Soft Ballad from Ashley Eriksson of LAKE

ashleyAshley Eriksson is the lead singer of LAKE, and the songwriter of the theme song for Adventure Time.  Of course, she’s always been working on the side, and she’s ready to debut a new record, Colours, which comes out on July 16th.  She possess a tranquil voice, carefully draped across the top of her elegant piano tapestries. There’s a respect for the the empty space that belongs in music, allowing her songs to achieve some beautiful clarity. She’ll be teaming up with K Records for this release of piano ballads, all which will require a quiet ear and a joy for voice.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/11-Ashley-Eriksson-Humming-in-the-Dark.mp3]

Download: Ashley Eriksson – Humming in the Dark [MP3]

Soliti Music Turns 2

soliti-turns-2-blue-640x634I’m really excited for my far away friend Nick and his wonderful label to be celebrating two successful years.  Soliti Music has brought us gems from Cats on Fire to The New Tigers to Big Wave Riders, and in honor of that celebration, the label is giving up an 8 track compilation of tunes that are either unreleased or demo versions.  They’ve even got a few words about each of the songs, which you can find HERE.  But, if you want to get your hands on some great tunes, or perhaps even discover your new favorite band, then click HERE.  For now, here’s my favorite track from the label.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/My-Sense-Of-Pride.mp3]

Download: Cats on Fire – My Sense Of Pride [MP3]

New Tune from Modern Hut

HutPromo1.1Joe Steinhardt is working under the moniker Modern Hut, and it’s time we introduce this fantastic new voice to you all.  His songs, like the one below, are pretty basic in construction, just using guitar and some minimal backing accompaniment. But, I’m particularly interested in the way his vocals are delivered, not to mention the lyrics that tie everything together.  Perhaps you can ascribe similarities to John Darnielle or a more serious Adam Green, which both count as great things in my book.  His album Generic Treasure will be coming out on August 17th courtesy of Don Giovanni Records.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/95839673″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Show Preview: Snowden @ Red7 (6/7)

Date 6/7/13
Location Red7
Doors 9pm
Tickets $12


Insanely busy weekend.

It has been six years since I saw Snowden at SXSW play tracks off of the excellent Anti-Anti album with the woxy.com people at Emo’s Annex tent during a day party. I guess that South-By was one of the first to really flip things upside down, making the day parties how you discover music. Jordan Jeffares finally brings some sound back to Austin to play Red7 tonight with Learning Secrets along for the preshow lounging. Come dance and then gaze.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/53058183″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Music from Jonathan Rado of Foxygen

jonathanradoAdmittedly, I’m not a fan of Foxygen, at least in so far as the live setting goes. I thought the band was so horrible that I actually walked out of their set.  But, that being said, I can’t say enough about the songwriters in that band, especially Jonathan Rado.  He’s announced a solo effort for Woodsist, and it definitely harkens back to days of sincere pop.  If you didn’t hear the 60s influence on his writing before, you’re definitely going to hear it in this new track.  The album is titled Law and Order and should see a release date at some point in the fall.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/95461842″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Show Pics: CHVRCHES @ Mohawk (6/5)

CHVRCHES is sporting a plethora of buzz, right? SxSW fan favorite, plenty of blogger hype, sold out shows in the mid level venues that most indie bands fill before spilling over to the mainstream, they have the boxes checked for a big 2013. The crowd at their show at The Mohawk was packed with bloggers and familiar faces. There were also plenty of show newbs (welcome) and a few dickwads (get bent).

But the big story for me on the night was that the better band was the opener, Still Corners. At least for me.

Click through for the pics and a few notes of import.

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Sprawling Noise from Tape Deck Mountain

tapedeckmountainThis newish 7″ from Tape Deck Mountain is really solid.  It opens with this huge wall of noise that blares right in your face; you think it’s just going to be a big loud rocker from the get-go.  But, they pull back just a tiny bit, revealing a quiet pop tendency, which is briefly interrupted by a wash of noisy atmospherics from time to time.  Those moments begin to unfold more often, accentuated by machine gun snare hits, as the song drifts towards its end.  Always down to hear something new from this group; they never seem to let me down.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/tape-deck-mountain-Always-Lie-Digital-7-01-Always-Lie.mp3]

Download: Tape Deck Mountain – Always Lie [MP3]

John Laird Turns 30 @ Holy Mountain – Tonight!

Going on 30 - BadgeThere’s a small little “blog” community in Austin, and we’re happy to be part of it; it also means we’ve got to support the other people involved, like John Laird of Side One Track One, who celebrates his 30th year of life with great music for you at Holy Mountain.  You’ll get to hear LA Snacks, Letting Up Despite Great Faults, The Sour Notes, Space Camp Death Squad and Miss Manners, with the first band kicking things off at 9 PM.  It’ll only cost you $5 to get in and support the bands, plus there will be drink specials and free cupcakes (while they last). Come out and support the locals and celebrate birthdays!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Letting-Up-Despite-Great-Faults-Visions.mp3]

Download: Letting Up Despite Great Faults – Visions [MP3]

Show Preview + Interview: Beach Day @ Mohawk (6/9)

beach-day-2012-christina-mendenhall-200-200x200

Date 6/9/13
Location Mohawk
Doors 9pm
Tickets $8 @ Frontgate

We’ve already mentioned that the 7 day period of music we’re currently going through in Austin is just one of those weeks that seems to happen once or twice a month.  One I’m personally excited about is the Sunday night show at Mohawk featuring one of my favorite new bands Beach Day.  I’d of course not be doing my duty as a reporter if I failed to mention that the show is actually headlined by Blank Tapes with opening support provided by Deep Space.  Prior to the show, I sent a couple silly questions to band member Kimmy.  Her answers are after the jump.

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