Austin Spotlight: The Blind Pets Are Coming

blindI’ve been listening to the new single from The Blind Pets this morning, and I think it’s something people should spin a time or two today. While the band get lumped in with our continuing Austin garage scene, I appreciate how this song takes on some slower moments for the chorus, illustrating that it’s not all meant to be a riot. But, the chorus is an energetic blast of fun, with a solo tagged on near the end for good measure. The band’s new album, Sharon is Karen will be out on April 15th via Sup Bob Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/240903369″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

ATX Spotlight: Square Paradise

0006747488_10Austinites who pay attention to the local music scene will definitely recognize the name John Hetherington and his work with Austin band Knifight. Well maybe you don’t all know his name, but you’ve certainly heard of the band right? Right!? #supportlocalbands

Brand new act, Square Paradise, is John’s new project completely solo and away from his previously mentioned group. John tells me that he plans on releasing at least one new song a month “for the foreseeable future” as he records more and more music by himself in his home studio. Today you can find what is sure to be the first of many new singles below called “Ten Numbers”. This is pop music at its finest folks. I’m really looking forward to what else John has in store.

New Split Tape from Baby Bleu/Rose Selavy!!

babybleurosecoverRemember that one time we put out that rad 7″ from Rose Selavy and Templo X? It’s HERE just in case. But, more importantly, Rose Selavy is teaming up with Baby Bleu for a split tape release via Merdurhaus Records. I’m pretty sure it’s something you’re going to want to add to your tape collection (or MP3 if that’s your bag). It’s going to be released on a super limited basis, which means you’re going to have to hurry, especially after you hear the two tracks they’re previewing below. Give it all a listen, then go grab it from MR over HERE.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/203436905″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Check Out the SXSW Preview Guide

SXSWMusicBloggerGuide-IGThere’s only a few times in the year when I bite off more than I can chew, and this whole SXSW time is one of them…but I’m always happy. Not only have I been helping SXSWfm with a radio podcast, but I also have been working behind the scenes on their preview guide for the festival…along with other notables like OVRLD, Sterogum and Pigeons and Planes. Short version…it’s live. Check it out below.

SXSW Preview Guide

Hovvdy Making Huge Waves

hovvdyAustin bands are a dime a dozen, but you’ve got to have something special to break beyond the confines of the city. It appears that Hovvdy have accomplished done that, blasting thing single all over the world rather quickly (15K listens in a matter of days!). You’ve got to be proud, as an Austinite, but you’ve also got to take note if you’re living beyond. The act is working with Merdurhaus and Sports Day Records, both reputable voices in the void, to release their debut, Taster on April 15th. Take a listen to what it’s all about, as these guys won’t be looking back.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/249803395″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Benjamin Cissner Record Release @ Barracuda + End of an Ear

12241698_907663649310191_6124699712053618704_nWhile we cover music from all over, we definitely like to give Austin acts a special focus. But, in covering the scene, you come across a lot of the same genres, same sounds; it’s this way in every city, so I’m always looking for that voice to rise above the rest. For me, the last few months it’s been consumed by this Benjamin Cissner LP, Birds in the Night. Lucky for you, you’ll have two chances to catch him tomorrow night to celebrate the release with him. He’ll be playing for free at 6 PM at End of an Ear, then later in the night he’ll be playing with Rattlesnake Milk and Kill County at the Barracuda. Like I said, this is the one artist around, at the moment, that I feel like is unparalleled in the local scene…he’ll be touring with Scott Yoder in May too, so the rest of you folks should keep an eye out!

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/210113495″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Show Preview: Rob Crow @ the Sidewinder TONIGHT

rcMy first encounter with Rob Crow came in college when someone loaned me a Heavy Vegetable CD; it paved the way for what would be my huge fandom of Rob and Pinback. His voice has forever been an important one in my life, and ever distinctive for listeners. He’s bringing his new project, Rob Crow’s Gloomy Place, to Austin tonight at Sidewinder. I’ve always appreciated his live shows, having seen him at least a dozen times before; he’s entertaining, but the live performance is always executed as well as any band I’ve seen. it’s an early show too, so you can get in, enjoy yourself and then grab some rest. Doors are at 6:30, tickets are HERE, and Ini is opening the evening. Oh…the new album, You’re Doomed. Be Nice. is out this Friday via Temporary Residence.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/244101350″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Stream a New Loafer Track

loafer?Regardless of the fact that being a musician, in any city, seems to suck lately, Austin’s music scene is very much alive and kicking. One of the scenes I’ve kept my eye on is the group made up by Merdurhaus acts; today we’ve got a tune from the label’s Loafer. The project will release a brand new EP on April 1st (as long as it’s not a joke), and this single shows a little bit of the noodling twang that definitely pays homage to Mac Demarco…back in the home recording days. Still, I like the playfulness, such as including a soundbite mid track. Give it a twirl, and check out some of the labels other acts; there’s something for every body.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/249524791″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Fresh A. Sinclair Tune

asinclairI’ve followed Aaron Sinclair musically for some time. He fronted Frank Smith, played drums in an old line-up of Grape St and now operates under A. Sinclair. I remember talking to Aaron a few years back, and he claimed, in one form or another, that he wanted to just kick out really great rock songs on a larger stage. I think his latest single from the band’s forthcoming effort definitely has a heavier edge than some of Aaron’s earlier work. If you’re looking for no bullshit rock n’ roll, then you better get into some A. Sinclair. Look for the band’s album, Get Out of the City, on May 13th via Dangerbird Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/240527488″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Big Bill 7″ Stream + Release Party (2.28)

billyThere’s been great coverage this week for Austin’s Big Bill…local blog Ovrld and national mag, The Big Takeover added to the band’s recent press run. It’s deserved on so many levels, not only just musically, but in its representation of what truly makes Austin “weird.” Our label is releasing the 7″ today, and it will come with a special prize for those of you that order it HERE (it’s like a musical Cracker Jacks!), but you should also come out to End of an Ear on Sunday evening before the Oscars to enjoy a great set celebrating the band’s release. They’ll go on at 5 PM, and we’ll have the 7″ on hand for you to grab. Trust me, this is going to be a great year for all things Bill…so get a head start with this 7″.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/200201454″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

1 79 80 81 82 83 134