So, when it comes to what is hip in urban music Bloggy is no authority, which is why it's nice to have friends over at Knuckle Rumbler who can give me the heads-up on what I should be paying attention to. Those cats know what's going on and have never steered me wrong, which is why I'm giving YOU the heads-up about a show they are producing at the Mohawk tomorrow night. It's the last day of March and what better way to celebrate than to shake dat ass to some dirty south hip-hop music from Big K.R.I.T? His mix tape KRIT Wuz here helped to catapult him into XXL Magazine's 2011 Freshman class feature. If you want to see him here in Austin tomorrow night a ticket will only set you back, $15 (if you buy one TODAY, it becomes $18 tomorrow.)
Big K.R.I.T - Hometown Hero video via YouTube
Not only do you get, headlining act Big K.R.I.T for your $15 but Freddie Gibbs is also on the bill, not to mention Smoke DZA. In other words this show is an anti-dote for all the pop-hip-hop that is invading the radio. An answer to those of you who pine for the days of early, classic hip-hop. Just like with indie-rock there are still people making great music, you just won't hear most of it on the radio.
Freddie Gibbs - Serve or Get Served video via YouTube
This is why it's great to have people like Knuckle Rumbler who seek-out great music and bring it to our city to hit our ears.
Smoke DZA - Continental Kush Breakfast video via YouTube
Doors for this EVENT open at 6:30pm and since this show is outside on a weekday it's going to be over pretty early so I'd arrive early enough to catch Mookie Jones and Roosh Williams who are scheduled for the earliest sets.
Roosh Williams - Beautifully Simple video via YouTube
Mookie Jones - Forever video via YouTube
Read more!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Miss Jackson (Oh, you know I'm Nasty)
I just heard about this really cool indie artist at SXSW y'all might be familiar with already, her name is Janet Jackson and I guess she already has a couple of albums/songs you may have heard? No, but seriously Austin, I can't believe there are still tickets available to see Janet at ACL Live at the Moody Theater. Granted, the tickets are more costly than what we are used to seeing in Austin but, for one, it's Janet muthaphuckin' Jackson and for another thing, I'm sure the production is going to be pretty over-the-top. At least over-the-top for those of us who are used to seeing bands fall out of van and onto Emo's destroyed bomb-shelter-looking stage. Who knows, maybe she'll have a puma in a cage for Black Cat, that would be pretty dope. Lord knows there's gonna be some Velvet Ropes up in thurr too. As a waiter who doesn't make any money from blogging I can relate to your financial woes and shelling out $100 or more for a concert ticket seems kind of crazy but do you really think you'll get another chance to see Janet? Especially at a spectacular, intimate venue with amazingly awesome sound? Personally, I think the odds of that happening twice are low.
Janet Jackson - Up Close and Personal 2011 World Tour Promo Trailer video via YouTube
I didn't mention this above the break but, perhaps, the best thing about this Janet Jackson tour, is that it is in support of a Greatest Hits collection. In other words, the set-list won't be filled with songs you've never heard before, it's going to be wall-to-wall hits! Personally, I'm most excited about the songs from Janet. but I expect people to flip their collective lids for the songs from Rhythm Nation. That album was more hit singles than album tracks.
Janet Jackson - Rhythm Nation video via YouTube
Read more!
Janet Jackson - Up Close and Personal 2011 World Tour Promo Trailer video via YouTube
I didn't mention this above the break but, perhaps, the best thing about this Janet Jackson tour, is that it is in support of a Greatest Hits collection. In other words, the set-list won't be filled with songs you've never heard before, it's going to be wall-to-wall hits! Personally, I'm most excited about the songs from Janet. but I expect people to flip their collective lids for the songs from Rhythm Nation. That album was more hit singles than album tracks.
Janet Jackson - Rhythm Nation video via YouTube
Read more!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Destroyer to Play Mohawk Tonight
So, who's up for some European-style blues, indie-rock with shoe-gaze influences?!?! Did I mention it's Canadian? Well if that description didn't make you want to shell out some cash to see Destroyer at the Mohawk tonight, then you should probably lose my number. I know, you went out a lot last week because of SXSW but that totally doesn't count because Austin is a foreign-land during SXSW. All of the prices are back to normal and the chief misses you at the 'Hawk. Not to mention, even though my description of Destroyer's sound was, somewhat, tongue-in-cheek they're effing awesome and you need to hear them perform. In this blogger's opinion, Destroyer's principle songwriter, Dan Bejar, is one of the greatest indie songwriters or our generation. His lyrics are so weird and cryptic yet, somehow, full of truth and he manages to write these hooks that become instant ear-worms. Also, I was hesitant to include this truth but in addition to being the principle songwriter for Destroyer, Dan Bejar is also a contributing member of the Canadian super-group The New Pornographers. I figure most of you already knew this but for those who didn't now you know. Also, I'm not sure if it's STILL true but one incarnation of Destroyer had Canadian band, Frog Eyes playing back-up. Spencer Krug of Frog Eyes went on to join Wolf Parade. How do you like that Canadian-indie-rock full circle of justice? Those Canadians, are so effing collaborative!
