FunFunFun Fest Preview: tUnE-yArDs

I'm still trying to convince Mr. S. to love tUnE-yArDs but I recognize they're not for everyone. I watched that video of the duet with Yoko Ono last week, from some music festival in Iceland and it made me want to stab sewing needles in my ears. With that being said, I had the chance to see tUnE-yArDs perform at the Central Presbyterian Church during SXSW and it was one of the most powerful concert experiences of my life. I will admit that Merrill Garbus has a strange, androgynous voice but when you hear her perform live, that strange voice is one of the most powerful instruments you will ever hear. She sings with such passion and fury, you can not help but take notice. The songs on w-h-o-k-i-l-l are already interesting compositions but when you hear them constructed live they will take on a new shape that makes them even more intriguing. I know lots of you, reading this, are already fans of tUnE-yArDs but I am looking forward to the new fans who are simply drawn in and then blown away by tUnE-yArDs at FunFunFun Fest.

tUnE-yArDs - Gangsta video via YouTube

If you already have tickets to FunFunFun Fest, you can see tUnE-yArDs on the Orange stage, Saturday at 4:00pm. That's right after The Joy Formidable and right before Ra Ra Riot. I tweeted this awhile back but the run of tUnE-yArDs -> Ra Ra Riot -> Girls -> M83 -> Lykke Li -> Spoon on the Saturday of Fun Fest might be the best successive line-up of any music festival in the history of mankind. Possibly.

tUnE-yArDs - Bizness video via YouTube

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Minus the Bear Play La Zona Tonight

Good news! Tonight's Minus the Bear show at La Zona Rosa is not sold-out yet. That means, you can still get yourself some tickets and help the band celebrate their 10 year anniversary. I'm not gonna front and pretend $22 isn't a lot of money for a ticket but I think we all know that La Zona Rosa is inherently pricey and this is the day of the show, which means tickets are more expensive than they were initially. In any case, as someone who has seen Minus the Bear perform at La Zona Rosa before I can assure you that you will experience an extremely high-energy show filled with all of your favorite songs. Their website says that in honor of their 10 year anniversary they are even playing Highly Refined Pirates in its entirety but I'm not sure if that's at every stop on the tour so don't be disappointed if that is not the case tonight. If you have to work tomorrow and you're thinking you need to get sleep, fret not, La Zona shows are always over before midnight. In fact, you can probably expect Minus the Bear to take the stage between 10:00 and 10:30 tonight.

Minus the Bear - Hold Me Down video via YouTube

If you arrive early enough to La Zona tonight, and I encourage you to, you will catch The Lonely Forest. These guys have a radio ready sound and they are signed to an imprint of a major label. This could be a great opportunity to see a band on their rise to the top. It could also be a great opportunity to see a band before the major label system rapes and pillages them. Either way you look at it, their songs are pure hooky pop-rock and their looks are swoon-worthy so get to the venue within 30 minutes of the doors opening to see how they are live.

The Lonely Forest - We Sing in Time video via YouTube

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FunFunFun Fest Nite Preview: Memoryhouse Interview

You should know by now that we have less than 2 weeks before Auditorium Shores is over-run by the coolest people on the planet for FunFunFun Fest 6.0. You should already have your tickets by now, which means you are also entitled to enjoy all of the after-show activities. That's right, for those of you living under a rock, all of the FunFunFun Fest Nites shows have been rolled into the ticket price for the festival itself. That means you don't have to pay a cover for the after-shows and if you don't have a Fx3 ticket, then you can't go to the show. Sorry Charlie. On the plus side, if you have a ticket for an individual day of the festival, you can get into the after-shows for that particular day. If, you're doing a little mental math right now, you're probably realizing that there are way more festival attendees than there are spaces in the after-show clubs. So, you'll have to focus on the show you most want to see because club hopping will, most likely, be unfeasible.

I want to draw your attention to a, particularly awesome, after-show on Saturday night, curated by a, particularly awesome, blog. Of course I'm referring to, our neighbor to the North, Gorilla Vs. Bear. They are hosting a party at Empire Automotive that promises to be fantastic. The line-up is amazing and the venue is newly converted. It was literally an automotive shop and it is now a music venue. Oh Austin, you so crazy!

