brian.gray – Page 49 – Austin Town Hall

Party Pics: Learning Secrets X @ Red7 (1/31)

February 3, 2014 brian.gray Leave a comment

Yeah, we were treated to some sweet jams. I went to eleven when Simian Mobile Disco‘s “Hustler” filled my ears. And thanks for reminding me how great Hot Chip sounds at club volume.

Learning Secrets turned ten years old. You should read the interview if you missed it, it explains things pretty good. Since so many friends were going to be in attendance, I had to bring the camera and a flash. That is right, I got all photo-tech on the people. We had bloggers, photogs, Transmissioners, DELOREAN, Until the Ribbon Breaks and most importantly plenty of people to dance.

Head past the break to see the party gallery…

News

Let’s Not Mess This Up

February 1, 2014 brian.gray One comment

There is a video making its way around the internet today of two guys getting worked over and robbed downtown last night. It happened at a gas station we all have walked by hundreds of times on our way to shows at all the Red River venues. It happened blocks from where I spent the evening celebrating with friends, telling lies and being generally as happy as I could be. It happened to friends of a friend. It happened in front of a video camera.

I don’t want to lecture about the circumstances.They do not claim to be innocent of events leading up to the altercation, but did try to defray what was seemingly inevitable. I don’t want to repost the video, but this happened on my playground. It happened while people looked on in apathy. It was recorded, edited and uploaded, even featuring video of the police. Let’s not mess this up. Red River has gone through some rough stretches. I kind of like how things are now and would like to keep it the way it is, even make it better. Call it a Neighborhood Watch, whatever, but the wife and I parked a block away last night. I want to feel safe, I want to feel like the guys down the street have my back. More may come from the story from our end, but as it stands, it deserves attention, not for the spectacle of the video, but for the cautionary reminder that we all have a stake in this.

News

The Twilight Sad @ Paisley Abbey

January 29, 2014 brian.gray Leave a comment

I usually dismiss any concert that incorporates an orchestra into a band’s performance. #Metallica This is different.

There is no doubt that I am a fan of The Twilight Sad. I’ll see them anytime I can; I’ve seen them in the broad daylight at Club Deville, I’ve seen them in the dark at Red7, I’ve seen them play acoustic at Home Slice, I’ve seen them at the real Emo’s. James’s intensity on stage is balanced by a quiet and calm disposition off stage. I have spoken with the band several times over the years and they always remember our previous exchanges. I am a fan.

So when I read that performed with the Royal National Scottish Orchestra as part of the Spree Festival, I fretted, but fretted, I should have not. This is quite awesome. 500 people got to watch this collaboration in the Paisley Abbey. It must have sounded amazing with a genuine weight afforded by venue and players. Watch the video after the break, but even cooler, download the songs performed for the price of an email address.

News

ATH Interview: Learning Secrets @ 10 Years

January 28, 2014 brian.gray 10 comments

Learning Secrets is turning ten. They are having a party. Given that the guys behind Learning Secrets, Jeramy Neugent and Ian Orth, are in one of our local favorite bands, Orthy, we see these gents on a regular basis DJing to fill the pre and post-show earspace. We all wonder what all the fuss is about being a DJ. What happens behind the wheels? How do two guys end up spinning records together? How can you make a relationship last? Ian was able to take the time to answer a few questions on those topics and more. Read on for the low down…

Evan Ønly Has An 80’s Hit

January 23, 2014 brian.gray Leave a comment

Admit it, you like to put on those leg warmers and pretend to be in Flashdance on cold days like this. Or is it just me? #mollyringwalddance

I have an affection for 80’s wave dance hits because I’m old. When something like this hits the inboxes at ATH, it is sent to me for approval. I approve of this hit from Evan Ønly. Gentle synth sensibilities with just enough of the Italian Disco thing going on; it will elicit the proper head nod and shoulder shimmy. Evan Ønly is actually Evan Brody, a founder of Underwater Peoples. This is the lead track from a solo EP called No Matter What due on February 18th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/130563787″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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Tunes

Show Pics: Red Bull Sound Select (1/15)

January 20, 2014 brian.gray Leave a comment

Red Bull Sound Select took over the Spider House Ballroom. In exchange for your information on the intarwebs, you could check out three great bands for $3. On the agenda was The Black and White Years, Night Drive and The Octopus Project.

RSVP DOES NOT GUARANTEE ENTRY

The line started at around 6:30pm for 9pm doors and some that got in line closer to show time to see the bands in a 350 person venue were going to be disappointed. My only disappointment was a late-running schedule that forced my early exit before The Octopus Project could take the stage; the following day was a really long one and it took discipline to leave when I did. Nate and I had a sweet bit of fun at a dance party and we both left with the impression that Night Drive is poised for explosion.

Click through for pics of The Black and White Years and Night Drive.

Shows

Free Week Video: Jonly Bonly

January 17, 2014 brian.gray Leave a comment

One of our favorite things from Free Week this year was the set at Red7 by Jonly Bonly. The trio is fronted by Jason Smith playing a guitar and singing with friends and fellow Austin-jams creators Stephen Svacina playing a bass and Marley Jones on drums. I busted out the super phone and got some video to share. This song is called “Long Distance.”

There are some sweet pyrotechnics during the guitar solo and a lightshow at the end. #blackcat #powerstripfailure

[youtube]eELWeI_ejsI[/youtube]

News
Shows

SxSW Wristbands Are On Sale

January 16, 2014 brian.gray Leave a comment

Hey everyone, time to pick up your wristbands for you Spring Break festivities in downtown Austin.

Here are the rules. Austin resident, $169 a pop, two wristband per order maximum, you have to provide those two names at time of purchase and IDs will be checked and bands put on your wrist when you pick them up. This model has been in place for a few years now to prohibit scalping and cut down on counterfeiting. Of course, you will have opportunities to purchase wristbands at Waterloo and select venues just before the conference, but this is the way to go.

Click here to get the full skinny and start the process.

News

Austin Spotlight: Check Out Some Coeds

January 15, 2014 brian.gray Leave a comment

There is only so much light and airy electro chillwave I can take before I snap and crave some Nitzer Ebb or Split Second, so TRUST is my go to synth-jams nowadays. But what if you could blend? How about a lovely yet strong female voice and big buckets worth of varying waveforms? While the cool lofty and airy stuff can cause additional coffee consumption, Coeds gets you a big sound that has just enough aggression without being angry. I get hints of Glass Candy, with less disco.

The band is Meredith Muñoz and Ryan Kailath. Meredith has been in a few bands you may have liked. She is good people. Check it.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/122689846″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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Tunes

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