Destroyer - Kaputt video via YouTube
If you want to see Destroyer at the Mohawk tonight, you better shell out your $14 bucks for a ticket as soon as humanly possible. I can, pretty much, guarantee this show will sell-out before the doors open. Even my friends who don't go to concerts were talking about it today. Also, I may have mentioned this before but the 'Hawk has a minimum credit card charge but if you use Tabbed Out you can circumvent that. Just throwing that out there.
Destroyer - Hey, Snow White video via YouTube
Opening for Destroyer on the Mohawk's outside stage tonight will be, highly google-able band, The War on Drugs. I know it's tough to convey via words on the internet but that was sarcasm. It's like indie bands don't want you to know about them or find their web presence these days. Maybe that's the cool thing to do. Looking at you Weekends amongst a bevy of others!
The War on Drugs - Needle In Your Eye video via YouTube
Read more!
Destroyer - Kaputt video via YouTube
If you want to see Destroyer at the Mohawk tonight, you better shell out your $14 bucks for a ticket as soon as humanly possible. I can, pretty much, guarantee this show will sell-out before the doors open. Even my friends who don't go to concerts were talking about it today. Also, I may have mentioned this before but the 'Hawk has a minimum credit card charge but if you use Tabbed Out you can circumvent that. Just throwing that out there.
Destroyer - Hey, Snow White video via YouTube
Opening for Destroyer on the Mohawk's outside stage tonight will be, highly google-able band, The War on Drugs. I know it's tough to convey via words on the internet but that was sarcasm. It's like indie bands don't want you to know about them or find their web presence these days. Maybe that's the cool thing to do. Looking at you Weekends amongst a bevy of others!
The War on Drugs - Needle In Your Eye video via YouTube
Read more!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Thoughts (Rant) on SXSW 2011
Wow, so we don't have to think about SXSW again for another 8-9 months. Feels good doesn't it? I feel like each year I get a little better at the SXSW experience and each year I come up with ways to make my experience better for the following year. This was the first year that I had an official wristband, which was very exciting. That put me third on the totem pole to get into showcases, behind express passes and badges but AHEAD of people paying cash at the door. It was due to the luxury of my official status that I learned a lesson for next year. Basically, every year before has been about the day-party for me and/or the free evening showcases so it was hard to break that habit. What I learned was it's really hard to do day parties followed by evening showcases, I was all tuckered out y'all. So, my plan for next year is do less unofficial stuff and more official stuff. I'm going to be a have, not a have-not.
My other reasoning for this logic is going to be controversial, I know, especially since I've been a have-not for so many years previous but I'm just going to put it out there. The more unofficial stuff we do, the more platinum selling artists will team-up with gigantic, multi-national corporations to hijack the hype from SXSW proper. I'm not saying there is no place for the day-parties and such but when all anyone can talk about is Kanye Muthaphuckin West's ridiculous midnight to four am "party" at the power plant then we have a problem. It's hard to not get swept up in the hype of big names and celebrities at SXSW, I'm guilty of it too but there has to be a point where we say enough is enough. 2011 is the year that platinum-selling hip-hop artists took over and I for one do NOT approve. Do Puff Daddy, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, Big Boi etc. need the exposure from SXSW or are they just cashing in FAT pay checks to vaguely align themselves with an indie-spirit of, what was once, an indie-music festival?
With that all being said, like with anything in life it is what you make of it. So, if you want to hang out in the Pepsi Max lot for Snoop or wait in line for 12-14 hours to catch Kanye at the abandon power plant, that's your business. My goal, for next year, is to not get caught in the hype wave and focus on well-curated, official showcases. Here's a video from one-such showcase I attended Thursday night:
James Blake - The Wilhelm Scream video via YouTube
People can hate on Pitchfork all they want but they put together a fantastic showcase at Central Presbyterian Church Thursday night. I arrived about 90 minutes before doors opened as I knew it would be a popular showcase and I wanted to be sure to gain entry. Some people were skeptical I would even get in with a mere wristband but I assure you I made it no problem and so did everyone lined up early in the cash line. I feel like anyone can get into any showcase if they arrive early enough. However, if you're paying cash it's a real crap-shoot as to how much you'll have to pay. For the Pitchfork showcase it cost the cash people $30 to get in, whereas the previous night's showcase at the same venue was merely $10 and lots of the smaller showcases cost only $5. In any case, whilst waiting in line I liked that the church had porta-johns outside that we could use, I was less enthused once inside to realize those were the only available bathrooms. They let us all in, then said oh hey just so you know the bathroom is outside and once you leave you have to get back in line. So, I spent the rest of the showcase parched for fear of the need to pee if I consumed water.