Memoryhouse - Quiet America video via YouTube

I had the chance to interview, the wonderful, Memoryhouse, who will be playing at Empire Automotive on Saturday night. They are not playing the festival itself but their musical aesthetic fits in perfectly with the overall oeuvre of FunFunFun Fest, exemplifying how the Nites shows are, truly, an extension of the festival itself. Their latest EP, out now, is called The Years and it is absolutely beautiful.

Memoryhouse has a very cinematic sound. Are you inspired by film? If so, what films?

We are definitely inspired by film. Denise is a film major in school so we inevitably end up playing with a lot of film references when we're working on music. I think Denise would probably want me to use Sunrise as an example of a film that's inspired our work. On the whole, we really like films of the Silent Era, so we can come up with our own soundtracks to them.

What was your first powerful musical memory? A song, a video, a musical family member, anything that left a lasting musical impression.

Probably Vince Guaraldi's score to "A Charlie Brown Christmas". I think I was four; I vividly recall reacting to the music (a mix of jazz and boogie woogie) as something beyond the compositions themselves. It transformed into something somewhat dark, and moody. It definitely left an impression, I still listen to that record quite a bit.

Who are your musical role models, sound-wise or career-wise?

That's a good question, I don't think I've ever really thought about it. Sound-wise, I always liked how those mid-80s U2 albums would gracefully balance ambient abstraction with monster-sized hooks. Career-wise, it's hard to say, I guess Brian Eno? Not because of the catalog of excellent music, but moreso due to the fact that he's seemingly never satisfied until he's tried everything. I admire that.

If you could collaborate with anyone living or dead, who would you choose and why?

Hmm, maybe Prokofiev. Or perhaps Van Dyke Parks. I really like what Van Dyke Parks did with the arrangements on Joanna Newsom's "Ys." It sounds like Joanna is in one room playing harp, and Van Dyke Parks is conducting an orchestra in another room down the hall, creating a peculiar sense of disconnect that somehow manages to coalesce perfectly. I'd like to do that with Prokofiev.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Did you always know music was in your future?

I guess I wanted to be a writer; music still provides me an outlet for that so I'm reasonably contented.

What can Austin expect from a live Memoryhouse show? 2 people? Full band? Live strings?

We'll be performing as a three piece for this tour. There will be lots of guitar, and really great live drumming. Denise plays bass, synths, and guitar, often in the same song, while somehow managing to sing, so it's always fun to swee how she pulls that off.

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Talib Kweli w/Full Band

I'm not here to tell you what to do but if you don't go to the Talib Kweli show at the Mohawk you're fucking grounded! Talib Kweli has been making some of the best hip-hop to hit your ears for 2 decades now and no one can deliver a well-thought-out verse better. I had the pleasure of seeing him perform at Emo's now defunct outside stage a few years ago while he was on tour with Nas and he does not disappoint. I am quite picky when it comes to hip-hop, I feel like the sound is always poorly mixed and most of the emcees out there rap like they're trying to eat the microphone making the lyrics incomprehensible. Rest assured, Talib Kweli knows how to handle a mic, you'll hear what he is saying (provided you can STFU long enough to listen) and seeing him perform with a live band will be a unique and highly-enjoyable experience. You can grab yourself a ticket to see Talib Kweli at the Mohawk BUT if you act fast you also have the option to buy a combo ticket. The latter option will get you in to see Talib Kweli AND you can also catch The Game at Emo's with a single purchase.

Talib Kweli - Get By video via YouTube

I didn't mention this above the break but the single ticket for Talib Kweli is $20 and the combo ticket for both The Game and Talib is $30 and there are only 50 of those combo tickets available. So, if you're a fan of hip-hop that's quite the deal. Hopefully these shows aren't news to you at all though since you're already caught up on all of the goings-on over at Knuckle Rumbler HQ.

Talib Kweli - Hot Thing/In The Mood video via YouTube

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FunFunFun Fest Preview: Canon Blue

I keep saying that FunFunFun Fest is like a beautiful hybrid of SXSW and ACL Festival. It's all of the up-and-coming artists you have to hunt down during SXSW with the convenience of a centralized location via ACL. Sure, there are lots of artists playing Fun Fest, with whom you are already familiar. Hell, there are even artists whom I am sure you have seen perform in the past but if you comb through the schedule you will find lots of names that aren't as familiar right now but probably will be in the future. One of these names that didn't pop out at me until I was making my Spotify playlists was Canon Blue. After doing a bit of research I discovered why the sound of Canon Blue was so appealing to me. He has ties with loads of artitsts that I love. Canon Blue's album, Rumspringa was written while on the road touring with Efterklang and he even traveled to Iceland to record string parts with Amina. In other words, homeboy is down with some seriously gorgeous music and he makes some seriously gorgeous music himself.

