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February 2010
SXSW2010: 10 questions for Phantogram
The Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-based duo of Sarah Barthel and Joshua Carter, aka Phantogram, merge electronic music with guitars and other more traditional rock elements in service of a layered sound that is at once catchy and haunting. Their full-length debut, “Eyelid Movies,” is out now on Barsuk. We recently caught up with Carter, who talked about the group’s appeal, touring and living outside the city.
Is this your first time at SXSW?
No. This is our second time playing SXSW. We are super excited, and love it down in Austin. We are also looking forward to the warm weather!
How would you describe your music to people who haven’t heard it before?
A gritty mix of swirling guitar, spacey synths, heavy beats, chopped up sampling, and honest, emotional lyrics.
Why did you decide to call yourselves Phantogram?
We were thinking we wanted to name our band “ghost hands” or “phantom hands” - among a slew of many other ideas. Then I thought, “how about phantogram”? so we looked up what the definition of a phantogram, and thought it was a perfect fit for our sound.
What does Saratoga Springs offer that you prefer over a more urban environment like New York City?
It’s home to us. We have a bunch of friends down in NYC, and love it there. But we like the serenity of living in a more rural area… also, we can make a lot of noise late at night without bothering neighbors. it’s cheaper to live here too…. either way, we tour so much, there is no point in relocating. It’s nice to go back home for a little bit at a time after being in city after city every night.
Writing/creating music that incorporates electronic elements/samples seems like a solitary process. How do the two of you collaborate?
I do the beat making for the most part, a lot of the time we jam for hours over a simple drum pattern and work out melodies together. Sometimes we each work alone, and then in rehearsal, we bring our ideas to the table and hash things out to figure out how we can turn an idea into a workable live song. It’s different every time, though. Sometimes I write a song on guitar or piano and we work it out, and sometimes Sarah writes on piano or guitar and we see where we can go from there. Our favorite songs tend to come together very quickly in our rehearsal space. They sort of flow out naturally, both lyrically and musically.
What inspired you to create music that blends electronic instruments with more organic elements?
We have an extremely diverse taste in music, and wanted to incorporate elements of music that inspire us into our own songs. We enjoy the use and juxtaposition of contrasting elements.
You’ve played festivals like Camp Bisco, but you also appear at events like SXSW that are more focused on indie rock. To what do you attribute your wide range of appeal?
Camp Bisco, as far as I know, has a very diverse line up each year - from Dr. Dog to FlyingLotus, Nas, LCD sound system, Kid Cudi, the Disco Biscuits. I think our music offers something for a wide range of people. It’s pretty interesting to us that people who are way into one particular genre tend to like our music. After shows to new audiences, people come up to us and say things like “I only really like hip hop, or angular indie rock, or shoegaze, or whatever etc.,,,, but i really enjoyed your show!” It’s a cool feeling that we are connecting with a diverse crowd.
What is the biggest challenge to recreating your music in a live environment?
For the most part, we write our music in our rehearsal space and make sure that we can play it live, so there usually aren’t any huge challenges. We have made the mistake in the past of writing and recording and then being like “damn it! how are we going to pull this off live?!?!” some of our songs are a little bit different live, for that reason, but it makes playing those songs more interesting to us.
What has been your most memorable experience on tour?
Geez. We have had so much fun touring. Touring in Europe was a blast! We were there for a month. Getting to see new cities that we have never been to has been awesome.
We have also made a bunch of super nice friends on the road. Touring with School of Seven Bells was really enjoyable. Such great people! Also, the Pomegranates, Maps & Atlases, Minus the Bear… all really friendly, fun people to hang out with.
Pick your own question and answer it.
What are you listening to right now?
“Ginger” by Twin Sister. I just heard about these guys a few days ago, and I think they are awesome.
photo by Doron Gild
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Japan Preview party features most SXSW Japan Nite bands
(Pictured: JinnyOops)
SXSW’s Japan Nite showcase is a perennial fave of SXSW-ers featuring punk, rock, and dance music (and usually a little uber-cool Far East fashion) from the land of the rising sun. This year fear not badgeless masses, you too will have a chance to experience the Japamadness. SXSW Asia and FXFY are hosting a Japan preview show featuring eleven Japanese bands, including most of the Japan Nite bands. The free party goes down on Thursday, March 18 from noon to 7 p.m. at the Typewriter Museum at 1306 E. Sixth St. No passes needed. Check out the event’s Facebook page for more details.
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Fader Fort back on E. 5th, Brooklyn Vegan does Spiderhouse
All sorts of SXSW tidbits to report. First, we’ve confirmed that the Levi’s/ Fader Fort will return to last year’s location at East Fifth and Waller Streets. The site is the home of Pine Street Station, an artists workshop. A couple acts- Visqueen and Freelance Whales- have confirmed via Twitter, but none of the big names (a la Kanye West) have been confirmed as far as we know.
* BrooklynVegan & AnSo have just announced a day party at the Spiderhouse (2908 Fruth St.) on Thursday March 18 that’s got all the markings of a townie blowout. Nineteen bands, three stages and it’s free to all. Noon to 7 pm.
Stage #1
6:00 Human Eye
5:00 Tyvek
4:00 Thee Oh Sees
3:00 Golden Triangle
2:00 Lovvers
1:00 The Beets
Stage #2
6:00 Cheeseburger
5:00 Jim Jones Revue
4:00 Slim Cessna’s Auto Club
3:00 Kid Congo Powers
2:00 Carletta Sue Kay
1:00 Or, The Whale
12:00 La Strada
Stage #3
5:30 UUVVWWZ
4:30 Everybody Was In the French Resistance Now (w/ Eddie Argos of Art Brut)
3:30 DM Stith
2:30 Odawas
1:30 A Sunny Day in Glasgow
12:30 The Sandwitches
* Harley Davidson will be throwing a day party on Saturday March 20 at Club DeVille from noon to 6 p.m. River City Tan Lines and Thee Oh Sees have confirmed, but look for some heavy artillery to be named later. With the Harley cache, this could be where one of the big rumored acts ends up.
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Another British Invasion at SXSW
Fans wait in line last year to get into the British Music Embassy during South by Southwest. Photo by Ricardo B. Brazziell AMERICAN-STATESMAN
For 51 weeks out of the year, Latitude 30 is a fairly typical downtown bar near the corner of Sixth Street and San Jacinto Boulevard that caters to the young and beautiful, with DJs pumping out the dance hits. But on the week on March 15 it will become transformed into the British Music Embassy, with live music almost around the clock from 66 acts from the British Isles.
Organized and partially funded by the United Kingdom Trade & Investment department of the British government, the Embassy is a favorite stop for SXSW badgeholders who want to see, hear and meet musicians and business professionals from across the pond in one stop. It’s paradise for Anglophiles, who like their rock stars to say “to-MAW-to” instead of tomato.
“We realized early on that to achieve our goals of helping to develop the UK music industry internationally we had to keep one step ahead of the competition,” says Phil Patterson of UKTI, who leads the British delegation to SXSW. “Each year this is what we strive to do. Every detail from the design of the brochure, posters, convention stand and venue (inside and out), tech crew and production, artists and presenters are all delivered with this in mind.”
Patterson says work on the Embassy, now in its third year at SXSW, began nine months ago when sponsor partners were brought aboard. The British government, which counts more than 157,000 businesses related to music in the UK, subsidizes the efforts through such funding partners as the Association of Independent Music, and the Performing Rights Society for Music. The Embassy also gets money from nations within the UK, including Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
“Many of the artists appearing over the week have received support in different ways,” says Patterson. Some receive government funding to defray expenses, but all receive advice and guidance from the professionals involved, “to make the most of the great opportunity that SXSW gives them,” Patterson says.
The sound equipment at the Embassy is provided by sponsors Capitol Sound and Cato Music. Daytime shows at the British Music Embassy are by invitation only. See the full Embassy schedule after the jump
Monday March 15
8pm - 2am
Strummerville / Jail Guitar Doors Presents:
Billy Bragg
Chris Shiflett
Get Cape Wear Cape Fly
Beans On Toast
Smokey Angle Shades
Nat Jenkins
Supernovas
Tuesday March 16
8pm - 1am
Fenech Soler
One Night Only
Unicorn Kid
Stricken City
Viva City
Wednesday March 17
noon- 3 p.m.
Belfast Rocks:
Fighting With Wire
And So I Watch You From Afar
General Fiasco
Strait Laces
5pm - 7pm
Band Of Skulls
Everything Everything
Smoke Fairies
9pm - 2am
Official SXSW showcase
Chew Lips
Johnny Flynn
Pulled Apart By Horses
The Invisible
Banjo Or Freakout
Thursday March 18
Yorkshire Party:
11:30 am - 2:45pm
65daysofstatic
One Night Only
Pulled Apart By Horses
Slow Club
Middleman
3pm - 6pm
Music From Wales:
Polly Mackey
Cate Le Bon
Race Horses
Straight Lines
8pm - 2am
Official SXSW showcase
Ras Kwame
VV Brown
Master Shortie
Envy
Bubbz
Estelle
Friday March 19
2pm - 5pm
Showcasing Scotland:
Broken Records
Twin Atlantic
Young Fathers
Fangs
The Law
8pm - 2am
SXSW showcase
The Drums
Everything Everything
Smith Westerns
Chapman Family
Grave Babies
Active Child
Saturday March 20
noon - 2pm
The Crookes
Broadcast 2000
Allo Darlin’
3pm - 6pm
Liverpool Party:
Wave Machines
Everything Everything
John Smith
Suzukis
The Lovely Eggs
Ten Bears
8pm - 2am
SXSW showcase:
Django Django
Still Flyin’
Slow Club
The Wave Pictures
Best Fwends
Cate Le Bon
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Scissor Sisters to glam it up during SXSW
Well, you can consider the mystery of who’s holding down Stubb’s Saturday night, March 20, during South by Southwest solved at long last.
No, it’s not Motley Crue, Pavement, Soundgarden, Muse or any of the other popularly rumored acts, but New York disco rock quintet Scissor Sisters, an act substantially less popular in the United States but massively successful in Europe — and particularly the United Kingdom, where they’ve enjoyed multiple top 40 singles and prominent placement in “Doctor Who,” surely the ultimate exemplar of British pop culture penetration. The Drums, Minus the Bear, Circa Survive and The Like will also be playing.
That leaves one last Stubb’s vacancy on Friday night, after Courtney Love closes out the Spin party, so for those about to speculate, we salute you.
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CD review: Texas Tornados ‘Esta Bueno’
Texas Tornados
‘Esta Bueno’
(Bismeaux)
Grade: A
The first Texas Tornado album of new material since 1996 effectively passes the Tornados’ musical torch to Doug Sahm’s eldest son Shawn, and at the same time serves as an affectionate farewell tip of the sombrero to the late, great Freddy Fender. Doug Sahm and Fender, along with keyboardist Augie Meyers and conjunto accordion maestro Flaco Jimenez, formed the Tornados in 1990 and racked up a tidy little series of hits, including “A Little Bit Is Better Than Nada” and “Who Were You Thinkin’ Of?” But since the passing of Sahm and, last year, Freddy Fender, the future of the group was in doubt until Shawn Sahm rounded up Meyers and Jimenez and headed back to the studio.
“Esta Bueno” (out Tuesday) offers myriad treats, including the last recordings of the dulce-voiced Baldemar Huerta (aka, Freddy Fender), including the tongue-in-cheek country spoof “Another Shot of Ambition” and the swamp-pop ballad “If I Could Only,” complete with triplets and greasy horns.
Augie Meyers contributes his trademark peppery Vox organ licks along with the good-humored tracks “Velma From Selma” (a staple of the Tornados’ live shows) and “Esta Bueno.”
Jimenez is all over the album, most prominently on a conjunto reworking of the old Oktoberfest standard “In Heaven There Is No Beer” and “Chicano,” a nod to San Antonio’s El West Side.
Shawn Sahm, who produced the record, keeps things moving from one groove to the next (nine of the 13 tracks clock in under three minutes), and he bookends the album with a song co-written with his dad and, at the conclusion a lost Tornado track with Doug on vocals. That song, “Girl Going Nowhere,” is one of the pensive, reflective songs Doug was writing toward the end of his life, and the beautiful performance is a fitting tribute.
It’s hard to believe he wouldn’t be proud of “Esta Bueno.” Tex-Mex rock, conjunto, country, blues, swamp pop, polkas — the glorious musical mash-up that was the hallmark of the Texas Tornados is still alive and well.
Standout tracks: “If I Could Only,” “Who’s To Blame, Señorita,” “Girl Going Nowhere”
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Austin at SXSW: Texas Tornados
March will be a busy month for Tex-Mex group the Texas Tornados, formed in 1990 by Doug Sahm, Freddie Fender, Augie Meyers and Flaco Jimenez. “Esta Bueno,” their first album in more than a decade, will be released in conjunction with an in-store performance at Waterloo Records on March 2. Shawn Sahm, son of the late, great Doug, has produced the record and steps in to fill his dad’s role. During SXSW, their official showcase is at 10 p.m. Friday, March 19 at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard. We caught up with Texas Tornado Shawn Sahm via e-mail, to see what his plans and recommendations are for SXSW 2010.
Describe your sound. Our sound is a mixture of music mostly reflecting our Texas roots - Tex-Mex, rock, country and polkas.
What can SXSW attendees expect at your showcase? A high energy Tex-Mex rock ‘n’ roll show, plus all the old classic hits you want to hear from the Texas Tornados. It’s all about having a good time at a Tornados show.
What other acts are you excited to check out? There are so many great bands to see! Things tend to get a little nuts during SXSW, so I’m sure I won’t see as many as I’d like to!
Are you planning to go to any panels? Not this year, but I’ve been fortunate enough to be on a few in the past honoring our pop, Doug Sahm. I recommend them - they are fun, informative, etc.! Check out the SXSW listings for panels.
What are some Austin must-do or must-sees for out-of-towners? There is so much here to check out! Things like Zilker Park and Doug Sahm Hill, of course! We have a great marker being placed there in his honor and hope to have it done by Nov 6, 2010, which is Dad’s b-day. You can go to Barton Springs, if the weather’s nice enough. I could go on and on. Depends on what you’re looking for. The cool thing about Austin is that there is something for whatever you are into.
Where do you like to hear live music, when it’s not SXSW? Places like Antone’s, Continental Club, Threadgill’s, Saxon Pub, Stubb’s - that’s just a few off the top of my head, but again there are too many to mention!
What’s your favorite ‘only in Austin’ thing to do? Migas at Cisco’s is one for sure! I have been doing that since I was a little kid back in the Soap Creek/Armadillo days and still do!
Finish this sentence: ‘Industry folks and visiting bands, while we love having you as guests of our city, please don’t…’ …forget to support all the great local businesses, music, food, arts, etc.! Austin is a very special place. Dad liked to call it “groover’s paradise.”
Tracks courtesy of the Texas Tornados. Photo (above) by Todd V. Wolfson.
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Live stream: Cactus Cafe rally at UT
The Student Friends of the Cactus Cafe, a group at the University of Texas that wants to preserve the well-known music venue, is holding a rally today on the West Mall from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Speakers will include state Rep. Rep. Elliott Naishtat of Austin, City Council Member Laura Morrison and Austin Music Commission Chairman Brad Stein.
The advisory board for the Texas Union, in which the cafe is located, is scheduled to consider various proposals for “repurposing” the venue at a meeting this afternoon. UT officials plan to shut down the cafe in August in a cost-saving move.
Streaming .TV shows by Ustream
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CD review: Los Texmaniacs “Borders y Bailes”
Los Texmaniacs “Borders y Bailes” (Smithsonian Folkways) Grade: A
A newcomer to regional Mexican music once asked the late, great Keith Ferguson (Fabulous Thunderbirds) to recommend some conjunto tejano music. “If the picture on the album cover has some Mexican guys and one of them is holding an accordion,” Ferguson said, “that’s the good stuff.”
But some conjunto bands are better than others, and Los Texmaniacs of San Antonio are probably the best one out there today. Led by Flaco Jimenez’s longtime bajo sexto player Max Baca Jr., Los Tex puts some drive in their polkas, boleros and rancheras, while staying true to the music of the pioneers.
While some of the traditional songs on “B y B” may sound formulaic, there are some twists to the quartet’s interpretation- some rock riff guitars here, some fluttery, staccato rhythms there- that keeps the music fresh.
The adventurous instrumental “Huapango,” with its complex rhythmic changes and David Farias’ (Tropa F) jazzy squeezebox fills, sounds like it was recorded with Steve Jordan in the room. The Smithsonian logo on the LP’s back cover, meanwhile, speaks for the band’s authenticity.
Keith Ferguson is no longer around, but I’m here to tell you that Los Texmaniacs new album is the good stuff. Play it in your car and whatever you’re driving turns into an old Chevy.
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City Council denies an outdoor music venue permit for Sustainable Waves
The Austin City Council voted unanimously Thursday to grant an appeal by the River Bluffs Neighborhood Association to deny an outdoor music permit to Sustainable Waves, the solar-powered staging company located at 4822 E. Cesar Chavez.
The Planning and Development Review Department originally granted the company’s request for an outdoor music venue permit — good for one year — in October, before the neighborhood association, represented by Daniel Llanes, appealed approval of the permit, citing concerns over noise in the increasingly residential area. Llanes and other supporters of the appeal expressed an openness to Sustainable Waves hosting occasional events through use of temporary permits — either one-day or the recently added four-day option — but were apprehensive about allowing the venue a full one-year permit.
Sustainable Waves provides solar-powered sound, light and production equipment, and has worked several jobs around Austin, including last month’s Spoon show in the Waterloo Records parking lot, last summer’s Solar Powered Concert Series in Republic Square Park and the 2009 Red Bull Moon Tower party during SXSW (which won’t be returning this year).
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Weekend picks: Vintage punk, emotional folk, and The Man in Black
(Johnny Cash performs at SXSW 1994. AMERICAN-STATESMAN)
FRIDAY
Cash Bash IV at Emo’s. This is one of those ‘more good shows than you can shake a stick at’ kind of nights that’s so endemic to Austin, with a wealth of great touring artists and beloved locals to choose from. But with SXSW and its barrage of new artists on the way, why not take your Friday night to turn back the clock and bask in brilliance of the Man in Black? This year’s Johnny Cash tribute boasts original Cash players Earl Poole Ball and W.S. Holland alongside the Derailers, Roger Wallace, the Skeletons, Brigitte London and the Band in Black. 7 p.m. $20. 603 Red River St. emosaustin.com. — Patrick Caldwell
Also recommended:
- The No No No Hopes at the Hole in the Wall
- the Cool Kids at the Mohawk
- Tegan and Sara at Bass Concert Hall
- the Mother Truckers at the Continental Club
- Tre Orsi at Beerland
- Grupo Fantasma at the Scoot Inn
SATURDAY
Sons of Hercules at Hole In the Wall. Fans of the New York Dolls and Stooges don’t need to get on an airplane to get a taste of the good stuff: San Antonio’s Sons have been dripping with vintage punk for two decades and with last year’s ‘A Different Kind of Ugly’ they prove there’s no let up in the energy. Yeah, singer Frank Pugliese’s in his 60s, but who’s going to take his dented crown? With T. Tex Edwards and Snowbyrd. $5 10 p.m. 2538 Guadalupe St. holeinthewallaustin.com. — Michael Corcoran
Also recommended:
- Richie Havens at the One World
- Dustin Welch, Belleville Outfit at Momo’s
- Appleseed Cast at the Mohawk
- White White Lights at Emo’s
- West by West Campus at House of Guys, Eden House and 21st Street CO-OP
- John Prine at Bass Concert Hall
- Austin Collins at the Parish
- Patrice Pike at the Saxon Pub
SUNDAY
Ola Podrida at the Scoot Inn. Whether composing films for David Gordon Green, writing the soundtrack to last year’s ‘Gentleman Broncos’ or fronting Ola Podrida, David Wingo brings the same strong indie folk sensibility and emotional resonance to every project he touches. Last year’s ‘Belly of the Lion’ proved he still has the Midas touch, with nine tracks of inward-looking, captivatingly swelling acoustic goodness. With the Wooden Birds. 8 p.m. $6. 1308 E. Fourth St. scoot-inn.com. — P.C.
Also recommended:
- The Authors at the Parish
- Scott Biram at the Red Eyed Fly
- Church of the Friendly Ghost at the Salvage Vangaurd Theatre
- the Invincible Czars performing a live score for ‘The Unknown’ at the Alamo Drafthouse Ritz
- Meals on Wheels benefit with Ray Benson at Antone’s
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Cactus Cafe friends’ group to rally at UT
A student group at the University of Texas that wants to preserve the Cactus Cafe will hold a rally on the West Mall from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.
The Student Friends of the Cactus Cafe said today that speakers would include state Rep. Rep. Elliott Naishtat of Austin, City Council Member Laura Morrison and Austin Music Commission Chairman Brad Stein.
“Music will be provided throughout the rally by Sara Hickman, Bill Oliver, David Garza, Barbara K and Richard Bowden and Elizabeth Wills, according to a news release from the friends’ group.
The advisory board for the Texas Union, in which the cafe is located, is scheduled to consider various proposals for “repurposing” the venue at a meeting Friday afternoon. UT officials plan to shut down the cafe in August in a cost-saving move.
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The Barenaked Ladies bring the ’90s nostalgia to Bass in May
Amidst all of the SXSW-induced talk of the Stone Temple Pilots, Cracker, Cheap Trick and Hole, among others, you can add one more brick to the throwback-wall with the multi-platinum Barenaked Ladies, who will play the Bass Concert Hall on May 31.
Tickets, $27.50 to $47.50, with $10 student tickets, go on sale Friday, Feb. 26 at noon. The band’s touring behind their forthcoming “All In Good Time” album, which comes out March 30 in the United States.
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Mess With Texas 4 will happen at SXSW, promoter says
Graham Williams of Transmission Entertainment says that there will be a 4th annual Mess With Texas Fest during SXSW, but it won’t be at Waterloo Park, which has been reserved by SXSW organizers.
“We’re not ready to release (the new location) yet,” says Williams. “We’ll let everybody know in about a week, but it’s definitely happening.”
An insider says MWT4 is close to securing a parking lot on E. Sixth St.
Last year, Transmission (which produces Fun Fun Fun Fest) shared Waterloo with SXSW, which used their portion of the park for artist lounges and tour bus parking. Mess With Texas drew several thousand fans, who soaked up a full day of free music by the likes of Black Lips, Akron/ Family, Cursive, Kid Sister and the Bronx. In 2008, MWT irked SXSW organizers by bringing in the Breeders for their only SXSW appearance,
SXSW director Roland Swenson couldn’t immediately be reached to see what plans he has at the ‘loo this year.
UPDATE: Swenson just emailed and said SXSW will once again use Waterloo for its Artist Village. “A big chunk of the park is going to be under construction for the next five or six years for the Waller Creek redevelopment,” he wrote. The Artist Village is not located in the affected area.
Fun Fun Fun Fest is scheduled to have one more campaign at Waterloo Park before it finds a new home, Williams said.
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Stereogum announces SXSW party lineup
Recent cosmetic face lift recipient and popular music blog Stereogum announced their SXSW day party lineup Wednesday, and it’s one of the more ambitious slates — namely because they’re flying in Death Cab for Cutie front man and Mr. Zooey Deschanel Ben Gibbard for a solo set. Merge Records artists Wye Oak and the Morning Benders will also hold down the Parish for the sure-to-be-popular event, which commandeers the Sixth Street club from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 20.
“Range Life 2010” (might the Pavement reference reflect a bit of wishful thinking on Stereogum’s part?) will be 21-and-older and RSVP only — you can sign up to attend after March 8 here.
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Austin at SXSW: Alpha Rev
Critically acclaimed rock band Alpha Rev will take the stage at 11 p.m. Thursday, March 18, at the Dirty Dog Bar for their official SXSW showcase. Fresh off the heels of a Northeastern tour opening for radio sweetheart Owl City, the band will take full advantage of local performance opportunities by playing side shows around town during the week. You can find the details for their extra-curricular performances in our searchable side parties database, or comprehensive list of side parties. In true rocker fashion, bassist and vocalist Alex Dunlap advises festival-goers to look for the guys at any early panels that might involve a free breakfast…
Describe your sound: Soulful and Honest American rock ‘n’ roll music.
What can SXSW attendees expect at your showcase? We will be debuting the material from our new record, “New Morning” (4-20-10 Everywhere) produced by David Kahne. 101X is putting on the showcase, and you know what kind of party those guys throw! Expect a big, rocking room full of great people.
What other acts are you excited to check out? Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Balmorhea, BigBang, The Walkmen, The Soldier Thread, Broken Social Scene, Smokey Robinson.
Are you planning to go to any panels? Maybe some that aren’t too early in the morning, unless there is free breakfast. In this case, you will see every musician playing SXSW in attendance.
What are some Austin must-do or must-sees for out-of-towners? People will tell you that the late-night fare of choice is either Kerbey Lane, Magnolia Cafe or Whataburger (if you’re doing drive-thru). They are all fine choices. BUT, If you dare to venture 3-4 minutes east on 12th Street (just past Chicon) to Sam’s BBQ- you can have basically the best BBQ in Central Texas til like 3 or 4 a.m. Don’t tell everyone our little secret though.
Where do you like to hear live music, when it’s not SXSW? Antone’s, One-2-One Bar, The Parish, Lucky Lounge…
What’s your favorite ‘only in Austin’ thing to do? Kick it at the Greenbelt and complain about high-rises.
Finish this sentence: ‘Industry folks and visiting bands, while we love having you as guests of our city, please don’t… ‘ Litter. Can’t be messin’ with Texas.
Track courtesy of Alpha Rev.