The acoustics in the church were amazing and the atmosphere lends itself to a quiet, respectful audience. There is no alcohol so there are no drunk people chatting and ordering Lone Stars and, obviously, there was nothing smoked in there. It was also quite nice to have seats after spending all day standing around at day-parties. I had heard of all of the artists but the only one I had seen before was Twin Shadow, whom I have seen twice and liked on both occasions. Unfortunately at the show Twin Shadow had the misfortune of following the one-two punch that was Glasser followed by tUnE-yArDs.
I have been a fan of the Glasser album since late last year. It ALMOST made my top albums list but I just hadn't heard it enough for it to rank but seeing the songs performed live with the acoustics of the church was jaw-droppingly, awe-inspiringly, out-of-this-world gorgeousness. It was, without a doubt, my favorite 40 minutes of SXSW 2011. The second song of the set earned the band a standing ovation. I know at a club show every song gets a standing ovation but in a church, with everyone seated in pews it is quite dramatic to see the entire crowd leap up cheering and clapping. Even just writing about it gives me goosebumps.
After Glasser's set I was just thinking, "Wow! What could possibly top that?" Then tUnE-yArDs came out and played one of the most wildly inventive sets of music I've ever seen. I wouldn't say it topped Glasser's merely because Glasser was SO dramatic but I would compare to my first time seeing Dirty Projectors. The songs were constructed in front of the crowd using vocals, samples, loops and live instrumentation. It all would have seemed really corny and gimicky if the singer didn't have a voice blessed by God. She yodels, she yells, she sounds like the opening song from The Lion King and somehow it all works. It was ridiculously fun and energetic and made me want to hunt down the CD as soon as possible. In other words it was exactly what you want in a SXSW showcase.
After those performances, Twin Shadow just seemed so ordinary. Also, the church setting was not ideal for their brand of John Hughes movie synthesized dance-rock. James Blake followed Twin Shadow and delivered a beautiful set of music that managed to stay true to the album while also giving it an interesting live twist. He was accompanied by two musicians including a live drummer using v-drums who was excellent.
It seems crazy to wrap-up four, twelve+ hour days worth of music in this one post but I really want to put SXSW to bed so other artists I saw who really impressed me this fest include:
The Holidays - Heavy Feathers video via YouTube
There's also a slew of bands I would have liked to have seen but didn't so I'll have to catch them on their new trip through Austin! For those of you who have been reading this site because you were coming to SXSW thank you but thank you MORE to those of you reading this and every other post I publish. With that, I don't want to talk about SXSW anymore and if you ask me in real life about it imma refer you to this post.
Read more!
My other reasoning for this logic is going to be controversial, I know, especially since I've been a have-not for so many years previous but I'm just going to put it out there. The more unofficial stuff we do, the more platinum selling artists will team-up with gigantic, multi-national corporations to hijack the hype from SXSW proper. I'm not saying there is no place for the day-parties and such but when all anyone can talk about is Kanye Muthaphuckin West's ridiculous midnight to four am "party" at the power plant then we have a problem. It's hard to not get swept up in the hype of big names and celebrities at SXSW, I'm guilty of it too but there has to be a point where we say enough is enough. 2011 is the year that platinum-selling hip-hop artists took over and I for one do NOT approve. Do Puff Daddy, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, Big Boi etc. need the exposure from SXSW or are they just cashing in FAT pay checks to vaguely align themselves with an indie-spirit of, what was once, an indie-music festival?
With that all being said, like with anything in life it is what you make of it. So, if you want to hang out in the Pepsi Max lot for Snoop or wait in line for 12-14 hours to catch Kanye at the abandon power plant, that's your business. My goal, for next year, is to not get caught in the hype wave and focus on well-curated, official showcases. Here's a video from one-such showcase I attended Thursday night:
James Blake - The Wilhelm Scream video via YouTube
People can hate on Pitchfork all they want but they put together a fantastic showcase at Central Presbyterian Church Thursday night. I arrived about 90 minutes before doors opened as I knew it would be a popular showcase and I wanted to be sure to gain entry. Some people were skeptical I would even get in with a mere wristband but I assure you I made it no problem and so did everyone lined up early in the cash line. I feel like anyone can get into any showcase if they arrive early enough. However, if you're paying cash it's a real crap-shoot as to how much you'll have to pay. For the Pitchfork showcase it cost the cash people $30 to get in, whereas the previous night's showcase at the same venue was merely $10 and lots of the smaller showcases cost only $5. In any case, whilst waiting in line I liked that the church had porta-johns outside that we could use, I was less enthused once inside to realize those were the only available bathrooms. They let us all in, then said oh hey just so you know the bathroom is outside and once you leave you have to get back in line. So, I spent the rest of the showcase parched for fear of the need to pee if I consumed water.
The acoustics in the church were amazing and the atmosphere lends itself to a quiet, respectful audience. There is no alcohol so there are no drunk people chatting and ordering Lone Stars and, obviously, there was nothing smoked in there. It was also quite nice to have seats after spending all day standing around at day-parties. I had heard of all of the artists but the only one I had seen before was Twin Shadow, whom I have seen twice and liked on both occasions. Unfortunately at the show Twin Shadow had the misfortune of following the one-two punch that was Glasser followed by tUnE-yArDs.
