The SXSW Music Conference + Festival wish you and yours a very happy holiday!

Many of us around the globe are taking a much-needed break this time of year, to spend the holidays with our friends and family. But as wonderful as that might be, you probably will still need a little time away from the family unit. So slip away to your computer over the next few days and let us entertain you...

Take a look at all that SXSW Music has already announced, much earlier than ever this year, to get you in the mood for SXSW 2010. We have confirmed over 65 music panels, which are well on their way to being complete, thanks to the PanelPicker and all who submitted their ideas. We have announced over 200 showcasing artists and bands, and we can't wait to announce more in the new year. We have continuously been posting content to our official SXSW YouTube Channel, so check out some speeches and videos, from years past and of what's to come in 2010. And so you don't miss a beat come the new year, subscribe to the Latest News from SXSW Music, the Monthly Music Newsletter, and The Daily Chord.

You can always register to attend SXSW 2010 Music so you don't miss out on any of these excellent shows and talks. And you can always book your hotel if you haven't done so yet. Our Registration and Housing departments will be onhand for whatever needs you might have. The rest of us, however, might not be as quick at responding to your emails, so please be patient and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. We will be back in full force on Monday, January 4th with more updates and announcements about new panels, showcasing artists and overall SXSW awesomeness.

In the meantime if you are looking for some alternative's to the typical Holiday music fare, check out these mixes from our friends at www.austinsurreal.com. Be forewarned these are not your Grandmother's Holiday Mixes, you may hear some explicit language, but you'll definitely get turned on to some new jams that just may become traditional listens. Click here to download Thowed Christmas a mix of mostly hip-hop and reggae jams with Holiday greetings from SXSW Vets like Bun B, Devin the Dude and Chingo Bling peppered throughout, and click here to download Dark Christmas a mix specially formulated to make you feel better about yourself during the Holiday season.

We wish you a happy holiday and the best in 2010. Be safe, and we will see you in Austin in March!