Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Diana Return to Austin



I have been waiting for Canadian band, Diana to return to Austin since March. I caught a set from them on the first evening of SXSW 2013, all I knew of them was one song and they blew me away. I tried to see them again the following evening but alas the venue was full and I was trapped outside in line while they played their set. I did get to see lead-singer, Carmen outside the venue and chat with her for a minute but that was the last time I saw any member of Diana. Their debut LP, Perpetual Surrender was released a couple of weeks ago and for me it totally delivers on the promise of that first live performance. It's psychedelic, it's moody, it's sexy, the bass grooves are funky and the vocals are haunting. I love the record so much, I bought an import edition from Diana's Canadian label so I could get a signed, colored-vinyl copy. However, I also bought the domestic release of the LP on the day it was released because I wasn't patient enough to wait for my Canadian copy to arrive by mail. I already bought the colored-vinyl 12" of the first single Born Again and I'm on the lookout for the 12" of the title track, Perpetual Surrender.

If you want to become as obsessed with Diana as I am then I suggest you get yourself some tickets to see them perform at the Mohawk on Friday night.


Diana - Born Again video via YouTube

If you clicked that ticket link then you probably noticed that Austra is headlining Friday night's show. They just released a new record that has been getting some buzz. I have seen Austra perform before and they put on a great show. However, I really wanted to highlight Diana because I think they need the exposure and if I'm being honest their live show is much more impressive. Don't get me wrong, Austra has great songs and they are very powerful performers but when I saw Diana during SXSW it was the music blogger equivalent of Marvin calling Chuck Berry so he could hear Marty McFly play guitar. In other words, I'm really hoping that there are a lot of people in the crowd who have never seen or heard of Diana on Friday night and that they all become believers and worship at the church of Carmen. Only time will tell though.


Diana - Perpetual Surrender video via YouTube

Read more!

Posted by Unknown at 8:30 AM
Labels: , , , , ,

Friday, September 6, 2013

Austinbloggy Recommends: Shows This Weekend

Alright, work is over for you 9-5ers and you want to get some beer and get some rock n roll. If this doesn't apply to you, move on, if it does here are some ideas for where you might want to head this weekend. I hate to admit it but my top show recommendations for this evening are on 6th street proper. Don't let the fog of Axe body spray and glitter deter you, you can still have a good time at venues on 6th street...at least that's what the kids tell me. My top pick for tonight is Blackalicious at Flamingo Cantina. I will warn you that it is hot as balls inside Flamingo Cantina so dress appropriately. Also, Blackalicious is far to popular/well-known for this show to not sell-out. So, if you're interested you better get your shit together and get down there so you can post up early. Drinks are cheap, when in Rome order Red Stripe.


Blackalicious - Alphabet Aerobics (Live) video via YouTube

My number 2 pick for this evening might seem odd and/or controversial to which I say, lighten up bro it's just music. Cherub plays the Parish tonight. To be honest, I know very little of Cherub other than someone asked me my thoughts the other day, I checked out their(his?) stuff on Soundcloud and I like it. It's just pop but it's good pop and this is Gay Pride Weekend so sugary-pop confections are in order.



Tomorrow night, I want you to see Nakia's new electronic music project XBRMNT. They'll be premiering all new material with this new project, opening for Light Asylum. Tickets are only $10 and you can pay at the door. Arrive before 10pm to catch XBRMNT stay late for Light Asylum.

Are you sensing a theme here? I opened the post talking about rock n roll and all I've given you is dance music. Well, I'm sorry but like I said, it's Gay Pride Weekend and I want to dance! If you want to rock, you can see The FuckEmos at Hotel Vegas Sunday night. Otherwise, let's get down with Crystal Waters at Fiesta Gardens!


Crystal Waters - Gypsy Woman(She's Homeless) video via YouTube
Read more!

Posted by Unknown at 4:57 PM
Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Monday, August 26, 2013

Ty Segall Returns to the Mohawk



Ty Segall might love the Mohawk as much as we do. He'll be returning to perform on the Mohawk's outside stage tomorrow night and tickets are still available, for now.

Last Tuesday night Kurt Vile & the Violators played the 'Hawk and the show sold-out by the time the doors were open so plan ahead. I'd also advice you to arrive early if you are a music fan who is actually interested in hearing the performances taking place on the stage. If you're just going to the show to say you were there or you want to catch-up with some friends and chat feel free to arrive late and stand near the back. Or, you could just say you were there even if you weren't and go someplace else to chat? That would be cool, I'll say you were there if anyone asks. Oh, and before you hand your cell phone to a stranger and ask them to take a picture of you while the band is playing, you might want to ask yourself, "Will this stranger take my phone and throw it from this balcony into the street?" Because, you know? He might. Not every stranger is friendly and not everyone wants to hear you talking or take your picture. Also, if you're just going to look at pictures of yourself on your cell phone while the band is playing, you don't need a better place to stand than someone who is actually watching the show. I know, it's futile to hope/expect the majority of an audience at a concert to listen to the performance they paid for but maybe if I just put that thought into the universe via The Secret it will come true. Praise Oprah.


