Austin Town Hall

Oh schnaps!  The week of SXSW music is finally upon us tomorrow and our heads are literally about to explode.  Just so you know, we’ll be fairly m.i.a. until next week since we’ll be out and about discovering new bands.  Next week, expect some crazy coverage with interviews, photos, and reviews of anything we find interesting. Until then, a few deets for you SXSW goers:

- Don’t forget to RSVP to our party tomorrow.

- Be sure to download our March music sampler to rock out to while you wait in that Fader Fort line.

- Also be sure you load up our handy SXSW guide on your fancy iphone.

- New sponsor alert! We also just got word that Zico Coconut Water will be on hand handing out all kinds of free Coco water.  Tassstttyyyy.

- Keep it real!

So SXSW music starts tomorrow and you still aren’t to sure about who to see?  Well, you can make the decision easier (or harder?) by downloading a free SXSW music sampler from music website Amie Street.  The sampler features 22 tracks from the likes of Fool’s Good, Flying Lotus, Born Ruffians, and tons of others.  Check check check it ouuut now.  Disclaimer: You will be required to sign up for an account on the site.

Way before it’s March 23rd release date, the fine people over at NPR are streaming the brand new She & Him album Volume Two.  Head over to the NPR Music section for a first listen to the new tracks.  Anyone care to offer a first opinion in the comments section?

We’ve long been admirers of Liars; they seem untouched by their peers, always exploring their own sonic pallet.  Luckily, they have an incredible live show to back up their ridiculously respectable musical chops.  You’ll all get a chance to glimpse them in Austin this week (if you’re here, that is).  But, to top that off, we’ve got a killer contest brought to you by the friendly people at Mute Records that will allow you to win a package with all the band’s works, and a bonus disc of their latest, Sisterworld, with reinterpretations from the likes of Thom Yorke and Devandra Banhart.  Leave us a comment with your favorite SXSW moment, and we’ll select 3 winners!  Contest will end Tuesday, March 16th 12 PM CST. Good luck.

Make sure to make it out to these SXSW dates:

3/18 @ Insound Day Party – 4 PM  & 3/19 Billions Showcase – 1 AM

We bet that closing set at Antones will be one of the best moments of SXSW!

So maybe those free tacos, free coffee, free top of the line ear plugs, or some great free music isn’t doin’ it for ya?  Well how about some free beer provided graciously by local brewing company Real Ale?  That’s right, the local brewmeisters will be on hand at our ATH party on Thursday offering up free beverages while their supplies last.  This should come in mighty handy once your tacos have settled in…  Don’t forget, you’ve still got time to RSVP for the party, check out our March music sampler, or make some plans with our handy dandy condensed ATH SXSW guide.  That is all.

Personally, the new Dr. Dog really has me on edge.  Sure, they’re not necessarily indie darlings anymore, but I’m really looking forward to the release of Shame, Shame, which hits stores April 6th.  Here’s another new track off their latest effort.  You can welcome the boys to Austin in May @ Emos as they come our way to support their new album, that’s if you don’t catch them at SXSW.

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Download: Dr. Dog – Stranger [MP3]

Tre Orsi recently popped up on the Matador Austin Compilation, though the band is a three piece from Denton.  This is probably due to the fact that we’d like to claim them as our own due to their rocking live shows, and their powerful sound.  The band will be releasing their album, Devices + Albums, on March 23rd through Works Progress Records.  Production credits go to Bubba Kadane of Bedhead (The New Year too) fame, so you know it will sound great–I can confirm it does, as I’ve been listening to it non-stop since I got my hands on it.  Give the band a try. Buy local.

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Download: Tre Orsi – The Engineer [MP3]

If you aren’t indulging yourself in our March music sampler (you better be), NPR music has another worthwhile SXSW music sampler available for download.  The 11 song sampler features top notch ATH favorites like Spoon, The Walkmen, Local Natives, and more.  You can read more about it on NPR or download the sampler straight from itunes.  Until then, check out the standout sampler track “Airplanes” from Local Natives.  For those of you who have yet to pick up their new album, we aren’t friends anymore.

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Download: Local Natives – Airplanes [MP3]