Ticket Giveaway: Kurt Vile and the Violators at the Mohawk

Kurt Vile plays the Mohawk tomorrow night and I want you to see him perform with the Violators for free. Tickets for this show are $18 and they're on the verge of being sold-out. All you have to do to enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets from Austin Bloggy Limits is to e-mail contest@austinbloggylimits.com with "Kurt Vile" in the Subject and your name in the body of the e-mail.

If you think you can afford the ticket for Tuesday night's show I recommend you just buy one now though. Sure, winning contests is great but Kurt Vile and the Violators is one of the best touring indie-rock bands today and you don't won't to roll the dice and risk missing this show.


Kurt Vile - KV Crimes video via YouTube

I was never a big fan of Kurt Vile's records but I have always enjoyed watching him perform. However, his latest release, Wakin on a Pretty Daze truly made me a fan. I don't know what I wasn't hearing in his music up to this point but something about this new record really clicked with me. I feel like it is his most immediate material. It doesn't take a lot of patience to get to the melodies and there isn't a sea of noise to wade through before you get to the good parts. My personal favorite track on the record is called Shame Chamber. It's not a single but it could be.

Tuesday night's show takes place on the Mohawk's outside stage, which means things will start and end pretty early. Doors for this event open at 6:30p so don't dilly-dally. Especially if you want to catch support act, Sonny and the Sunsets.

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Three of Austin's Best at the Mohawk, Friday

You know what y'all? We have some great fucking bands in this town. I know that people say we don't support our scene like we should (which is true) and that Austin isn't what it used to be (which is also true) but this city still attracts talented people from around the world. They hang out, they swim, they eat breakfast tacos and they create. Lots of those creations are beautiful and worthy of your time and attention. Some of them, not so much. This Friday at the Mohawk you can experience three fantastic, contemporary, Austin-based music acts on two stages with music that spans many genres and tastes. They came, they chilled, they created and they'll be showcasing their creations for those of us with hungry ears.

For the price of a $12-$15 Ticket you have the opportunity to see FIVE bands on Friday night. All of them are good but I'm most familiar with (and highlighting) three in particular.

Mirror Travel Mohawk Teaser from XIMedia on Vimeo.

By now, I would hope that Mirror Travel is a familiar name to you but if it's not then you need to get familiar. They have been performing in Austin for several years as Follow That Bird. They were featured with that name on the Casual Victim Pile Vol. 1 compilation. Well, since making that splash a few years ago the band has changed their name, shuffled the line-up a bit and recorded a debut LP. That LP is due out in October from Modern Outsider. In the meantime you can get a taste of the no-nonsense rock 'n roll that Mexico has in store with this, the title track, from the debut LP.



It what promises to be a bit jarring. After listening to some pretty heavy rock from Mirror Travel, Balmorhea will take the stage. One reason I think Friday night's show is so great is because the acts I'm highlighting represent three very different parts of Austin's music scene. The fact that they are all playing the Mohawk the same night is a great representation of the way people listen to music in 2013. Today's music fan wants to see both Atoms for Peace AND Lionel Richie at ACL Fest but I digress.

Balmorhea creates soundscapes. They use traditional rock/folk instruments as well as stringed instruments and maybe some woodwinds I don't know how much shit is kicking around their van. Maybe there will be a harpsichord, show up and find out. If you do show-up, you'll also find out that Balmorhea is fucking breathtaking. If the Lone Star swilling masses can shut their yaps long enough for you to enjoy the show, enjoy it you will. Their latest LP is called Stranger, which was released last year on another one of Austin's best-curated labels (along with Modern Outsider) Western Vinyl. I'm kind of a sucker for all things glacial, weird and precious so I'm sort of pre-disposed to like everything Western Vinyl touches.