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Austin at SXSW: Warren Hood
Composer, singer and master of the violin, fiddle and mandolin, Warren Hood is another Austin act playing SXSW this year. You might have seen him playing around town with The Waybacks, Warren Hood and the Hoodlums, and occasionally on stage with Bob Schneider’s Texas Bluegrass Massacre. His official showcase is at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 17, at Momo’s. Check out what Warren had to say about his favorite place in Austin, what he believes his band has to offer the music scene, and what he’ll be up to when he’s not playing during the festival.
Describe your sound:
My band, Warren Hood and the Hoodlums, has a sound all its own. It is a blend of many American music styles routed in a Texas tradition. There are equal parts blues, country (real country, not “radio” country), jazz, swing, Cajun, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. We do mostly original music with a few well selected covers. Most of our cover material comes from my father, Champ Hood, and his band from the late ’70s, Uncle Walt’s band. So, even the cover songs are from within the family with a few exceptions. Our influences include Muddy Waters, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Bob Wills, Uncle Walt’s Band, Willis Alan Ramsy, Lyle Lovett, Buck Owens, and even Stephane Grapellie.
What can SXSW attendees expect at your showcase?
Our showcase will be authentically Austin. The whole lineup that night is local bands. We will be playing at Momo’s on Sixth where we’ve been playing for the past five years every Sunday night developing a large following. There will likely be more locals in the house than most of the other showcases visitors might attend. We will also have some of our local musician buddies sitting in with the band that night. You never know who is going to walk through the door to sit in. It will truly be an Austin experience.
What other acts are you excited to check out? I have not seen the lineup yet so I don’t know who’s coming. I tend to stay away from downtown and catch the bands at the Continental Club, Momo’s, and the Saxon Pub. If I see a must see band listed I’ll brave the downtown crowd. Last year I went to the Parish for Tony Joe White. I was front row center. It was amazing!
Are you planning to go to any panels? I’m usually so busy during SXSW that I don’t make it to the panels. I’ve heard good things about them but it’s not a priority. During SXSW I get a lot of work as a sideman fiddle player. I’ve already got four gigs that week and will likely get more as the festival nears. One of those gigs is with Bob Schneider and his Texas Bluegrass Massacre at Threadgill’s. That’s not an official SXSW show case so you don’t need a wrist band.
What are some Austin must-do or must-sees for out-of-towners? There’s too much to do in Austin to do it all in five days. A few things to do with your afternoons would be to get a taco at Maria’s Taco Express (I recommend Al Pastor) , walk through the capital building, and enjoy a cup of coffee at Jo’s Coffee shop on Congress across from the Continental. One time I was watching the Joe’s House band on a Sunday morning when Paul Shaffer and Ray Benson were walking down the street. They jumped on stage and sang the dreidel song.
Where do you like to hear live music, when it’s not SXSW? I stick to a small handful of clubs most of the year for live music. There are tons of music venues in town but the bands are not always up to par. There are about five clubs in town that have consistently had good bands over the years. My favorite spots are the Continental Club, Momo’s, Saxon Pub, Cactus Cafe and Antone’s.
What’s your favorite ‘only in Austin’ thing to do? My favorite Austin thing to do is definitely Barton Springs. Hopefully it will be warm enough in March for visitors to enjoy.
Please finish this sentence: ‘Industry folks and visiting bands, while we love having you as guests of our city, please don’t…’ I would tell visitors to please respect our city. Don’t litter and be kind to each other. This city moves a little slower than most. Don’t honk in traffic and just mellow out while you’re here. You will have a much better time if you just go with the flow.
“Betty” was written by Warren’s father, Champ Hood. Track courtesy of Warren Hood.
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Rocket Summer tops iTunes chart
Ladies Gaga and Antebellum are eating The Rocket Summer’s exhaust on the iTunes album chart. The new TRS album “Of Men and Angels” was co-produced and mixed by Austin’s C.J. Eiriksson. Some of the recording took place at Freddy Fletcher’s Pedernales Recording in Briarcliff, but most of it was done in L.A.
The Rocket Summer, which is just one Dallas dude named Bryce Avary (a pioneer in solo artists naming themselves like bands), will play an acoustic set at the Alternative Press SXSW day party at Emo’s on Saturday March 20. Music starts at noon.
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SXSW2010: 10 questions for Kona
Our series of interviewing 20 acts coming to SXSW is halfway there with Kona, a solo artist from the Windward side of Oahu. His Leeward cousin Israel Kamakawiwo’ole is the best-selling Hawaiian artist of all time, and now Kona is set to make his mark.
1. Have you been to SXSW before? How did you find out about it?
This will be my first time at SXSW, I’m super excited and hoping it’ll open some big doors for me, my family, & my music. I’ve always heard from other musicians and magazines that SXSW was THE biggest music festival in the nation and that a lot of great talent get discovered there. I do understand tho, that alot of them DON”T so….I’m going to go and just do my thing and have fun. I got invited through sending in my EPK through sonicbids.com and they contacted me at my website: musicbykona.com!
2. Pretty cool having a Hawaii guy in the White House, yeah, even if he did grad from Punahou?
Yeah, the President of the United States having major Hawaii ties….very big! If you’re from Hawaii and you make it big doing what you love….you become one of Hawaii’s hero’s, so I think becoming the President top’s the charts!
3. When you were growing up in Waimanalo, did you know any of the legends like Gabby Pahinui, Atta Isaacs and Joe Gang? Didn’t they used to play right there on the beach? (Interviewer showing off his knowlege of old Hawaiian music.)
Gabby Pahinui is the reason I wanted to play music (well him and my cousin Israel). Growing up in Waimanalo gave you lot’s of reason to be proud you’re from there but Gabby made it special. My uncle used to take me over to Gabby’s house in Waimanalo homestead to watch some of the Kani Ka Pila (sound of the instrument) jams, but I was way too young to remember! Later, when I started playing music (age 13), I performed many events & venues with Martin & Cyril Pahinui. Now, after the release of my latest album “Acousti-me”, to my surprise Cyril Pahinui is one of my biggest fans. One of Hawaii’s living legends…likes my music…..AWESOME!!
4. Are you surprised Israel Kamakawiwo’ole became such a beloved international star after he died?
You know, I’m not surprised at all cause he was, and STILL is Hawaii’s greatest recording artist. He touched so many people locally and from across the sea, to have his music in movies, playing nationally, contestants on “American Idol” singing his version of “Somewhere over the Tainbow”, is HUGE and well deserved…”you go cuz”!
5. You get one favorite plate lunch place?
Ooh man….that’s a hard choice cause ya can’t just pick one! BUT, if I had to then I would go with “Chicken Katsu plate lunch from L & L Drive In.
6. After recording your first album in Las Vegas with an outside producer, you made “Acousti-Me” pretty much by yourself at home. Why the change?
Recording my first album in Vegas was an experience definitely. Being my debut CD, I saved a bunch of money and got hooked up with an amazing producer (Gilloh Morgan). From the time I did my 1st CD to my sophomore project “Acousti-me”, I had grown as a musician, producer, and as an artist. I always produced music but never really learned Pro Tools and other digital software. So when it came time to record another album, I took some classes on Pro tools, mixing & mastering, and invested the same amount of money I used to record my 1st CD in building my own studio. 7. Are there places to play original music on Oahu or is it still aimed at tourists and military?
Well other then performing parties and shows, I’m a working musician in Waikiki! I play everything from Hawaiian, contemporary island, reggae, pop, acoustic, oldies, and originals! It’s all good….!!
8. Is “Kill Haole Day” (on last day of school) a myth?
Hahaha….you know what, I graduated from Kailua High School and we never had “Kill Haole day”! That was everyday…hahaha…just joking!
9. Dey still get da Portagee Man-o-War jellyfish on ‘Nalo Beach? Ah, da buggahs wen sting! (Don’t you hate when haoles try to talk pidgin?)
Beach Park, Sherwood’s, Bellows, Makapu’u, Baby Maks, & Sandy’s all have portuguese man-o-war when it’s windy conditions on the windward side! Eh…’jus no open ya mout unda da wada.’
10. Besides playing music, is there anything else you’re looking
forward to doing at SXSW?
Yeah, I want to network with other artists, find a great label that’s interested in me, great manager, booking agent, opportunities to perform at other big festivals, check out some great BBQ places and go to where they film ‘Austin City Limits.’
Kona plays Submerged Friday March 19 at 10 p.m.
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Antone’s Records bankruptcy case gets a Web site
Almost 500 musicians, songwriters and publishers were owed money when Watermelon Records went belly-up more than ten years ago. After filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Watermelon’s assets, including master recordings, were bought by the Texas Music Group, which included Antone’s Records. That entity filed for bankruptcy protection in November 2008.
A creditor’s committee has been formed and a Web site created to keep those informed about the legal proceedings. If you’re involved, you’ll want to check it out.
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Ryan Bingham added to Leno’s relaunch slate
Austin songwriter Ryan Bingham’s meteoric rise shows no signs of slowing down with the news he’ll be among the A+ List stars booked for Jay Leno’s return to “The Tonight Show” on March 1.
This story doesn’t mention what day Bingham will appear, but the Vegas bookie in me says Mar. 8 or 9 seems like a good bet, since the Academy Awards take place Mar. 7 and Bingham’s (and T Bone Burnett’s) song “The Weary Kind” from the film “Crazy Heart” is a favorite to take home the trophy for best original song.
It won’t be the first time Bingham has appeared on Leno’s show - though it would clearly be his most high-profile visit. This undated clip shows a performance from Bingham’s promotional effort for his 2007 album “Mescalito.”
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‘Where They At’? SXSW, of course
New Orleans meets Austin at this year’s South by Southwest Music Festival.
Submerged, 333 E. Second St., will host a block party showcasing bounce music — described by event organizers as “raw, irresistible hip-hop dance music born in the streets of New Orleans with deep roots in that city’s Mardi Gras Indian and brass band traditions” — on Saturday, March 20 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Among those set to make apperances at the New Orleans Block Party are Ms. Tee, Magnolia Shorty, Katey Red, Vockah Redu, Partners-N-Crime, DJ Jubilee, and Big Freedia.
Coinciding with the party, “Where They At: A Multi-Media Archive of New Orleans Bounce” will be on display at Birdhouse Gallery, 1304 E. Cesar Chavez St., March 5-21. And because the fun never stops in N’awlins, the gallery will host a “Where They At” SXSW day party on Saturday, March 20 from 1 to 5 p.m.
To check out our ever-growing list of SXSW parties — updated daily — click here.
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SXSW party watch: I Rock I Roll, HOODOO, GoGirls
Two music blogs — I Rock I Roll and Pop Tarts Suck Toasted — are teaming up for a free party during the South by Southwest Music Festival.
The show happens Thursday, March 18 from 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Creekside Lounge, 606 E. Seventh St. Click here to RSVP.
- 8:45 p.m.: MillionYoung
- 9:30 p.m.: Dinosaur Feathers
- 10:15 p.m.: Twin Sister
- 11 p.m.: Songs
- 11:45 p.m.: Bridges and Powerlines
- 12:30 a.m.: Princeton
- 1:15 a.m.: Drink Up Buttercup
HOODOO Blues and BBQ
Stray a bit from downtown and you’ll find Papa Mali’s second annual HOODOO Blues and BBQ.
It’s set for Saturday, March 20 from noon to 6 p.m. at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard, 1108 E. 11th St. Admission is $7.
Performers booked so far include:
- Papa Mali
- Wendy Colonna
- Josh Charles
- Greyhounds
- Topaz & Mudphonic
Invasion of the GoGirls
Women rock. Really, they do. And the folks at GoGirls are out to prove it.
The group, a collection of indie musicians, plans four shows — all free — during the South by Southwest Music Festival:
Friday, March 19 from noon to 5 p.m. at Austin Java, 1206 Parkway: Penny Jo Pullus, Laura McGhee, Jennings, Stephanie Nilles, Mo McMorrow, Camille Bloom, Havilah, Tawny Ellis, Jean Mazzei, and Deborah Crooks.
Friday, March 19 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Trophy’s, 2008 S. Congress: Addie Brownlee, Laura Marie, Kathleen Blackwell, Staci’s Edge, Radagun, Bo Peep, Melissa Ferrick, DaRezarekt, and She Craves.
Saturday, March 20 from noon to 5 p.m. at Austin Java, 1206 Parkway: Jan Siedes, Merry Ellen Kirk, Nicolette Paige, Heather Stewart, Sheila Swift, Andrea Nardello, Jonie Blinman and Red Car Slow, Janine Wilson, the Devyl Nellys, and Spare Parts.
Saturday, March 20 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Trophy’s, 2008 S. Congress: Gfire, Carol Plunk, the Mieka Canon, Shayna Zaid & the Catch, Sara Hickman, Sunspot, and 3 Kisses.
To check out our ever-growing list of SXSW parties — updated daily — click here.
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SXSW party watch: Manic Fest Destiny
The details keep coming on parties happening during this year’s South by Southwest Music Festival.
The latest lineup to hit our inbox is for Manic Fest Destiny, which happens Wednesday, March 17 and Sunday, March 20 at the Belmont, 305 W. Sixth Street. Music lovers — with or without a SXSW badge or wristband — can take in shows on two stages both days.
Check the poster below to see who’s performing.
To check out our ever-growing list of SXSW parties — updated daily — click here.
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Discounted Old Settler’s tickets on sale through Sunday
Time’s running out to snag discounted early bird tickets for this year’s Old Settler’s Music Festival.
Passes for the fest, which runs Thursday, April 15 through Friday, April 18, are up to 30 percent off through Sunday. Click here to buy them now.
A four-day wristband — with camping privileges — will run you $155. Three-day wristbands are $135 for campers and $105 for commuters. And single-day passes are $50 each on Friday and Saturday, or $25 on Sunday.
This year’s lineup
Thursday, April 15: Brave Combo, the Infamous Stringdusters, Bearfoot, Green Mountain Grass, and the Jitterbug Vipers.
Friday, April 16: The Joe Ely Band, Alejandro Escovedo & the Sensitive Boys, Ruthie Foster, New Monsoon, Blue Highway, Mindy Smith, the Alison Brown Quartet with Joe Craven, the Infamous Stringdusters, Bearfoot, and John Fullbright.
Saturday, April 17: Patty Griffin with special guest Buddy Miller, 7 Walkers featuring Bill Kreutzmann & Papa Mali, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, the Travelin’ McCourys, Fred Eaglesmith, Buddy Miller, the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, the Lee Boys, the Band of Heathens, Radney Foster, Solas, the Special Consensus, the Wronglers, Elizabeth Cook, Ruby Jane, Dirtfoot, the Giving Tree Band, and Sarah Mueller.
Sunday, April 18: The Gourds, Fred Eaglesmith, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, the Special Consensus, and the Rockin’ Gospel Project.
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Stone Temple Pilots confirmed for SXSW; but who else?
Well, hand me a towel to wipe the egg off my face for saying on Sunday that Stubb’s would be the landing spot for Stone Temple Pilots’ then-rumored (now confirmed) visit to SXSW. The reunited grunge rockers will be here, but at Austin Music Hall on March 18 instead.
That according to the band’s Web site, which shows the Austin date as the start of a month-long tour before heading over to Europe.
None of this is confirmed by the SXSW scheduling Web site, however, which doesn’t even have AMH listed as a venue for the Thursday of the festival.
Pardon me while I engage in pure conjecture and speculation for a moment; but given the assumed open slate of acts at AMH that night coupled with STP singer Scott Weiland saying in interviews the band plans on launching its own OzzFest-like touring festival once it gets back from Europe, isn’t there greater than a snowman’s chance in Austin that we see a mini preview of that fest that night?
Oh man. Hole, STP and Cracker all in a few days time? I gotta make a run to thrift store to restock on flannel and then scour the Internets to see if Kennedy has a Twitter account.
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SXSW promotes Klein, Wilcox as directors
Longtime South by Southwest employees Darin Klein and Scott Wilcox have been named directors of special projects and technology, respectively, it was announced Wednesday. Their appointments bring the number of SXSW directors to nine.
Klein helped put together a joint venture with Live Nation to put the SXSW brand on tour with a host of Latin music all-stars, including Mexico’s Maldita Vecindad y Los Hijos del Quinto Patio and Brazil’s Mundo Livre S/A.
The tour will have its kickoff at SXSW on Wednesday March 17 at Antone’s.
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CD review: The Strange Boys - ‘Be Brave’
‘Be Brave’
(In the Red)
Grade: B
There’s little reinvention of the casually cool, jangle-prone garage rock ’n’ roll charm of the Strange Boys on their sophomore album “Be Brave” — the band still channels the Kinks and the Nuggets at their sloppiest and most invigorating, with front man Ryan Sambol’s young Bob Dylan rasp equal parts earnest and coy.
But “Be Brave” does stride forward in small, unhurried ways, not least of all in the confidence that pervades each of its 12 tracks. Chalk it up to the influence of Costa Mesa, where “Be Brave” was recorded in a speedy two weeks, or the band’s song-inspiring jaunts through Europe on tour, or perhaps the addition of Mika Miko saxophonist Jenna Thornhill — at any rate, “Be Brave” has the sort of loose, joyfully unfolding strut of a group of youths who’ve proved their mettle and can now get down to the business of having fun.
A good-natured strum and sunny harmonica bring a summertime appeal to opener “I See,” while “A Walk on the Beach” erupts from a gentle electric lullaby to a running rocker in its back half. The title track is an infectious 1960s-style delight of the type you might have heard Wolfman Jack spin.
And although the narrow parameters of garage rock can sometimes grow tiresome, the band makes some effort to liven things up with the economical acoustic ruminations of “Dare I Say,” the sweetly comic “Laugh at Sex, not Her” and the vulnerable and keenly observed “You Can’t Only Love When You Want To.”
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Such a deal: MTV gets Seaholm for $500 a day during SXSW
With downtown party space at a premium during South by Southwest, MTV has managed to work out an agreement with the City of Austin to rent the former Seaholm Power Plant for $500 a day over six days. You read that right: no zeroes are missing.
“Wow,” publicist Elaine Garza said, incredulously, at the bargain rate. “Some people are paying $10,000 to rent a club during the day. Seaholm is the hot space. Everybody’s been trying to get it.”
Gloria Aguilera of the City’s Real Estate Services Division said MTV reserved Seaholm, which has 117,000 square feet of space, after doing a few tapings at last year’s SXSW. Aguilera said the price is only $500 a day because there is no electricity or bathrooms in the warehouse-like shell.
Also, the low rental fee adhere’s to city ordinance #20080306-038, an economic growth initiative signed by then-mayor Will Wynn at SXSW 2008, which encourages filming of movies and television programs in Austin.
Several party planners were fighting over Seaholm, Aguilera said, including Rare magazine, which had been contracted by SXSW to put on a couple events, and Perez Hilton, who wanted MTV out at 5 p.m. Saturday so he could host his now-annual SXSW-closing bash.
But MTV had already secured the hot spot.
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Perez at SXSW (the Queen is not dead)
(Deborah Cannon AMERICAN-STATESMAN)
- Photos: Perez Hilton’s 2009 SXSW bash
Perez Hilton, notorious celebrity blogger and self-proclaimed “Queen of all Media” plans to return to Austin for this year’s SXSW Music Festival, topping last year’s extravagant “One Night In Austin” party that rocked a glamorous (ahem) former Safeway in East Austin with an even bigger bash at a yet-to-be disclosed location. His exclamation-riddled twitter post:
“@perezhilton Doing it bigger this year!!! My SXSW party in Austin next month is going to have not one but TWO stages! Amazing!!!! #SXSW”
But if you’re holding your breath that his number one diva du jour, Lady Gaga might make an appearance, go ahead and exhale. She has dates on her Monster Ball World Tour booked in New Zealand and Australia from March 13-April 9.
More SXSW side parties | @360sxsw on Twitter | Full SXSW coverage
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The Onion A.V. Club announces party lineup
The SXSW party announcements are now flying fast and furious, with three weeks to the day until the annual four-day hypeicane of bands, beer and barbecue is upon us. Each year the Onion A.V. Club — the Mohawk of online and print pop culture criticism outlets — puts on one of the festival’s more lovingly curated day parties, and this year is no exception.
The shindig goes down Friday, March 19 at the Mohawk — the Onion A.V. Club of live music venues — and requires no badge or wristband, though you can RSVP for free Starbucks and Brooklyn Brewery goodies. It runs from noon to 6 p.m. both inside and outside, featuring Frightened Rabbit, Art Brut spin-off Everybody Is In The French Resistance … Now!, the Rural Alberta Advantage, Tigersapien and Austn’s own Wooden Birds, among others.
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South(er)XSW? Todd P.’s fest in Monterrey shows the goods
What started as whispers and buzz a couple months ago has come into focus finally with the release of the full lineup for rock promoter and frequent Austin presence Todd Patrick’s festival in Monterrey, Mexico (just a quick six or so hours south) that butts up against South By Southwest. Thanks for this info due to Austin blog The Peen Scene, which has been on it lately with SXSW news.
The CoachellaSouth-level business runs March 20-22 with the kickoff of MtyMX, with Liars, F—-ed Up, Dan Deacon, Neon Indian, Grant Hart, No Age, Toro Y Moi, Andrew W.K. and a laundry list of other acts from SXSW endeavors making the trip down to what my limited Spanish suggests is a drive-in movie theater. Actually, scratch that Coachella comparison, this is like FunFunFun Fest wandering through the desert on peyote. Not judgin’, just sayin’. Tickets for that one are only $30 for a three-day pass.
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CD review: Balmorhea - ‘Constellations’
‘Constellations’
(Western Vinyl)
Grade: B+
For a largely instrumental band — with the odd wordless vocals here and there — Balmorhea are just a little bit scarily insightful at selecting song titles. Fourth album “Constellations” has a track list replete with either nautical imagery, references to the night sky or both — there’s the title track, “Bowsprit,” “Herons,” Night Squall,” “To the Order of the Night,” “On The Weight Of Night,” and “Steerage and the Lamp.”
This is appropriate because where third album “All Is Wild, All Is Silent” saw Rob Lowe and Michael Muller’s post-rock-by-way-of-classical-music outfit channel the naturalistic majesty of the Texas frontier, “Constellations” is a decidedly quieter affair. Richly evocative of the gentle bob of the ocean and the cold emptiness of space, it unfolds gracefully and minimally, with spare instrumentation that almost entirely eschews percussion. Balmorhea often get tagged with that “cinematic” descriptor, but it’s hard to avoid that when they release an album that sounds like the soundtrack to the best Stanley Kubrick or Andrei Tarkovsky film you’ve never seen.
Opener “To the Order of the Night” sets the tone aptly, with a haunting piano melody accompanied only by the sound of softly creaking wood, like the hull of a ship swaying in the sea. The spacey “Winter Circle” builds its contemplative piano on a foundation of wordless vocals that recalls Gregorian Chant, while the simple acoustic guitar of “Herons” succeeds in building a pensive mood.
Which is not to make “Constellations” sound utterly basic — Travis Chapman’s upright bass adds a nice touch of jazz to “Steerage and the Lamp,” and the majestic work of Aisha Burns on the violin and Nicole Kern on the cello. And the album makes a good case that it’s the percussion used least that means the most — the stomps on “Bowsprit” and restrained drums on “On the Weight of Night” add a needed sense of purpose and muscle.
If there’s any slight against the album, it’s that it never builds quite as satisfyingly as “All Is Wild, All Is Silent,” feeling as if it’s perpetually just shy of realizing its ambitions. But like all Balmorhea records — and classical music in general — “Constellations” rewards the listener willing to make the investment of time and attention.
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KUT broadcasts exclusive Spoon concert
Ahead of NPR’s broadcast of Spoon’s SXSW opening night performance at Stubb’s, KUT will air an exclusive 80-minute concert from the band Thursday at 8 p.m.
The indie rock quartet recorded the concert in the Austin City Limits studios on the University of Texas campus January 26, while they were in town to promote the release of seventh album “Transference” with a free outdoor show at Waterloo Records.
KUT also has a slide show of photos from the show up for your viewing pleasure.
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Big Star gives a rare U.S. performance at SXSW
Cult favorite Memphis rock band Big Star will make a rare U.S. appearance at South by Southwest this year, performing Saturday, March 20 at Antone’s, the festival announced this morning.
The band never found substantial commercial success during their 1970s heyday but did strongly influence a generation of musicians — particularly in the alternative rock movement of the 1980s and 1990s, including R.E.M., Jeff Buckley and the Replacements. Original members Alex Chilton and Jody Stephens enlisted Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow to reform the band in 1993, after a hiatus of nearly 20 years. Since that time, the Memphis-formed band has focused its touring energy on Europe and Japan.
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SXSW2010: 10 questions for Ben Sollee
Louisville, KY-based cellist Ben Sollee is a self-proclaimed genre-bender, pulling from influences as diverse as rock, bluegrass and hip-hop. His latest release, “Dear Companion,” a collaboration with fellow Kentuckian Daniel Martin Moore, was produced by My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James. Part of the proceeds from the album, which celebrates the music of the Appalachian region, will go to Appalachian Voices, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of mountaintop removal coal mining. Ben takes part in our “20 bands, 10 questions” series below.
How would you describe your music to people who haven’t heard it before?
It’s a product of my heritage in Appalachia, my studies in classical music, and my experience performing with musicians from all walks: blues to bluegrass. I generally say it’s Folk R&B … to be simple.
When did you start playing the cello?
In public schools around fourth grade…I was probably 9 or so.
What was it like working with Jim James on the album?
Jim was one of the most liberatingly intuitive musicians I’ve ever worked with. His vocal ideas were often developed really quickly but he knew how and when to grow them. He produced drums more like a hip-hop producer would, choosing each rhythmic element to advance the song. Daniel and I might have had a good idea of what a song should sound like, but he was still able to find some kind of thread to tug on that would take us in a whole new direction. In short, lovely.
How did your collaboration with Daniel Martin Moore come about?