Ty Segall - Sleeper (Live on KEXP @Pickathon) video via YouTube

Music fans, I'm speaking at you again. When I say arrive early, I mean be there by 7:30 at the latest. First of all, you'll have better access to the good parking but also because all of the support acts tomorrow night are worth seeing. Expect Hidden Ritual to hit the stage around 7:30, with Holy Wave on around 8:30ish and Ty Segall by 9:30 or 10:00 at the latest. These times are just estimates so don't blame me if the schedule is different, I'm just trying to help!

Since you're already downtown and you already paid for parking, cab, biked it there whatever you might as well stick around and catch three more bands on the Mohawk's inside stage. You already paid to see Low Times, Deep Space and The Rips. You can find these bands on the intimate area inside the venue behind the bar area. Just listen for the deafeningly loud rock 'n roll.


Read more!

Posted by Unknown at 4:14 PM
Labels: , , ,

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Highlight: ACL Fest 2013 Late Night Shows

Since this is the first year that ACL Festival is taking place over the course of two weekends it's the first year that the Late Night Shows are taking place all over Texas. I know, it's a strange correlation but it makes sense. If you're going to ask a touring act to be in the same city two weekends in a row you need to book them some shows for their in between time. As you may know, when you agree to play a festival you agree to NOT play within a certain radius of said festival. That means that most of the bands who have agreed to perform at Austin City Limits Festival this year can't play any unofficial shows within a certain time and/or distance of the fest. Some of the bands who aren't playing official showcases will travel outside of Texas during the week between festivals and then return to play the second weekend, it sounds exhausting to me but I suppose that's the life of a musician.

Personally, I love these bonus shows. I prefer an intimate concert setting to that of a festival but if you're already planning to go to the festival these shows can be a nice bonus. There are lots of great official showcases this year including some really stellar shows in Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Below the break you'll find both my highlights and my Highlightiest Highlights. The shows discussed in this post are all official Late Night Shows booked by C3 Presents. Expect lots of counter and competitive shows to be announced by other promoters in the near future. Generally, the folks behind FunFunFun Fest put on free concerts at Mohawk, Red 7 etc. to coincide with ACL Fest. Not really sure if that will happen in the same way this year but that is neither here nor there.

For now, I want to focus on the C3 Concerts Official Late Night Shows featuring artists performing at this year's Austin City Limits Festival. By the way, there are still tickets available for both weekends of the festival. I'll be going the second weekend so, if you want to hang with me that's when you should go too.


Autre Ne Veut - Play by Play video via YouTube


  • Monday, October 7th| MS MR | House of Blues (DALLAS)

MS MR - Hurricane video via YouTube

So, like I said, the above represents the best of the Late Night Shows HOWEVER, I want to pare that list down to the Highlightiest Highlights. These are the shows you buy tickets for if you can only buy tickets for a couple of the aftershows. Since, I live in Austin and the festival takes place in Austin none of those other Texas places make this list. In fact, fuck those other Texas places. Just kidding other Texas places but for the purposes of this list fuck y'all.

Highlightiest Highlights


You'll notice that a couple of the Highlightiest shows are happening on the same night. For two of these it's a problem, for one of them it's not. Friday, October 4th HAIM & MS MR are performing at Antone's while Wild Nothing & Autre Ne Veut play at The Parish. For me, this is a really tough decision. I've seen three of these four artists before and I know them all to be superb. HAIM & MS MR will be easier to drive to and from, you won't have to deal with downtown and these artists will surely be too large for a venue as small as Antone's the next time they come through town. If you decide to hit The Parish instead, you'll be experiencing Wild Nothing and Autre Ne Veut in the way they should be experienced, in Austin's best sounding room. I love Autre Ne Veut and I LOVE that he was booked for ACL Fest but I can guarantee that what he does won't translate to the festival experience as well as it will in an intimate space. Sophie's choice y'all.

With Widowspeak and The National, since both shows are at Stubb's you should be able to attend both without any overlap and both shows are kick ass. I'm really excited/intrigued with The Growlers' show at The Parish. It seems odd to me that Burger Records is working with C3 rather than booking thos or a similar show at a Transmission venue, or independent venue as an alternative to the fest. However, I like that this show is occuring and it's certainly one of the Highlightiest Higlights.

What are your highlights? If you answered, Dawes I'm judging you.
Read more!

Posted by Unknown at 5:28 PM
Labels: , , , ,

Monday, August 19, 2013

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.
Read more!

Posted by Unknown at 5:18 AM
Labels: , , ,

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

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.
Read more!

Posted by Unknown at 4:42 PM
Labels: , , , , ,

Sunday, August 4, 2013

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.



Read more!

Posted by Unknown at 8:57 PM
Labels: , , , , ,

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

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
Read more!

Posted by Unknown at 3:57 PM
Labels: , , ,

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

15 Shows You Should Be At This Week

  1. 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.

    2.  

  2. 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.

    3.  

  3. 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.

    4.  

  4. 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.

    5.  

  5. 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.

    6.  

  6. 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.

    7.  

  7. 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.

    8.  

  8. 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.

    9.  

  9. 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.

    10.  

  10. 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!

    11.  

  11. 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.

    12.  

  12. 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.
     

  13. 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.



    14.  

  14. 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.




    15.  

  15. 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.





Read more!

Posted by Unknown at 3:35 PM
Labels: , , , , , ,

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

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.



Read more!

Posted by Unknown at 5:37 PM
Labels: , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)