Now introducing Mr. David Dufresne. David will be moderating the SXSW Music Panel, Website? Get Real. You Need A Web Empire. David answered some questions for us.

Who are you/ what do you do?
Hey I'm David. I'm a obsessive-compulsive music fan, a new dad and wannabe DJ. I'm also the CEO of Bandzoogle, a web technology company that enables 10,000+ artists to build a kick-ass website, use our online direct-to-fan tools to engage their fans and sell their music and merchandise directly to them, at no commission. We are easily the most complete, effective, easy and affordable solution to help musicians build their online hub.

What will you be talking about on your panel?
Our main goal is to help musicians that are confused by the gazillions on music websites, social networks and other hot new online flavor-of-the-month figure out what they should really pay attention to, and where they should spend time and effort. We want to separate the hype from what's proven to work, and maybe figure out some best practices. I'm lucky to have assembled a panel of experts that come from the tech side, artist management and, marketing with both indie labels and established artists, so we should have interesting and different point of views. I don't think we'll come to answers and conclusions that apply to all artists, but hopefully we'll find the right questions that an artist should ask when they plan their online presence.

What are you looking forward to this year at SXSW?
Meeting lots of musicians, some of our music industry partners and potential partners. Going to shows until my earplugs and/or liver give up. I will also check out some of the content from the Interactive Conference since lots of it applies to our business.

Any advice you can give to someone who's never been to SXSW before?
My one advice is let yourself get surprised. Don't only go to shows of bands you already know or in the same genre, or panels about topics you're an expert on. Go check out some counter-intuitive stuff, your SXSW experience will be much richer.

Do you have a favorite SXSW memory?
Having all three girls from Au Revoir Simone smile at me on the sidewalk, on a sunny afternoon. Oh, also serendipity-meeting Trevor Guy in the urinals of the Hilton lobby after my friend Josh mentioned something about the Juno Awards. Trevor is a fellow Canadian so he got in the conversation, after washing his hands. We've since become excellent friends (and he's one of my panelists!). That's what SXSW is about. Meeting music geniuses and new friends in urinal stalls.

And finally, your top five albums/cds you can't live without?
Lately I would say...
Firewater, The Golden Hour
Calexico, Carried To Dust
Sodastream, Looks Like A Russian
The Daptone Gold compilation
A Place To Bury Strangers, Exploding Head

We appreciate your time, David! We're pumped to see your panel at the SXSW Music Conference. Don't miss out, register now!

Photo of SXSW Music panelist David Dufresne
Interview by Nina Carter