ATX Spotlight: Calvin Locklear

I wish I could say I’m surprised when I discover new Austin artists since we think we know everything, but let’s get real, this town is full of up and coming artists waiting to be discovered. Take local songwriter Calvin Locklear for example. Prior to only a few days ago, I honestly had never heard his name mentioned despite my keen ear to the local scene. Well he’s recently released an EPs worth of material entitled No One is Listening and suggested we check out this track “Wet Cement” from the 6 song extended player. Immediately the voice of Locklear reminds me quite a bit of Damon Albarn (Blur/Gorillaz) which, paired with his folk rock/R&B blend, creates something really in a genre all its own. It’s refreshing to hear something new is happening in Austin.

If you’re into it, Locklear has more music on Soundcloud and his entire new EP streaming on bandcamp.

Keep Austin Weird Festival

The sixth annual Keep Austin Weird Festival & 5K will be taking place this Saturday(6/28) at Auditorium Shores. With us being a music website, we don’t really care too much about all that running so let’s talk about the killer lineup of bands for the festival. Bands will be getting started at 3 pm with Super Pal Universe and going until 8:30 pm with headliner Alejandro Escovedo. Other highlights include Austin band What Made Milwaukee Famous and my favorite new artist coming out of Austin Black Joe Lewis. Wristbands for the event are only $10 which is less than what you would pay to see any of these bands. Check out the website for the event for more information & band lineups. If that’s not enough to make you want to go, listen to “Gunpowder” by Black Joe Lewis and you’ll change your mind. Promise.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/gunpowder_black_joe.mp3]

Download: gunpowder.mp3