Daniel and I came together around the issue of mountaintop removal at first. He was already involved with an organization called Kentuckians for the Commonwealth that has worked a lot with coal field residents. As I saw him perform and got to know his music I approached him about collaborating on a project to raise awareness and then Jim stepped in to produce. Three Kentucky boys who didn’t like what they saw in their backyard.
What inspired you to donate a portion of the proceeds of your album to Appalachian Voices?
Every working non-profit needs some monetary recognition for their efforts and Daniel, Jim and I agreed that it was important to point to their work. Also, we’d never want to create something around this issue and without giving back as much as possible. We, as a nation, have asked for a lot from Appalachia and its residents and they’ve delivered: coal. Now it’s time to recognize, as a nation, that’s the region is a treasure and a vital part of culture as Americans.
How does Appalachian culture influence the album and your music in general?
Daniel and I both grew up with Appalachian music all around us: gospel music, fiddle gatherings, square dancing for PE in school. But its influence on this record is really through the prism of the urban landscape. We’ve let our love of rock, hip-hop and classical mingle with our passion for Appalachian music.
Louisville is home to a growing number of musicians. What is the scene like for those of us who haven’t been?
Open. There’s a ton different specialized pockets of course but everyone knows each other and pitches in on each other stuff. There’s a nice mix of venues from tiny listening bars all the way up massive performance hall. It’s a watershed scene really; many musicians find there way here and stop for a while to learn and perform.
You rode your bike 300 miles to the Bonnaroo festival last year. How was the trip?
Amazing! I learned a lot about myself as a musician and an athlete on that trip. Most importantly I learned how important it is to put the right fuel in to my body.
What is the most memorable experience you’ve had on tour?
Early morning rides with my cello and gear strapped to my bike, listening to the wind and the tires and just breathing…amazing!
What new music have you been listening to lately?
A young fellow out of Charlottesville, VA named Morgan O’Kane. His music is deep and has a lot of momentum.
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SXSW side parties update: Filter, Dickies and 300 other bashes
Info on big-time, multi-day parties from Filter Magazine, Dickies, Urban Outfitters and The Plaid Party (there’s two of them) are among the highlights of today’s additions to Austin360’s side parties list, which is growing at a ridiculous clip and could very soon rival this gigantic organism from my home state in sheer size.
OK, maybe not. But it’s got more than 300 parties for SXSW’s Music, Film and Interactive fests (and should hit 400 by the weekend) with as many RSVP links as we’ve been able to turn up, and the all-important free beer/drinks notations where applicable.
If you’re looking for a particular band or want to know what’s happening in a favorite club, visit the searchable database we’re building and updating just about on the daily.
Got a party that’s not listed? Send us the details at musicsource@statesman.com
We’re especially looking for info on whatever Playboy and Perez Hilton have got going on this year, and any Fader Fort artist names we can scare up. Got ‘em? Share and we’ll thank you kindly.
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SXSW party watch: Terrorbird Media at Red 7
Six straight hours of music on two stages — and the promise of free beer — will no doubt combine to make Terrorbird Media’s South by Southwest day party a must-do for folks who aren’t fortunate enough to have a coveted badge or wristband.
The fun gets started at noon on Wednesday, March 17 at Red 7, 611 E. Sixth St. There’s no admission fee, no need to RSVP, and music lovers of all ages are invited to attend.
We’re told Linden Street Brewery of Oakland, Calif., is trucking in plenty of sudsy goodness, and the first 100 people through the door will walk away with gift bags.
Performers will include:
- Neon Indian
- Toro y Moi
- Those Darlins
- Matias Aguayo
- The Rural Alberta Advantage
- Beach Fossils
- Real Estate
- Choir of Young Believers
- A Sunny Day in Glasgow
- Oh No Ono
- Ernest Gonzales
- The Fresh & Onlys
- Frankie Rose and the Outs
- Inlets
- The Splinters
- Stricken City
To check out our ever-growing list of SXSW parties — updated daily — click here.
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Student Friends of the Cactus Cafe plan Friday rally
While the group known as SavetheCactusCafe.org raises money and collects petition signatures, a group of UT students is planning a rally to show support for the decades-old Austin listening room. (Read a draft of their proposal to save the Cactus here.)
From the group’s announcement:
… the rally will take place at the West Mall (West side of the UT Tower) beginning at 11:30 AM, with opening remarks, followed by music by Sara Hickman. State Representative Elliott Naishtat is slated to speak at noon. City council member Laura Morrison will address the rally at 12:30. Other artists slated to perform are David Garza, Barbara K and Richard Bowden, and Elizabeth Wills.
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Win passes to SXSW side parties
Our South by Southwest scavenger hunt is back.
This year we’re giving away passes to a handful of exclusive side parties … and all you’ve got to do for a chance to win is track down a series of code words hidden amongst our A-List photos.
We’ll post three new code words each week, now through Wednesday, March 10. Search the 10 most recent A-List galleries to find ‘em all, then shoot an e-mail that includes your name and phone number to austin360contests@statesman.com.
Winners will be randomly selected in a drawing to be held on Thursday, March 11.
For complete contest rules, click here.
Good luck!
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Roky Erickson to play Brooklyn Vegan day party at SXSW
In addition to his annual Ice Cream Social and an official showcase at La Zona Rosa on Thursday, March 18, Roky Erickson and Okkervil River will perform at the Brooklyn Vegan/M for Montreal day party on Saturday, March 20.
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SXSW showcase to feature Chilean bands
Half a dozen South American bands are slated to perform in what’s being billed as the first-ever Chilean showcase at the South by Southwest Music Festival.
Put together by Plutopia Productions, the show will happen Saturday, March 20 at Maggie Mae’s, 323 E. Sixth St. It’ll be followed by a month-long tour that includes stops in a number of not-too-far cities, including Dallas, Houston, New Orleans and San Antonio.
The night’s lineup:
- 8 p.m.: Casino
- 9 p.m.: Intimate Stranger
- 10 p.m.: Capsula
- 11 p.m.: The Ganjas
- Midnight: Funky C
- 1 a.m.: Anita Tijoux
After the jump, find links to videos featuring some of the performers.
Casino, ‘En Tus Manos’:
Capsula, ‘Sun Shaking’:
The Ganjas, ‘Dark Side’:
Anita Tijoux, ‘1977’:
Funky C, ‘Joya’:
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SXSW wristbands all sold out
The second batch of SXSW wristies, all 500 of them, sold out quickly today. That’s all that will be sold online. Once organizers get an estimate on the number of badgeholders- usually a few days before the start of the music portion- they’ll put an additional group of wristbands on sale at the Convention Center.
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Free download: the Gourds at the Cactus 2/19
This is a great soundboard recording.
Lots of memories of the Cactus from Kevin Russell and Jimmy Smith (who proposed to his wife outside the Cactus a few years ago).
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SXSW2010: 10 questions for Papier Tigre
Our series of 10 questions for 20 SXSW acts continues with Papier Tigre, a bassless trio from Nantes, France, who are heavy on the tribal drums. Although they’ve only been a band three years, they’ve toured the world and played in 15 countries. Also, they have the distinction of recording their most recent album at Iain Burgess’ Black Box studio in the French countryside. Guitarist Arthur de la Grandiere answered our questions via email.
1. What’s the nearest big city to Nantes?
Paris. Nantes is the 6th biggest city in France.
2. Have you been to Austin before?
No, it’s going to be our first time in Austin.
3. Are you looking forward to any sites while in town?
I’m looking forward to getting a good glimpse of the city’s atmosphere and the festival’s bands.
4. Who are some of Papier Tigres’ biggest musical influences?
Nirvana, Battles, Fugazi, the Jesus Lizard … The list can go on for a long time but life is short.
5. How much is it costing your band to come to SXSW?
Hopefully not too much it’s kind of hard to say at this point.
6. What do you hope to accomplish here?
The same as anywhere in the world : sharing our passion and ideas with as many people as possible.
7. What do the French like about Americans?
Self-confidence.
8. What do you not like about Americans?
Self-confidence.
9. What was your band’s worst gig ever?
Toulouse, south of France a couple weeks ago ! In a place I can’t even talk about…
10. The best?
Playing Explosions In The Sky’s All Tomorrow’s Parties in the UK was very special for us, The first gig we played in Japan is a great memory as well for me.
Papier Tigre (pronounced “payp- yay tee-gurr”) plays 10 p.m. Wednesday March 17 at the Amsterdam Cafe and 8 p.m. Friday March 19 at the Wave Rooftop.
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Chicken Ranch day party lineup
Chicken Ranch Records is always ready to party at SXSW. This is who Michael Dickinson and company will be showcasing Thursday March 18 at the Liberty (1618 E. Sixth St.)
from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
11 am- The Safes (Chicago, IL)
11:45 am- The Minutes (Dublin, Ireland)
12:30 pm- Distant Seconds (Austin, TX)
1:15 pm- Beautiful Supermachines (Austin, TX)
2:00 pm- The Yuppie Pucks (Austin, TX)
2:45 pm- Willie Heath Neal (Atlanta, GA)
3:30 pm- Blue Aeroplanes (Bristol, UK)
4:15 pm- Mr. Lewis and The Funeral 5 (Austin, TX)
5:00 pm- Automusik (Austin, TX)
Wow, that’s a great lineup!
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SXSW party watch: South By Soup Fest
Enjoy performances by Austin musicians — and help feed our city’s hungry — at this year’s South by Soup Fest.
The party happens Wednesday, March 17 — the first day of the South by Southwest Music Festival — from 2 to 8:30 p.m. at Gueros, 1412 S. Congress Ave.
Performers repped by ComboPlate Booking are set to appear, including:
- 2 to 2:40 p.m.: Elizabeth McQueen
- 2:50 to 3:30 p.m.: Eric Hisaw
- 3:40 to 4:20 p.m.: A.J. Roach
- 4:30 to 5:10 p.m.: Moonlight Towers
- 5:20 to 6 p.m.: Michael Fracasso
- 6:10 to 6:50 p.m.: Matt the Electrician
- 7 to 7:40 p.m.: Nathan Hamilton
- 7:50 to 8:30 p.m.: Beaver Nelson
Admission is — wait for it — free. Tips given to the bands, as well as proceeds from CD sales, will go to Caritas of Austin. A number of gift certificates to area business are also set to be raffled.
To check out our ever-growing list of SXSW parties — updated daily — click here.
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CD review: Shearwater - ‘The Golden Archipelago’
‘The Golden Archipelago’
(Matador)
Grade: A
Jonathan Meiburg and company proved they were a unique force in the Austin music scene with the 2008 release of “Rook,” a seductively dark affair elevated by Meiburg’s haunting, operatic voice. The follow-up, “The Golden Archipelago,” pushes into even darker territory, and the result is a gem of an album. It isn’t necessarily music for people looking for a catchy single, but that’s never what the band has been about.
Rather, “Archipelago” is an actual album in a time when the idea of releasing a collection of songs that work together as a unit has fallen out of favor with many bands.
While it’s a concept album of sorts about the Pacific, listeners aren’t going to find any stereotypical, resort “island” sounds here, as evidenced by the 40-year-old recording of the national anthem of the Bikini Atoll that starts things out. It’s quiet and vaguely unsettling, especially when paired with the translation in the liner notes, which contains lines like “no longer can I stay, it’s true/no longer can I live in peace and harmony.”
From there the album builds on itself, with the band combining its various skills to great effect. On “Corridors” a noisy guitar weaves its way through layers of galloping percussion and strings; it’s followed by the quiet, dirge-like “God Made Me,” which utilizes the same elements to produce a much different result. Part of what makes the album work so well is the band’s ability to use moments of quiet, or even silence, to heighten the drama of the songs. On “Castaways,” one of the more upbeat tracks, Meiburg’s voice and Thor Harris’ near-militaristic drums rise out of tranquil opening moments to captivate the listener.
Taken together, it’s all very cinematic, almost like a film score. A lot of times when a band releases a well-received album with a unique sound, the follow-up is a messy affair, an expression of uncertainty about where to go next. Shearwater does not suffer from this problem, and continues to develop their sound in a successful direction.
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Save the Cactus Cafe group raising money, collecting signatures
What’s next in the campaign to try to save the Cactus Cafe? The group known as SavetheCactusCafe.org and FriendsOfTheCactusCafe.org has formed a nonprofit and scheduled times and places (including tonight at the Saxon Pub) to have petitions signed and to take donations. They’re aiming for 5,000 signatures and $66,000.
From the release (the first scheduled events are after the jump):
Austin, Texas, February 22, 2010—The newly formed non-profit, Friends of the Cactus Cafe (FOTCC), announced plans today to demonstrate community and University support for keeping the Cactus Cafe open by launching petition and fundraising drives.
“We have set a symbolic goal of raising $66,000—the purported shortfall that the Cactus Cafe currently operates under—and we want to raise $6600 of that before this Friday’s Texas Union Board meeting,” said Wiley Koepp, a board member and one of the founders of FOTCC. “The financial support exists in this community to keep the Cactus Cafe open and we need to show that to the Texas Union administration. If we can raise a tenth of the shortfall in about ten days, imagine what is possible with even just a little more time and development.”
The petition drive is similarly aimed at making a statement of community and UT student support for the legendary venue. Veteran grassroots organizer David Kobierowski is heading up the signature effort for the Save the Cactus Cafe campaign.
“We have just begun to collect signatures and the response has been overwhelming,” said Kobierowski. “We anticipate getting 5000 signatures in fairly short order and plan to collect 500 by the Friday Union Board meeting.
A number of music venues around the Austin community have joined in the effort and will open their doors to petition circulators this week. These include:
Monday, Feb 22nd
Venue: Saxon Pub
Time: 7pm
Artists performing: Matt the Electrician at 7pm, Nelo at 8:30pm, Jeff Plankenhorn at 11pm, George Stathakes at 12:30am
Tuesday, Feb 23rd
Venue: Ruta Maya
Time: 9pm - 1am is Music Open Mic, 6-9pm is Poetry Open Mic
Artists performing: Local talent
Wednesday, Feb 24th
Venue: Broken Spoke
Start Time: 8pm (or earlier)
Artists performing: Dale Watson at 9pm, Vince Moreno 6-8pm, Dance Lessons 8-9pm
Venue: The Triangle Austin Farmer’s Market
Start Time: 4-7pm
Thursday, Feb 25th
Venue: The Sessions @ The Hideout
Start Time: arrive at 7:45pm (show at 8pm)
Artists performing: Matt the Electrician, Danny Malone, DEADMAN, Carley Wolf
Venue: The Broken Spoke
Start Time: 8pm (or earlier)
Artists performing: Jesse Dayton at 9pm, Tony Harris (6-8pm), Dance Lesson 8-9pm
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SXSW2010: 10 questions for Nive Nielsen
Nive Nielsen just might be the first ukelele-playing eskimo who has starred in a Terrence Malick film ever to play SXSW. “The New World” actress from Greenland recorded “Nive Sings!” with help from the Black Keys and Howe Gelb (Giant Sand) and her multi-instrumentalist boyfriend Jan de Vroede. John Parish (P.J. Harvey) produced. The lovely, kooky Nive is Inuk, which is not the new black.
1. Your record “Sings” was recorded all over the world, but two places can’t be less alike than Tucson, Ariz. and Nuuk, Greenland. Does the climate and setting influence the sound?
It really does. What I remember most from being in Tucson was the constant sweating. It was so hot that the songs I made there turned out real slow, and real short. Lazy porch tunes, really. They definitely have that vibe. In Nuuk it was winter, storming, really really cold. It blew so hard that the wind’s on the recordings. The songs there turned out to be really playful and happy - it was just so cozy to sit inside and play in front of the fire place.
2. How far do you live from the North Pole?
It’s like a 3 mile bus ride.
3. What’s the biggest myth about eskimos? Do you really kiss by rubbing noses?
We sure do. Saves on hankies, too. Hehe. But no seriously, we do talk a lot with facial expressions. Like lifting our eyebrows, that means “yes”. Or frowning our nose, that’s “nope”. Also, just for the record: nope we don’t live in igloos.
4. You starred with Colin Farrell in “The New World.” What was it like working with (Austin resident) Terrence Malick? Is it true he’s a big karaoke fan?
Haha that’s too funny. Terrence Malick is super cool. I only had a minor part in “The New World.” I almost was Pocahontas but then I wasn’t but then he wrote a brand new part just for me so that I could be in anyways - pretty awesome huh! As for his well-known and widely published karaoke addiction… Now that I come to think of it: he DID make me sing!
5. If you had to break it into percentages equalling 100 per cent, how much actor are you and how much musician?
Ohh that ‘s a hard one… When I play music I’m totally 100% musician, definitely - there’s zero acting involved there. But when I act I ‘m still a musician. Hmm that doesn’t make much sense does it. Can I say I’m 200 % both?
6. Was it hard to find a ukulele in Greenland?
Really hard. That’s why I got one in Canada. Although strangely enough we have a local traditional music called Vaigat. Which is a combination of Greenlandic lyrics and melodies with Hawaii guitar. Come to think about it, there should be ukuleles in Greenland!
7. Will you play “Over the Rainbow/ What a Wonderful World” if requested?
Definitely. I might ONLY play those tunes. Yup…
8. Is there any kind of food you can get in the U.S. and not Greenland that you crave?
Man coming to the US is always such a pleasure - for many reasons, one big one being the food. I just LOVE the traveling and local cuisines… in Austin I’m soooo looking forward to BBQ!! And good Mexican. Breakfast burritos. More BBQ… yes!!
9. Is Santa Claus real?
He’s most definitely real. And real grumpy most of the times, too. Actually my band mate Jan dated his daughter for a while (no kiddin’!)
10. Colin Farrell’s not going to read this. Don’t you think he’s gotten boring since he cut down on the drinking?
Maybe now that he stopped drinking he’ll actually read this… how ‘bout that huh. Hi Colin!
Nive Nielsen and her band will play 10 p.m. Thursday March 18 at the Hilton 18th Floor.
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SXSW party watch: FILTER magazine hosts Dr. Dog and Delta Spirit
As the industry music festival to end all industry music festivals — sorry, MIDEM and CMJ, but we have more free barbecue than you do — draws inexorably closer, the party announcements are beginning to fly fast and furious. Although we won’t be posting them all here in the blog — that’s what the side parties page is for — we’ll continue to mention some of the more notable announcements in this space.
And FILTER magazine has put together a pretty strong party lineup this year, taking over Cedar Street Courtyard from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday March 18 through Saturday March 20. Highlights include Miike Snow, Dr. Dog, Delta Spirit and Frightened Rabbit — and free BBQ from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., because, really, what is SXSW about if not free food? You can RSVP here.
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KCRW will broadcast live from Tequila Mockingbird during SXSW
Influential Santa Monica Cal.- based KCRW will once again broadcast live March 18 and 19 from the Tequila Mockingbird jingle factory behind the Clay Pit on Guadalupe Street. The Thursday act will be Australian indie rock band the Middle East. Friday’s live act has not yet been named.
The live broadcasts are not open to the public.
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The Octopus Project debut ‘Hexadecagon’ during SXSW
Erich Schlegel/FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Attention to those who would endeavor to throw the craziest, most elaborate and most intriguing free event during South by Southwest: the Octopus Project have thrown down the gauntlet.
This morning the ever-whimsical indietronica band announced the details of its “Hexadecagon” project, a free multimedia extravaganza on the upstairs plaza of the downtown Whole Foods to be performed at 7:30 and 9 p.m. Friday, March 19. The project will include eight channels of audio and eight channels of video — hence the name, which refers to a sixteen-sided figure.
If you’re wondering how they’ll pull that off, it’s probably best to let the band describe it in their own words. From the announcement:
“The eight speakers will be set up in a circle surrounding the audience, who will in turn be surrounding us (the band), set up in the middle of the whole shebang with eight images projected overhead.”
The visual component will be handled by blogger, actor, general man about town and occasional Richard Linklater muse Wiley Wiggins. Admission will be free and open to the public, but with the patio’s limited capacity of about 600, prospective attendees should probably get there early.
It’s the rare band that looks at the Flaming Lips’ “Zaireeka” and says “We don’t think that’s quite crazy enough,” but then, that’s why Austin loves the Octopus Project. Ball’s in your court, Fader Fort.
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MTV to take over Seaholm during SXSW
The vacant Seaholm Power Plant, which is managed for temporary use by Austin’s Real Estate Services Division, will be occupied during South by Southwest by MTV, the city’s Gloria Aguilera said Monday.
“They’ll be filming there all four days,” Aguilera said.
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SXSW music and food, Uchi and the Germans
Yes, yes Bloody Marys and Shiner Bock are indeed the official SXSW breakfasts of champions, but its highly likely that a couple days into the fest you’ll need to supplement the liquid diet with a little actual sustenance. Thankfully a lot of SXSW day parties incorporate some sort of food, frequently consisting of good ol’ fashioned Texas staples, barbecue and/or tacos.
Press releases for two notable parties offering different flavors landed in my inbox over the weekend. The first is Uchi’s annual “East Meets Fest” event. The day party goes down in the parking lot of the high-end sushi joint from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 20 and features music from The Authors, The Red Boys and more, with members of the Octopus Project playing DJ between sets. It’s an open, free event and “Japanese street food” and beer will be available to purchase. I’m not exactly sure what “street food” entails but I’m guessing (hoping) it translates to something a little more affordable than the restaurant’s standard fare.
On the less open, but presumably (ahem) free-er tip, an intriguing invite for “Wunderbar presents Lunch with the Germans” came across. The event features music from heavies in the German house music underground and cuisine by a pair of gourmet chefs from “Berlin’s outdoor venue/gastropub Bar 25.” Sounds tasty. The party goes down from noon to 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 18 at Park Side on Sixth Street. Hit up this site to try to talk your way in.
And, as always, be sure to bookmark austin360.com/sxswside for the latest info on the myriad of free events going down throughout the festival.
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SXSW2010: 10 questions for Sleepy Sun
San Francisco-based sextet Sleepy Sun makes spacey psychedelic rock that recalls blues rock of the ’60s and ’70s without sounding like a Zeppelin cover band. They’ll be playing almost every day during the festival, including the Bay Bridged day party at Beauty Bar on March 18 and the Rolling Stone day party at Peckerheads on March 20. Sole female member Rachel Williams takes part in our “20 bands, 10 questions” series below.
Is this your first time at SXSW?
No! we were here last year : )
What do you hope to achieve at the festival?
I’m sure the guys can agree, we’re coming back to party,
play as hard as we can and catch other cool bands.
How would you describe the San Francisco music scene?
Its like a bunch of humming birds moanin’ and groanin’, makin’ sweet
music nectar for the rest of the jungle creatures.
If you were to come up with the name of a genre to describe your music, what would it be?
We collaboratively came up with an answer to this once, something like psychic depth rock & muppet roll. Can I say that?
Your band bio says you honed your craft in ‘the occult influenced creative community of Santa Cruz.’ What role did the occult play in the band’s development?
Santa Cruz can give you what you need at just the right moments, most of it has to do with the forest, it’s been staring at the sea for hundreds of years just watching.
How does your sound differ from bands like Zeppelin and Sabbath that get mentioned a lot in write-ups of the band?
oh geez what a question - come to a show! its all for you
How did you get involved in the tribute to Graham Nash? Did you pick ‘Chicago’?
Our good friend Brit Govea, who is the man behind FolkYeah!, chose the song
and asked us if we would like to be apart of the project. And yes we did!
What have you been listening to in the tour van?
Recently, Juvenile, Black Sabbath, Leonard, a mix of goodies.
What was the highlight of your European tour last year?
Another FANTASTIC ATP festival and I personally enjoyed playing with Jay Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.) I had a dream we kissed!
What is the most difficult part of being on tour?
I’m the only girl. Also long drives get a little taxing.
Pick your own question and answer it.
POOF?
POW!
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SXSW rumor mill: Stone Temple Pilots?
The conspicuous lack of SXSW bands confirmed for Stubb’s on the Friday (the powerhouse venue isn’t even listed as an eligible venue anymore) and Saturday of the fest has invited all sorts of speculation about surprise guests and who might be “this year’s Metallica,” with British rockers Muse as one of the likelist suspects. After all, they’re playing Dallas and Houston that week with a 10-day gap starting the Friday of SXSW immediately after. Hmmmm…
Well, time to throw Scott Weiland and company into the candidate pool as well, thanks to the below clip of an interview conducted Friday where the Stone Temple Pilots front man casually mentions playing the fest, as if it’s been public knowledge for ages.
If we’re using a U.S. military/”War Games” DefCon-type scale to judge these rumors (and really, why not?) then I’d put Muse around a 3 (evidence and timing supports it) and STP checks in at a 2 (all but confirmed by SXSW brass).
So what say you, SXSW-ers? Yours truly would get a kick at finally hearing “Interstate Love Song” or “Plush” live, but not at the expense of missing at least half a dozen other bands while waiting line.
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Viewing the corpse of the Cactus
When it’s closed, as it was tonight, the Cactus Cafe is nothing special. It’s just a room with a few tables and chairs. There’s no sense of history in the air, only the smell of coffee from Starbuck’s next door.
My son was bowling at the Texas Union Saturday night and I was a little early to pick him up, so I went over to the Cactus where a sign said the Austin Lounge Lizards, who’d outgrown the Cactus like so many others, were at the Texas Union Theater. I gave the Cactus door handle a try and it opened. Moments later, manager Griff Luneburg came out to take care of business at the theater. I have been telling everyone since the Jan. 29 “phasing out” announcement that the mistake would be rectified and the bureaucrats would come to their senses. But during our brief exchange, before he rushed on, the defeated look on Griff’s face told me I was wrong.
It’s over, folks. Lyle, Lucinda and a hundred white horses can’t save this place.
