Now that the New Year has sprouted, official developments of the South by Southwest Music Conference are being announced with more regularity given its a mere two months away. Just today, the festival's monthly listserv confirmed a handful of scheduled acts as well as keynote speaker and veteran rocker Lou Reed.

Officially on the showcase roster:
R.E.M. (in support of new album, "Acelerate," due April 1)
My Morning Jacket
Mala Rodriguez
Bun B
Black Keys
Joe Lean & The Jing Jang Jong
Nortec
Barbara Mason
Uffie
Pato Banton
My Brightest Diamond
Vampire Weekend
Ralph "Soul" Jackson
DeVotchka
MGMT
Tech N9ne
Sia

There are a slew of unofficial sources claiming to know other bands/musicians slated to appear at this year's conference. Included in this 'take it with a grain of salt' roster are: the Black Crowes, the Hotel Cafe tour, Model/Actress, Radar Bros., Wye Oak, Breeders, The Kills, The Ravonettes, Sons & Daughters, The Soundtrack of Our Lives, Lightspeed Champion, and many, many more. Stay tuned for more info on day parties, official showcase announcements, etc.