Slack Capital Is Here!

When I was preparing to release Big Bill’s Weird Walk/Mainly Manly 7″, I began to talk to Eric Bill about the idea of creating an Austin compilation. Well, we released Slack Capital! I’ve got a few words below on what it means to me, but also wanted to let you listen to a few of my favorites, as well as remind you about the Slack Capital Release Party.

First and foremost…this compilation would not exist without Eric Bill. His dedication to seeing this through with me made this quite rewarding. Also, it must be mentioned that his attention to detail should be credited for making it all look and sound great.

Now…what does Slack Capital mean for me? Well, let me tell you.

I think a great deal of my excitement comes from the history of compilations. As a kid, a lot of the music I came into stemmed from getting compilations passed around from friend to friend. It’s a great way for younger folks to stumble into something they love, and, whether or not it’s seen this way, it adds to the history of other great Austin focused comps like We Jam by Condos or Casual Victim Pile.

Looking back through it, I’m excited by the statement that it makes, both musically and socially. I’ll leave the social aspect up to Eric to explain to you all, but I think that despite the problems facing our city, the music scene is far from dying. I’m constantly inundated with these Facebook posts or Buzzfeed articles about how Austin’s music scene is on the verge of disappearing. But, let’s be honest here…this is not an Austin-centric problem; the music industry on a whole is in a transitional period. It’s no longer the profitable commodity it once was, especially not for younger, independent bands. I’m not saying that’s fair, or that that’s okay, but merely focusing on the fact that these issues don’t just exist in Austin. We have a tendency to think of Austin as the central hub of music (“Live Music Capital”)

Still, some will claim that rising housing costs are pushing Austin musicians/venues out. Okay, I can see that, but how come places like Brooklyn (see this chart) still manage to push out great art/music. Or even look at the “next” Austin, Nashville (about equal in this chart). These places will offer people the same difficulties, but the grass will always be greener. So, how does this tie into Slack Capital.

For me, this collection of acts stands in the face of all that bullshit and pandering for pity. It’s what Austin always has, and always should be, musically speaking. It’s a bunch of people playing by their own rules, or making them up as they go along. Their only bottom line is music…and it’s been great to see that all come together in this way. They’re not worried about fame and glory, they want to play for you. They want you to love their music. Ultimately, this is all that matters. And if anything, a compilation that includes such variance from DUMB to Strange Mother should illustrate the vibrantmusic in this town…and this is just a snapshot.

Finally, a teacher by trade, I love giving back to kids, especially giving back something as meaningful as music lessons or instruments. This is why all proceeds go back to Anthropos Art.

Stream the whole thing below, and see you Next Friday at Barracuda.