I have been a fan of the Glasser album since late last year. It ALMOST made my top albums list but I just hadn't heard it enough for it to rank but seeing the songs performed live with the acoustics of the church was jaw-droppingly, awe-inspiringly, out-of-this-world gorgeousness. It was, without a doubt, my favorite 40 minutes of SXSW 2011. The second song of the set earned the band a standing ovation. I know at a club show every song gets a standing ovation but in a church, with everyone seated in pews it is quite dramatic to see the entire crowd leap up cheering and clapping. Even just writing about it gives me goosebumps.
After Glasser's set I was just thinking, "Wow! What could possibly top that?" Then tUnE-yArDs came out and played one of the most wildly inventive sets of music I've ever seen. I wouldn't say it topped Glasser's merely because Glasser was SO dramatic but I would compare to my first time seeing Dirty Projectors. The songs were constructed in front of the crowd using vocals, samples, loops and live instrumentation. It all would have seemed really corny and gimicky if the singer didn't have a voice blessed by God. She yodels, she yells, she sounds like the opening song from The Lion King and somehow it all works. It was ridiculously fun and energetic and made me want to hunt down the CD as soon as possible. In other words it was exactly what you want in a SXSW showcase.
After those performances, Twin Shadow just seemed so ordinary. Also, the church setting was not ideal for their brand of John Hughes movie synthesized dance-rock. James Blake followed Twin Shadow and delivered a beautiful set of music that managed to stay true to the album while also giving it an interesting live twist. He was accompanied by two musicians including a live drummer using v-drums who was excellent.
It seems crazy to wrap-up four, twelve+ hour days worth of music in this one post but I really want to put SXSW to bed so other artists I saw who really impressed me this fest include:
- The Answering Machine ,
- Malajube ,
- Weekends ,
- Julianna Barwick
- Cults
- Givers
- Tristen
- Shabazz Palaces
- Anamanaguchi
- The Holidays
The Holidays - Heavy Feathers video via YouTube
There's also a slew of bands I would have liked to have seen but didn't so I'll have to catch them on their new trip through Austin! For those of you who have been reading this site because you were coming to SXSW thank you but thank you MORE to those of you reading this and every other post I publish. With that, I don't want to talk about SXSW anymore and if you ask me in real life about it imma refer you to this post.
Read more!
MtvU Woodie Awards 2011 Wrap-UP
Alright y'all, Sxsw 2011 has officially drawn to a conclusion, which means I can do my laundry and dishes and scoop Miss Paws' litter box. It also means I can do the stuff I should have been doing since last Wednesday, for instance, did I tell you I was going to the MtvU Woodie Awards? Yeah, I totally went, and not only that for some reason I was granted press credentials, which means I got to "work the red carpet." So, I put on my Jessica Rabbit dress and headed on down to the Austin Music Hall armed with a Flipcam, a point-and-shoot, my digital voice recorder and smartphone. I really had no plan of action, being an Austin music blogger I have very few opportunities to experience a red carpet scenario. It seemed so foreign. First, we were all gathered up and assigned numbers based on our importance, I was give the number 52 but the numbers went all the way up to the high 70's, so I wasn't in the bottom of the pack. The ironic thing was the lower the number, the older the person wearing that number. I suppose that's because the heavy-hitters have professionals with years of experience where as I have...a blog that my Mom really likes (mostly).
So, basically the way that it works is they put a label at your feet so the people walking the carpet know the name of your publication, then a press-agent comes down the line and discretely whispers the name of their client with a brief bio and asks if you want to talk to them. It was one part funny, one part sad and all interesting. A lot of the artists I hadn't heard of and/or knew very little about, while a few felt like old friends. I tried asking questions that would garner non-rehearsed responses. I ended up mostly asking the same family of questions revolving around the artists last day-job. So, here's the highlights and low-lights of my interviews. I didn't edit them so you'll hear my goofy voice and stupid laugh, also I didn't have a camera person I was just holding my Flipcam sort of beside my head so a lot of the shots are framed poorly and are shaky. With that all said, I give you the lovely Matt and Kim.
Matt and Kim - 2011 Woodies Interview video via YouTube
Matt and Kim was actually the last interview I did, so I'm posting these in reverse order. In other words my interviewing skills will get worse as you scroll down. Although, you can already tell from the Matt and Kim interview that my blessing and curse is I get just downright chatty and the interview format sort of devolves. That's part of the reason I have such a hard time transcribing interviews. Luckily, everyone was cool with the Flipcam.
Sleigh Bells - 2011 Woodies Interview video via YouTube
This Eliza Doolittle interview was funny to me for a couple reasons. Firstly, her press agent was walking down the line reading the names of the media outlets and he paused at AustinBloggyLimits and asked me about the name and what is it, who is it etc. I told him it's me and he said, "I like you, do you want to talk to Eliza Doolittle?" and I was like, "sure." The other thing that makes this interview funny to me is I asked her about her styling and then didn't show what she was wearing. Trust me, it was a valid question.