On Friday- take out the trash day- the Student Events Center committee is scheduled to vote and most likely approve recommendations, released this past Tuesday, that would “repurpose” the Cactus Cafe for student management. The SEC is calling for “the creation of a new student organization to help encourage and facilitate the student use of the space.” The organization “will have access to invaluable resources that will be allocated to the success of this space, including a fulltime staff advisor, an advertising department, and close proximity to the venue itself…” Secretariat has been handed over to the 4-H Club.
As painful as the loss of the Cactus is, it’s going to be fun watching these kids, and their proposed $6,000 annual budget, fall on their okoles.
I can’t imagine any self-respecting act playing the Cactus after August, when Griff and the gang are reassigned to other jobs in the food court/ Texas Union. Since one of the goals of the new direction is to provide student organizers “an increased understanding in how to produce performing arts programs in a learning environment venue,” perhaps the name should be changed from the Cactus to the Practice Cafe.
I’ve always thought that instead of “Live Music Capital of the World,” the city’s slogan should be, “Austin: It’s the People.” Although Austin is physically an appealing place, especially for Texas, what makes this town special are the people like Griff Luneburg and Chris Luecke and the musicians that would rather play a great show for a little bit of money than a gabfest for boatloads. Take away those people and all you have is a room.
In Austin there are still nights… But they’re getting fewer by the year.
When someone dies, we line up to view the body to make sure it’s really dead. That was the feeling I had tonight. I was hopeful, delusional, maybe, but now I realize the Cactus Cafe as we knew it is never coming back.
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SXSG: So Buy Some Gas for these shows
Can a showcase be considered a “pirate” if it’s sailing in a whole ‘nuther sea? A couple of far north soirees are happening during SXSW.
The new Armadillo Hall in Taylor has announced the following sets (starting at 4 p.m. each day):
Wednesday March 17, beginning at 4 p.m. - Joe Miranda & the Wildcatters, Brother Magnum, David Ducharme-Jones, Larry Wilson, Seventh Sun, Shuffle Up & Deal, Old Gray Mule.
Thursday, March 18: Hunter McKithan & The Offenders, Desoto Rust, The Ruby Jane Show, Shawn Pittman, Noble Dog, Aaron Einhouse, Band 1420, The Dark Horses.
Friday, March 19: Lachi, The Beauvilles, JeConte, Casey Hubble, Union Specific, Ben Tyler Johnson, Harry Bodine, Vanessa Pellon.
Saturday, March 20: Throwing Seven, Bo Peep, Midnite Theory, The Beauvilles, Project Moss, Joker, The Wallburds, Scott Wesley Band, Laura Lee Bishop Band, Black Pistol Fire, strawberry Jam, The Killing Floor, Daniel Conti. http://www.armadillohall.com/
Sunday, March 21: Hosea Hargrove & The Roadrunners, Tara Craig, Stephanie Delk, HalleyAnna Finlay, Player One, Step Aside, The Barbarians of Sevilla.
This isn’t really such a bad idea for out-of-towners. You can’t get great barbecue in Austin, but Louie Mueller’s in Taylor is the best in the world IMNSHO.
But then there’s this festival north of Howard Lane that claims to be the “Biggest Music Event of 2010.” (I checked and neither Jerry Payne nor Will Matthews are involved.) The 10-day fest was originally called “16 Degrees XSW” but apparently the cease and desist order finally made way up there by Pony Express. Charging $25 a day to see the likes of L.A. Guns during SXSW smacks of lunacy, in my not-so-humble opinion.
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Camper Van Beethoven enlists fans to sponsor songs
When cult alternative rock favorites Camper Van Beethoven play two shows during the South By Southwest Music Festival this year, fans will have the chance to sponsor a song of their choice for the low price of $100, in what has to be one of the more unique ways for a band to fund its festival trip we’ve yet seen.
“Well, as you may or may not know, performers at SXSW are not really compensated sufficiently to cover travel and lodging costs,” say the band on the Web site. “For a band like CVB this didn’t really matter in the days when there were actually record labels and/or our friends didn’t mind us crashing on their couches (back when we had friends…)”
So they’re calling on their devoted fans for help, offering the first 35 people or organizations that give $100 the chance to choose one of the 35 songs they’ll play, across two shows, during SXSW. Those interested should also know that “a Santa Cruz Roller Derby Girl will walk/skate across the stage carrying a placard announcing your sponsorship of the song.” No doubt that’s a veritable bargain for some of the band’s devoted followers.
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New Hole lineup plays first U.S. gig at Spin’s SXSW bash
Courtney Love’s new lineup for Hole will make its U.S. debut Friday March 19 at the always in-demand Spin party at Stubb’s, with support from F**d Up, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Miike Snow, Rogue Wave and Foxy Shazam, with DJ sets from Das Racist and Dam-Funk, Spin announced this morning.
Of course, calling the band “Hole” might be charitable — aside from Love, it boasts an entirely new roster, without a single member from the glory days returning — but the party should be a madhouse regardless. Hole’s last North American gig was in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1999, before officially disbanding in 2002. The new lineup has already played a couple of gigs in the U.K., performing on the Feb. 12 episode of “Friday Night With Jonathan Ross” and playing the NME Shockwaves Awards in London’s 02 Shepherds Bush Empire. They’ve also got a new album, “Nobody’s Daughter,” out in April.
The inside stage will host buzzed rockers Free Energy, Austin’s own Harlem, Goons of Doom and Audible Mainframe. As always, the party will require a pass, but they’ll be giving them away on Spin’s Web site, so keep your eyes peeled.
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Cheaper-than-usual tickets to Roky/Okkervil ice cream social on sale now
Perhaps in a bid to attract a young crowd that might not be able to swing the usual $25 price, tickets to this year’s annual Roky Erickson Ice Cream Social at Threadgills are $10 in advance through Frontgate Tickets only. The show takes place at noon on March 18.
No word on if any will be available at the door.
Erickson will be playing with Okkervil River, the band that backed him up on the new “True Love Cast Out All Evil;” Okkervil head honcho Will Sheff produced the album.
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4,000 SXSW wristbands sell out, but…
… locals have one more chance. 500 more wristbands priced at $165 (including tax) will be put on sale online at noon on Monday, February 22. They will be available at wristbands.sxsw.com. The initial price was $129. They sold out in one day.
Rules are the same for this second allotment: Limit of two wristbands per purchase, using a credit card with a billing zip code in the Austin area. The name of second person must be given at the time.
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SXSW2010: 10 questions for Moreland & Arbuckle
Moreland & Arbuckle photo by Gavin Peters
Moreland & Arbuckle are a blues band from Kansas whose album “Flood,” their debut on Telarc International, comes out Feb. 23. Cigar-box bassist/ guitarist Aaron Moreland answered questions 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and 10. Singer/ harmonica player Dustin Arbuckle answered the others. The band is augmented by drummer Brad Horner.
1. What makes your blues different from Delta or Chicago blues?
We certainly do play each of those styles to a degree. But we add in a ton of other elements that help us create our own sound. I mean when you combine Tom Waits tunes with Little Walter influences, you are bound to be outside the “normal” spectrum of blues.
2. Aaron, what’s your guitar rig like?
It varies some, but I use smaller wattage (less than 25) tube amps. Typically, I have preferred open back cabinets but have been realizing the tight bottom a closed back can offer. When playing my cigar box guitar, I split the signal and run the bass string into a bass amp. I try to experiment with new things some, but find I tend to gravitate toward a familiar sound: gritty and punchy guitar sounds.
3. Have you played Austin before? If so, what did you like best about the town? If not, what have you heard?
Yes. We played Stubbs several months ago with Buddy Guy. It was a killer show. I love Austin. Very hip vibe, liberal attitudes… and the music scene seems to be bursting with creativity.
4. Are you playing any non-official showcases?
Not sure yet. I really hope so. We ARE going to be in town the week before SXSW on March 10th for a show with George Thorogood & the Destroyers at the Paramount Theatre.
5. Are you fans of Kansas Jayhawks basketball?
Definitely. Rock-Chalk-Jayhawk! When it really comes down to it, though, my #1 team is the Wichita State Shockers. Gotta represent for the home town.
6. How do you pass the time on the road?
Lots of listeting to music and “spacing out”. .. sleeping if you are lucky.
7. Dustin, with a last name of Arbuckle, does that put extra pressure on you to keep your weight down?
You callin’ me Fatty?
8. Does it bother you that Led Zeppelin ripped off so many blues guys?
I am not sure about that. But they are my favorite band ever and their influence on all music that came after them is massive. They turned millions of people onto blues…. and that is a great thing.
9. What’s the most authentic blues joint you’ve ever played?
Teddy’s Juke Joint in Zachary, Louisiana.
10. What would make SXSW a success for you two?
Meeting some good people, and effectively networking to get our music out to more and more people.
Moreland & Arbuckle play Friday March 20 at 9 p.m. at Opal Divine’s Freehouse.
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C3 starts booking La Zona Rosa full-time
Fans looking at the La Zona Rosa web site will notice something they hadn’t seen before — a C3 Presents logo in the lower left hand corner and no mention anywhere of club owners Direct Events. While C3 and Direct Events officials declined to comment, the site gives every indication that C3 has taken over booking the 1,200-capacity room full-time. This gives C3 access to a room in which they can place a band that might not sell out Stubb’s and an Emo’s-sized room that can be booked during the winter.
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360 weekend picks: Tribute to Bruton, benefit for Campise and rockin’ Swedes
FRIDAY
An Evening of the Music of Stephen Bruton at the Saxon Pub. Some of Bruton’s favorite Austin players, including the amazing rhythm section of drummer Brannen Temple and bassist Yoggie Musgrave, will play songs written by the late, great one, who’s finally getting national recognition as the music supervisor for ‘Crazy Heart.’ Let’s hope singer Malford Milligan is learning some songs from the movie soundtrack. 9 p.m. $15 1320 South Lamar Blvd. thesaxonpub.com. — Michael Corcoran
Also recommended:
- Balmorhea, Damien Jurado at Central Presbyterian Church
- the Gourds at the Cactus Cafe
- Shawn Colvin at One World
- Strange Boys at Emo’s
- Gary P. Nunn at the Broken Spoke
- Gov’t Mule at Stubb’s
SATURDAY
Soundtrack of Our Lives at Emo’s. For those of you who missed out on Turbonegro at Emo’s last year, you have another chance to see an overweight Scandanavian band that out-rocks all the kids. Following the opening one-two punch of ‘Infra Riot’ and ‘Sister Surround,’ the band’s 2002 album ‘Behind the Music’ remains a modern garage rock classic, though the beauty of singer Ebbot Luneberg is that he squeezes sweet psychedelia out of his voice. With Nico Vega and My Education. 703 Red River St. www.emosaustin.com. — M.C.
Also recommended:
SUNDAY
Tony Campise fundraiser at Antone’s. Austin sax great Campise suffered major brain damage after a fall outside a Corpus Christi hotel room in October 2009 and is recovering in a skilled nursing facility. Currently slated to appear are the Monster Big Band, Baker’s Dozen, the James Polk Sextet, John Mills Times Ten, Butch Miles Jazz Express and the Tony Campise Big Band. Appearances are also promised from guest vocalists Ray Benson, Kat Edmonson, Rick Trevino, Mandy Lauderdale and Mr. Fabulous. Donations will be accepted at the door. 7 p.m. antones.net. — Patrick Caldwell
Also recommended:
- Evelyn Erickson’s 86th birthday bash at Jovita’s
- D.R.I. at Emo’s
- Major, Major, Major at Club 1808
- Look Mexico, Papermoons at Red 7
- Jon Dee Graham at Continental Club Gallery
- River City Christianettes at Stubb’s Gospel Brunch
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About 1,000 SXSW wristbands left at $129
As of 3 p.m. today about 3,000 of the allotment of 4,000 SXSW wristbands on sale for $129 have been snapped up, according to a conference official. Go here to purchase up to two at that price.
After this bunch, available only to those with an Austin credit card billing address, are gone, an unspecified amount will go on sale in March, a few days before the fectival. Last year, the second tier price was $165 each.
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Shearwater releases new video for “Hidden Lakes”
The Matador Blog debuted a gloriously shot video this morning for “Hidden Lakes,” a cut off Shearwater’s “The Golden Archipelago,” which sees vinyl, CD and digital release Tuesday, Feb. 23 (we’ll have a full review of the album then).
The video features front man Jonathan Meiburg, wearing a straw hat and a frilly period costume and cradling a puppy, marching through desolate plains. Much like Shearwater’s music, it’s dense, lyrical and thoughtful — and although you might not fully understand it, it certainly seems smart.
Meiburg plays a pre-SXSW solo show March 13 at Red 7, while the full band will play Antone’s March 19 during the festival before departing for a North American tour.
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Alejandro, Ruthie, others added to Old Settlers lineup
Alejandro Escovedo, Ruthie Foster, New Monsoon and the Trishas have been added to the Old Settlers Music Fest, April 15- 18 at Salt Lick Pavillion. Previously announced were Joe Ely Band (4/16), Patty Griffin and Buddy Miller, plus 7 Walkers with Bill Kreutzmann from the Dead (4/17) and the Gourds (4/18).
Go here for ticket info.
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SXSW 2010 Music Festival
The fest is here, and the updates are flying. Latest news | Side parties | Full coverage | Follow us on Twitter | Send us tips.
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SXSW wristbands on sale at 10 a.m. today
South by Southwest wristbands go on sale today at 10 a.m. at wristband.sxsx.com for a price of $129 each, which includes tax. That’s the same price as last year.
The allotment of 4,000 will be on sale until they’re all gone or Feb. 22, whichever comes first. There is a two-wristband limit per purchase, with the second person’s name provided at the time of purchase. Online purchase requires a credit card with a billing ZIP code in the Austin area.
Either that, or one can prove their Austin residency by naming three irreplaceable music venues which have been torn down to make way for fast food restaurants or bland office buildings. (Just kidding on that one- you’ve gotta have an Austin area billing address.)
Wristbands will be put back on sale during SXSW in March. Details to be announced, but last year that second batch cost $165 each.
In 2008, SXSW organizers tried a lottery system, but it proved too complicated, too daunting, and the 4,000 wristbands were about 500 shy of a sellout.
As always, a wristband does not guarantee admission to shows that have reached capacity. That band on your wrist is the only one you’re promised of seeing.
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2010 Urban Music Fest to feature Morris Day and the Time
2010 will mark the fifth year for a festival that’s weathered everything from unseasonal heat to a bizarre April ice storm. As always, the family-friendly event will go down during Texas Relays weekend at Auditorium Shores and as always the headliner is an old school urban favorite, this year, Morris Day and the Time. The rest of the lineup is still under wraps but the festival Web site promises “more music, more food and more family fun.” We’ll pass along additional information as it becomes available.
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Force Field PR and Terrorbird Media announce SXSW party lineup
Force Field PR and Terrorbird Media’s daytime shindig was an ideal way to kick off the South by Southwest Music Festival last year, with stellar performances from the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, the Thermals and Wavves, among others.
This year, they’re returning to Red 7 with a lineup every bit as strong, featuring sets from Neon Indian, Real Estate, Toro Y Moi and the Rural Alberta Advantage, among others, with no RSVP required — so show up early, because this one will fill up. Check out the full lineup after the jump, and as always check out our side party list or database for more party information.
Neon Indian
Real Estate
Toro Y Moi
The Rural Alberta Advantage
A Sunny Day In Glasgow
Matias Aguayo
Those Darlins
Beach Fossils
Oh No Ono
Choir of Young Believers
The Fresh and Onlys
Frankie Rose and the Outs
Stricken City
Inlets
Ernest Gonzales
The Splinters
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Julian Casablancas comes to La Zona Rosa 4/14
The Strokes singer, who recently released solo debut “Phrazes for the Young,” will tune up in Austin for his Coachella show four days later.
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Victory Grill to receive Texas Historical Marker
The Victory Grill, the 64-year-old historic music venue at 1104 E. 11th St., will dedicate an official Texas Historical Marker in a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 20). The marker dedication ceremony will include the family of original owner and founder Johnny Holmes and officials from the Texas Historical Commission.
Holmes opened the Victory Grill on Aug. 16, 1945 — Victory over Japan Day — as a restaurant and bar for returning black service members, who were prevented from attending most restaurants by segregation. The nightclub became a staple on the Chitlin’ Circuit, a group of performance venues that hosted black entertainers during the age of segregation, and featured such notables as Ike and Tina Turner, James Brown, Chuck Berry and B.B. King. Holmes died in 2001, but the venue has seen renovations spearheaded by Eva Lindsey and is today available for private and special events.
Speakers at the ceremony will include Holmes’ family, City Council Member Sheryl Cole and Texas Historical Commission executive director Mark Wolfe.
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Paste Magazine announces SXSW party lineup, Roky and Okkervil along for the ride
Paste Magazine will be commandeering the Galaxy Room — known formerly as the Radio Room during past South by Southwest Music Festivals — on March 17 and 18 for one of the most stacked day party lineups we’ve seen so far.
Each day will feature 11 acts on two stages, with highlights including a set from Roky Erickson, backed as during past SXSW performances by Okkervil River, Shearwater, Lou Barlow and the Missingmen and Black Praire, which features Decemberists Jenny Conlee, Nate Query and Chris Funk alongside other Portland musicians. Check out the full lineup for both days after the jump.
Paste’s Friday, March 19, party will be thrown in conjunction with Vanguard Records and Sugar Hill Records and will take place from noon to 6 p.m. at the Belmont, with performers including Black Prairie, Greg Laswell, Daphne Willis, Sarah Borges and The Broken Singles, Wimberley’s Sarah Jarosz, Bobby Bare Jr., the Living Sisters and the Watson Twins.
You can RSVP here.
Wednesday, March 17
12:00 - 12:40 Basia Bulat (inside)
12:30 - 1:10 Givers (outside)
1:00 - 1:40 Lissie (inside)
1:30 - 2:10 Roman Candle (outside)
2:00 - 2:40 Free Energy (inside)
2:30 - 3:10 Joe Pug (outside)
3:00 - 3:40 Freelance Whales (inside)
3:30 - 4:10 Suckers (outside)
4:00 - 4:40 Carolina Chocolate Drops (inside)
4:30 - 5:10 Roky Erickson with Okkervil River (outside)
5:00 - 5:30 Frightened Rabbit (inside)
Thursday, March 18
12:00 - 12:40 Damion Suomi (inside)
12:30 - 1:10 Miles Kurosky (outside)
1:00 - 1:40 Shearwater (inside)
1:30 - 2:10 The Living Sisters (outside)
2:00 - 2:40 Fanfarlo (inside)
2:30 - 3:10 Gordon Gano (outside)
3:00 - 3:40 Lou Barlow and the Missingmen (inside)
3:30 - 4:10 The Lonely Forest (outside)
4:00 - 4:40 The Low Anthem (inside)
4:30 - 5:10 Black Prairie (outside)
5:00 - 5:30 The Middle East (inside)
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20 bands, 10 questions No. 3: April Smith and the Great Picture Show
April Smith and her band the Great Picture Show embrace theatrics—donning early 20th century costumes and utilizing the accordion and ukulele. She’s sort of a female counterpart to the Decemberists’ Colin Meloy, with less prog rock, a bigger voice and more foot stomping. If that’s not enough, she financed her latest release, “Songs For A Sinking Ship,” on crowd funding site www.kickstarter.com. Here, Smith takes part in our 10 questions for 20 bands preview of SXSW.
Is this your first time at SXSW? What are you hoping to achieve at the festival?
No, we’ve actually played SXSW twice before. I’m excited for this year because the album will be out and we’ll have new music for people to take away. I think we all just want to see all of the great bands playing down there and play as much as possible.
How did you get the idea to fund your album on Kickstarter?
My bassist told me about it and I checked out the site. It just seemed like the perfect way to raise money for an album and give the fans some great things in return. I really like the way they run the site and I’m so glad I did it.
Your music seems to float between different genres—how would you describe it to people who haven’t heard you before?
It’s retro pop with a swing to it. It’s got a 1920s feel with a modern spin on it. If the Andrews Sisters were a little bitchier.
Where does the name “the Great Picture Show” come from?
The music and live show are very dramatic and theatrical. It just sounded very old-hollywood-meets-vaudeville to me.
This year, for the first time, SXSW is opening the conference/panel portion of the event to musicians. Do you plan on attending any panels during you visit?
Yes, definitely! It’s going to make my music schedule even tricker but it’s totally worth it.
An overwhelming number of musicians at the festival call Brooklyn home. What is it about the scene there that makes it so appealing?
I’m not really as involved in the scene as a lot of musicians are. I think I love Brooklyn because it’s so close to the city but it allows you to get away too and have the best of both worlds. I live right around the corner from Brooklyn Bowl so I pretty much never have to leave the neighborhood for good music and food.
You talk about the show ‘Dexter’ on your Web site. What is it that you like about that show? What other shows will you be recording while you’re out on tour?
I love the writing and the acting on “Dexter.” I think Michael C. Hall is just brilliant. I love the dichotomy of the character and the concept is superb - an irresistible serial killer. You can’t help but root for the guy. I’m a sucker for TV so I’ll probably run out of space on my DVR before I get back from tour. “Californication,” “True Blood” and “Mad Men” aren’t on right now so I’ll be recording “Nurse Jackie” and “United States of Tara” for now. I’m also anxiously awaiting the next season of Jonathan Ames’ “Bored to Death” on HBO. It’s my favorite new show!
Some of your music and cover art, etc. has an old-timey feel to it. If you had a time machine, what time period would you travel to and why?
That old-timey feel is courtesy of the great Matt Hoyle! If i had a time machine I’d go back to the roaring ’20s and party it up with Fats Waller at Al Capone’s birthday bash.
What is your favorite new music/musician?
We’re starting a tour with Fanfarlo on Feb. 20 and we’re really in love with their sound. It’s so full and vibrant. I also love Henry Wolfe, a friend of mine who is opening for us at the Mercury Lounge on March 10. His voice is beautiful and awe inspiring and his writing is so sincere. I saw him perform with an orchestra last year and the room was absolutely silent.
Pick your own question and answer it.
April, why do you think that you have such bad luck with cars…particularly your tour bus, Norman?
I wish I knew the answer to that one. I can only speculate that it’s because, in my past life, I must have been the Frenchman who pushed Rudolf Diesel over the side of the boat and now I am cursed. I am currently looking for a shaman to rid me of my negative auto energy and balance Norman’s chi.
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Denton band hosting SXSW scavenger hunt
Wanna win a badge for South by Southwest?
Thought so.
The folks over at Filter magazine have teamed up with Midlake, a band out of Denton, to put on a scavenger hunt. The prize? First and foremost, a coveted SXSW music badge, plus a year of haircuts at Birds Barbershop, gift certificates to Alamo Drafthouse and P. Terry’s, and prize packs from Sweet Leaf Tea and Midlake.
Not too shabby.
To play, follow Filter on Twitter. A total of 10 Austin-area landmarks will be announced in the coming days. Snap and submit — via @reply using the #midlakesxsw hashtag — a photo of your pretty little self standing in front of each landmark. (Really, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Or maybe it is …)
The winner is the first person to submit photos from all 10 landmarks. Get full contest details here.
Happy hunting.
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Bingham won’t sing at Oscars, but will accept
Ryan Bingham is a “shoo-in” (L.A. Times) to win the Best Original Song award at the Academy Awards March 7, but the former Austinite won’t perform “The Weary Kind” on the telecast. After a few really bad years in the category, producers have scrapped even a medley from airing.
Don’t blame Ryan: the other nominees include “Take It All” from “Nine,” “Loin de Paname” from “Paris 36” and two forgettable numbers from “The Princess and the Frog.”
On the plus side, there’s no bar activity as at the Golden Globes, so Bingham should be on hand for his acceptance speech.
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Phoenix Saloon rises in New Braunfels
Located in the heart of historic downtown New Braunfels, the Phoenix Saloon is reopening Feb. 26 after 91 years of dormancy. Dale Watson will re-christen the place, which will have a soft opening on Johnny Cash’s birthday.
British music journalist Ross Fortune, a noted historian of vintage country and blues, and partner Debbie Smith bought the place, which was a department store after the original saloon closed, at the end of 2007.
Originally built in 1871, the building is where William Gebhardt reportedly invented chili powder.
The Phoenix Saloon officially re-opens the weekend of March 5 & 6 with shows by Jesse Dayton (Mar 5th) and Billy Joe Shaver (Mar 6th).
Other acts on the schedule include:
March 13 The Octanes *Rockabilly from Houston, TX March 20 South by So What March 27 Scott Biram April 3 The Happen-Ins (featuring former members of the Dedringers)
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Road trip! The Flaming Lips to headline Free Press Summer Fest
If you failed to grab tickets in time for the Flaming Lips’ highly anticipated, highly sold-out March 12 show at the Austin Music Hall, take note: you’ll have another chance to catch them in June, and all you have to do is make the drive to Houston. That’s scarcely enough time to spin “Embryonic” twice.
The Oklahoma experimental rockers will headline the second annual Free Press Summer Fest at Eleanor Tinsley Park in Houston, which takes place June 5 and 6. Other acts confirmed for the festival include Girl Talk, Stars, Lucero, the Detroit Cobras, Givers, Ra Ra Riot and Medeski, Martin and Wood, as well as several local and regional acts. The full lineup is available at the festival’s Web site.
The festival boasts three stages this year, up from two last year. Of Montreal and Explosions in the Sky headlined 2009’s festival, which, while an enjoyable stab at giving Houston a proper outdoor music festival, was plagued on the first day with long lines and a convoluted system for food and drinks that we hope will be remedied on the second go-round.
Pre-sale general admission passes are available now for $22.50, with a “fancy pants” option allowing access to air-conditioned tents and exclusive performances for $50.
Of course, if you’re willing to make a slightly longer drive and can’t stand the wait, the Lips are also performing at the NX35 Music Conferette, the Denton conference and festival immediately preceding the South by Southwest Music Festival, from March 11 to 14. NX35 recently added the Walkmen to a lineup that also includes the aforementioned Flaming Lips, Midlake, the Black Angels and Neon Indian, among many others. Single night wristbands are $20, while a wristband for all four days will cost you $65.
