Author: brian.gray

The photo taker and manager of the IT Department.

Show Review: ACL Taping of Phoenix (5/6)

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I had been on a lucky streak of good crowds for a few shows, so it pains me to ask – Hey Austin, why do ushers have to tell you to put away your phones and shut up at a taping?!?!

Pheonix played a lovely set. Too bad I had to wait for said ushers to get out of the way to see the stage as each of the four people in front of us had to be told to put away their phones one by one. Too bad the superfangirls couldn’t stop informing each other how jealous their friends are that they are at a show they are talking through. It is an ACL Taping. Know your place and watch the show and understand how lucky you are to be there.

I promise to talk about the band after the break (followed by more ranting)…

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ACL 2013 Lineup Announced

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In case you are a normal human being and were sleeping, the lineup for this year’s two weekend festival was announced. These are the bands that allegedly will be there both weekends so there is still a little room to play, but the lineup is really good. Sure, you can find things to complain about, but a Lionel Richie sing-along is not allowed to be one of them.

As leaked, The Cure is a big name as is Depeche Mode. If the organizers dare put them up against each other, there may be a guyliner revolt of 40 somethings. Who cares about Muse besides the guys that program bumper music at ESPN?

We do get Atoms For Peace, Wilco, The National, Vampy Weeks, Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand, Tame Impala, Local Natives, Grimes, Portugal. The Man, Divine Fits, Purity Ring, Haim, Smith Westerns, Junip, Phospherescent, Thao & The GDSD, Foxygen, Parquet Courts, Fidlar, Wild Nothing and Electric Six, to name a few.

Wristbands are on sale at 10am. Get in line online. Full list after the break…

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Weekend Dance Jam: Sonen – Aiko

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Caught this jam thanks to Bagel Radio out of San Fran via SomaFM. Ready to dance?

It is almost the weekend after all. Are you going to see Iron Man 3? I am. Maybe go see a band (scroll down for deets). Relax for sure. There have been a lot of shows coming through, plenty of stress. You sign up to win Jim James Tix?

Anyway, I share with you Sonen.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/62114654″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Show Pics: Metric @ Stubb’s (5/1)

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Metric is a band that is very fun to shoot. Emily is charismatic and energetic, the rest of the band implements proper use of guitar, drum and bass face. Add to that a killer lighting rig and some beauty pop jams, you have the recipe for a fun night out. Heading to Stubb’s on a Wednesday, there are worse ways to spend a weeknight.

I’ll sum things up, offer advice to the openers, The Colourist, and share the pretty pics after the break.

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Show Pics: The Joy Formidable @ Emo’s (5/1)

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The Joy Formidable was very impressive in their set at the Nikon Warner Sound showcase at Belmont during SxSW. Ritzy is a manic powerhouse and the entire band, including drummer Matthew James Thomas by way of his frontline half open drum kit, so everything possible to connect with the crowd. Big strobes, jumping into the pit, TJF is always encouraging the crowd to come along with them.

IO ECHO was the opener at Emo’s, and quite honestly, the more interesting act on the night. New to big touring, they get to play some decent-sized venues while rolling with TJF and hopefully will pull a decent early crowd. Backlit shenanigans.

Ritzy got a new hat. Click through for the pics, y’all.

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A Day of Austin Psych Fest 2013

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We were certain that Friday was the best line up. I knew it would be the day of Austin Psych Fest to defy the forecast and get silly with cameras and stuff. On the day’s agenda was Bass Drum of Death, Tamaryn, The Soft Moon, Suuns, BRMC, Warpaint, The Besnard Lakes, Raveonettes and Vietnam. Australia’s Ride Into The Sun provided the delightful surprise. Tinariwen provided camera fodder. Carson Creek Ranch provided the backdrop.

Check out the big gallery. Find your friends, reminisce…

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Show Preview: The Joy Formidable @ Emo’s (4/30)

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Date 4/30
Location Emo’s
Doors 7:00
Tickets $16.00


Since SxSW’s exit, we have already seen a few bands that played the conference come back through town. Tuesday’s show at Emo’s features two grads of 2013. The Joy Formidable put down a blistering set at the Nikon Warner Sound showcase, I mean nailed down. IO Echo showed the harder edge that comes from the live setting, but the quick-turn venues and makeshift staging never allowed for a real run at how they want to convey their songs. The big stage can give them the room to breathe.

If you like live music, and since you are reading this you do, join me won’t you? I’ll the guy up front taking pic, say hi. Here is a sample from IO Echo as you better be familiar with Ritzy and the boys…

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/46161969″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Show Pics: Band of Horses @ Stubb’s (4/24)

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I never got the chance to shoot Band of Horses when they were in our prime, i.e. still carrying the buzz of the early releases through the blogosphere. I did however got to see them in the big church during SxSW. That was pretty moving. Wall of sound, cathedral (seriously) ceilings, perfect venue for the at times sparse and haunting songwriting that made us suckers for the first two albums.

They have since left our little corner of the intarwebs for bigger pastures, but so what. I got to shoot them finally under the carnival tent that is cathedral-esque at Stubb’s and they played some early hits, so there.

Roadkill Ghost Choir opened, a few thoughts and some snaps past the break to ogle while you wait for your ride to Psych Fest.

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Snowden Slow Rolls Another Track

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Here is another streaming offering from Snowden’s latest effort, No One In Control called “So Red”. Those familiar with Jordan Jeffares work will love this. Those not should take note. As we get ready to be all Psyched out, how about a little hazy gaze goodness.

Snowden will make a stop in the new home base to play Red7 on June 7th. I sincerely hope the merch table is stocked.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/89151124″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

SxSW 2013: The Rest of the Showcase Pics

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Nothing quite like figuring out that you still have 1600 shots to go through after six posts already up for SxSW…

Sorry, SxSW seems like a distant memory, but I may just rekindle some fond memories of the smaller shows that you should have gone to. Official SxSW stuff, I have already shared the shots of The Flaming Lips headlined party and Iggy and The Stooges. This gallery has shots of Mompox, Young Galaxy, Local Natives, Gold Fields, Shout Out Louds, Shout Out Out Out, GEMS and more. If you click, you will also get a few quick notes on winners and losers.

So do it. Sing with me, MEEEMMMOOOORRRIIIEESS!!!11!shift+1

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