The third artist I want to highlight is playing the "aftershow" on the Mohawk's inside stage Friday night. If you buy a $12-$15 Ticket for the outside stage you get to go to the "aftershow" it's free. If you just wander in from the street after the outside show, it's $5 to get in. Emily Wolfe is an artist, much like her peer Dana Falconberry whose music has the power to straddle the two Austins. See for those of you who don't live here, we are in a transitional moment. It's evident in many, many things from our burgers (Hut's Vs. Hopdoddy) to our music scene (Mohawk Vs. Saxon Pub). Now, I'm not trying to say these businesses are rivals. I'm saying that they represent the greatest of these two worlds. The Saxon Pub, Continental Club, Broken Spoke, One 2 One Club, and Strange Brew all exist in same circles. The artists that play one of those places are just at likely to be booked at any of the others. Whereas artists who are booked to play Mohawk, Red 7, Emo's etc probably wouldn't play the Saxon. Well Emily Wolfe can play in both those circles but most likely you'll catch her at places like Holy Mountain that truly give local musicians a place to showcase and explore their talents. Don't take my word for, watch Emily Wolfe and call me on my bullshit if there's bullshit to be called.



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Killer Mike and El-P at the Mohawk

Killer Mike's R.A.P. Music was one of my favorite records of 2012. The video for Reagan is a cartoon depicting the lyrics of the song and it is shocking the first time you watch it, especially if it's your first experience with the song. Killer Mike is saying things that you're not supposed to say and it's not shock for the sake of shock. He's not trying to gross us out like Odd Future. He's not just saying whatever funny, nonsensical thing is passing through his brain like Lil' Wayne and he's not trapped in his own head/ego like Kanye West. Killer Mike's lyrics sound important and they make you pay attention. You may or may not agree with his message but you'll certainly know what his message is before the song is over. Tomorrow night's show at the Mohawk would be worth your time and money even if it were only Killer Mike on the stage but that's not the case y'all. No, for those of you who didn't realize it already based on the title of this very post, the legendary, El-P will also be performing in Austin Monday night along-side Killer Mike at the Mohawk. Together they are known as, Run the Jewels and they just put out a new record on Fool's Gold Records.


Run the Jewels - 36" Chain video via YouTube

El-P's importance to hip-hop cannot be overstated. I know I started this post focusing on Mike, but El-P is a legend in his own right. He's a hip-hop producer, performer, entrepreneur, and all around mogul. If this post is your first time seeing the name El-P then I almost don't even know where to begin. I'm going to assume that if you're hip to Austin Bloggy Limits you have a basic, working knowledge of who El-P is or at least a basic working knowledge of how to use the internet. So, for our purposes today, I'm not going to get into all of that. I'm just going to say, respect and highlight that not only did El-P produce the Killer Mike album I discussed above the break, he released his own killer rap album, Cancer 4 Cure C4C, which also ranked amongst my favorite albums of 2012.

I don't know for sure, but I would expect that we'll get to hear solo material from both artists along with their Run The Jewels material. Both individual artists have catalogues that reach back a decade or more, so the setlist will have to be somewhat focused on their most contemporary stuff.

Since tomorrow is Monday and this show will be taking place on the outside stage at the Mohawk it will start and end early. The doors open at 6:30 and I would expect the whole event to be done by 10:30 or earlier. I don't know this for a fact, it's just some good guestimating.



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Inc at the Mohawk Tomorrow

Inc.'s No World is one of my favorite records of the year. I have listened to all or parts of it more than I have listened to almost anything else this calendar year. Obviously, it clicked with me. I love the mood of the album. I love its sensuality, its self-consciousness and its soulfulness. The grooves are minimal but perfectly R&B. The XX meets The Roots.

I saw Inc. perform at SXSW but it was about 2:00pm at the Fader Fort, not the ideal setting to experience a performance from this particular band. That's why, when I heard that Inc. was scheduled to play the Mohawk I was very excited. I was a bit apprehensive when I thought it was an outside show because I knew it would be hard for people to stop talking long enough for me to hear the performance we all paid for. Luckily, tomorrow night's Inc. performance will actually take place inside. If you haven't bought yourself a $10 ticket yet, now would be a good time to go ahead and do that. Go ahead, I can wait.


Inc. - Trust (Hell Below) video via YouTube

I've heard people say that they don't like the Mohawk's inside stage and I know it has its down-sides but as far as small performance spaces in Austin go, it's one of the best if not the best. Maybe you wouldn't regret missing this show but maybe you would. Regardless, you should buy No World and you should tell other people to listen to Inc because they're good, this record is great and tomorrow night's performance has little-to-no buzz, which is fucking ridiculous.