Canon Blue - Bows & Arrows (Vegas) video via YouTube

In order to catch Canon Blue at FunFunFun Fest you'll have to arrive early on day 1, as he is scheduled to take to the Orange stage at 1:05pm. If you're reading this from outside of Austin and you're not planning to go to Fun Fest, what the fuck is your problem? No, but seriously you should check Canon Blue's tour page as they may be heading your way. If you're reading this from Austin and you still don't have tickets to Fun Fest this year then you are really going to be missing out. Not only is the festival itself totally bad-ass this year but did you see the line-up for the after-shows? Do you know those are free if you go to the festival itself? That's a pretty spectacular idea if you ask me.

Canon Blue - A Native (Madison) video via YouTube

Speaking of spectacular ideas, for those of you carrying iPhones around the clever-cats over at the Fun Fest HQ released a fancy new app that even has, a much-anticipated, taco-locator. You can snag it at the App Store. Android users, like myself, can fuck off and die. #bummer

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Don't Miss the Opening Act: Carter Tanton

Alright y'all, I am late to the party on The War on Drugs I pre-judged them based on their name and assumed they were a metal band. Guess what? They're totally NOT a metal band. In fact, they fit neatly in the indie-rock box that I enjoy listening to. It's not in my favorite box, indie-pop, but they have some great songwriting and an overall interesting and pleasant sound. They will be at Emo's original Red River location tonight in support of their latest LP, Slave Ambient, which has already received high critical praise. I whole-heartedly endorse the new LP and encourage you to grab some tickets for tonight's show.

The War on Drugs - Baby Missiles video via YouTube

As the title of this post implies, I'm also interested in tonight's show for the opening act, Carter Tanton. Doors open at 9p tonight, so you'll have to be there shortly after to catch Carter Tanton's set. He is signed to, local label, Western Vinyl, which has never steered me wrong. Seriously, I can't think of anything released on Western Vinyl that I am not a fan of. Tanton is touring in support of his album, Freeclouds, which features straight-ahead song structures as well as more abstract sound pictures. All in all, it's a great listen and the live show promises to be pretty fantastic. Carter Tanton is also a member of the band Lower Dens and was a member of the band, Tulsa as well, so if you're familiar with and enjoy any of those acts make sure you arrive at Emo's early tonight.

Carter Tanton - Murderous Joy video via YouTube

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Washed Out at the Mohawk

To be honest, I really can't believe tonight is the Washed Out show at the Mohawk. Maybe it's just me but I feel like once you're not in school any more time just goes by so much faster. It's like, damn landlord I JUST paid my rent and now you want it again. Shooooowwwt! I know, it's a Monday night but you should really see Washed Out tonight. I have to work tomorrow, you have to work tomorrow but Washed Out and the bartenders at the Mohawk have to work tonight and if we're not there, it's all for not. As of this moment you can still get tickets to tonight's show but I have a feeling that won't be true by dinner-time tonight. If you're worried about waking up early tomorrow, don't sweat it. Tonight's show is on the outside stage so you can catch a full set and still watch the 10 o'clock evening news in your fucking jammies.

Washed Out - Amor Fati video via YouTube

Washed Out's newest album, Within and Without is effing glorious. The packaging is beautiful and the songs are the perfect blend of woozy-disaffectedness and personal introspection. If you heard it blaring from some rolled-down car windows this summer in Austin, that was probably me. Without a doubt, the lead-single, Eyes Be Closed is one of the greatest singles of 2011.

Washed Out - Eyes Be Closed video via YouTube

Austin band, Sleep ∞ Over are playing the support slot for Washed Out tonight so make sure you arrive early to support your local-scene. Make sure you bring some cash for the merch table too. Even though Sleep ∞ Over is local it's hard to find their LPs and EPs and the local record shops. Who knows, maybe they'll even have a few copies of their limited-release debut cassettes?