Eliza Doolittle - 2011 Woodies Interview video via YouTube
Ok, so I really didn't know much to anything about The Cataracs and I wasn't even planning to interview DEV but this ended up being one of my favorites. I really liked their answers and it was just fun to chat with them. For those of you who don't know, they are featured in that Fly Like a G6 song.
The Cataracs and Dev - 2011 Woodies Interview video via YouTube
I really love Two Door Cinema Club and I think this interview started out well but then I just sort of went off the deep end for some reason. Did I really need to bring up kitty-cats and Care Bears? Was it wise to insult Irish cuisine? Probably not.
Two Door Cinema Club - 2011 Woodies Interview video via YouTube
Oh Land is beautiful to look at and her music is really gorgeous as well but this was one of my first interviews and it really didn't go that well in my opinion. Although, it went better than the one I did with Nic Harcourt, which I won't even be posting.
Oh Land - 2011 Woodies Awards video via YouTube
So, there you have it. There's several reasons why Bloggy should not be allowed on a red carpet. As far as the show itself, it was cool to see a production like that behind the scenes. The performances were great, Sleigh Bells with a marching band was my personal highlight and I'm glad I can say I saw the Foo Fighters perform live. All in all, if they do it again next year I hope they allow me back and I hope they do it before or after SXSW so I don't have to miss any official showcases.
Read more!
So, basically the way that it works is they put a label at your feet so the people walking the carpet know the name of your publication, then a press-agent comes down the line and discretely whispers the name of their client with a brief bio and asks if you want to talk to them. It was one part funny, one part sad and all interesting. A lot of the artists I hadn't heard of and/or knew very little about, while a few felt like old friends. I tried asking questions that would garner non-rehearsed responses. I ended up mostly asking the same family of questions revolving around the artists last day-job. So, here's the highlights and low-lights of my interviews. I didn't edit them so you'll hear my goofy voice and stupid laugh, also I didn't have a camera person I was just holding my Flipcam sort of beside my head so a lot of the shots are framed poorly and are shaky. With that all said, I give you the lovely Matt and Kim.
Matt and Kim - 2011 Woodies Interview video via YouTube
Matt and Kim was actually the last interview I did, so I'm posting these in reverse order. In other words my interviewing skills will get worse as you scroll down. Although, you can already tell from the Matt and Kim interview that my blessing and curse is I get just downright chatty and the interview format sort of devolves. That's part of the reason I have such a hard time transcribing interviews. Luckily, everyone was cool with the Flipcam.
Sleigh Bells - 2011 Woodies Interview video via YouTube
This Eliza Doolittle interview was funny to me for a couple reasons. Firstly, her press agent was walking down the line reading the names of the media outlets and he paused at AustinBloggyLimits and asked me about the name and what is it, who is it etc. I told him it's me and he said, "I like you, do you want to talk to Eliza Doolittle?" and I was like, "sure." The other thing that makes this interview funny to me is I asked her about her styling and then didn't show what she was wearing. Trust me, it was a valid question.
Eliza Doolittle - 2011 Woodies Interview video via YouTube
Ok, so I really didn't know much to anything about The Cataracs and I wasn't even planning to interview DEV but this ended up being one of my favorites. I really liked their answers and it was just fun to chat with them. For those of you who don't know, they are featured in that Fly Like a G6 song.
The Cataracs and Dev - 2011 Woodies Interview video via YouTube
I really love Two Door Cinema Club and I think this interview started out well but then I just sort of went off the deep end for some reason. Did I really need to bring up kitty-cats and Care Bears? Was it wise to insult Irish cuisine? Probably not.
Two Door Cinema Club - 2011 Woodies Interview video via YouTube
Oh Land is beautiful to look at and her music is really gorgeous as well but this was one of my first interviews and it really didn't go that well in my opinion. Although, it went better than the one I did with Nic Harcourt, which I won't even be posting.
Oh Land - 2011 Woodies Awards video via YouTube
So, there you have it. There's several reasons why Bloggy should not be allowed on a red carpet. As far as the show itself, it was cool to see a production like that behind the scenes. The performances were great, Sleigh Bells with a marching band was my personal highlight and I'm glad I can say I saw the Foo Fighters perform live. All in all, if they do it again next year I hope they allow me back and I hope they do it before or after SXSW so I don't have to miss any official showcases.
Read more!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
SXSW 2011 Preview LOCALS ONLY: Ume
I love Ume so much I don't even care that I featured them last year as well. I'm not the only one who feels they are a band to watch, in fact they are in a contest RIGHT now sponsored by Rolling Stone that COULD land them on the cover. As far as I'm concerned they should have been on the cover after they melted everyone's faces at previous SXSWfestivals but I'm just a lowly blogger, what know I? Since I did feature Ume last year and to be honest I'm pretty much over these preview posts, I'm just going to get to the meat and potatoes of the matter. But don't misconstrue my haste and laziness for a lack of love for Ume THAT remains in tact!