Inc. - Black Wings live for Yours Tru.ly via YouTube


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15 Shows You Should Be At This Week

15. Islands & Tigers at Red Eyed Fly
    Wednesday, July 17th

    
    
    
    All you need to know about Islands & Tigers is that they're from San Antonio and this EP they posted on Bandcamp kicks some power-pop ass.
    
    
 

16. Crooks at Holy Mountain
    Friday, July 19th

    
    
    
    If you buy tickets to this show in advance they are $2 cheaper but I'm not sure what the service fees for buying online are like so you may want to risk it and just pay at the door. This shows is definitely worth seeing but I doubt it will sell out if you show up in a timely manner Friday night.
    
    
 

17. Wild Child at Scoot Inn
    Saturday, July 20th

    
    
    
    Tickets to see Wild Child at the Scoot Inn are $8 if you buy them in advance or $10 at the door. The service fee for buying online makes them $9.43 though so I'd just bring a 10 spot if I were you.
    
    
 

18. Grape St. at Holy Mountain
    Wednesday, July 17th

    
    
    
    Tonight's line-up is stacked with bad-ass local bands, the cover charge is very low and all of the proceeds benefit UT's student-run radio station. Also, if you haven't seen Grape St. live you're really missing out. Their messy, off-the-rails energy always makes for a lively and enjoyable experience. You can pick up their new record on vinyl at tonight's show and at our favorite local record shops, End of an Ear or Waterloo.
    
    
 

19. The Couch at Holy Mountain
    Thursday, July 18th

    
    
    
    The Couch are the headliners for this Thursday night show at Holy Mountain but I really want to see Christy Hays and Western Youth too.
    
    
 

20. Natural Child at Hotel Vegas
    Saturday, July 20th

    
    
    
    Best stoner-rock outfit in the game? Maybe so, maybe not? Come to Hotel Vegas Saturday night and form your own opinion.
    
    
 

21. Wiretree at Lambert's
    Friday, July 19th

    
    
    
    Friday night's Wiretree show is a record release party. Pay the cover, buy the record, buy a drink be a hero for supporting your local scene.
    
    
 

22. The Octopus Project at Waterloo Records.
    Monday, July 21st

    
    
    
    I'm not a die-hard fan of The Octopus Project but for one thing, Monday night's performance is free for another thing they are always a fantastic live band and lastly the new record really kicks ass.
    
    
 

23. Rodrigo y Gabriella at ACL-Live
    Saturday, July 20th

    
    
    
    Tickets are in the $50 range for Saturday night's Rodrigo y Gabriella show but if you're a fan of the band it's worth the price of admission to hear them at ACL-Live.
    
    
 

24. S U R V I V E at the Mohawk
    Thursday, July 18th

    
    
    
    All I really know about S U R V I V E is that they spell their name in all-caps with spaces and they are playing the Mohawk's inside stage tomorrow night. Also, I like their haunting vintage keyboard sounds. It's like the score from a really dark episode of Night Rider. Sold!
    
    
 

25. Night Moves at the Mohawk
    Friday, July 19th

    
    
    
    There are a lot of "night" bands out there right now. This is one of them worth paying attention to. This is an indoor show at the Mohawk taking place Friday night with Lord Buffalo opening.
    
    
 

26. The Psychedelic Furs at Antone's
    Thursday, July 18th

    
    
    
    Tickets to see The Psychedelic Furs Thursday night have sold-out so, if you don't already have tickets you're options are thin.
     
    
    

27. New Order at Austin Music Hall
    Friday, July 19th

    
    
    
    I've got good news and I've got bad news. The good news is that New Order is playing Austin. The bad news is that they're playing at Austin Music Hall. I have more bad news, the show is sold-out. I have more good news, if you didn't buy a ticket you don't have to have an Austin Music Hall experience. In news neither bad nor good, I LOVE Holy Ghost! and that's who's opening for New Order Friday night at AMH.



