Sunlit Prep New Album, Share Back Single

I’m a sucker for big grandiose pop vibes, and Oxford’s Sunlit is definitely hitting that note this morning. You might recognize songwriter Joe Moore from the Yearning, but this new sound really hits hard on broad sweeping melodies and nostalgic sentiment. I can imagine a video with Joe at a piano, fog machines billowing behind him as the films wash is done with a grainy effect; there’s a light shining in the background, just as the chorus hits and the fans swoon. If you want big ballad vibes, sounds like Sunlit‘s got ’em. More info on the LP coming your way soon courtesy of Elefant.

Introducing Skep Wax Records

One thing we remembered – and re-lived – in 2020 was the spirit of indie DIY. We wrote songs, recorded them at home, took our own pictures, made our own videos. So we decided it was about time to start a label. The first physical releases on Skep Wax will come out next spring. We will be co-releasing the next Swansea Sound single with US label HHBTM and Japanese label Formosa Punk, and we will co-release the new Catenary Wires songs with US label Shelflife. Its great to be working alongside these other labels. We always loved the idea of the International Pop Underground, and in 2021 we hope to breathe new life into it. If we discover we are any good at running a label, we will start thinking about releasing other bands music on the label. Very excited about this!

You can see all the work at Skep Wax Bandcamp.

Follow on the socials: @skepwax

 

Kevin Hairs Drops New Single + Video

Kevin Hairs has had some time on his hands, but he hasn’t sat idly; instead he’s busied himself with art (check his pet portraits!) and music. Today, he’s sharing a new two-song single of bouncing pop tunes that I’d love you to hear. “House of 1000 Roommates” is this subtle jangling pop rocker; his voice has this soothing tune here, giving the track a layered dreaminess that’ll make you swoon. Flip to “Clean Punk” and you have more of a rocking number, albeit one that fits into Kevin’s style. The drums have that sort of machine gun snare hit, with the guitars taking on more of a jagged edge. Both tracks are available on Bandcamp today, so be sure to pick them up right now as a portion of proceeds go to NAACP!

But, Kevin also wanted to share a brand new video for his tune “Subdued at the VCU,” which was on his More Magic, More Magic EP; it dropped in April, but now we get the video treatment with animation done personally by Kevin. You can grab that HERE…also on Bandcamp, so another way to get good music and support a better world.

Slack Capital 3 Drops Tomorrow

Every so often, I team up with our friend Eric from Big Bill to curate Slack Capital compilations. This year, we began working early in the COVID shutdown, along with new help from the supreme booking team that is Howdy Gals. We’ve dropped a few tunes already from Christelle Bofale and Sun June, but we wanted to give you one last taste before the compilation goes live tomorrow. 100% of proceeds raised will go to Austin Justice Coalition…plus, since its only available on Bandcamp, a percentage of their profits is going to NAACP!

We wanted to illustrate the compilation’s broad musical swath, so we’ve got a little hip-hop, a touch of electro-pop, and a few beautiful ballads. The 41 track compilation goes live tomorrow!




PSA: Bandcamp Artist Support Day

Bandcamp is again waiving their cut of proceeds to help out artists again today. Moreover, there are also a ton of special releases and deals from several labels, details here. ATH Records has a bandcamp store. I also picked up some stuff from Ghostly, Dais and Partisan. Good times. A recent ATH release to listen to below while browsing…

Support Your Favorite Artists at Bandcamp 3/20

With all of the event cancellations, we know that the service industry and performers are being hit hard. Bandcamp is running a one day event.

To raise even more awareness around the pandemics impact on musicians everywhere, were waiving our revenue share on sales today (Friday, March 20th, from midnight to midnight Pacific Time), and rallying the Bandcamp community to put much needed money directly into artists pockets. – Ethan Diamond, Co-Founder & CEO

So, just go get records or download some high quality rips for your Zune.

ATX Spotlight: Decisions Decions Are Ready to Rock

228747_1088522405580_3663907_nDisclaimer.  I’m friends with Stuart from Decisions Decisions. Disclaimer. Stuart was also in the Rise, who I think any old-school Austin music fans fawned over.  His new band has that same tenacity, living somewhere between the realm of post-punk and hardcore. The vocals border on angsty scream, though they have a bit more control, allowing the actual lyrics to shine through the track.  The band have just uploaded 8 new songs to their Bandcamp page…and they’re worthy of your time, if rocking out real loud is your style.  Check it…and I’ll keep you posted on upcoming shows.

Sweeping Pop from Seatraffic

TempoOfRegret_artworkI’ve written about my love for Seatraffic before, and as the band continues to work hard on their single series, I’ve got another great tune to share with you.  I like the expansiveness of this track, using a trickling bit of keyboard to allow room for the floating harmonies to move in and out of the track.  Vocals are slow moving, matching the pace that the music (and artwork) emits.  They’ve also got an accompanying video for the song that you can view HERE.  Don’t forget to stop by the group’s BANDCAMP page to pick up all their new singles by kindly donating what you can spare.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Seatraffic-Tempo-of-Regret-01-Tempo-of-Regret.mp3]

Download: Seatraffic – Tempo of Regret [MP3]

New Music from Life Size Maps

The interesting thing about the modern day in music is the combination of electronic elements, atmospherics and other such things amidst the the more traditional instrumentation.  If you’re one of those folks, like me, who takes a liking to such things, then perhaps you’ll dig this track from Life Size Maps.  They’ve just completed their Excavate EP, and it’s definitely an interesting listen.  It’s heavy on the guitar edge, but the rest of the music surrounding that is a mix of various electronic flourishes that add more depth to the EP as a whole.  I quite like this, and if you do too, it’s free on their BANDCAMP.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/01-Abstract-Speed.mp3]

Download:Life Size Maps – Abstract Speed [MP3]

New Jam from TV Torso

The dudes in TV Torso have been hard at work recording various tunes over the last year, and we finally get a chance to hear some of their efforts paying off.  This tune comes from Clear Lake Strangler, which is a short EP the group currently has to offer HERE for the NYOP special.  This particular tune has a straight-forward edge with a vocal that I’m really attached to today.  I have a feeling this is just a short preview of the great stuff they have coming our way in the very near future.  The group will be releasing their new CD at Hotel Vegas this Saturday night in Austin with some other great locals, so be sure to show your local love.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/TV-Torso-Clear-Lake-Strangler.mp3

Download:TV Torso – Clear Lake Strangler [MP3]

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