Ume - Octopus Hands video via YouTube
The sound on my Ume videos kind of sucks so I'm also going to include this OFFICIAL video so you can hear their music better:
Ume - The Conductor video via YouTube
Your first chance to see Ume is actually TONIGHT!! So, as soon as you finish reading this you should head downtown. Well, maybe not that soon but the show starts at 7pm tonight, so plan well. It's the End Sounds Fourth Annual Pre-SXSW Party/Show happening at Red 7 and the whole thing kicks off at 7.
On Wednesday Ume is scheduled to play Lustre Pearl for the The San Diego Hoe-Down 2011. I'm not sure, precisely, when they go on but the party is from noon to six.
Thursday night Ume plays a very high profile gig at Austin Music Hall. If you get there before 8pm it's free, after that it requires a badge or wristband, which I find kind of odd. It's the Village Voice Media presents Showdown at SXSW 2011 event and Ume share the bill with the likes of, Wu-Tang Clan, Fishbone, and Yelawolf.
Friday night Ume plays my favorite, off-the-grid dive/bear/gay bar. It's called the Chain Drive and my boyfriend is afraid to go there but they have cheap drinks and great bands during SXSW (especially). This particular party features two other bloggy-fav local bands, When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth and Transmography. So, if you want to see some great Austin music away from the hub-bub of downtown this would be a great way to spend your Friday night.
Saturday night is Ume's official SXSW showcase at Skinny's Ballroom, they take the stage at midnight Saturday (AKA early Sunday morning).
If you're not sick of live music by Sunday, the 20th you have one final chance to see Ume. This show is going on in my beloved 78704 zip code at Jo's Coffee. Just typing that made me want to go get some. Anyway, Ume is the final band and they go on at 7pm.
This last video I'm posting is from SXSW 2010 and at that time this song didn't have a name so I named it Austin Bloggy Limits. Obviously, I hope the band adopts this moniker but somehow I'm guessing it has an official title by now.
Ume - Austin Bloggy Limits video via YouTube
Read more!
Ume - Octopus Hands video via YouTube
The sound on my Ume videos kind of sucks so I'm also going to include this OFFICIAL video so you can hear their music better:
Ume - The Conductor video via YouTube
Your first chance to see Ume is actually TONIGHT!! So, as soon as you finish reading this you should head downtown. Well, maybe not that soon but the show starts at 7pm tonight, so plan well. It's the End Sounds Fourth Annual Pre-SXSW Party/Show happening at Red 7 and the whole thing kicks off at 7.
On Wednesday Ume is scheduled to play Lustre Pearl for the The San Diego Hoe-Down 2011. I'm not sure, precisely, when they go on but the party is from noon to six.
Thursday night Ume plays a very high profile gig at Austin Music Hall. If you get there before 8pm it's free, after that it requires a badge or wristband, which I find kind of odd. It's the Village Voice Media presents Showdown at SXSW 2011 event and Ume share the bill with the likes of, Wu-Tang Clan, Fishbone, and Yelawolf.
Friday night Ume plays my favorite, off-the-grid dive/bear/gay bar. It's called the Chain Drive and my boyfriend is afraid to go there but they have cheap drinks and great bands during SXSW (especially). This particular party features two other bloggy-fav local bands, When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth and Transmography. So, if you want to see some great Austin music away from the hub-bub of downtown this would be a great way to spend your Friday night.
Saturday night is Ume's official SXSW showcase at Skinny's Ballroom, they take the stage at midnight Saturday (AKA early Sunday morning).
If you're not sick of live music by Sunday, the 20th you have one final chance to see Ume. This show is going on in my beloved 78704 zip code at Jo's Coffee. Just typing that made me want to go get some. Anyway, Ume is the final band and they go on at 7pm.
This last video I'm posting is from SXSW 2010 and at that time this song didn't have a name so I named it Austin Bloggy Limits. Obviously, I hope the band adopts this moniker but somehow I'm guessing it has an official title by now.
Ume - Austin Bloggy Limits video via YouTube
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SXSW 2011 Preview LOCALS ONLY: Fresh Millions
In case you didn't know, Austin has roughly a billion bands. Almost everyone you come in contact with in Austin is either in a band, manages a band, blogs about bands or all of the above. So, when our local "arts paper" the Austin Chronicle calls you a band to watch, or best new band or anything like that, it actually means something. Fresh Millions is Austin Chronicle endorsed and bloggy-approved. Unfortunately for those of you here from out-of-town you really only have ONE chance to see them during SXSW and it's an official showcase at that. In other words if you are only going to free stuff and you didn't see them at Beauty Bar this passed Saturday then you're going to have to buy your way into their showcase at Red 7 Saturday night. They are playing a headlining set on the last official night of SXSW so that should tell you something about the caliber of musicianship here.
This video is courtesy of a great, local music site appropriately called: Austin Music Weekly. You should check out their YouTube channel.