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Sharon Jones, Danger Mouse to join Spoon at SXSW NPR showcase
We already knew that perennial local faves Spoon were headlining NPR’s March 17 showcase at Stubb’s alongside The Walkmen, but today the full lineup was fleshed out adding retro-soul juggernauts Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings as well as Broken Bells (Danger Mouse and James Mercer of The Shins) and Visqueen. If you can’t make the show, NPR will be live streaming the event on their Web site and iPhone app. The show will also be broadcast live on local NPR affiliate 90.5 FM KUT Austin.
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Carnaval Brasileiro is all about the music
Academicos da Opera performs at the 2008 Carnaval Brasileiro.
Photo by Ralph Barrera/AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Everybody loves a bacchanal, but it takes more than cocktails and cheeky costumes to keep a party going for three decades and counting. Austin’s outrageous Carnaval Brasileiro has been going strong since 1977, when Mike Quinn took on production duties for a small carnival celebration started by Brazilian students, and he will tell you, with the reverence of a true convert, that the reason it has flourished is the music.
“I can’t convey to you in words what it really is like,” Quinn said by phone, while in the throes of preparations earlier this week. “We don’t have anything like this in our culture. It hits you like a wave, it gets into your gut and you can’t not want to dance, can’t not be impressed by the amazing cohesiveness of all the drums doing a lot of different things simultaneously, the high drums going a million miles an hour, and the low bass drums at a much slower pace that gets your heart going. It’s all proven by science, the way that it affects your beta waves, the surdo (bass drum) hits all the right buttons. They’ve shown that reggae kind of gets into your heart rhythm, and this is like that tenfold, a hundredfold! It does interact with your physical being — in a good way.”
Saturday (Feb. 20), this year’s Carnaval Brasileiro is expected to again draw some 6,000 revelers to the Palmer Events Center for hours of non-stop dancing to Academicos da Opera, Austin’s own thundering percussion corps, and Beleza Brazil, the expanded carnival incarnation of New York-based ensemble Grupo Saveiro, which is currently fronted by up-and-coming singer Marianni Ebert.
The core members of Beleza Brazil/Grupo Saveiro have played with a long list of Brazilian stars, including Baden Powell, Milton Nascimento, Bebel Gilberto, Beth Carvalho, Tania Maria and Vinicius Cantuaria, as well as a dizzying array of other luminaries, from Wynton Marsalis to Sun Ra to Angelique Kidjo.
“The whole band is amazing, they get on stage and it’s like listening to a jet airplane taking off, this powerful surge of energy and sound,” said organizer Quinn, a music journalist and former host of KUT’s Horizontes Latin program.
Beleza Brazil is making its seventh Carnaval Brasileiro appearance, and giving up other prime gigs to do so.
“They’ve said it’s the best party they’ve ever played at, and some of these guys, they’re in their late ‘50s, they have lots of experience playing carnival in Brazil,” Quinn said.
Beleza Brazil will alternate sets with Academicos da Opera, who play right in the midst of the dance floor. The group includes some 40-45 drummers and percussionists and 25-30 dancers (no opera singers — the name is an homage to the Austin Lyric Opera, which lent practice space in the band’s formative years).
“It makes it more interesting that most of the members are not Brazilians, but Austinites who are in love with this music and dedicate several hours every week to rehearsing,” Quinn said, adding that Carnaval fans can expect Academicos to sound better than ever this year, because they’ve been playing a number of pre-Carnaval warm-up events around town.
“They’ll be really super tight come Saturday,” he promised.
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April 10 benefit for Susan Gibson at the Bugle Boy
Lane Gosnay, founder of the listening room the Bugle Boy in La Grange, just sent this information about a show being planned for Wimberley musician Susan Gibson:
“On February 13th Susan Gibson performed with Elizabeth Wills here at The Bugle Boy and on the way home she was in a car accident. She broke her arm in 3 places including her wrist. She will be having surgery this Thursday with a 4-6 month expected recovery time. Unfortunately like most musicians she doesn’t have any insurance. Susan is scheduled to perform at The Bugle Boy on Saturday April 10th but that night we will host a fundraising benefit for her with times and entertainment line up TBA. In the meantime, please visit Susan’s website and consider making a donation to help cover her expenses. Susan, your Bugle Boy Family wishes you a speedy recovery. Get well soon!”
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Latin acts in the spotlight at SXSW
Up-and-coming Latin acts will get their due during an official showcase on the first night of the South by Southwest Music Festival.
Record label BMI and Remezcla.com are teaming up for the 8 p.m. show on Wednesday, March 17 at Mi Casa Cantina, 503 E. Sixth St.
The lineup includes:
La Santa Cecilia, 8 to 8:40 p.m.
Maneja Beto, 9 to 9:40 p.m.
Palenke Soultribe, 10 to 10:40 p.m.
Vicente Gayo, 11 to 11:40 p.m
Volovan, Midnight to 12:40 a.m.
Maluca, 1 to 1:40 a.m.
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Berklee’s back at SXSW
Boston’s Berklee College of Music is doubling the tunes at this year’s South by Southwest Music Festival, throwing an official SXSW party for the fifth straight year and adding a second shindig that’ll be open to anyone.
First things first: Did someone say free? Why, yes … we did. Stop by Lucky Lounge, 209-A W. Fifth St., on Thursday, March 18 from 1 to 5 p.m. to hear performances by Berklee students and alums, including Melissa Ferrick, A House A Home, Ann Driscoll, Merry Go Round, Nini & Ben, and Jordan Tarrant. There’s no admission fee — and no need to have a badge or wristband — as long as you’re 21 or older.
The “official” party happens Friday, March 19 from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at Friends, 208 E. Sixth St. Performers include Audible Mainframe, the Young Republic, Nini & Ben, Stefan Wm and Jordan Tarrant, Ann Driscoll, Love Like Fire, and Shayna Zaid & the Catch.
Friday’s party is 21 and up, and open to folks with a SXSW badge. If you’ve got a wristband — or if you’re just jonesing for a good show — you can RSVP by e-mailing sxswrsvp@berklee.edu.
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Tom Russell rates the Cactus as ‘one of the top five music rooms’
Read the rest of singer-songwriter Tom Russell’s blog.
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SXSW schedule: Initial impressions
WEDNESDAY
Popular music blog Brooklyn Vegan’s showcase at Club DeVille on Wednesday is bound to be overrun with bearded dudes on hand to see Sam Beam-ish Australians The Middle East and Dead Oceans indie folksters Bowerbirds and Califone.To counter that showcase (and probably drown it out) will be a bunch of metal bands, including Zoroaster, next door on the Mohawk patio. The Continental Club will likewise be packed for the Sirius/XM/Sin City Social Club showcase that includes Austin’s Mother Truckers and Raul Malo.
If you’re looking for an even more local showcase, check out the City of Austin showcase at the Ghost Room for Carrie Rodriguez, Danny Malone and Monarchs, among others.
Everyone will be friends at Friends on St. Patrick’s Day with a showcase of Irish bands, featuring Autumn Owls, The Coronas, Dark Room Notes, Villagers, And So I Watch You From Afar and General Fiasco. Maybe they will pass out buttons reading “Kiss Me, I’m Unsigned.”
Other highlights include the Scottish Arts Council showcase at the Parish with We Were Promised Jetpacks and the always fun Frightened Rabbit, and the Warp Records showcase at the Phoenix with !!!.
THURSDAY
On Thursday, Ozomatli at Auditorium Shores should be a fun free show, as will be the solid-from-beginning-to-end showcase at the Beauty Bar Ballroom with The Whigs, The Low Anthem, Deer Tick and Titus Andronicus.
Antone’s hosts the Americana Music Association showcase featuring Austinite Hayes Carll, who has received tons of good press for his album “Trouble in Mind” and a little local group called Court Yard Hounds. You may know them better as two-of-three-Dixie-Chicks, Martie Maguire and Emily Robinson.
Actress/singer/enchantress Zooey Deschanel returns to the festival as part of She and Him during the Merge showcase, which will also include Wye Oak and Lou Barlow, who couldn’t stop gushing about White Denim the last time he was in town.
Speaking of White Denim, they’ll be at Emo’s Annex (which is more than just a tent on Red River) with other locals Centro-Matic and Brazos. The big draws Thursday will probably be the Mohawk Patio for jj, Holy F**k, GZA and The xx and Stubb’s, which will have Drive By Truckers, Band of Horses and Broken Social Scene, which should feature a crowd full of beards and college brohams who were turned on to sweet, sweet indie music by their older bros.
Kenny Dorham’s Backyard will feature a couple of Grammy winners — Ruben Ramos & The Mexican Revolution and Little Joe y La Familia.
FRIDAY
The Friday lineup at Antone’s — anchored by experimental weirdos Liars, locals Shearwater, Quasi and Basia Bulat — seems all about pushing the boundaries of what pop and rock music can be in a new decade.
What a murderer’s row of R&B-laced rock at Austin Music Hall on Friday; Smokey freaking Robinson, Sharon Jones, Raphael Saadiq, Black Joe Lewis and Mayer Hawthorne. Wow. We started sweating just reading that. Let’s hope the venue lives up to the bill.
The line for the showcase at the Central Presbyterian Church on Friday may reach Interstate 35. Band of Horses (inexplicably) leads off the showcase, which will allow fans to jet by 10 p.m. to catch other acts. Of course, Brits The xx at the end of the night are an enticing group for that space too. That show will have many in church for the first time in ages.
Japan Night is always a wildly popular draw, and even if fans aren’t too familiar with the names on the bill (we share their confusion), Friday night at the Elysium will likely be something worth writing home about.
If Les Savy Fav’s involved, we’re interested; so there’s good odds of seeing us at Galaxy Room’s backyard, where Tim Harrington and company will hold court (and trees, and…) with The Antlers, Suckers and Local Natives.
Friday at Headhunters will be metal to the bone, sponsored by labels 20 Buck Spin and Profound Lore, and, a natural fit … Brooklyn Vegan. Um, ok. Start your hipster-metal jokes now.
For all your off-kilter hip-hop needs, The Independent has you covered Friday, with a reunited Anti-Pop Consortium, Daedelus and Austin DJ Richard Henry topping the list. Seems you can’t land on a music blog these days without seeing Miike Snow’s name, so it make sense the Swede would wind up at a high-profile spot like Mohawk’s patio on Friday, with The Cool Kids (great live, dodgy on record), SALEM and Digital Leather lending support.
Kenny Dorham’s continues its solid Tex-Max-flavored bookings with locals David Garza, Del Castillo and a Texas Tornados reunion.
All the above shows are great, but they may have trouble competing with Red Eyed Fly’s alt-country/rock lineup of Lucero, Deer Tick, Justin Townes Earle and Glossary, a lineup that should win the night going away.
SATURDAY
An important if imperfect ingredient to the SXSW experience is the wander-around factor, where you throw a carefully crafted schedule to the wind and just bar hop to discover new bands.
Saturday looks like a good day for that, with lots of OK-to-good shows all over but nothing that’s knocking me over at present (though that could change). But there are a few showcases that I’ll keep in reserve just in case the wandering attempt turns sour.
First is Continental Club’s Austin-tilted bill featuring Shapes Have Fangs, Diagonals and The Ugly Beats. If you’re a fan of twisted power pop (hand raised) then this isn’t to be missed.
The back-story is great, but the reviews have been mixed on Death, the 1970s punk/metal band that rose like a Phoenix from obscurity least year. So their headlining spot at Mohawk’s Patio should make for a strong turnout that will be aided by the presence of the outstanding Surfer Blood earlier in the night.
Red 7 will compete for top Saturday honors, with F—-ed Up, J Mascis, Rival Schools and Titus Andronicus filling four of the night’s six spots. There’s no way that bill runs on schedule, which would be fine by most since only 45 minutes each for those acts seems like barely a taste.
SUNDAY
Usually, by Sunday night people are walking zombies, barely interested in hearing another note of live music for at least a month. But those bold enough to make it out Sunday are rewarded, as SXSW ends with a big bang. The fest will pay homage to some rock greats as it closes with tongue positioned softly in cheek at Emo’s with cover bands Jazzus Lizard, Led Zeppelin 2, The Promise Breakers, Paradise Titty.
NEW VENUES*
- Amsterdam Cafe
- Club 1808 and Club 1808 Patio
- Barbarella (formerly Plush)
- The Galaxy Rom (formerly the Radio Room)
- The Ghost Room (formerly The Gingerman)
- Jaime’s
- Lustre Pearl
- Klub Krucial (formerly all sorts of things)
- Mi Casa Cantina (503 E 6th St)
- Beauty Bar Ballroom (401 Sabine St) is seemingly a new (temporary?) arm doing business at the Palm Door.
- The Phoenix (formerly Pangea)
- Rusty Spurs
- Encore (formerly Spiro’s)
- Valhalla (formerly Room 710)
- Billboard.com Bungalow (formerly Habana)
(* Some of these venues were official SXSW venues as their previous incarnation.)
FREE SHOWS @ AUDITORIUM SHORES
THURSDAY - Bajofondo, 6:45 p.m. - Ozomatli, 8 p.m.FRIDAY
- Cracker, 6 p.m.
- The BoDeans, 6:45 p.m.
- Cheap Trick, 8 p.m.
SATURDAY
- Kimya Dawson, 3 p.m.
- Dawes, 4 p.m.
- Justin Townes Earle, 5 p.m.
- Deer Tick, 6 p.m.
- Lucero, 7 p.m.
- She & Him, 8 p.m.
INTERESTING SHOWCASE TITLE SPONSORS
- Antone’s on Saturday is co-branded as GSD&M Idea City showcase
- Continental Club on Saturday is a Texas Monthly showcase
- Academy of Contemporary Music @ University of Central Oklahoma at Soho Lounge on Saturday
Michael Corcoran, Joe Gross, Peter Mongillo, Matthew Odam and Chad Swiatecki contributed to this post.
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SXSW showcase schedule released
Well, there goes the afternoon. SXSW has released its showcasing band grid, so let the planning, plotting, complaining, scheming, screaming, rejoicing and retreating begin.
Check out the grid here.
As the day unfolds, Statesman and Austin360 staff will be picking over the list to find some of our favorite venues/groupings.
MORE SXSW
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‘What a beautiful night’- Sexton benefit packs Antone’s
“Well we all need someone we can lean on,” Bill Carter sang Monday night at Antone’s, backed by Bob Dylan’s two most recent lead guitarists- Charlie Sexton and Denny Freeman- and the night’s beneficiary Will Sexton on guitars.
“Let It Bleed” was a perfect last set number of a night when the Austin music community turned out enmasse to help Will Sexton, the 39-year-old they’ve known since he was 11, who has massive medical bills after suffering a stroke Dec. 1.
“This is why I would never live anywhere else,” said bassist Courtney Audain, a native of Trinidad. “What a beautiful night.” The club was packed early on, with a line, quite literally around the block. But no one complained about the wait to get in.
And even the fire marshal seemed to be a Will Sexton fan. Even at $30 a head on a Monday night, I’ve not seen Antone’s so jampacked since Buddy Guy played SXSW a few years back.
Musical highlights included Patty Griffin doing “Angel Flying Too Close To the Ground” and Lou Ann Barton joining Roky Erickson and Will on “Starry Eyes,” which although vocally ragged (rehearsal anyone?) had everyone smiling. Terry Allen’s rollicking four-song set, with Richard Bowden playing some amazing fiddle runs, was my favorite of the night.
Co-host Andy Langer made light of the controversy surrounding the new KGSR and some of the heat he’s taken as the new kid at the new home of Matchbox 20. During a live auction segment, he came on to the stage with an expensive custom guitar and a painting. “I’ve got a $5,000 guitar under one arm and a $5,000 piece of art under the other, so for all you people who think I’m worthless, you’re wrong,” he said.
Those who weren’t able to attend, but would still like to contribute can do so at the ChipIn account set up for Will.
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Elton John coming to Erwin Center 4/10
Elton John and his band will appear at the Frank Erwin Center Saturday April 10th, it has been confirmed through the center’s Web site. Tickets, priced at $125, $85 and $45 will go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. at most area HEB locations and the Erwin Center box office.
When Sir Elton last played the Erwin Center in the late ’90s, he set the box office record at the 18,000 seat venue. Pavarotti later topped the mark on Feb. 7, 1999 with a $1.2 million gross.
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“True Love Cast Out All Evil” - a sequel of the spirit
This is not a review of the upcoming Roky Erickson collaboration with Okkervil River on “True Love Cast Out All Evil,” which comes out April 20 on Anti Records. This is a series of impressions on first listen to Erickson’s first new album in 14 years.
If you’re a fan of Roky’s and know about his knock-out/ drag-out fight with demons both real and imagined, you will feel something strange and beautiful come over you on the first song “Devotional Number One,” which starts off as a scratchy field recording. “Jesus met Moses/ Drinking from a well/ Moses had thought he was Jesus/ Moses just got back from hell,” Erickson sings, then up comes a symphony of arms around him, some warmth in the confusion.
A tribute album this ain’t. Or maybe it’s the best kind.
Can’t tell you how many times a band has described a new album as taking a snapshot of where their heads were during the making, but it’s a lot of times. What producer Will Sheff set out to do was create a sonic painting. The shading is respectful of the stronger details in this portrait of resiliency and therefore becomes essential in support.
This is the sound-only movie of Roky emerging from a dark and lonely and terrifying place. It’s the sequel to Keven McAlester’s amazing Rokumentary “You’re Gonna Miss Me” with “Goodbye Sweet Dreams,” used so effectively as a coda in the film, becoming something else.
These twelve songs are not new, but they’re largely unreleased and obscure. They were written by Erickson in state hospitals and in his mother’s living room and in Roky’s mind when he had no idea where he was. There are no creatures with atom brains here, but songs of graceful simplicity. “Forever” will give you chills.
“True Love” has an overall spookiness, with creaky openings and mysterious hums, but it also sways with Erickson’s best Buddy Holly tendencies on songs like “Bring Back the Past.” No Roky record has ever had this much piano, this much sweeping reflection, but credit the Okkervil crew for checking all heavy-handedness at the door.
The album hinges on a couple of songs that sound like two different sides of the same coin: the vulnerable “Please, Judge,” with its mind at the mercy of the Man, and the simmering rage of “John Lawman,” whose entire lyrics consist of three lines repeating “I kill people all day long/ I sing my song/ Because I’m John Lawman.” This is not a review. I didn’t take notes when I listened. I sat in my car outside my home, not wanting to break the spell by going inside and playing it on a stereo that would make it sound different.
“One is one/ another is another/ Your father is your father/ Your mother is your mother,” Erickson sings on “Think Of As One,” a song that sounds like it was rejected by Tommy Hall of the Elevators as too poppy. On the page those words don’t mean much, but with the band’s mesmerizing tones becoming a brilliant translator, you can hear a troubled mind trying to make sense and find fulfillment.
Spoiler alert!
This record might make you feel ready for anything, even love.
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Tons more free SXSW shows
There’s no free booze or gratis grub at John Conquest’s annual 3rd Coast Music SXSW soirees, but check out all the free music:
WEDNESDAY March 17th
Amelia’s (2213 South 1st Street)
2.30 pm Bianca DeLeon
3.30 pm Tom Mason
4.30 pm Phil Lee
5.30 pm David Olney
THURSDAY March 18th
Opal Divine’s Penn Field
11am Leeann Atherton
noon Chip Taylor & Kendel Carson
1pm Betty Soo
2pm David Olney
3pm Border Blasters
4pm Sally Spring
5pm Linda McRae
6pm Gurf Morlix & Sam Baker
8pm Romi Mayes
9pm Carrie Rodriguez
Amelia’s
11.30 am Michael Fracasso
12.30 pm Miss Tess
1.30 pm Devon Sproule
2.30 pm Erin Harpe
3.30 pm Janine Wilson
FRIDAY March 19th
Opal Divine’s Penn Field
11am Janine Wilson
noon Mary Battiata
1am Jo Carol Pierce
2pm Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus
3pm Rod Picott
4pm Amanda Shires
5pm Larry Lange & His Lonely Knights
6pm Mitch Jacobs Band
7pm Phil Lee
8pm Rick Broussard’s Two Hoots & A Holler
9pm Freddie Steady 5
SATURDAY March 20th
Opal Divine’s Penn Field
11am DeSoto Rust
noon Ruthie & The Wranglers
1pm Jim Stringer & The AM Band
2pm Dave Insley & The Careless Smokers
3pm Teri Joyce & The Tagalongs
4pm Mike Stinson
5pm Ethyl & The Regulars
6pm Li’l Mo & The Monicats
7pm Arty Hill & The Pearl Dusters
8pm Stone River Boys
9pm Sarah Borges & The Broken Singles
SUNDAY March 21st
11am Miss Tess
noon The Rizdales
1pm Massy Ferguson
2pm Michael Fracasso
3pm Will T Massey
4pm Troy Campbell
5pm Erin Harpe
6pm Mitch Webb & The Swindles
7pm The Lavens
8pm James Hand
9pm Bill Kirchen
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Another free SXSW shindig and more Twitter gossip
The 14th annual Schubas’ (and now Lincoln Hall’s) SXSW Roundup goes down Thursday, March 18 at Yard Dog Gallery, 1510 S. Congress. The free party kicks off at noon and will feature music from the following bands:
- Born Ruffians
- Freelance Whales
- The Hood Internet
- Japandroids
- Maps & Atlases
- The Rural Alberta Advantage
- The Smith Westerns
- We Were Promised Jetpacks
- plus sets by Sharon Van Etten, Only Children, and Diane Izzo
Thanks to @donewaiting for the Twitter tip.
Also overheard in the Twitter-verse, @bvSXSW is reporting that Radio Room (formerly Bourbon Rocks) is now called Galaxy Room. Follow @austin360music for the latest SXSW updates.
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Look for a British invasion at SXSW
Look for bands from across the pond — and plenty of them — at this year’s South by Southwest British Music Embassy.
The British Music Partnership — a collection of government agencies and music organizations — will serve up six straight days of UK tunes at Latitude 30, 512 San Jacinto.
You’ll be able to RSVP soon by clicking here.
The full lineup is after the jump:
Strummerville / Jail Guitar Doors Presents: Monday, March 15 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Billy Bragg
- Chris Shiflett
- Get Cape Wear Cape Fly
- Beans On Toast
- Smokey Angle Shades
- Nat Jenkins
- Supernovas
UKTI @ SXSWi: Tuesday, March 16 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Fenech Soler
- One Night Only
- Unicorn Kid
- Stricken City
- Viva City
Belfast Rocks: Wednesday, March 17 from noon to 3 p.m.
- Fighting With Wire
- And So I Watch You From Afar
- General Fiasco
- Strait Laces
SXSW launch party (invitation only): Wednesday, March 17 from 5 to 7 p.m.
- Band Of Skulls
- Everything Everything
- Smoke Fairies
Official SXSW showcase: Wednesday, March 17 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Chew Lips
- Johnny Flynn
- Pulled Apart By Horses
- The Invisible
- Banjo Or Freakout
Yorkshire SXSW Party: Thursday, March 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
- 65daysofstatic
- One Night Only
- Pulled Apart By Horses
- Slow Club
- Middleman
Music From Wales: Thursday, March 18 from 3 to 6 p.m.
- Polly Mackey
- Cate Le Bon
- Race Horses
- Straight Lines
Official SXSW Showcase: Thursday, March 18 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Ras Kwame
- VV Brown
- Master Shortie
- Envy
- Bubbz
Showcasing Scotland: Friday, March 19 from 2 to 5 p.m.
- Broken Records
- Twin Atlantic
- Young Fathers
- Fangs
- The Law
Official SXSW Showcase: Friday, March 19 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- The Drums
- Everything Everything
- Smith Westerns
- Chapman Family
- Grave Babies
- Active Child
PRS For Music Foundation / British Music Abroad Brunch: Saturday, March 20 from noon to 2 p.m.
- The Crookes
- Broadcast 2000
- Allo Darlin’
Liverpool Sound City, The Best Of The Northwest: Saturday, March 20 from 3 to 6 p.m.
- Wave Machines
- Everything Everything
- John Smith
- Suzukis
- The Lovely Eggs
- Ten Bears
Official SXSW Showcase: Saturday, March 20 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Django Django
- Still Flyin’
- Slow Club
- The Wave Pictures
- Best Fwends
- Cate Le Bon
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SXSW2010: Twenty bands, ten questions #2
Let’s meet melodic Philly bar band Drink Up Buttercup, whom the New York Times has described as having a live show that “mesmerizes and clobbers.” The band, whose debut album comes out March 23, is comprised of Jim Harvey (vocals, guitar), Ben Money (bass, organ), Mike Cammarata (drums) and Farzad Houshiarnejad (keyboards). Harvey responded to our ten questions.
1. Have you been to SXSW before and if not, what have you heard?
Yeah, we’ve played it last year for the first time. We had about 6 shows in 3 days, which made it more of an ultimate parking challenge than a festival of bands.
2. Is the Philly rock scene really happening or is that just hype?
In reality, the heart of the Philly rock scene is much more like these little pockets of friends in different neighborhoods who get together and drink PBR and support each other making weird and artsy music. If that came off as a slight, it wasn’t supposed to sound like one. It’s really a cool little thing going on. Philly isn’t big enough to have it’s own rock scene on a level outside of that though. There are only like five places to play pre-big leagues.
3. What’s the first show you saw at the famous Tower Theater in Upper Darby?
Sigur Ros. I ate pot brownies and cried.
4. Pat’s or Geno’s?
Pat’s and Geno’s are both terrible. Paesano’s is the best place to get a sandwich in Philly. It’s in Fishtown on Girard about a block off the L. Their signature sandwich is a beef brisket with a fried egg on it, among other things. Awesome.
