Friday, August 10, 2012

The Drive Tour Hits Austin



If you didn't think Drive was one of the best films of 2011, then you should just stop talking about films with other human beings. Also, you should say film instead of movie. Drive was visually arresting with powerful performances and it featured one of the coolest soundtracks in recent memory. It was mood music, self-conscious synth-driven meditations on love, loss and Lord knows what else. Even someone who tries to be in the know musically, such as myself, was scouring the internet for information about the songs featured in Drive. Well, in an effort to capitalize on this new found recognition several of the baby-bands featured prominently in the film have set out on tour together and that tour hits Red 7 tomorrow night. Tickets are still available and will only set you back around $15.


College & Electric Youth - A Real Hero video via YouTube


The Drive tour will feature performances from College, Anoraak, and Electric Youth. You may not immediately recognize those names but they performed some of the most iconic songs from the film. Granted, the band Desire should also be on this bill as well as Kavinsky but let's not fucking quibble ok?

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Thursday, August 9, 2012

Twin Shadow Add Second Date


Those fine purveyors of all things indie over at Transmission Entertainment have added a second date with Twin Shadow at the Mohawk. I know the show isn't until September so this post may SEEM like I'm jumping the gun but the second date was just announced today and the first show already sold-out. So consider this post a "Planning Ahead" post and get your shit together before tickets are all gone. The newly added show takes place on Saturday, September 15th so unless you work weekends, you really have no excuse not to be there. I have had the opportunity to catch several live sets from Twin Shadow and they always put on a great show. They perform with lots of energy and the musicianship is totally on par with their recorded material. Their latest record Confess is out now and will most assuredly be near the top of many critics year-end lists. What more do I need to say to convince you that this show is worthwhile?


Twin Shadow - Patient video via YouTube

In what might be one of the most perfect tour pairings of 2012, make sure to arrive earlier enough to catch etherial, synth-pop, Swedes Niki & the Dove. I had the chance to catch them at the Driskill during SXSW and it was one of my favorite sets of the festival. Picture Stevie Nicks fronting a mildly-gothic, 80's New-Wave band and you're getting close to the Niki & the Dove aesthetic. Their latest record is called Instince and you can stream it on Spotify if you want to check them out. However, if you like Twin Shadow you're going to like Niki & the Dove so don't miss the opener!


Niki & The Dove - The Fox video via YouTube

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Monday, August 6, 2012

Fader & VitaminWater Present: uncapped


I don't know if you're a go out every night kind of person or if you like to pick and choose what you will leave the house for but I wanted to be sure you are aware of an event worth leaving the couch for. Tomorrow night those party geniuses over at The Fader have teamed up with Vitamin Water to host their uncapped event at the Millenium Entertainment Center. I can't let you in on all of the details but I can strongly urge you to RSVP and clear your calendar. The idea behind these uncapped events is to match up artists who might seem unlikely to share a bill. Previous shows have featured artists like The-Dream, Zola Jesus, Rick Ross, Omarion, French Montana, Santigold, Wale, Melanie Fiona, Passion Pit,2chainz, Kendrick Lamar and Best Coast. Those last two even performed a song together in Portland Oregon.


Kendrick Lamar featuring Bethany Cosentino - No Make-Up (Her Vice) video via YouTube

Now, the fact that you have to RSVP and you have to be 21+ indicated that their MIGHT be gratis booze but that is mere conjecture. If I were you I'd bring one's to tip the bartenders just in case. Also, even though the event doesn't start until 8pm, expect it to be a ridiculous madhouse to get in. Arrive no later than 6pm, wear good shoes to stand in line, make sure your cell phone is charged and make a plan for parking. Also, you should probably car pool and designate a sober driver. Keep in mind this is FREE event so act appreciative and be patient and polite. Don't be a total cunt to the people working the door, or your fellow partrons and don't bitch about the line-up being "disappointing" it's a free fucking show, don't be a self-entitled ass-hat, it's very unbecoming.


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