 



28. CSS at Emo's
    Thursday, July 18th

    
    
    
    If you don't have fun at a CSS show, that's on you. That's your bad. Something's not right in your life and that's ok but you can't blame CSS because they brought the motherfucking fun. Not to mention Austin's-own FEATHERS is opening. Be there Thursday night.
    
    



 



29. Saint Motel at Red 7
    Friday, July 19th

    
    
    
    What can I say? I'm just a complete and total sucker for music like this? Maybe this wouldn't be your number 1 show this week and I'm ok with that if you are. If you're like me and you love indie-pop then we should hang out at Red 7's Saint Motel show Friday night. Tickets are only $8 and Saint Motel share the bill with Moonlight Gram and Holiday.
    
    

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Final FunFunFun Fest Line-Up Leak 2013

The final line-up leak for FunFunFun Fest 2013 will happen this evening in a live event setting. It bears noting that the last PR e-mail I received for tonight's event specifically says, "...the Fest will announce a large portion of the 2013 lineup." So, don't be disappointed because the full line-up won't be reveled until tomorrow (Wednesday, July 10th at 10am Central) when tickets go on sale.

Tonight's event is centered around a documentary called Vannin'. Maybe it's real, maybe it's fake, maybe the trailer itself is the whole thing? All I know is that each year the creators of FunFunFun Fest up the ante in every way. One year the line-up was revealed during a live Turntable.fm session. Remember Turntable.fm? I also know that Shiner is sponsor tonight and they're encouraging people to RSVP, which usually means free beer. The whole thing

Vannin' - A Documentary Trailer from Little Cabin Films on Vimeo.

The Vannin' party at 1100 Warehouse goes from 8:00p - 10:30p, which is precisely when the after-party starts at Yellow Jacket Social Club. Given that this event will most likely have free beer, you should probably get in line at least an hour before doors. Also Kebabalicious is going to be there. So, yeah.



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Emeli Sandé for Austin City Limits TV

With hair like Roxette and a power suit straight out of Working Girl, Emeli Sandé commanded the Austin City Limits Television stage like a seasoned professional. Already a name overseas, tonight was the first time that Sandé had ever peformed in Austin and it's clear that she was waiting until she was ready for superstardom. I am lucky enough to attend many ACL TV tapings and I have seen many amazing performances by some legendary performers but it is rare that I see an up-and-comer that shows as much skill as Emeli Sandé did tonight. I don't know if she will ever become a household name in the U.S. but regardless of how popular she does or doesn't become that doesn't change the fact that she is a superstar.

Sandé's music is a style of pop that straddles many other pop sub-genres. It isn't hard to imagine Sandé murdering some 80's hair-metal power-ballads nor would I be surprised to hear her take us to church with a gospel number. Not to totally nerd out here but there were several points where the thought occured to me that she could write an excellent contemporary Broadway show. Her songs hit those visceral crescendos that pump the adrenaline through your blood and make you want to sing-a-long at the top of your lungs. These songs are arena-ready and so is this performer.


Emeli Sande - Heaven video via YouTube


For those of you who weren't at ACL-Live at the Moody Theater this evening and/or you weren't watching the live webstream on YouTube you'll get a chance to see part of Emeli's performance in the fall on your local PBS station. Her performance will be paired with Michael Kiwaniku, who is also from the British Isles and is also making pop music for grown-ups.

American radio doesn't seem to really know what to do with pop music for grown-ups anymore but with the success of artists like Adele and Mumford & Sons there is hope for artists like Sandé, Kiwaniku and Lianne La Havas. In other words, America has outsourced its Adult Contemporary Pop music to artists from the U.K. who seem to be doing American music better than us right now. Don't worry America, I know you're out there making great music too. I'm just focused abroad at the moment.

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Let's Go Out Tonight: Thursday June 27th

It's Thursday, I still have to work tomorrow but I am so over this week already. You know what that means? Cheap whiskey, cheap beer, rock 'n roll. First pick, as usual, is ye olde Mohawk. Mikal Cronin headlines in support of his brilliant new LP, MCII go to the show tonight, buy the vinyl at the merch table. Thank me later. I suggest you arrive to the Mohawk by 6pm tonight because Shannon of Shannon and the Clams will be bartending until 7pm followed by a set from the Clams on the outside stage.

