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After over 2 years of being a home body and living with anxiety, mixed with a dash of unease, it was an overwhelmingly cathartic experience to get out of the house to see live music again. Seeing old faces, visiting old haunts, and of course being treated to an incredible live set by one of the best live bands around, Idles. I’d say BGray and I were like little kids going to a show for the first time. Hit the jump for a few thoughts and some fancy photos from BGray.
Shows are back, y’all, and in full swing. We’ve got a bunch of touring acts coming to the ATX in the next few weeks…looking at you Levitation 2021, but also some great bands to catch while they’re in town before hand. This Monday, we’re welcoming IDLES to Stubb’s, who are known for their raucous post-hardcore/punk sounds and wildly entertaining live shows. They’re just about to drop their fourth studio album, CRAWLER, on 11/12, and they’ve released the single “The Beachland Ballroom” for us to preview the latest effort. Now, this show is sold out, but I’m sure if you scramble you can find a way in. It’s bound to be an evening of fun, mayhem, and exceptional tunes.
As a part of the newly reformed and relaunched label False Idols, UK founder/rapper/producer Tricky has a new group called Lonely Guest to celebrate the event. Though you won’t know the band name, you’ll certainly recognize the voices of Idles front man Joe Talbot and frequent Tricky collaborator Marta on the groups debut single “Pre War Tension” found below. It’s a dark, slinky little number which focuses on the commanding presence of vocals from Talbot, Marta and even Tricky himself. After a few listens, you’ll definitely want to know what’s next from the label and if this is a precursor to further collabs.
I mean, you probably saw it on your feeds or your emails or your smoke signals, but enjoy. This band’s ability to blur punk into something unique is on display. Go get a t-shirt.
Phew, the end of the year really snuck up on me this time and it’s crazy to think we are moving on from the 2010s. Before we do so, Nathan and I of course want to share some of our favorite things from the year for those of you who care to hear our opinions. I am typically the songs guy and Nathan usually takes on the albums, so here it is, my favorites from this year. Hit the jump for my list and a Spotify playlist to take with you.
Another Austin City Limits is behind us boys and girls and it’s always a good time to reflect on the music and experiences from the weekend. I considered myself very lucky to spend more time out during Weekend 2 when the weather was a bit cold and then incredible. The rain was limited and refreshing, and the colder weather brought out everyone’s best ACL hoodie. Once again, fun was had by everyone in attendance and the music was killer. Hit the jump for a couple thoughts.
ACL 2019
Today’s the day! It’s officially day one of Weekend Two of Austin City Limits 2019! Last weekend, we endured a ridiculous amount of heat and humidity to see some great bands deliver wonderful performances. Lucky for you, Weekend Two goer, you have the chance to see essentially the same lineup (with a few wonderful additions) with far superior weather. Yes, it may look like rain is in the forecast this morning and it’s likely Zilker will turn into a bit of a mud pit (rain boots may be your friends), but the great news is you will not sweat merely by existing. You can view the full schedule here, and if you’re a fan of the hard paper copy, I would suggest printing one out at home, as there is no fold out maps / schedules this year. Read more for my thoughts from Weekend 1 and suggestions for Weekend 2. Read more
The humidity returned. Record high temperatures were recorded. There was nowhere to hide. It was hot. I guess we have to move the fest back another month?
Day three was pretty chill for me. Plenty of fun shooting to do, though. Going into the fest, Sunday was all about Idles. Instead, I experienced several gems hiding around that powerhouse performance. From mellow to nostalgic to charming, Sunday’s photos include Otis The Destroyer, Thomas Csorba, Faye Webster, Idles, Banks, Third Eye Blind, Kacey Musgraves and a shot of the biggest crowd ever for side stage performance. No, I did not shoot Lizzo as after I checked out TEB and Kacey, the crowd waiting for Lizzo was so huge that making it through before the pit closed was not looking possible without a jet pack. It was crazy.
We’re one –that’s right just one– week away from this year’s edition of the Austin City Limits Music Festival. While this year’s fest has snuck up on us rather quickly, it comes as no surprise that the late night bills around town are a solid addition to this years lineup. Whether you’re hitting up just a day or two of the Fest proper at Zilker, want to catch your faves in a more intimate venue, or would rather just see a few nights of music and want to skip the fest, The Official 2019 Late Night Shows have some great options to amplify your festin’ this year. Healthy reminder to scoop your tickets now, as most will likely sell out.
Read my picks after the jump.
If you can believe it, (I can’t) we’re less than a month away from two weekends of crazy fun at Zilker Park once again. Whether you’re a veteran fester or new to Austin City Limits Music Festival, we’re here to try and help you navigate a few days in the still-too-hot-for-October-Texas Sun with a few hundred thousand of your closest friends. Click past the jump to check out five of my must see bands, both obvious choices and more under the radar acts. You can buy your tickets / passes here.
