Michael Bain Shares Dad Rock Video + Austin Show

Earlier this Summer, Sun June member Michael Bain released Tidal Ways; it had some slight sonic nods to SJ, but clearly he’s found a sound entirely his own. You’ll find that guitar lines are sharp and crisp, while his vocals have a little studio growl to them; the percussion seems almost entirely played on the rim of the drum. It almost seem to have this nice haze upon it, which at times, seems matched by the imagery of the accompanying video. If you fancy the sound, you can find the whole album available HERE. But, if you’re super lucky and live in Austin, you can catch Michael playing at the Mohawk tomorrow night; he’ll be joined by our dear friend David Israel, as well as Thank Light; more info HERE.

David Israel Album Release Party @ Electric Church on Sunday Night

Sorry for the long-winded post title, but maybe that’s all your looking for! But, important information is at hand, as I’m hoping to direct you to the Electric Church on Sunday to celebrate the release of David Israel‘s The Year That Felt Like Two; we dropped it two weeks ago on ATH Records. For starters, the record is amazing, as is the artwork, so that should really be enough, if you’re an Austin music fan. But, a portion of proceeds will be donated by David and ATH directly to RAICES. Along with David and his band, you’ll also get to see El Lago, who I raved about previously, as well as Minimal Animal and TC Superstar. Stream the latest video from the album below; it ran over on RSTB earlier this week.

Doors are at 8, so be on time and we’ll see you there.

Stream The Year That Felt Like Two

We’ve been releasing records for some time here in Austin, and through that time I’ve longed to work with David Israel. Last week we were fortunate enough release David’s new album, The Year That Felt Like Two. In my ears, it sounds like a pop version of anything penned by David Berman, employing a similar sense of wit, while crafting an undercurrent of pop sensibility. There’s not a bad song on this record, but of course, I’m probably slightly biased…so you should see for yourself by streaming below. And if you’re in Austin on July 29th, come out to the release show at Electric Church, with proceeds of the release going to RAICES. Grab it HERE!

Photos: ATHvsSOTO 2018

We’ll be out and about the rest of the week to view the things during SxSW so remember to check out the twitter and our various instagram accounts.

Either you missed the big Austin Town Hall vs. Side One Track One party, or perhaps you were there and want to relive it. Check out the gallery after the break that features faces, bands, instruments, lights, beverages, scenes and moods from the day and night at Hotel Vegas. Highlights for me were Glaze, Nite, El Lago, BLXPLTN, Tres Oui, Daphne Tunes and Marmalakes. Find these bands during SxSW. You’ll be happy if you do.

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Announcing the ATH vs SOTO SXSW Party

Today’s the day you’ve all been waiting for, the announcement of our annual AustinTownHall vs Side One Track One SXSW party. We’re throwing down at Hotel Vegas/Volstead again, and we’ve booked a pretty solid lineup of acts. We’ve got some bands with huge buzz like Caroline Says or Why Bonnie, a handful of ATH Records artists…and we even got in a few out of town acts like Nite and El Lago. Best news of all? It’s absolutely free, so all you have to do is come on over and just enjoy yourselves…there’s something for everybody. Show kicks off at 2 PM and lasts all day and night. Plus, we love you, so you don’t even have to RSVP! Check out the event page, and plan ahead, you’ll be here all day!

David Israel Does It Again for Slack Capital 2

Slack Capital 2 is a compilation of music by 27 of the greatest bands in Austin. All proceeds from the comp go to SafePlace, which provides support for victims of domestic and sexual violence. We’re unveiling one song per day until the the release party on April 14.

Song of the day: David Israel — “Conditionationality”

With a voice like Calvin Johnson and the romantic sensibility of Jonathan Richman (and perhaps the comic instincts of both), David Israel is a cherished local songwriter, his songs dripping in wit but as earnest as Kermit the Frog. Last year he contributed the chipper rock song “Coldwar Superchild” to Slack Capital, complete with full band, chorus harmonies, and a saxophone. That song humorously and somewhat absurdly skewered liberal niceties, and just kind of was a good time for all. Here, despite the silly title, David Israel leads with his heart. Even with legitimately funny lyrics like the opening lines “Have you ever/ climbed a mountain/ and looked out/ upon another mountain,” the song’s success stems from that plaintive voice, right on top of the mix, accompanied by a single background voice (courtesy of Annecy Liddell) and a strummed guitar. It’s very deep in the song before any percussion happens at all, and it’s a thrill when it does. The song comes to life, as if relishing in the heart-racing excitement of love. In thrall to the gorgeous pop plateau it has reached, a rock-and-roll guitar drops in to perform a snatch of melody from a George Michael song, and the abruptly ends. Bravo.–Eric Braden

PreOrder Slack Capital 2 HERE.

See you at Barracuda Friday Night for the Release Party!

Show Spotlight: Holiday Revue @ Cheer Up Charlies (12.17)

revueIn case you haven’t noticed, it’s holiday season, and what better way to celebrate than with a great Holiday Revue show, like the one at Cheer Up Charlies on Saturday night. The show features Botany, Big Bells, Wintertime Fun Band (members of BBall Shorts), David Israel and Shivery Shakes. As if the musical line-up wasn’t solid enough, they’ll also be holding a raffle with goodies from Super Secret Records, Western Vinyl and our ATH Records…plus much more. All you have to do is bring socks or underwear to the show to donate to ARCH, which with the cold coming in is definitely a worthy cause for us all to participate in. There’s more on the event HERE, and some songs to enjoy below.

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Tonight’s Show: Lung Letters/Quin Galavis/David Israel @ Barracuda

Album Cover_Online VersionSeems like shows are ramping up all about town as of late, with a jam packed bunch of shows from locals and traveling acts alike. But, tonight’s show over at Barracuda seems like the best option if you’re looking to get out. Lung Letters features Jeremy from Flesh Lights; it looks to be a promising set from them. You’ll also get Quin Galavis, formerly (and presently of the Dead Space); he’s been playing solo looped sets lately, sometimes joined by friends, so you never know what you’re in store for…you just know it’s good. And finally, one of my picks would be to show up early to catch David Israel. David contributed to the Slack Capital compilation, and his track “Coldwar Superchild” is one of my favorite pieces in that great collection. In fact, it’s streaming below, so take a listen and love it.