New Press Release Reveals More Bands (Officially Confirmed)

From a SXSW press release:

Already confirmed to perform in 2005 are Robert Plant, Billy Idol, Aimee Mann, Mavis Staples, Beth Orton and Fat Boy Slim

Click the link under this sentence to get the full press release.

NEARLY TWO DECADES-OLD SXSW ANTICIPATES RECORD ATTENDANCE FOR 2005

In Austin, Texas ? that singular blue oasis in a Sahara of red — early
registration for the annual South By Southwest (SXSW) Music and Media
Conference indicates that 2005 is shaping up to be the biggest year in the
19-year history of the event. Artist performance applications, conference
registrations along with trade show and exhibition booth space are tallying
unprecedented numbers. Internationally, delegations from France, Canada,
Japan and the UK are all increasing their participation substantially. At
least 18 foreign countries will be represented at SXSW 2005.

SXSW 2004 hosted an exceptional roster of talent and many of the artists who
showcased there went on to great commercial success following the conference
including Joss Stone, Franz Ferdinand, Jamie Cullum, Dizzie Rascals and The
Killers. Already confirmed to perform in 2005 are Robert Plant, Billy Idol,
Aimee Mann, Mavis Staples, Beth Orton and Fat Boy Slim.

Keeping apace with the buzz topics of the music industry, panels planned for
2005 will tackle such subjects as ?Ringtones As An Income Stream?,
?Satellite Radio Comes Of Age?, ?Accounting for Digital Sales?, and ?Young
And Over The Hill: A&R After 30.?

The keynote speaker for SXSW 2005 will be Robert Plant. The keynote will
take place at the Austin Convention Center on March 17, 2005. From his
genre-creating work with Led Zeppelin to his solo albums being reissued this
year, Plant has exhibited an adventurous and powerful artistry. In addition
to his keynote appearance, Plant will be performing at the Music festival,
marking his first US appearances in three years.

Another legendary talent, Mavis Staples will speak at the conference in a
one-on-one interview and perform. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame, Mavis Staples began her career as lead singer of her family group, The
Staple Singers. The group?s distinctive folk-gospel style found a mainstream
audience with a string of pop hits in the late 60s and early 70s. Her new
Alligator Records CD, “Have A Little Faith”, is a stirring collection of
uplifting, gospel-rooted songs deeply seated in Staples? faith and
spirituality.

Also recently confirmed as a featured speaker for the 2005 event is Erykah
Badu.

The SXSW Music and Media Conference will run from March 16 through March 20,
2005. For more information, visit www.sxsw.com, e-mail sxsw@sxsw.com or call
512/467-7979.