Sleep Over - Casual Diamond video via YouTube

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Gringo Star Play the ND Tonight

Atlanta band, Gringo Star will release their 2nd LP in 11 days but you can hear the songs performed live tonight at the ND. Their upcoming LP is called, Count Yer Lucky Stars and it's filled with throwback, guitar-pop. Think a contemporary take on The Zombies and you're in the right ballpark. The melodies are infectious, there are singalong choruses and oooooos and ahhhhhhhhs for days. Expect a lot of instrument switching at tonight's show at the ND, as most of the band members are multi-instrumentalists. In other words, if you don't fuck bass players, hold the phone, that bro might also play piano. Now whatchu gonna do?

Gringo Star - Shadow video via YouTube

The buzz for tonight's show hasn't been huge but that doesn't mean it's not a good show. I expect that tonight will be one of those shows that you reference each time Gringo Star comes back to Austin with increased popularity. If you get tickets to see them at the ND tonight you can rub it in everyone's faces when the band is the belle of SXSW 2012.

A band called, The Trees is opening of for Gringo Star tonight but I am so over trying to do research about bands with generic names. It's 2011, when will musicians realize their musical project has to be internet searchable or people like me can't help promote you. Perhaps, The Trees don't want publicity? If that's the case they've chosen an excellent name.

Here's a video from Gringo Star's debut LP, All Y'all:

Gringo Star - Come On Now video via YouTube

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FunFunFun Fest Preview: Keep Shelly in Athens

There is so much mystery surrounding Grecian, electronic act, Keep Shelly in Athens. Will their country's debt bankrupt the Euro, triggering the U.S. economy into a double-dip recession? Also, who the hell is Keep Shelly in Athens? Well, I can tell you what I know, which is they have released a cassette on a Japanese label, they have released a couple of 7" LPs and a 12" EP via Gorilla Vs. Bear's Forest Family Records. Their sound has been compared to Air and/or Air France, which means it's beautiful chilled-out electronic. The kind of music you listen to while reading a book as opposed to the kind you listen to after doing all kinds of Molly at the rave. All I have heard from them is what can be heard on their Soundcloud page and I love every moment of it. You can buy their EP, Our Own Dream via Amazon Mp3 but the highly limited pressing of the physical 12" LPs have completely sold-out. If you want in on the ground-floor of all of the hype for Keep Shelly in Athens then you better get yourself some FunFunFun Fest tickets now! Tickets will sell-out and the longer you wait to buy them the longer you wait in the will-call line. All tickets will be shipped out on Oct. 20th, so if you order them now, they'll be in your mailbox before the festival. Otherwise, you're either missing out or standing in line like a sucker.

Keep Shelly in Athens - Running Out of You video via YouTube

I'm very excited because whilst writing this post I sent a tweet to Forest Family Records asking if they sent any copies of the sold-out EP to, my favorite neighborhood record shop, End of an Ear and they responded saying they "might" have a few copies to send to the "release city." Oh, did I mention that FunFunFun Fest is the album-release show for Keep Shelly in Athens? That's right! Oh, and you're favorite hipster-blogger (me) just got us some out of print EPs to celebrate. Holla!!!

Keep Shelly in Athens - video via YouTube

I've got to get down to End of an Ear to make sure this thing's a go. You should listen to this other tune from Keep Shelly in Athens and for the love of all that is holy in this universe get your FunFunFun Fest tickets now!

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Utopiafest

There are so many festivals in Austin that it can be hard to keep track of them. Well, I didn't want you to miss out on your chance to get out of the city for a music fest that's, relatively, new to the scene. Utopiafest takes place this weekend on a lovely patch of land in the, appropriately named, town of Utopia, Texas. There will be camping, food, and of course loads of great music. The vibe is mostly folky, pastoral rock but the festival is not pigeon-holed into a specific genre. Some of the most recognizable artists scheduled to perform this weekend include Blitzen Trapper and Dawes but that's only a very small taste of the full line-up.

Blitzen Trapper - Love The Way You Walk Away video via YouTube

In an effort to avoid the trappings of the large-scale music festival experience there are only 1500 tickets available for Utopiafest. In other words, if you are interested in being a part of the festivities out in Utopia you should grab yourself some tickets while they're still available. As I mentioned, you can camp on-site and they will even have hot showers available. Take that Bonnarroo! A couple of other things that set Utopiafest apart from other festivals, the beauty of the hill-country venue, free yoga in the morning and even a disc golf course. Bring your tent, bring your disc golfing discs and bring your love for music because it all goes down starting at noon on Friday.

Avi Buffalo - What's In It For? video via YouTube

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