Fresh Millions - Hot New Jam from '73 video via YouTube
Oh snap! Y'all are in luck. In addition to Fresh Millions official showcase mentioned above the break it looks like they are ALSO playing a free day party on Friday. It wasn't listed on Show List Austin (yet) but I found the Vagabond day party happening at Trailer Park Eatery on the band's MySpace page. It may not be the most prestigious venue in town but it will get you away from downtown for a few minutes and they have some REALLY good food.
As of right now those are the only two shows I could find for Fresh Millions during SXSW but who knows more may pop up. In case you didn't know, it's really tough for local bands to get gigs during SXSW because obviously there are a ton of out-of-town/out-of-country artists booking gigs as well. Also, there is a sentiment that I am guilty of where those of us who live here feel like we can see local bands anytime so we're going to focus on the touring acts. That's why in the final push to SXSW I like to highlight a couple of local artists for the out-of-towners to check out.
Sorry about this fake-ass video but hey it's a song sample, so get off my back! :-)
Fresh Millions - Forever video via YouTube
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This video is courtesy of a great, local music site appropriately called: Austin Music Weekly. You should check out their YouTube channel.
Fresh Millions - Hot New Jam from '73 video via YouTube
Oh snap! Y'all are in luck. In addition to Fresh Millions official showcase mentioned above the break it looks like they are ALSO playing a free day party on Friday. It wasn't listed on Show List Austin (yet) but I found the Vagabond day party happening at Trailer Park Eatery on the band's MySpace page. It may not be the most prestigious venue in town but it will get you away from downtown for a few minutes and they have some REALLY good food.
As of right now those are the only two shows I could find for Fresh Millions during SXSW but who knows more may pop up. In case you didn't know, it's really tough for local bands to get gigs during SXSW because obviously there are a ton of out-of-town/out-of-country artists booking gigs as well. Also, there is a sentiment that I am guilty of where those of us who live here feel like we can see local bands anytime so we're going to focus on the touring acts. That's why in the final push to SXSW I like to highlight a couple of local artists for the out-of-towners to check out.
Sorry about this fake-ass video but hey it's a song sample, so get off my back! :-)
Fresh Millions - Forever video via YouTube
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Monday, March 14, 2011
SXSW 2011 Preview LOCALS ONLY: Oh No Oh My
I have loved Oh No Oh My ever since they were called Oh No! Oh My!. I feel like they don't play here in Austin enough and that they should be way more famous by now. Their music is so pleasant, so full of indie-pop goodness that I'm just surprised they don't have a lot more buzz. They have a new album, which they just toured Europe to support and they are back on Texas soil in time for SXSW. They are only playing a few times but you should make an effort to see them, even if you're a local. Pretty much, I'm a sucker for some good keyboard sounds, and harmonies, mix all of that with jangly rhythm and vests and I'm sold!
Oh No Oh My - Live at the Ghost Room video via YouTube
It looks like the first place you can see Oh No Oh My is Opal Divine's Freehouse for the Pigeon Publicity presents Pigeon's Posse party. They're scheduled to hit the stage at 3:15pm on Wednesday for that set.
Their show listing on the official site gets a bit jumbled, so it's kind of hard to tell but it from other sources it looks like Oh No Oh My's next gig is their official showcase at Maggie Mae's Gibson Room Friday night.
After that you can catch them at another free day party on Saturday. This one is happening at Ghost Room for the New Granada day party. They're scheduled for a 4:30pm set time at this event.
According to Oh No Oh My's F*c*book page, these are all of their SXSW shows but who knows maybe they'll add more?
Oh No Oh My - Another Tune From the Ghost Room video via YouTube
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Oh No Oh My - Live at the Ghost Room video via YouTube
It looks like the first place you can see Oh No Oh My is Opal Divine's Freehouse for the Pigeon Publicity presents Pigeon's Posse party. They're scheduled to hit the stage at 3:15pm on Wednesday for that set.
Their show listing on the official site gets a bit jumbled, so it's kind of hard to tell but it from other sources it looks like Oh No Oh My's next gig is their official showcase at Maggie Mae's Gibson Room Friday night.
After that you can catch them at another free day party on Saturday. This one is happening at Ghost Room for the New Granada day party. They're scheduled for a 4:30pm set time at this event.
According to Oh No Oh My's F*c*book page, these are all of their SXSW shows but who knows maybe they'll add more?
