the AMEX Sync Show at SXSW in Austin, Texas, on 12 March 2012 Photograph: Jack Plunkett/AP

Andrew Bird performs at SXSW on 14 March 2012 in Austin, Texas Photograph: Bobby Longoria/WireImage

Fiona Apple performs at SXSW in Austin, Texas, on 14 March 2012 Photograph: Jack Plunkett/AP

Kenny Rogers and Lionel Richie perform at SXSW on 14 March 2012 in Austin, Texas Photograph: Earl Mcgehee/WireImage

New Jersey's The Ugly Club occupy a spot along Sixth Street in downtown Austin, Texas as they play a quick gig during SXSW on 14 March 14 2012 Photograph: Jack Plunkett/AP

Andrew Wyatt of Miike Snow performs at SXSW on 14 March 2012 in Austin, Texas Photograph: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images

Peelander Yellow of Peelander-Z performs at SXSW in Austin, Texas, on 14 March 2012 Photograph: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images

Peelander Red of Peelander-Z performs at SXSW in Austin, Texas, on 14 March 2012 Photograph: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images

Joseph Ryan and Nick Allbrook of Pond perform at SXSW in Austin, Texas, on 14 March 2012 Photograph: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images

Nemes, a folk-rock band from Boston, perform on Sixth Street during SXSW in Austin, Texas, on 13 March 2012 Photograph: Julia Robinson/Reuters

Rudy Heredia, left, and Monica Charles, advertising the new mobile app "Highlight", at SXSW in Austin, Texas, on 10 March 2012 Photograph: Jack Plunkett/AP