5. What do you hope to achieve by coming to SXSW?
Get the word out about our debut album “Born and Thrown on a Hook.” We recorded it with Bill Moriarity who did the Dr. Dog records and Man Man’s “Rabbit Habbits.” Rusty Santos mixed it. He mixed Panda Bear’s “Person Pitch,” Animal Collective’s “Sung Tongs” and the new Owen Pallet record. Therefore it sounds really good. It comes out on March 23rd, just two days after the music festival comes to an end. We are super proud of this record.
6. What’s the best show DUB has ever played?
The other guys in the band always make fun of me cause after every show we play I say, “Man, I think that was the best we ever played.” It’s true most of the time though. I really think you should get better with every show you play if you are passionate though. Why shouldn’t you?
7. The worst?
I got really really drunk at one show in Brooklyn this past summer. Started drinking in the van on the way up at 11 AM. We didn’t play till midnight. The rest of the band said they felt like I pulled their pants down with that performance. Just this week, well over a half a year later, we got name dropped on Spinner because the band Blind Man’s Colour listed that show as the “the craziest thing they’ve seen or experienced while on tour.” See, it may not have seemed like it at the time, but I really know what I’m doing.
8. Lily Tomlin once sang a song to New York with the lyrics “Be proud of your self, ya could be Philadelphia.” Does that kind of stuff bother you, or do you hate the comparison “Beatlesque” more?
I’m more bothered by things like Robin Williams’ arm hair.
9. Your choice: pick a question and answer it.
Q: When does your debut album come out again? Is it really as awesome as the early reviews are saying it is?
A: Our debut album “Born and Thrown on a Hook” comes out on March 23rd, 2010. Yes, it really is that awesome. You can pre-order it now at drinkupbuttercup.com and yeproc.com.
10. What TV shows will you be recording back home while you’re in Austin?
The new season of “Breaking Bad” should be on by then. Been waiting a half a year for it since I finished Season 2 on iTunes. If you don’t know this show. Check it out. Great acting. Lots of creativity.
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Another free SXSW party- Raji World
That vegan booking agent Roggie Bear is throwing a big shindig at Jovita’s on Friday March 19, from noon to 7 p.m., and there’s no need for credentials of any sort. The lineup includes a secret headliner, but confirmed acts include Michael Des Barres (ex-Power Station), Kathy Valentine’s Bluebonnets, Steve Poltz, Victoria Williams and- from this century- the great Suzanna Choffel.
Jovita’s is at 1619 South First St.
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Death returns to Austin for SXSW
The Detroit punk pioneers will sit down for an interview and play a showcase at Mohawk on Saturday, March 20. Other acts in that showcase haven’t been announced yet. The band was last in town for Fun Fun Fun Fest.
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UT students form Cactus Cafe friends’ group
A group called Student Friends of the Cactus Cafe has been formed at the University of Texas. As its name implies, the group hopes to keep the music venue and bar at the current location in the student union.
UT officials announced last month that the cafe would close in August in a cost-cutting move.
“Student Friends of the Cactus Cafe will work to convince the Texas Union Board to keep the Cactus in operation as a live music venue under current professional management,” the group said in a statement.
“Furthermore, Student Friends of the Cactus Cafe opposes recent proposals by students on the Texas Union Board to ‘repurpose’ the venue, hand over its management to an ad-hoc student committee, and add it to the general UT room inventory for use by student organizations.”
Hayley Gillespie, a graduate student and co-founder of the group, added, “These proposals are no more supported by the student body than the original decision to close the Cactus Cafe.”
The group will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Quadrangle Room, 3.304, in the Texas Union.
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Hump Day blues- heh heh
Although Mike Judge has never officially confirmed it, the word on the scene in the ’90s was that the characters of Beavis and Butt-head were partially based on Johnny and Jay Moeller, a couple of smart aleck DFW kids Judge met while playing bass on the North Texas blues circuit. (But, then, most of Judge’s former classmates think they’re the inspiration, too.)
That was almost 20 years ago. The Moellers- Johnny of the Fabulous Thunderbirds on guitar, Jay on drums- have matured into two of the finest blues players around and their new Wednesday residency at the delightfully seedy Rabbit’s Lounge at 1816 E. Sixth St. is fast becoming one of the coolest jam sessions. Last week’s show attracted guest appearances by Mike Buck, Mike Keller, Ruben Vela, Damien Llanes and Jacob Petersen.
The action goes from 9 p.m. to midnight.
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Organizers plan protest march during SXSW
No, it’s not to protest use of the slogan “Tomorrow Happens Here” at a music conference whose big names include Cheap Trick, Cracker, the BoDeans and Sixteen Deluxe.
Austin musicians Carolyn Wonderland, Guy Forsyth and Shelley King are among those who will lead the Million Musicians March for Peace from the State Capitol to City Hall on Saturday March 20. It was at SXSW seven years ago that the news of the U.S. invasion of Iraq hit. (Has it really been that long since the Dixie Chicks ruled country music?)
The parade, which starts at noon, is being organized by Instruments for Peace. Those interested in participating call email Richard Bowden at richard@instrumentsforpeace.org.
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Set times for Monday’s Will Sexton benefit at Antone’s
6:30pm Doors
7:00pm -7:30pm: Charlie Faye and Friends ( Aimee Bobruk, Idgy Vaughn and BettySoo )
7:45pm - 8:15pm: Abra Moore, JImmy LaFave
8:30pm to 10:30pm: Eliza & Tony Gilkyson, Ruby James, Patty Griffin, Victoria Williams, Roky Erickson & Lou Ann Barton, Warren Hood
10:45pm to 11:15pm: Terry Allen, and Bukka Allen, Kurt Neumann, Ryan Bowman, Michael Ramos (BoDeans)
11:30 to close: Bill Carter and the Blame, ( Charlie Sexton, Denny Freeman, Andy Salmon, George Rains) Stephen Doster and more.
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Video: Neon Indian on Jimmy Fallon
Austin/Brooklyn based Neon Indian lit up Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last night. They’ll be appearing at SXSW, and judging by how much their live presence has improved since they got going last summer, it should be a not-to-miss act.
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City creates new 96-hour sound permit
The Austin City Council today approved on consent an ordinance creating a new 96-hour (four day) sound amplification permit to supplement the existing one-year and one-day outdoor music venue permits. The ordinance was sponsored by council members Randi Shade, Mike Martinez and Laura Morrison.
The ordinance was drafted in response to concerns that the existing sound ordinance regulations lacked “adequate provisions for outdoor music events of limited duration,” in the language of a draft version of the ordinance. The new permit will help venues wishing to take advantage of festivals like South by Southwest, allowing them to operate for the duration of the festival without going through process of securing a one-year permit. The ordinance also noted that “because of the upcoming festival season, the council finds that the absence of such requirements constitute an emergency.” The new ordinance goes into effect immediately — for the benefit of venues wishing to participate in SXSW — but will expire after June 30, giving city staff the opportunity to revisit the issue.
The new ordinance could factor into a debate over whether or not to grant a permit to Sustainable Waves, the solar-powered staging company at 4822 E. Cesar Chavez. The River Bluff Neighborhood Association has appealed approval of that permit. The decision over whether or not to grant that appeal, however, was today delayed until Feb. 25 — along with a similar appeal from the North University Neighborhood Planning Team regarding the Little Woodrow’s located on the Drag at 2610 Guadalupe St.
“There maybe has not been enough dialogue between the venue operators and the neighbors in terms of addressing the concerns that might exist,” said Martinez during the council meeting. “Concerns could be addressed and we as a council could issue a permit with stipulations that address those concerns, such as decibel, level hours of operation, all of those things.”
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Phoenix returns to Austin in April
Photo by Jay Janner/AMERICAN-STATESMAN
If December’s sold-out show was any indication, Austin loves it some Phoenix, and, fortunately, the feeling appears to be mutual.
The seemingly inexhaustible French pop quartet have been working hard for their money since releasing last year’s universally praised “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.” They’ll swing through Austin for the third time in recent memory — they also played the 2009 Austin City Limits Festival — April 29 at Stubb’s.
Tickets, $30, will go on sale through Front Gate Tickets Friday, Feb. 26 at 10 a.m. Given our previous blitzkrieg of Phoenix coverage, this is likely the last you’ll see from us on the subject.
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Free SXSW music at Thunderbird Coffee
Thunderbird Coffee on Manor Road is hosting free day parties that are open to the public. No invitation needed. Here’s the three-day lineup:
Thursday, March 18
Dana Falconberry
Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles (Minneapolis, MN)
Maryann and the Shakey Hands
Western Ghost House
Most Ghosts (Boston, MA)
Michelle Ravine (Minneapolis, MN)
Apple Trio
Ashley Gatta (Dallas, TX)
White Squirrels
music at 3:00
Friday, March 19
Coyote Kolb (Boston, MA)
Crooks
At Any Speed (Minneapolis, MN)
The Makeout Party (Philadelphia, PA)
Frank Smith
Eldridge Rodriguez (Boston, MA)
Jacob Jones (Nashville, TN)
Ashley Gold (Minneapolis, MN)
TypeFighter (Washington, DC)
music at 3:00
Saturday, March 20
Tumbledown (Seattle, WA - featuring Mike Hererra of MxPx)
Mike Hale (California)
Jared Grabb (Chicago, IL)
Unwed Fathers
Salesman
The Upper Echelon
Derek Hoke (Nashville, TN)
Mrs. Glass
Trans-Atlas (Cleveland, OH)
Saw Wheel
Melissa Holt
music at 1:00
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Weekend picks: Ska pioneers, classy love songs and goofy fun
(Pictured: Pocket FishRmen AMERICAN-STATESMAN)
FRIDAY
The English Beat at Emo’s. Dave Wakeling was a white guy mixing afrobeat influences with catchy pop music long before the boys in Vampire Weekend were even born. The British ska pioneer founded the Beat — known as the English Beat — in 1978 and released a string of hooky singles. Though he’s not touring with the original lineup, Wakeling’s backing band today is nothing to sneeze at, and his distinctive voice should bring all of the English Beat’s much-loved classics to life. With Fishbone and Outlaw Nation. 7 p.m. $18. 603 Red River St. emosaustin.com. — Patrick Caldwell
Also recommended:
- Ume at the Highball
- Reckless Kelly, the Trishas at Antone’s
- Red Leaves at the Parish
- Anita Baker at the Austin Music Hall
- El Tule at Flamingo Cantina
- Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe at La Zona Rosa
SATURDAY
Pocket FishRmen at the Hole in the Wall. It’s an incredible night on the club scene all over town, but this rare show by the band that owned the Hole in the ’90s is where I’ll be. The Pocketboys are goofy fun, but above all they know how to blast hair all over those walls. Joe Doerr’s Churchwood, Lonesome Heroes and Ethan Azarian are also on the bill. $3, are you kidding me? 10 p.m. 2538 Guadalupe St. holeinthewallaustin.com — Michael Corcoran
Also recommended:
- White Denim at Antone’s
- Girl in a Coma at Red 7
- Flametrick Subs at Beerland
- Foot Patrol at the Independent
- KRS-One at the Scoot Inn
- Kat Edmonson at the Elephant Room
- Terri Hendrix at the Cactus
SUNDAY
Guy Forsyth’s St. Valentine Love and Lust Revue at Lamberts. Musically inclined couples have plenty of options for simultaneously getting their romance and their rock on Saturday night, but none is classier than the pairing of Lambert’s urban barbecue and the love songs of omnipresent Austin troubadour Guy Forsyth. 8:30 p.m. $15. 401 W. Second St. lambertsaustin.com. — P.C.
Also recommended:
- Screaming Females at Emo’s
- A Faulty Chromosome at Red 7
- Warren Hood and the Hoodlums at Momo’s
- Hayes Carll at the Saxon Pub
- A Faulty Chromosome at Club 1808
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Music for the City unveils SXSW party lineup
The event goes down Saturday March 20 at Eastside Yoga, 1050 E. 11th St., 6 to 11 p.m. Merchandise from local designers and photographers will be available for sale, with proceeds benefiting Music for the City.
Check out the full line-up of musicians, photographers and designers after the jump.
Music
Quiet Company
The Soldier Thread
Danny Malone
Jason Poe
Miranda Dodson
Jordan Whitmore
Matt Mccloskey
Ten Thousand Years
Katie Evans
Trees of Lyres
Chase Gassaway
Kyle Lent
Chele Frizell
Photography by
Steven Bush Photography
Stories for Stories
Red Mockingbird
Designs
Brady Clark
Jed Taylor
Samo4Prez
Ben Hansen
Red Rider Studios
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SXSW music to try new express lines
Last year, the film portion of SXSW implemented a program that allowed badgeholders to pick up tickets for screenings ahead of time that assured them a seat if they got to the venue 30 minutes early. Organizers will try this with the music festival this year.
“Our plan is to give out SXXpress passes for about 10% of the capacity of music venues,” says SXSW director Roland Swenson, who added that the really hot shows will remain first come, first serve. “The passes are venue specific, not act specific.” Badgeholders will be limited to one pass a day, for that day only. Volunteers and SXSW employees are not eligible.
The passes, given out at the Convention Center, will allow the holder to go to the head of the line of badge holders, but don’t guarantee admission if the venue is sold out.
“Like anything we do for the first time, there is a potential for it causing some problems,” says Swenson. “The idea is this will help people club hop by shortening the time it takes to get inside.”
Swenson said he’ll be watching closely to see how this all works on Wednesday night and his staff will make adjustments for the rest of the week.
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Motorhead kicks off SXSW a day early
Motorhead and the Sword will play Stubb’s Tuesday March 16 it has been announced. Lemmy of M’head is the subject of a documentary airing during the film segment of SXSW.
Meanwhile, Austin’s the Sword has broken down and finally hired a producer. Matt Bayles, who has helmed albums by Mastodon and others has the honors.
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UT graduate student group wants to save Cactus Cafe
The Graduate Student Assembly at the University of Texas adopted a resolution Wednesday calling for preservation of the Cactus Cafe.
The assembly is the elected governing body of UT’s more than 12,000 graduate students.
The resolution notes that the Texas Union’s advisory board has no graduate student members. It calls for creating an endowment to support “a nationally renowned brand and cultural icon” for UT and Austin. UT officials plan to close the cafe in August in a cost-saving measure intended to help free up money for raises for employees of the union.
The draft and final versions of the resolution are posted on the assembly’s Web site.
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Free SXSW party: Bay Area Takeover
The third annual free day party called the Bay Area Takeover is happening Thursday, March 18th from 11:30am to 6pm at the Beauty Bar on E. 7th St.
Here are the bands playing:
Wallpaper.
Sleepy Sun
Ty Segall
Or, the Whale
Still Flyin’
Birds & Batteries
The Sandwitches
Young Prisms
Man/Miracle
Tempo No Tempo
Geographer
The Ferocious Few
Sonny and the Sunsets
Leopold and his Fiction
Hottub
The shindig’s free but you should RSVP at TheBayAreaTakeover.com.
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SXSW brings a dash of Seattle to Austin
The annual Seattle Party — once known as SxSeattle — has long been one of South By Southwest’s most reliably entertaining day parties, a welcome blast of the best music from the Emerald City with no cover charge, badge or wristband needed.
That tradition continues in 2010, with a two-stage shindig at the Beauty Bar Saturday, March 20 from noon to 6 p.m. Highlights include the lively folk rock of the Cave Singers and the languid garage folk of the Duchess and the Duke, as well as a stacked hip-hop showcase.
Check the full lineup after the jump, and as always stay tuned to the ever-expanding SXSW side parties list for continuing information on parties both official and unofficial.
Main Stage
The Cave Singers
The Dutchess & the Duke
Fences
The Lonely Forest
The Moondoggies
Rocky Votolato
Second Stage
Grand Hallway
The Maldives
The Staxx Brothers
Hip Hop Showcase
Dark Time Sunshine
Dyme Def
Grynch
Macklemore
Mash Hall (formerly known as They Live!)
THEESatisfaction
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Gary Clark Jr., Jimmie Vaughan and Doyle Bramhall II selected for Crossroads Guitar Festival
Chicago will get a little touch of Austin in June, when guitarists Gary Clark Jr., Jimmie Vaughan and the Arc Angels’ Doyle Bramhall II play Toyota Park for the third Crossroads Guitar Festival.
Eric Clapton founded the festival in 2004 as a showcase for blues and rock guitar talent, with the inaugural festival taking place in Dallas. The festivals benefit Clapton’s Crossroads Centre, a drug treatment center in Antigua. It’s Clark Jr.’s first year to participate in the festival, but Bramhall II and Vaughan joined in on the event both in 2004 and in 2007. Other performers include Jeff Beck, ZZ Top, Steve Winwood, Sheryl Crow and John Mayer.
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Tweets-dropping on SXSW
(Pictured: Twitterer extraordinaire LIGHTS)
Blogs are a great source for all sorts of information about the onslaught of artists heading our way for SXSW. We’ll do our best to fill you in on who the notables are and what they sound like. We’ll also try to give interesting tidbits on their backstories. But how do you find out what really makes an artist tick? The random, inconsequential information that they sometimes feel compelled to share. In (ahem) 140 characters or less. That’s right, kids, it’s Twitter time! We’re building a list of SXSW artists in the the austin360music Twitter account and occasionally we’ll drop a few highlights from the feed here.
Today, Canadian pop singer/self-described “intergalactic-electro” artist LIGHTS ( @lights, my personal favorite SXSW twitterer thus far) offers odd animal-related reflections:
“I think its hilarious when animals have food on their face and dont realize. Like when @TarantuLance has a cricket leg dangling on his cheek”
and
“I may never understand the sign we just passed ‘Birdcages $2/hour’. Might bother me for life.”
Houston rapper Chamillionaire (@chamillionaire) gets deep searching for inspiration:
“They say if you look at these studio walls long enough an image of Hale Berry holding a duffle bag full of hundreds will appear.Still here.”
And Solange Knowles @solangeknowles lets her 378,300 followers (!?!) know she’s glad she no longer lives in Idaho. Aren’t we all, little sis’, aren’t we all?
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Rachael Ray returns to SXSW
Details for Rachael Ray’s SXSW day party are starting to surface. Here’s the save the date announcement that went out today. Bookmark austin360.com/sxswside for the latest SXSW side party info and RSVP information. We’ll be updating at a furious clip as the fest approaches.
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The Walkmen to play SXSW as part of Spoon showcase
In addition to Ray Davies and Band of Horses, the Walkmen announced today that they will play during SXSW. Though they will most likely show up at a day party somewhere, they will officially be part of Spoon’s March 17 showcase at Stubb’s. The other bands taking part in that showcase haven’t been announced yet.
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Cover art and track listing revealed for Roky Erickson/Okkervil River teamup
ANTI- records this week released both the cover art and track listing for the upcoming Roky Erickson and Okkervil River collaborative album “True Love Cast Out All Evil,” due for release on April 20.
The stark cover photograph of the legendary psychedelic rock pioneer was shot by Austin’s own renowned music photographer Todd V Wolfson, with art direction by Okkervil River’s Will Sheff — Sheff plays the role of triple threat on the album, also producing and playing on the record.
Below the jump, check out the full track listing and peep an appropriately colorful, engaging video of Sheff and Erickson hanging out and admiring the goods at Toy Joy.
- Devotional Number One
- Ain’t Blues Too Sad
- Goodbye Sweet Dreams
- Be and Bring Me Home
- Bring Back the Past
- Please Judge
- John Lawman
- True Love Cast Out All Evil
- Forever
- Think Of As One
- Birds’d Crash
- God Is Everywhere
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Court Yard Hounds plays Antone’s at SXSW
Emily Robison and Martie Maguire (late?) of the Dixie Chicks, announced today that their new act, Court Yard Hounds, will play March 18 (a.k.a. the Thursday of SXSW Music) at the Americana Music Association showcase at Antone’s.
Expect that place to have a line around the block.
The Hounds’ debut album is available for pre-order exclusively through www.courtyardhounds.com; all pre-orders receive instantly a four-song download not available anywhere else.
Most of the Court Yard Hounds songs are written and sung by Robinson and recorded at Maguire’s Austin home. The CD is due May 4 on Columbia Records.
The Dixie Chicks have not played shows together since 2007. Natalie Maines is married to actor Adrian Pasdar (“Heroes”) and lives in Los Angeles with her family.
Robison and Maguire confirmed the band’s existence in January.
“Emily and I had the itch,” Maguire told Rolling Stone in January, “and every time we’d call Natalie and say ‘are you ready?’ she wasn’t ready. She wanted a clear-cut break.”
The band’s last album, 2006’s “Taking the Long Way,” sold two million copies.
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Ray Davies, Band of Horses, added to SXSW
Former SXSW keynoter Ray Davies will return this year to play an acoustic set at La Zona Rosa Thursday March 18. Also, Band of Horses have been confirmed to play Central Presbyterian Church, though the date hasn’t been announced.
The Carver Museum Theater, meanwhile, will host a SXSW gospel show Friday March 19. The fabulous Jones Family Singers are playing, with more acts to be announced later.
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Blowout benefits Capital Area Food Bank March 14
Del Castillo, the Mother Truckers, Shurman, Suzanna Choffel, The Little Elmore Reed Blues Band (with Mike Keller of The Fabulous Thunderbirds on guitar), Austin Collins, Vitera, Stonehoney: This is some lineup for a free show (with canned good donation) to benefit one of Austin’s most wonderful charities, the Capital Area Food Bank. The concert is Sunday March 14 from 2pm-10pm at the United States Art Authority (next to Spiderhouse).
So kick off SXSW week and get rid of those cans of asparagus that you bought in bulk at Costco. They were too mushy for you, but might be just right for someone else.
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Austin’s Speak release EP tomorrow at Waterloo Records
If you braved the bitter, biting cold and post-BCS National Championship game ennui to venture out to Free Week in early January, you might have caught an electric, fun set from electropop outfit Speak. The local quartet opened for Ume Friday, Jan. 8, churning out solidly enjoyable synth-saturated ballads, including a Daft Punk cover that was a highlight of that evening.
The group celebrate the release of their debut EP “Hear Here” tomorrow with a 5 p.m. in-store at Waterloo Records, 600 N. Lamar Blvd. Front man Troupe Gammage first started creating electronic music after being inspired by the driving rhythms of video game soundtracks and has a background in video game composition. The EP — released on Playing in Traffic, which also counts Los Lonely Boys, Sahara Smith and the Steps in its roster — was produced by Chris “Frenchie” Smith, a veteran of local bands Sixteen Deluxe and Young Heart Attack who’s also produced albums by Jet, … And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, Ume, the Dandy Warhols and the Meat Puppets, among others.
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KGSR hires Jody’s replacement
It’s Mark Abuzzahab, an 18-year radio veteran who held the music director position at KBCO, Boulder, Colorado’s influential AAA station, until he was laid off in April 2009 by parent company, Clear Channel.
“Mark is pumped about moving to Austin,” says KGSR boss Scott Gillmore. “We did a nationwide search (for Jody Denberg’s replacement) and really loved Mark’s background.” Abuzzahab was also previously with WOXY in Cincinnati, when it was a “real” radio station and not just Internet-only. He was named music director of the year in the AAA format in 2008 by the FMQB trade publication.
Abuzzahab, a 1995 graduate of Ithaca College, will start his job as KGSR’s music director and afternoon drive DJ on Feb. 22.
“Jody was like an auteur director.” says Gillmore. “He had his own vision. There’s been a slight change in the direction at KGSR (since Denberg’s departure in December and move to 93.3 on the FM dial). Our commitment to local music is still strong. You’re still going to hear (Austin-centric singer-songwriters) Slaid Cleaves and Patty Griffin, but you’re also going to hear Phoenix and Spoon.”
And Alanis Morissette. Lots of Alanis Morissette.
In other KGSR news, the popular Blues On the Green free concert series will move back to Zilker Park this year after a season at Waterloo while work was being done on “improving” the Zilker lawn.
Update: Abuzzahab, who hasn’t yet relocated to Austin from Denver, said over the phone that he was looking forward to getting to work. “I’ve always been a huge fan of KGSR and Austin, and as a music lover there’s no better place to be,” said Abuzzahab. Abuzzahab added that though moving from Denver to Austin would be an adjustment, it was a better fit — “It’s very different; Denver’s a bigger city, with more arena shows, but as far as the music I like to see Austin’s club scene is better place.”
As far as not hiring locally is concerned, Emmis Austin programming director Chase Rupe said that though Austin-based candidates were considered, Abuzzahab was the most qualified. “Mark was the best choice based on his experience,” said Rupe. “We have a lot of people entrenched in the community and we’ll continue to lean on them.”
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Save the Cactus Cafe files documents to create nonprofit
Members of SaveTheCactusCafe.org filed documents Monday to create a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Friends of the Cactus Cafe, to support the movement’s ongoing efforts to preserve the iconic Austin venue.
Initial board members include musician Wiley Koepp, who launched the now 22,000-strong Facebook group, attorney and political consultant Reid Nelson and Momo’s owner and chair of the Live Music Task Force Paul Oveisi.
“We want to preserve the ethos that makes the Cactus Cafe what it is today and help it build upon its well-earned reputation in a way that allows greater opportunity for students in managing and performing in the club,” said Koepp in a statement.
The Friends of the Cactus Cafe aim to protect the Cactus through a four-point plan, revealed during their Saturday meeting, that focuses on preserving the venue while also opening it up for greater student access.
The news comes as supporters of the Cactus Cafe, the University of Texas and student leadership are engaged in a spirited debate over the listening room’s future, with student leaders planning to submit a plan that would keep the room open — but managed by a student committee, and not longtime manager Griff Luneberg.
