In the 1960s, bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones put British popular music firmly on the international map. They were joined in later decades by artists as diverse as Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, The Sex Pistols and Oasis, making British music a distinctive international brand. British Music is thriving, both at home and overseas, because it continually renews itself, fusing cultural commentary, fashion and politics in a heady mix.

On Friday, March 20, performing right society BMI will partner with SXSW to present new wave progenitors Devo at Austin Music Hall (208 Nueces St).

Steve Poltz considers himself more at home in a hotel room than at his beach-accessible San Diego home. Many artists say they tour year-around, but Poltz truly does. Often when he plays a city, he comes back and hits it again within weeks, and then again. "No two shows are alike," he says. "So if you saw me at Joe's Pub in New York last month, you'll get an entirely different show the next time." Seeing that shows are unscripted, with no set lists, fueled only by the spirit of the audience, a growing legion of fans returns two and three times per year.