Since you're already arriving early enough to get a drink from Shannon, you'll be able to catch Austin bad-asses, A Giant Dog. They'll be kicking things off tonight and you get it all for the price of a $12 ticket.


Mikal Cronin - Change video via YouTube

After all the amps are turned off over on Red River, let's head over to E. 6th to see Sleep Over at Cheer-Up Charlies. I'm not guaranteeing you'll see every moment of Sleep Over's set but your odds are quite good. In my experience the last band at CuC usually starts closer to Midnight. I have no idea what's going on with Sleep Over right now but I always enjoy finding out. The track below is from a year ago. Their latest stuff may be nothing like this you'll have to show up tonight to find out.

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Your Weekend Show Planner

Oh my god y'all, I am so psyched that it's Friday. I don't want to think about work until...ever. Let's go see some rock 'n roll, drink some cheap beer and make some bad decisions. There's some really great choices this weekend, including several noteworthy shows on Sunday night, which is both odd and rude.

Friday nights are tough when it comes to show-hopping so you're going to have to commit to a venue. For me, it's a tough choice between Baths with Houses and Eleanor Friedberger with Teen.

• Baths / Houses at the Mohawk
• Eleanor Friedberger / Teen at the Parish
• The Black and White Years / Tiger Waves at Stubb's
• Flesh Lights at the Hotel Vegas

Eleanor Friedberger - She's a Mirror video via YouTube

Saturday

There are a lot of factors involved in which show you choose to see Saturday night. All of them have their advantages and disadvantages and the choice you make will say a lot about you as a person. No pressure though.

• Del the Funky Homosapien at Flamingo Cantina
• Twin Shadow at the Emo's
• Hayes Carll / Bruce & Kelly / Warren Hood at ACL Live

Twin Shadow - Patient video via YouTube

Sunday

Leave it to Austin to have four solid shows on a Sunday night. That's right, our weekends never really end in Austin so you're going to have to call in sick Monday or show up with very little sleep because all of these Sunday night shows have a very magical quality.

• Ola Podrida at the Mohawk
• Christopher Owen at the Cactus Cafe
• Aesop Rock with Kimya Dawson at the Central Presbytyrian Church
• Robert Plant presents Sensational Space Shifters at ACL Live

Christopher Owens - Here We Go Baby video via YouTube


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Michael Kiwanuka for Austin City Limits Television

I have been writing about Michael Kiwanuka since he played SXSW 2012, which is almost a year after he became a star in the U.K. Kiwanuka is the perfect example of an artist who should be a big-name mainstream artist in the U.S. but is somehow still unknown by most. Lucky for those of us who were in attendance and those of you who will be watching Season 39 in the fall, the folks at Austin City Limits Television ARE familiar with Michael Kiwanuka and they were smart enough to book him. With only one full-length LP under his belt it's a pretty safe bet that this artist won't dwindle in obscurity for very long.

His songwriting is in the singer-songwriter tradition, simple easy to remember notes with familiar melodies. His lyrics are sensitive but masculine. I would say that if you're a fan of artists like Ray Lamontagne or Damien Rice you'll probably enjoy Michael Kiwanuka.


Michael Kiwanuka - Home Again video via YouTube


Last night's performance showcased Michael Kiwanuka's astounding voice. It's one thing to listen to the recordings and hear Randy Newman meets Van Morrison but it's even more impressive in person. Kiwanuka's speaking voice gives you no indication what his singing voice will sound like. It is also disarming to hear such a low, gravely, soulful voice coming from someone who is so short and young. I know his height has nothing to do with anything but I was still surprised to see that he is only about 5'6" or so in person.

The set lasted about 90 minutes and consisted of 14 songs, 2 of those were covers and 4 were performed without the full band. I must say, I would love to hear Kiwanuka perform with string and woodwind players but last night it was a basic touring band with bass, guitar and drums. The cover songs were smart choices that showed influences but weren't super obvious. One was a Jimi Hendrix song that's not on his greatest hits collections and the other was a Townes Van Zandt song. See the full set list below, courtesy of Shivvy.



Keep an eye on your local PBS affiliate in the fall to see Michael Kiwanuka's performance on Austin City Limits Television.

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