Oh No Oh My - Another Tune From the Ghost Room video via YouTube
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SXSW 2011 Preview LOCALS ONLY: Zlam Dunk
I'll admit when I first started hearing about this band,Zlam Dunk. First there's the issue of their name, as a gay, indie-rock lovin' music blogger I do not find the sports reference appealing. Then, I looked up their bio info and it said they were from San Marcos. While I have no specific issues with San Marcos it just made me wish they had just said they were from Austin. In fact when I finally met members of Zlam Dunk in real life I specifically mentioned that fact and I believe they have amended their bio information to say they are from San Marcos/Austin, which is a step in the right direction. It wasn't until I saw the band's high-energy performance opening up for Fang Island at Emo's in the spring that I finally drank the Zlam Dunk Kool-Aid. They meld genres, they jump around, they engage the audience and basically create an atmosphere where a fun-time is had by all. No matter what setting you see them perform in, you will feel like you are at a really fun, rowdy house-party. I find this a totally appealing atmosphere for a band to create and I simply enjoy any band who can create atmosphere through their performance. It is for all of these, relatively vague, reasons that I implore you out-of-towners to see AUSTIN's Zlam Dunk during SXSW. Also, check out my personal blogging authority for LOCAL Austin music 'Nites Blog. They're the ones who shot the video below.
Zlam Dunk - Vice video via YouTube
Sp, party people you'll have a few unofficial and one official chance to see Zlam Dunk at SXSW and here they are:
Here's another great video, courtesy of 'Nites Blog. You should check out his YouTube channel if you want a schooling on Austin bands.
Zlam Dunk - Scum video via YouTube
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Zlam Dunk - Vice video via YouTube
Sp, party people you'll have a few unofficial and one official chance to see Zlam Dunk at SXSW and here they are:
- Mellow Mushroom Pizza (Homegrown Industries party)
2426 Guadeloupe
11pm - Friends of Sound Records (Exploding in Sound Day Party)
1704 South Congress
2pm - BD Riley's (Official Showcase)
204 E. 6th
12am - Shiner Saloon (Future of Music Fest)
422 Congress Ave Suite D
Wednesday March 16:
Thursday March 17:
Friday March 18:
Saturday March 19:
Here's another great video, courtesy of 'Nites Blog. You should check out his YouTube channel if you want a schooling on Austin bands.
Zlam Dunk - Scum video via YouTube
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Sunday, March 13, 2011
SXSW 2011 Preview: Chapter 24
It's pretty rare when a band emails me directly soliciting coverage and I actually like them. This was the case when "Gemma Partridge", from Chapter 24 sent me an email with a four song EP attached. The band is from London and this SXSW trip will be the band's first visit to the United States. Their sound is raw, bratty, rock 'n roll and let me tell you no one does bratty like the English. I mean, American valley girls may have invented bratty but the English really own it. NME compared Chapter 24 to The Slits but I, personally, have no frame of reference for that comparison. They reminded me of Johnny Foreigner, who I saw at La Zona Rosa and I wholly approve. You won't have a ton of chances to catch Chapter 24 here in Austin but they are playing showcases both official and unofficial.
Chapter 24 - Blisland to Cry video via YouTube
Your first chance to see Chapter 24 is a free, unofficial showcase way up at the Spiderhouse Cafe. This venue is north of downtown near UT, which has its pluses and minuses. The event they're playing is, AnSo SXSW Day Party and they play stage #1. The party starts at noon and ends at 10pm and to be honest, I have no idea when exactly Chapter 24 is scheduled to take the stage.
The next time the band plays is their official SXSW showcase at Habana Bar, east of Emo's on 6th street. They take the stage for their official showcase at 10pm and even if you don't have a badge or wristband, you should be able to buy a ticket to this showcase if you wish.
As of this moment, it looks like your third and final chance to see Chapter 24 play will be Friday, the 18th at Waterloo Cycles for a free day party. They take the stage at 2:30 for this show. However, I have on pretty good authority that if you need a band for your gig, they will totally play at the last minute. If I had better connections, I would love to book them to play some event but alas I do not. Le sigh.
In any case, even if you can't catch Chapter 24 in Austin you should at least check out their music on their website and see if they are coming to your town. I normally post 2 videos in these previews but I'm quite certain the one above the break is the only one there. That's ok with me though, because it's my favorite song on the EP!
Read more!
Chapter 24 - Blisland to Cry video via YouTube
Your first chance to see Chapter 24 is a free, unofficial showcase way up at the Spiderhouse Cafe. This venue is north of downtown near UT, which has its pluses and minuses. The event they're playing is, AnSo SXSW Day Party and they play stage #1. The party starts at noon and ends at 10pm and to be honest, I have no idea when exactly Chapter 24 is scheduled to take the stage.
The next time the band plays is their official SXSW showcase at Habana Bar, east of Emo's on 6th street. They take the stage for their official showcase at 10pm and even if you don't have a badge or wristband, you should be able to buy a ticket to this showcase if you wish.
As of this moment, it looks like your third and final chance to see Chapter 24 play will be Friday, the 18th at Waterloo Cycles for a free day party. They take the stage at 2:30 for this show. However, I have on pretty good authority that if you need a band for your gig, they will totally play at the last minute. If I had better connections, I would love to book them to play some event but alas I do not. Le sigh.
In any case, even if you can't catch Chapter 24 in Austin you should at least check out their music on their website and see if they are coming to your town. I normally post 2 videos in these previews but I'm quite certain the one above the break is the only one there. That's ok with me though, because it's my favorite song on the EP!
Read more!
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