Lou Reed signs on for SXSW conference

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Lou Reed is the latest veteran rocker to sign on for this year's South By Southwest music conference in Austin, Texas.

Reed will submit to a formal interview March 18 at the Austin Convention Center as part of the conference, then play that night as a headliner at the BMI showcase at the Austin Music Hall. Reed joins former Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant, who will deliver SXSW's keynote speech and also perform at the annual music industry gathering.

Reed will be releasing a new album this year, his first since changing labels, from Warner Bros. to Sanctuary.

He kicks off a European tour April 14 in Oporto, Portugal.