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SXSW2010: Twenty bands, ten questions #1
SXSW2010: The Minutes
In this first of a series of 20 interviews with bands coming to South by Southwest, we meet the Minutes, from Dublin, Ireland. The young trio, whose members go by their initials M.A., T.C. and S.K. are coming to Austin with a brand new album, “Marcata,” and hope to find U.S. distribution, among other goals. It’s a driving rock album that sounds a little more like Kings of Leon than Led Zeppelin, though the band probably wishes it was the other way around.
1. What steps did you have to go through to play South by Southwest? We applied thru’ sonicbids. Actually we almost missed the deadline because we were in the studio at the time with no laptop or Internet.
2. You recorded your most recent LP in upstate New York. Why did you choose that studio and what was the experience like?
We chose Marcata Recording based on a few different factors. Firstly we wanted to track the record live to tape. We had an idea of the sound we wanted in our head . ‘Brown’ was a word that had been bandied about. Referring to that sound of all those great records from the Beatles and the Stones to old blues stuff like Robert Johnson & Sonny Boy Williamson, right back to Dylan & the Band and ending in Zeppelin/The Who/Fleetwood Mac et a . That’s the sound we wanted. The studio is in a barn near New Paltz. Away from distraction and Dublin. America was calling. Its where we needed to be.
3. In recent years, Ireland’s participation at SXSW has grown tremendously. What have you heard about SXSW from other Irish bands?
Well two of us Minutes have first hand experience. We attended back in 2004 with an old band. It was a different story then . Not as much exposure for the Irish showcase as there is now. Also we were young and naive with only one show booked which was what it was. So this time at least we have an idea of what to expect. Plus the Irish crew have really gotten their (act) together. There’s definitely a lot more promo for us Irish than before. They’ve a dedicated website for all the Irish acts attending, a nice promo CD & two showcases for all the acts involved. Feedback from other bands had been pretty much to play as many shows as possible. Which we will.
4. How much is it going to cost the band to come to Austin?
A lot . All in all about $5,000. That’s flights , CD manufacturing and some PR, too. Although Music From Ireland, a government funded agency, gives us a grant towards flights of around $1600. Which is helpful.
5. There has been a great affinity for Texas music in Ireland, with such acts as Nanci Griffith and Townes Van Zandt enjoying great success on the Emerald Isle. Why do you think this is?
I think Ireland’s ballad and folk music history has a big connection with American country music. Maybe that’s why the bond has resonated thru with more modern artists. A lot of the same themes pop up. Lost loves, loneliness and some good old drinking songs. We all love a good cry when we’re drunk.
6. What do you hope to achieve by playing SXSW?
We’d love to secure a US release for the album and get In with some US bookers. The USA is where we wanna be. So hopefully we can make something happen. Tour Tour Tour Tour & get on the US festival scene. Its the only way. And we’re more than ready.
7. This year artist wristbands will allow you to attend panels, previously only available to badge-holders. But there are all these great day parties going on. Which do you think you’ll attend more?
We’d much rather play parties than attend the panels or attend parties.There are some panels we’ve penciled in, but if possible It would suit to let the music do the talking.
8. Are the Minutes playing any day parties?
HELL yes we are playing day parties. The wheres and such TBC. Keep an eye on the myspace. Soon as they’re confirmed they’ll be up. All i can say right now is watch out for Paddys Day . Its gonna be special!
9. Are there any sites in Austin you are looking forward to visiting? Apparently Barton Springs has the hottest chicks In town. We may have to pop down and try out some of the Oirish charm…
10. Bono’s not going to read this. How is he really considered in the Irish rock scene?
Personally I don’t really care about U2 or Bono. I’m not a fan. I appreciate what they have achieved and earned thru sheer hard work. I think that’s what a lot of bands in Ireland respect. And just in case Bono IS reading this, we are free to open for you ‘aul lads on your next tour.
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Brief notes from the Austin underground
— There’s something uniquely satisfying about seeing bands you like bring their A-games to a packed house. Follow that Bird, Dikes of Holland and Kingdom of Suicide Lovers did just that Thursday night to a full Beerland during night one of the Casual Victim Pile record release shows at Beerland at Feb. 4, 5 and 6. (No slight on the bands that played earlier; I didn’t see you.) Sadly, everyone suddenly remembered it was a school night and Follow That Bird ended up playing to a smaller crowd, but they still smoked.
According to witnesses, Friday and Saturday night were utterly jammed, one in and one out for most of the night for the shows headlined by Woven Bones Friday and Harlem Saturday.
— It was a last minute show that didn’t get the promotion it deserved, but former(?) Lungfish frontman Daniel Higgs played an extraordinary set at the acoustically-excellent Bethell Hall Saturday afternoon. Texas minimalist synth composer J.D Emmanuel, playing his first live set in decades, opened the show, followed by a storm of drifty electronic clouds from Christelle Gualdi, a.k.a. Stellar Om Source.
Higgs, having car trouble, was outside of Austin for his opening acts, but rolled in and hit the stage like a hip-hop star. (All I could think of was a DJ screaming, “Daniel Higgs is 20 minutes away! Daniel Higgs is 10 minutes away! Daniel Higgs is in the building!”)
About ten minutes after Gualdi ended, Higgs rolled up with banjo and harmonium, wearing traditional Higgs wear of a dark suit and massive beard and a pair of mirrored sunglasses he might as well have stolen from Axl Rose in 1987.
Asked if he wanted amplification, he let out a yell to test the acoustics, which were terrific, and declined.
His solo work has focused on acoustic improvisations and loosely constructed patterns, the lyrics surreal juxtapositions chocked with natural, biological and religious images, much like his work with Lungfish.
The first song, “Holy Bible Time,” featured his voice and a harmonium droning one chord, yet he managed to give the chorus a sticky riff, something too many Austin rock bands have clean forgotten how to do. He also appended the song with a few verses from a song from a the Star Trek original series episode “The Way To Eden (“where I first learned the scriptures,” I think he said).
Another piece freatured a “free singing” section during which the audience was invited to collaborate. They declined, sadly.
So, yeah, in sum, as far as freak folk/acid folk/new weird America/etc., there is Daniel Higgs and then there is everyone else. The end.
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CD review: Yeasayer ‘Odd Blood’
Psychedelic pop band Yeasayer came out of nowhere in 2007 with “All Hour Cymbals,” a dystopic affair recalling the Talking Heads’ “Remain in Light” and other Brian Eno-infused work. Similar to Vampire Weekend, the debut was so strong that it wasn’t unreasonable to think the band would just fade away after exhausting their best material.Songs such as “2080” and “Sunrise” were both catchy and forward-thinking; to duplicate these would be a challenge.
It seems the band felt something similar to this as well, as the first thing that stands out about “Odd Blood” is its change in direction. The dark, haunting core that defined “Cymbals” is replaced with a distinctively brighter vision. “Ambling Alp,” while staying faithful to the band’s tendency toward layered synth effects and rhythmic experimentation, is notably different with its feel good chorus, “stick up for yourself son, never mind what anybody else does.” Similarly, the companion tracks “O.N.E.” and “ONE” seize upon a dance pop sound that locates them closer to contemporaries like Cut Copy than the Talking Heads. While “Odd Blood” might not win as many new fans as the debut, it represents a big leap forward in the band’s development.
Yeasayer have two shows scheduled — April 10 and 11 — at the Parish. Tickets are $15 in advance, $17 at the door. www.theparishaustin.com.
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West Campus to host massive SXSW side party benefiting Haiti relief
If there’s anything Austin reliably loves, it’s the convergence of music and charity — well, music, charity and beer, ideally — and Couch Professor Entertainment is teaming up with a quintet of Drag standbys to give the city just that with “Six Stages Over Texas,” a two-day, (obviously) six-stage benefit for Yele Haiti Saturday March 20 and Sunday 21.
Three stages will be found in the Hole in the Wall, with one stage each behind Cream Vintage and Terra Burger, and a further two stages set up outdoors on San Antonio St. Highlights include the Crystal Method, Alejandro Escovedo, Lions, the Black and White Years, L.A.X. and Ben Kweller.
Tickets go on sale from Ticketfly tomorrow. Current confirmed artists are after the jump, and keep your eyes peeled to our SXSW side parties list to keep tabs on party announcements both official and unofficial.
Saturday, March 20
The Crystal Method (Los Angeles, Ca)
Admiral Radley (Jason Lytle & members of Earlimart) (Bozeman, Mt)
The Hounds Below (Von Bondies new project) (Cumberland, Mi)
The Lions (Austin, Tx)
Buick Mackane (Alejandro Escovedo) (Austin, Tx)
Findlay Brown (London, UK)
The World’s Greatest Ghosts (Portland, Or)
Holiday Shores (Tallahassee, Fl)
That Ghost (Sonoma County, Ca)
The Points North (Boston, Ma)
Candy Claws (Fort Collins, Co)
King of Conspiracy (Paris, France)
The Glorious Veins (NY, NY)
Dinosaur Bones (Toronto, Ontario)
Jeremy Messersmith (Minneapolis, Mn)
Mata Leon (San Francisco, Ca)
Mon Khmer (Brooklyn, NY)
Miss Dust (Los Vegas, Nv)
Nazcar Nation (Los Angeles, Ca)
DJ Jason Soundstorm (Los Angeles, Ca)
Kids At The Bar (Oklahoma City, Ok)
Boy Eats Drum Machine Boy (Portland, Or)
DJ Czech One (Austin, TX)
DJ Laissez Faire Club (London, UK)
Halves (Dublin, Ireland)
TIGER! (Expletive)! TIGER! (Expletive)! (Virgin Islands)
Killola (Los Angeles, Ca)
Red Leaves (Austin, Tx)
The Vitamins (Denver, Co)
Sunday, March 21
The Black & White Years
LAX
Violetness (Chicago, IL)
Savoir Adore (Brooklyn, NY)
Ben Kweller and Triple Cobra (San Francisco, CA)
Built By Snow
Ok Sweetheart (members of Norah Jones and Midlake) (Denton, TX)
The Bright Light Social Hour
The White White Lights
The Pons
Whitman
The Georgian Company
Quiet Company
Broken Folk
Ideal Soul Mart
Many Brithdays
We Aim To Try
Hollywood Gossip
The Watermarks (Houston, TX)
Soulution
Telegraph Canyon
White Rhino
Nervous Curtain
The Boom Boom Box
Ripe
Dey One (Austin, TX)
Christian Barbuto (Austin, TX)
DJ Matteo (Austin, TX)
DJ Digg ( Austin, TX)
DJ Boogie (Austin, TX)
DJ Scorpio (Austin,TX)
DJ Czech One (Austin, TX)
Prepmode (Austin, TX)
DJ Adam Warped (Austin, TX)
Grrl Parts (Houston, TX)
Wave Hands Like Clouds (Austin, TX)
MarkusWithaK (Austin, TX)
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Shearwater’s ‘The Golden Archipelago’ now streaming on NPR
Just last month NPR Music offered up a slice of brand-new Spoon early, streaming their entire album “Transference” a full week before its release, and now they’ve got another full-length album for your listening pleasure from another critically acclaimed batch of Austinites.
This time around, it’s the new album from from Shearwater, the earnest and aspiring outfit fronted by thoughtful, examining bird and nature enthusiast Jonathan Meiburg. NPR is streaming “The Golden Archipelago” in its entirety for a limited time ahead of the album’s digital release Tuesday, Feb. 16 and physical release Feb. 23.
NPR recommends giving the album a listen “without interruption and on headphones, if possible,” and that’s fair advice — the third of a triptych of thematically linked albums, it’s a grand, intricate work deserving of a special level of attention.
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New York Times on the Cactus flap
The New York Times has published a nice piece on how Austin is changing.
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Gipsy Kings to play May show at the new Backyard
Revered French flamenco pop pioneers the Gipsy Kings will bring their distinct fusion of Latin American and Spanish styles to the new Backyard venue Thursday, May 6, music production company Direct Events announced today.
The show is only the second to be announced at the new Backyard, which is slated to open sometime this spring. Willie Nelson’s annual Fourth of July picnic is also scheduled to take place at the new venue, which is currently under construction.
Tickets go on sale Saturday, Feb. 13.
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Meet the Casual Victim Pile band: Woven Bones
Ahead of tonight’s second night of the release show for Austin-centric Matador Records compilation “Casual Victim Pile” (see our interview with compilation architect and Matador co-owner Gerard Cosloy here, review here and photo gallery of the bands here), we’ve talked with three of the compilation’s most notable bands. Tonight’s performers Woven Bones are below, and you can also check out yesterday’s performers the Dikes of Holland and Follow That Bird!
Save for Matador Records signees and certifiable buzz act Harlem, dark fuzz rock trio Woven Bones might have a higher profile than any other band on “Casual Victim Pile,” with a writeup on popular music blog Stereogum and a debut album due on Chicago’s HoZac Records in May. The band’s putting the finishing touches on the record, which vocalist and guitarist Andy Burr says mines more accessible territory than the band’s previous releases.
“There’s been some maturing over the last year as far as hooks and stuff are concerned,” Burr says. “It’ll have some sort of semblance of a pop sensibility, which we wanted. Although it’s not bubblegum in any respect.”
The band was relatively new to Austin when they flew onto the radar of Cosloy, who attended several of the band’s shows and approached them about contributing to “Casual Victim Pile.” At the time, Woven Bones were steadily releasing 7-inch singles, and offered Cosloy use of one of the unreleased songs they’d recorded for those sessions. For Burr, the appeal of “Casual Victim Pile” had everything to do with the opportunity to work with Cosloy.
“He’s such a big fan of a lot of bands around town and goes out and sees them all the time. He’ll come to our show, and be like, ‘As soon as you guys are done I’m going to see this and this and this,’ ” Burr says. “For us it was way less of an ‘Oh my gosh, we’re going to be on Matador’ thing and more a ‘Oh, god, Gerard is such a cool dude and we could be involved on something he’s doing’ thing.”
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Texas Union board member bemoans “total lack of input…”
The Save the Cactus (Austin, Texas) Facebook page has passed 20,000 members, including Texas Union faculty board member Dr. Thomas J. Garza, who posted this yesterday:
“As one of three faculty members on the Union Board, I would like to comment on the total lack of input on this decision from Board faculty. All three of us were absent during last Friday’s decision (the item was not explicit on the distributed agenda), and our voices should have been crucial to any decision. I know that at least two of us are frequent attendees to Cactus concerts — and have been for several decades. I join your voices in objecting to this hasty decision made with little input from those who actually benefit from the many joys the Cactus Cafe provides.”
Dr. Garza, an associate professor at UT’s Department of Slavic and Eurasian Studies, could not be reached for further comment Friday morning.
Yesterday evening the Union board’s student members released a statement that said they didn’t vote on the Cactus phaseout.
Meanwhile, here’s some interesting reading from 16 years ago, when beleagured University Unions head Andy Smith led the charge for privatization of food services in the Texas Union.
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Superchunk, the xx, others to play free show at SXSW
Village Voice Media has announced the lineup for their SXSW party Saturday March 20 at La Zona Rosa from noon to 5 p.m. Superchunk, the xx, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Surfer Blood will play a show that is open to the general public. No badge required.
Here’s the official announcement.
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Student members of the University Unions Board of Directors issue statement
The student members of the University Unions Board of Directors, which makes recommendations regarding use of the University of Texas unions, including the Texas Union, issued a statement Thursday night clarifying the board’s role in plans to close the Cactus Cafe. The statement was sent out to UT’s student body.
“The board members in attendance did review and support the proposal after careful consideration, but did not vote,” reads the statement. “… The student members of the board expressed support for management’s decision to repurpose the Cactus Cafe and cancel informal classes effective August 2010. The student members respect and appreciate the Cactus Cafe and what it has meant to the UT and Austin communities. The room, however, will go back into the room inventory, and student organizations will be able to reserve and utilize the room for their own performances and programs.”
The statement reiterates that the student members of the union board endorsed — but otherwise had no active role in — the decision, made by Wm. Andrew Smith Jr., executive director of University Unions, and his staff. Student Government President Liam O’Rourke said late Thursday, after the statement was released, that there are no plans to alter or modify the room itself. While the immediate plan for the Cactus Cafe is to include it in the inventory of rooms available for student use, O’Rourke said, student leadership is planning to develop a plan that will keep the space music-oriented. What direction that will be, however, is still up for discussion.
“We’re very committed to keeping it primarily a music venue,” O’Rourke said. “The union board supported the management decision to address the operational issues to meet budget needs, but we have not come up with procedures, rules, or plans for the room just yet. We wanted it to be a space for student musicians and performances.
“The big change will be that the people setting the agenda for the room will be primarily students.”
You can view the full statement here.
Update: SaveTheCactusCafe.org, the official Web site of the now 20,000-strong Facebook group, will hold an informational meeting tomorrow, Saturday Feb. 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Maria’s Taco X-Press. Organizers plan to “provide the background to the planned closing of the Cactus Cafe, announce a plan for saving the legendary listening room and enlist volunteers to begin organizing and mobilizing to urge the university to reverse its decision.”
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NYT: Mary Bruton contests husband Stephen Bruton’s will
Two months before he died of cancer, Stephen Bruton filed for divorce from his wife of 13 years, Mary Bruton, and willed the bulk of his $1.2 million estate to his brother Sumter, the New York Times is reporting. But in contesting the will, Mary Bruton is claiming that her husband was not in sound mind at the time and manipulated by T-Bone Burnett, his childhood friend and co-music supervisor on “Crazy Heart,” which received three Oscar nominations this week (though none for Bruton.) Stephen Bruton left his photographer wife $100 in addition to their community property.
The article is rife with anonymous sources and does not include any quotes from Mary Bruton or Burnett, who both declined to comment. It also doesn’t mention where court papers were filed.
Having researched in preparation to interview Burnett for this story, I can attest that T-Bone has erroneously compared Bad Blake’s career to that of Bruton’s. Stephen Bruton never drove 300 miles in a rusted out Suburban to play dives. But he knew people who did and was fascinated by them. Bruton hadn’t touched drugs or alcohol for the last 20 years of his life. In advising actor Jeff Bridges, who was never more than ten feet away from Bruton during the filming, Bruton no doubt drew on his experiences with Kris Kristofferson, Billy Joe Shaver and Lowell George.
In the interview with Burnett, I was impressed that he gave Bruton the majority of credit for “Crazy Heart“‘s music. Bruton would’ve love what’s happening now with his movie. It’s a shame that, at a time when Austin’s silver fox is finally receiving his due as a songwriter and musician, this bit of ugliness has to surface.
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Weekend picks: Charging rock, house wrecking gospel, Casual Victims
(Pictured: The Gary. David Weaver FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN)
FRIDAY
Joseph Arthur at the Cactus Cafe. ‘El Prolifico’ released four EPs and his eighth studio album in 2008, but you can do that when, as the Ohio native Arthur, you’re a recovering alcoholic and all of a sudden the days are four times as long. Since this gig is without his somewhat sloppy Lonely Astronauts band, we can hope for more songs from his great 2000 album ‘Come To Where I’m From.’ Arthur returns to the Cactus on Saturday. 8:30 p.m. $20. 2247 Guadalupe St. utexas.edu/txunion. — Michael Corcoran
Also recommended:
- Jerry Jeff Walker at the One World Theater
- Moonlight Towers at the Hole In the Wall
- Graham Wilkinson, Drew Smith’s Lonely Choir at the Continental Club
- Alec Ounsworth at Emo’s
- Casual Victim Pile bands at Beerland
SATURDAY
The Gary CD release at the Scoot Inn. The Gary is primed to have a very big 2010. After releasing a sensational EP of blue-collar, irony-free rock with 2009’s ‘Chub,’ the Austin trio returns with the charging, nine-song debut album ‘Logan.’ It’s an impressive first album that builds on all the strengths that made ‘Chub’ so headbang-worthy, and the band celebrates its release on CD — it’s been available digitally since December — at the appropriately straightforward charm of the Scoot Inn. 9 p.m. $5. 1308 E. Fourth St. www.scoot-inn.com. — Patrick Caldwell
Also recommended:
- Casual Victim Pile bands at Beerland
- I Luv Video 25th Anniversary with the Diagonals
- Ghost Knife at the United States Art Authority
- Bowerbirds at the Mohawk
- the Dirty Dozen Brass Band at Stubb’s
SUNDAY Bells of Joy at Stubb’s Austin’s greatest gospel group, whose 1951 single ‘Let’s Talk About Jesus’ was cited by Ray Charles as the inspiration for ‘I Got a Woman,’ no longer has the great A.C. Littlefield on vocals, but it can still wreck a house. Two seatings at this Gospel Brunch are 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Call 480-8341, ext 4, for reservations. 801 Red River St. www.stubbsaustin.com. — M.C.
Also recommended:
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UT regents staying out of Cactus Cafe flap
Don’t expect the governing board of the University of Texas to get involved in the dust-up over plans to close the Cactus Cafe.
The UT System Board of Regents, which oversees UT-Austin and 14 other campuses, is meeting in Dallas today, and I asked Chairman James Huffines about the cafe.
“That’s strictly a campus decision,” he replied.
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Local supergroup the Coveters debut at the Continental Club tonight
The Coveters — something a Momo’s supergroup composed of many of the beloved local players who rock the West Sixth Street club on a regular basis — will make their public debut tonight, First Thursday, at the Continental Club. The band includes solo vocalists Suzanna Choffel and Dan Dyer, Band of Heathens singer Ed Jurdi, and violin and fiddle player Warren Hood, with a rhythm section including the New Bohemians’ Brad Houser and Jeff Botta.
Dyer and Choffel got the ball rolling on the new band after both decided they wanted a low-key outlet for their music.
“Myself and Dan Dyer were sort of complaining about the stress of our careers and what-not, and how we were both kind of stressed out and had a lot on our plate,” Choffel said. “So we kept talking about a side project that might just be fun, no pressure.”
The band began rehearsing in late 2009, and has a full set of original material, though they’ve yet to play a gig. The lineup was designed so that individual members could come and go as their own projects demanded — Dyer, who is on tour, will be absent from tonight’s show but should play with the band at their next performance, March 4 at Momo’s.
“I see it being a once a month or once every two months kind of thing,” Choffel said. “It’s kind of one of those things where we’ll probably have irregular shows and see how much people dig it.”
The show kicks off at 10 p.m. and costs $8. The Texas Sapphires, playing a release party for their new album “As He Wanders…” will follow the Coveters at 11:30 p.m.
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Todd P goes to Mexico
Todd Patrick, better known as Todd P — the concert organizer and promoter who’s too cool for a period — has announced via his Web site that he’ll debut a new, post-SXSW music festival, the MtyMx All Ages Festival of Art and Music, in Monterrey, Mexico, this year.
Austinites might best recognize Todd P as the organizer of a series of popular SXSW day parties at Ms. Bea’s in East Austin. This year, he’s elected to set his sights on Autocinema Las Torres in Monterrey, a drive-in theater with a 5,000 person capacity, where he’ll hold his own festival from Saturday, March 20 (the last day of the SXSW Music Festival), to Monday, March 22.
Further details are available at the Web site, but here are the bullet points: two stages and 75 bands (with staggered sets to keep acts from overlapping), tickets $30 for all three days, with a visual art component including murals and video projections, on-site camping available and thrice-daily shuttle buses running between Austin and Monterrey to ferry attendees. Confirmed bands so far include Dan Deacon, No Age, Neon Indian, Toro Y Moi, Das Racist and dd/mm/yyyy. Deacon and No Age are exclusive to the festival and won’t be performing at SXSW, according to the announcement.
“Monterrey, Mexico is roughly the same distance as other ‘next stop on your tour’ cities like Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, El Paso, etc.,” reads the announcement. “The idea of the festival is to provide bands with another option during those 3-4 days after SXSW, where they risk playing under attended, money losing shows because a) it’s spring break, b) it’s a Sunday night in Oklahoma City and c) every other band in the world is also trying to play a show on a Sunday night in Oklahoma City!”
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Meet the Casual Victim Pile band: Dikes of Holland
Ricardo B. Brazziell/AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Ahead of tonight’s release show for Austin-centric Matador Records compilation “Casual Victim Pile” (see our interview with compilation architect and Matador co-owner Gerard Cosloy here, review here and photo gallery of the bands here), we’ve talked with three of the compilation’s most notable bands. Tonight’s performers the Dikes of Holland are featured below, you can check out Follow That Bird here, and tune back in tomorrow for an interview with Friday performers Woven Bones.
Most bands are lucky to have one skilled songwriter. The Dikes of Holland have three.
John Paul Bohon, Trey Reimer and Christopher Stephenson share the spacey, psychedelic punk band’s songwriting duties, each penning their own individual songs. Instrumentally, the band is every bit as adaptable — Stephenson alone plays the drums, guitar, bass or keyboards, depending on the needs of the song.
Although that variable approach gives the Dikes of Holland a certain freewheeling energy, it also meant that when Cosloy approached the band to participate in “Casual Victim Pile,” they had three songs to pitch, with one from each of its writers — and wanted some outside help to make a choice.
“We had like three songs recorded at that time, and we just kind of showed them to some close friends of ours and asked which one they thought was the best, and it was kind of unanimous,” says Stephenson, 27. “We talked to people we had made music with in the past and people that had similar tastes to us who could make a judgment about what sounded best. Because sometimes a song that feels good to play live doesn’t really translate to the recording, and what you’re not too excited about comes out sounding great.”
The unanimously chosen song was Reimer’s “Little City Girl,” a blast of psychotropic, atmospheric, hard-driving rock that clocks in at less than three minutes.
Stephenson has no idea what — if any — fallout “Casual Victim Pile” might have for its featured bands. But his hopes are modest. Inquire about what he’d like to see emerge as a result of the compilation’s release, and he doesn’t talk about label deals or added publicity. He’d be happy if it gave everybody more excuses to hang out.
“It would be great if it just brought bands to each other’s shows. It was really cool to see everybody there for the photo shoot,” Stephenson says. “With all the bands there it was like a packed show without anyone playing. It was cool to see everybody in one place at one time, and it’d be great if that happened more as a result.”
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Meet the Casual Victim Pile band: Follow That Bird!
Ricardo B. Brazziell/AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Ahead of tonight’s release show for Austin-centric Matador Records compilation “Casual Victim Pile” (see our interview with compilation architect and Matador co-owner Gerard Cosloy here, review here and photo gallery of the bands here), we’ve talked with three of the compilation’s most notable bands. Tonight’s performers Follow That Bird are featured below, you can check out the Dikes of Holland here, and tune back in tomorrow for an interview with Friday performers Woven Bones.
When powerfully confessional folk rock singer Bill Callahan headlined a show at the Parish back in July, he chose a seemingly unlikely opener: the thunderous pop-rock trio Follow That Bird. If Callahan’s dark, intimate ruminations seemed an odd pair with Follow That Bird’s riot grrl-descended rock, well, they thought so, too.
“I asked him about it, because I was like ‘Bill. What are we doing here? Tell it to me straight,’” drummer Tiffanie Lanmon, 23, recalls with a laugh. “It was weird, because the two times we’ve played really big shows were both at the Parish, and they were with Bill Callahan and Shearwater. Shearwater was a CD release show and they had all these orchestral instruments and … we were Follow That Bird.”
But Follow That Bird’s cachet with accomplished locals like Callahan and Shearwater speaks highly to their status as one of Austin’s (relatively) hidden rock ’n’ roll gems. Lanmon started the band with vocalist and guitarist Lauren Green, 21, in 2005. Bassist Mitchell Tellstrom, 28, joined up last year (as a former member of the Persimmons, Tellstrom manages the impressive trick of having played in two “Casual Victim Pile” bands without actually appearing in either’s songs on the compilation).
Their high-energy, straight-ahead rock, anchored by Green’s Joan Jett-by-way-of-Chrissie Hynde and Siouxsie Sioux wail, also impressed Matador Records’ Gerard Cosloy. The longtime supporter of the band asked them to appear on “Casual Victim Pile” early on in the selection process.
“He presented it as ‘This is really selfish. This is what I want to hear. I want it in one place and this is what I’m doing. It’s just stuff that I’m excited about and maybe want to show everyone else what’s going on,’ ” Lanmon says.
Without much persuasion needed, Follow That Bird signed on and recorded “The Ghosts That Wake You,” a driving anthem that provides the perfect opening for a compilation that has an impressive breadth.
“It has a really broad scope for being, for the most part, bands that play at Beerland. It’s at least an idea of all the different things that go on there,” Tellstrom says. “The difference between No No Hopes and Kingdom of Suicide Lovers is gigantic. But at the same time, they probably all live in the same neighborhood, and they make sense together.”
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Plans for new student-friendly Cactus revealed
The Daily Texan published an article today in which student government president Liam O’Rourke pledged that the Cactus would remain a music and performance venue after the current management is reassigned in August.
“But is the Cactus going to lose its soul and flavor?,” O’Rourke told the Texan. “Absolutely not. There will be no third-party vendors. This move will increase student access to that venue for music and increase different types of usage for the space.”
The article outlined changes that include removal of the bar and staffing changes. In addition to live music (Ghostland Observatory unplugged?) and student open-mic nights, the Cactus will become available for student groups to hold events.
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Loxsly undergo a name change
Intellectual indie rockers Loxsly — who released one of our favorite local albums in last year’s “Tomorrow’s Fossils” — will soon be swapping out the moniker they’ve played under since 2003. Their final show as Loxsly will be Saturday (Feb. 6) at the Independent, 501 Interstate 35.
“That other Locksley doesn’t seem to be going away soon, and it led to some confusion,” wrote vocalist and keyboard player Cody Ground in an e-mail. “Plus, it’s nice to have a change.”
The band will play under its new name — Royal Forest — as a showcasing act during the South by Southwest Music Festival. They’re also plotting an EP release for later in the spring.
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Another Facebook group: not fans of Goo Goo Dolls
Someone has started a FB protest against the more oldie bent of KGSR. Go here to commiserate.
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Drugs, alcohol cited in Jay Reatard’s death
The Commercial Appeal of Memphis has details on the autopsy results; Reatard died Jan. 13 at his home near Memphis.
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Brief notes from the Austin punk underground
How many bands is Chris Pfeffer in these days? Austin hardcore’s hardest working drummer hits the skins for Jam-esque rockers Ghost Knife (who really need to wrap up recording their debut album sometime before the Mayan calendar ends) and fronts his own band the Altars.
Now he’s drumming for Criaturas, a hardcore en Español crew with a few folks from Deskonocidos and Vaaska. Catchy, straight-forward hardcore, the sort that either comes out boring or wildly fist-pumping — this is the latter. The two tracks on the MySpace page reflect something more bands should do: play out less and practice more. Their next show is March 11 at the Broken Neck.
Saw Expensive (Expletive) the night of Feb. 2 at Beerland with Creeping Jeans, the back-to-two-piece line-up of Magic Jewels (one of the most underrated riff machines in Austin) and touring noise makers Stress Ape.
I missed Creeping Jeans, but Expensive (Expletive) cranked a wall of mud, complete with two drummers pulling and pushing the beat hither and yon, one of whom was former Black Eyes drummer Mike Kanin, who is also playing with Flowers .
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Backstage at the Rod Kennedy 80th birthday tribute
(Pictured: Terri Hendrix, Randy Rogers and Jimmy LaFave.)Terri Hendrix said she was tempted to talk trash onstage at the Paramount Theatre Tuesday night about the University of Texas’ decision to phase out the iconic Cactus Cafe, “but this was Rod’s night, so I kept it all about him,” she said.
Indeed, onstage it was a night of magical music, performed lovingly for Rod Kennedy, the man who created the Kerrville Folk Festival in 1972, but had done so much for the Austin music scene before that. The format was that of two guitar pulls, with such artists as Ruthie Foster, Ray Benson, Robert Earl Keen, Marcia Ball, the Flatlanders, taking turns telling stories and singing songs.
(Pictured: Ruthie Foster, right, accompanied by Cyd Cssone)But backstage, several artists railed on about how outraged they were on hearing that the best listening room in Austin was slated to close in August after a meeting Friday on the Texas Union board that had a majority of student members. “The Cactus isn’t just a bar and a stage,” said Joe Ely, who recorded a live album at the 150-seat club in 2007. “There’s a psychological connection to that place. To think that six people in a back room can decide it’s fate is just crazy.”
Motioning towards the stage, Ely continued, “Everyone who’s playing here tonight has gotten up in the morning and tried to write a song as good as the ones they heard at the Cactus the night before.” He recalled the first time hearing Townes Van Zandt play “Pancho and Lefty” at the Cactus and how that opened him up to the possibilities of saying so much with so few words.
“There’s something going on behind the scenes that we’re not hearing about,” said Jimmy LaFave. That was a sentiment repeated by others.
“It can’t be about the money,” Ely said. “Because we could’ve raised it if anyone had said anything about it. We could’ve raised it in one night with a benefit concert.” UT officials have said that the Cactus Cafe had to be subsidized by about $66,000 last year.
Robert Earl Keen was nostalgic about “the quietest room I’ve ever played in” and recalled the night Van Zandt fell asleep onstage. “The audience just sat there, not making a sound, until Townes woke up.”
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Powers defends decision to close the Cactus Cafe at town hall meeting
(Pictured: Guy Forsyth. Laura Skelding AMERICAN-STATESMAN)
- Photos: UT town hall meeting
Those hoping for a resolution to the ongoing struggle over the Cactus Cafe at Tuesday night’s town hall meeting went home empty-handed, as University of Texas President William Powers Jr. defended the decision by the Texas Union Board, announced last Friday evening, to shutter the longstanding venue in response to cuts to the state-funded portion of UT’s two-year budget. Of the $122,000 saved by cutting the Informal Classes and the Cactus Cafe, executive director of University unions Andy Smith Jr. said that the Cactus’ share was $66,000.
Powers expressed understanding for the board’s decision, noting their desire to both save money and reconfigure the Cactus Cafe into “something more responsive to the needs of students,” and declined to take any decisive action on the issue, leaving those opposed to the closure to engage with the Texas Union Board.
“The Texas Union is an entity that is supported by student funds and they need to have a great say in how this is used,” Powers said at the meeting. “My general sense is to support the structure that made that decision.”
That explanation seemed inadequate to the initially standing-room-only crowd — which dwindled as the meeting wore on, with Powers electing to extend the session to 6:15 p.m., to accommodate the long line of speakers. Of the many speakers choosing to address Powers, most focused on the closure of the Cactus Cafe, including opening speaker Elliott Naishtat, the Texas House of Representatives member representing District 49 — which includes the UT campus.
“I would say we’ve been inundated with calls and e-mails about this. Austin, the state and the University have always enjoyed a symbiotic relationship. Each would be less of what they are without each other,” said Naishtat. “How can we help. What can we do to save these iconic programs?”
Many speakers took a similarly constructive line, suggesting ways to bolster the Cactus Cafe’s finances and offering to raise the money necessary to make the listening room viable.
“We’d like to extend a collective hand to you,” said Reid Nelson, attorney, political consultant and admin for the 15,000-strong “Save the Cactus Cafe (Austin, Texas)” Facebook group. “If this is a matter of money, we can raise the money to save the Cactus Cafe.”
Local musicians turned out in support of the venue, including Guy Forsyth, and several students expressed displeasure at the decision. Graduate student Hayley Gillespie passed out fliers containing the contact information of the University of Texas Board of Regents, as well as the members of the Texas Union Board. Gillespie was one of several students expressing frustration at feeling shut out of the decision-making process that led to the Cactus decision.
“The student body had no idea that the Texas Union Board was meeting or that this would be on the agenda,” said Gillespie. “We had absolutely no warning that this type of decision was even going to take place.”
While expressing sympathy for detractors’ arguments — and acknowledging the Cactus Cafe’s cultural contributions — Powers frequently reiterated his support of the board’s decision and referred to to the Texas Exes’ offer to move the venue as one possible step forward. Powers also regularly expressed a desire to make budgetary cuts in a manner that kept UT focused on its core missions of learning and research.
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Texas Exes miss the point?
The Texas Exes alumni group has apparently met with University of Texas president Bill Powers to offer to move the Cactus Cafe to the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center on the UT campus.
Here’s a link to the story on the Texas Exes Web site.
Many might say this is a bad idea because the worst thing about the Cactus is that it’s on campus and because of that there’s no parking for fans. The best thing about the Cactus is that the room is perfect for intimate, acoustic shows. Plus there’s all that history.
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CD review: “As He Wanders…” by Texas Sapphires
Texas Sapphires
“As He Wanders…” (Ike Records)
Grade: B+
I hate it when younger artists sing songs about the sad current state of country music. Shurman almost ruined a good album by including the whiney, hokey “Country Ain’t Country Anymore.”
The best commentary is to make a pure country album like this sophomore release from Billy Brent Malkus and Rebecca Cannon, known together as the Texas Sapphires. With fiddle, banjo, pedal steel guitar and mandolin on just about every track, this record imagines a time when the most famous Garth is the sidekick on “Wayne’s World.” Even when they rock, as on “Farmer’s Tan,” they can’t shake the hillbilly shawl.
Opening with Arty Hill’s “Nashville Moon,” the Sapphires establish the honky tonk feel right out of the chute. The rest of the tunes are written by Malkus (who shows a great sense of humor on “How Did I Get So Sloppy Drunk When I Was Drinkin’ Neat?”), with the exception of Cannon’s stirring “Teardrops or Rain.” As a balladeer, Cannon (a former punk rocker in Sincola) is not a belter, but has a quality in her voice that makes it seem as if she’s feeling the words. Overdubbing her vocals on “Make Him Make Me,” one of Malkus’ best songs, is a nice touch.
Malkus is more limited vocally, but he can drive a guitar all around. And Cannon’s soft harmonies are always there when needed.
There’s no threat of the Texas Sapphires breaking out on country radio. There’s just a hint of a bar band scent to this record that terrifies programmers. But no one can say- or write a song- about this band being not country.
The Texas Sapphires play a Waterloo instore tomorrow and headline the Continental Club Thursday.
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The Dead Weather return to Austin in April
Alternative rock supergroup the Dead Weather — composed of the Kills’ Alison Mosshart, Dean Fertita of Queens of the Stone Age, the Raconteurs’ Jack Lawrence and an otherwise obscure musician by the name of Jack White — will pay a return visit to Austin on April 30, when they rock the outside stage at Stubb’s.
White announced in a telephone interview with Australian radio station Triple J that the band will be releasing a new album, the follow-up to last year’s debut LP “Horehound,” in April.
Tickets, $28, are on sale Friday, Feb. 5.
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SXSW announces 55 more bands for 2010
(Pictured !!! Photo by Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN
The South by Southwest Music Festival announced another round of showcasing artists for 2010 via press release this morning, including a healthy collection of mid-level names that might be more familiar to music fans than those released in previous updates.
Highlights include 2009 Austin City Limits performers !!! (pronounced “chick chick chick”), British alternative rockers Band of Skulls, New York indie rock band Cymbals Eat Guitars, Evan Dando, buzzed rock band the Soft Pack (formerly the Muslims), Fun Fun Fun Fest performers and astonishing live act Les Savy Fav and soul revivalists Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings.
That said, many names on this list might be familiar to you — SXSW has announced several of them in one-off announcements on the music page, including Spoon, (Expletive) Up and the XX. Others, like She and Him (the collaboration between M. Ward and singer/songwriter/actress Zooey Deschanel) and the Texas Tornados, have been announced independently of SXSW, while others, like Broken Social Scene, have been rumored.
Check out the full list below the jump.
!!! (Brooklyn, NY)
Amaral (Madrid, SPAIN)
Anita Tijoux (Santiago, CHILE)
Apoptygma Berzerk (Oslo, NORWAY)
Athlete (London, ENGLAND)
Bajofondo (Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA)
Balkan Beat Box (Tel Aviv, ISRAEL)
Band of Skulls (London, ENGLAND)
Bear In Heaven (Brooklyn, NY)
Black Milk (Detroit, MI)
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (Los Angeles, CA)
Bomba Estereo (Bogota, Colombia)
Broken Social Scene (Toronto, CANADA)
Chalie Boy (Hearne, TX)
Chamillionaire & Paul Wall (Houston, TX)
Cymbals Eat Guitars (New York, NY)
Deer Tick (Providence, RI)
Evan Dando (New York, NY)
Frightened Rabbit (Selkirk, SCOTLAND)
(Expletive) Up (Toronto, CANADA)
Grant Hart (St. Paul, MN)
Hauschka (Dusseldorf, GERMANY)
Here We Go Magic (Brooklyn, NY)
Hudson Mohawke (Glasgow, SCOTLAND)
Invincible (Detroit, MI)
jj (Gothenburg, SWEDEN)
Killer Mike (Atlanta, GA)
LA Riots (Los Angeles, CA)
Les Savy Fav (Brooklyn, NY)
Maldita Vecindad (Mexico City, MEXICO)
Marina & The Diamonds (London, ENGLAND)
Mayer Hawthorne & The County (Ann Arbor, MI)
Midlake (Denton, TX)
Miike Snow (Stockholm, SWEDEN)
Mr Hudson (London, ENGLAND)
Mundo Livre SA (Recife, BRAZIL)
Murs (Los Angeles, CA)
Natalia Lafourcade (Mexico City, MEXICO)
Pretty Lights (Charlottesville, VA)
Rye Rye (Baltimore, MD)
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings (Brooklyn, NY)
She & Him (Los Angeles, CA)
Shwayze (Malibu, CA)
Spoon (Austin, TX)
Steve Aoki (Los Angeles, CA)
Systema Solar (Taganga, COLOMBIA)
Texas Tornados (San Antonio, TX)
The Drums (Brooklyn, NY)
The Middle East (Townsville, AUSTRALIA)
The Soft Pack (San Diego, CA)
The Very Best (New York, NY)
The xx (London, ENGLAND)
Trae (Houston, TX)
VV Brown (London, ENGLAND)
Wolfgang Gartner (Austin, TX)
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Cactus Cafe manager Griff Luneburg issues statement
Cactus Cafe manager Griff Luneberg has remained mum since plans to close the listening room were announced, but broke that silence this morning with the following statement:
“As a loyal Texas Union Employee for the last 29 years, beginning as a UT student, I am disheartened to hear the recent news to phase out the Cactus Cafe. However, the Cactus staff and I remain committed to keeping the Cafe humming by day, while putting on the shows we have become known for by night, until the last song is sung.
Griff Luneburg
Cactus Cafe Manager”
Luneberg has, for the time being, declined further comment. UT is holding a town hall meeting to discuss budgetary issues at 4 p.m. today. Expect the Cactus Cafe to be a major subject of discussion.
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Cactus supporters turn out for Austin Music Commission meeting
Supporters of the Cactus Cafe turned out at Monday night’s monthly meeting of the Austin Music Commission, which advises the city on music development and kicks off its meetings with an open forum for citizens to discuss Austin music issues. Supporters included “Save the Cactus Cafe” administrator Reid Nelson, official 2010 Texas State Musician and regular Cactus performer Sara Hickman and her 13-year-old daughter Lily, who has also played the famous stage.
“What’s really special about the Cactus is the relationship between the artist and the audience. It helps us to develop that rapport,” said Sara Hickman. “It’s a place to listen, it’s a place to love, and I’ve seen people break down and cry there.”
“If Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World, then why take away the little things that give it that title?” asked Lily Hickman, addressing the commission after her mother. “If you take away the Cactus, you break so many hearts.”
The Cactus Cafe supporters found a sympathetic ear with the music commission’s seven members. Member Marcia Zwilling referred to Cactus Cafe manager Griff Luneberg as “iconic,” while member and live music task force chair Paul Oveisi expressed confidence that saving the renowned listening room was possible.
Attorney and political consultant Reid Nelson — administrator of the now 13,000-strong Facebook group and one of the leaders of the burgeoning movement — compared the Cactus Cafe’s importance to the Austin community to that of Barton Springs. He also expressed a desire to see the numbers behind the University of Texas’ decision broken down further.
Just as impassioned was paint salesman and photojournalist Jeff Newman, who said he doesn’t generally attend music commission meetings but felt the need to speak up in defense of the venue.
“If the Cactus Cafe was a car it would be a one-of-a-kind custom-made classic Cadillac in near-mint condition,” said Newman, reading from a letter he wrote to UT President William Powers Jr. “When a car like that breaks down do you leave it by the side of the road or do you repair it? Any one with a lick of sense repairs it.”
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And the biggest buzz band at SXSW2010 is…
A couple of hints:
If they were sponsored by a beer company it would be Dos Equis.
Their favorite George Strait song is “All My Exes Live In Texas.”
That’s right, mega-hot London band The xx is coming to SXSW. Despite sounding like a mixx between Jesus and Mary Chain and whoever did “I Melt With You,” this trio of 19-year-olds (the keyboardist is gone) is the nexxt big thing in pop music. And they’re coming to play an Austin venue that’s yet to be named.
Let’s hope they’re better live than Arctic Monkeys, who were a big ball of hooded nothing when they played SXSW in 2006, a week after doing “Saturday Night Live.”
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Cactus moments in time: John Hiatt 1987
A couple months before the “Bring the Family” album would usher in John Hiatt’s comeback from alcoholism and MCA, he played the Cactus Café in front of an audience of which I was about five per cent. One reason there were only 20 on hand was because Richard Thompson, who’d recently been discovered by Austin’s indie rock crowd, was playing the same night at the Back Room.
I just wanted to hear “She Loves the Jerk” and then it was off to the hip show. But I stayed for Hiatt’s entire solo acoustic set and was mesmerized by the soulful sensitivity of his new songs. He opened with “Memphis In the Meantime,” but then got dark and deep with “Stood Up,” a song about how he got to that moment. I think the set ended with “Have a Little Faith In Me,” Hiatt on the house piano, singing it like there was no one there. To this day I’ve never witnessed a more pure moment of musical soul-pleading. All 20 of us were scattered around the room, but we shot up to our feet when the song ended.
Richard Thompson was a letdown.
I’ve never been a student at the University of Texas- there was no money for college in my house- but I’m thankful to this day that UT had a venue that would take such a chance on a singer-songwriter who’d seen better times. That show didn’t change my life, but I learned something about how you can best beat adversity just by being yourself. The show was not profitable by any means, except that 20 people on a Thursday night in Austin somehow found themselves in that most glorious room of sound.
“We’re Texas,” the voice of Walter Cronkite says at halftime of football games. “We change people and they change the world.”
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Antone’s to host Tony Campise birthday benefit
Antone’s will host a birthday fundraiser Sunday, Feb. 21, to benefit saxophone great Tony Campise, kicking off at 7 p.m. and running until 11:30. Admission will be a donation at the door.
Currently slated to appear are the Monster Big Band, Baker’s Dozen, the James Polk Sextet, John Mills Times Ten, Butch Miles Jazz Express and the Tony Campise Big Band. Appearances are also promised from guest vocalists Ray Benson, Kat Edmonson, Rick Trevino, Mandy Lauderdale and Mr. Fabulous.
Campise suffered major brain damage after a fall outside a Corpus Christi hotel room in October 2009, and is currently recovering in a skilled nursing facility. His friends have created a Facebook page to post regular updates on his condition. He was a giant in the local jazz scene who backed everyone from Frank Sinatra to Sarah Vaughan and was nominated for a Grammy for 1992’s “Once In a Blue Moon.” He turned 67 Jan. 22 — the benefit was originally intended to take place in January but was rescheduled in response to the series of benefits that emerged in the wake of the earthquake in Haiti.
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CD review: Midlake, “The Courage of Others”
Midlake
‘The Courage of Others’
(Bella Union)
Grade: B
It’s helpful to consider Denton folk rock band Midlake’s third album, “The Courage of Others,” through the prism of its immediate predecessor, 2006’s “The Trials of Van Occupanther.” That album — a cult favorite that got end-of-the-decade shoutouts from Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and the Onion A.V. Club, among others — evoked endless comparison to the naturalistic ‘70s FM radio rock of America, Neil Young and, above all, Fleetwood Mac.
Though well reviewed at the time of its release, in the ensuing years “The Trials of Van Occupanther” continued to build its audience, as the slow-burning pleasures of its poetic lyricism and front man Tim Smith’s wispy vocals revealed themselves. Put simply, Midlake is a group whose strengths take time to unfold — which makes an initial judgment of “The Courage of Others” misleading, particularly since it’s an even more complex and layered album.
Which is not to say “The Courage of Others” is an inaccessible or vastly different work — but it does march away from the classic rock inspiration so prevalent on “Van Occupanther” in favor of a direction more heavily influenced by ‘60s British folk rock. If Fleetwood Mac was the go-to comparison on the last album, this time around it’s all Jethro Tull — or the Fairport Convention — with near omnipresent flutes and warm waves of harmonies. It’s a sound that’s enchanting, magical, often dour and — at least before it has time to grow on you — a bit repetitive.
Lead single and opener “Acts of Man” kicks the album off with sterling harmonies, subtle guitar and a contemplative pace. The acoustic, spare “Fortune” is at two minutes both the album’s quickest and quietest number. “Rulers, Ruling All Things” is equally stately, with building drums that give it a release that would feel underplayed on most albums, but is practically soaring here. “The Courage of Others” isn’t all flutes and meditation, though — on “Winter Dies” and “Small Mountain” there’s a touch of Neil Young-styled electric guitar that adds a welcome edge to the proceedings.
“The Courage of Others” grows more intriguing in its back half. “The Horn” is a little more rock ‘n’ roll and lays claim to some excellent drum fills, while the title track builds nicely and grows more interesting over time. And the album’s most enjoyable song, “Bring Down,” incorporates an excellent vocal turn from Stephanie Dosen.
“Now the joy has burned out,” Smith sings on the earnest, heartfelt tune. “And it’s gone but I don’t know where.”
At 42 minutes, “The Courage Of Others” comes a bit too close to overstaying its own welcome — there’s only so much winter imagery and thoughtful acoustics one can handle — but it’s a dense 42 minutes that only gets more interesting with each listen. It’s hard to follow up a success as unqualified as “The Trials of Van Occupanther,” but on this long-awaited album Midlake comes perhaps as close as could reasonably be expected.
If you want to give “The Courage of Others” a listen before you buy, WOXY and the Austinist will hold a listening party tomorrow, Tuesday Feb. 2, at the Scoot Inn at 8 p.m. The event is free.
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UT Town Hall Meeting open to the public on Tuesday
Here is the information from UT’s web site about Tuesday’s Town Hall with President Bill Powers:
*
President Powers holds town hall meeting Feb. 2
by William Powers Jr.
Published: Jan. 28
Dear students, faculty and staff members:
You may have questions about the issues confronting the university today. I invite you to a university-wide town hall meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 2, from 4-6 p.m. in the Avaya Auditorium, room 2.302, in the ACES Building.
Among the important issues we are facing are:
o Budget reallocations in the colleges and units.
o The tuition increase proposal for 2010-11 and 2011-12 from the Tuition Policy Advisory Committee.
o A request from the governor for a prioritized plan for a 5 percent budget reduction in state general revenue funds for the current biennium.
If you have questions or comments about these or other issues, join me and other members of the university community at this meeting, which is open to the public. We will also broadcast streaming video of the meeting through a link on the university’s home page.
I’ll also continue to address issues such as these in Tower Talk, my blog about the life of the university.
I look forward to seeing you.
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Save the Cactus Facebook page has more than 8,000 members…
… and counting. Since the story broke Saturday afternoon, the Facebook page devoted to preserving the Cactus Cafe has been on fire, with about 300 new members an hour on Monday morning.
Go here to join. By the way, the FB-starter Wiley Koepp changed the name of the group from “Save The Cactus Cafe” to “Save The Cactus Cafe (Austin, Texas)”.
Here are the details on tomorrow’s town hall meeting, open to the public, with UT prez William Powers.
