Show Pics: Tres Oui Release Party

Another week, another record released by Austin Town Hall Records.

The most recent excuse to get together with friends is the EP from Tres Oui. Singles Going Nowhere is five tracks perfectly crafted pop chock full of ringing guitar and driving backlines. It is a compact example of the concise EP as opposed to five goods songs with filler content. Oh, sure, they have new songs already, so be ready for that when you see them in your neighborhood. Did I mention this was a tour kickoff, too?

Hit the road, nerds.

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ATX Premiere: New MCG Video

About this point last year I was getting my first taste of MCG, one of the best pop bands working town; they played at our ATX Popfest event. Their Outside EP was released earlier this year, and they’ve given us the pleasure of premiering their new video for the single “Start Over.” It’s one of the standout tracks on the EP, though, admittedly, they’re all pretty solid pieces…this one has Mariclaire’s vocal performance really taking the cake. Pay close attention to the video, as the members all have little bit parts to play. Enjoy the new video and grab the EP from the band!

Stream MCG’s Outside EP + Show Spotlight (1.30)

mcgEarlier this year I picked MCG as one of the band’s that would rise out of Austin this year (they played our ATX Popfest), spreading the pop gospel across the lands. They’ve been so kind to allow us to share their Outside EP with you as a preview before their 7″ release this Saturday over at Empire Control Room. Not only is the EP a must have for local vinyl collectors, but the show features some incredible local talent, including new act, Lou Rebecca, who we’ve heard lots of great things about (namely Stereolab allusions)…also Major Major Major and Mobley will play. It’s a great night to celebrate another solid Austin release with a bunch of solid Austin bands. Here’s the tracks on the EP, but one is only available if you grab the vinyl version.

If you can’t make the show…grab it HERE.

Thursday Night Austin Show Recommendations

ggI’m getting overwhelmed with opportunities for great shows this week, and Thursday night’s no different. Still amazes me that people are still harping on “Austin music is dying” when there’s a million shows to hit up on any given night…but alas. Pay close attention as a lot of the gigs below are cover acts in honor of Halloween…like the show at Mohawk with our boys Rose Selavy; it also has prizes!

Here’s where you can find yourself this evening:

Goblin a Go-Go w/ Rose Selavy and Loafer @ Mohawk – 8 PM

Basketball Shorts, New China, Oozer, Mean Jolene @ Trailer Space – 7 PM (FREE)

Sweet Spirit, Crushed Out, Major Major Major @ Hotel Vegas – 10 PM

Otis the Destroyer, MCG, Ghostbunny, The Bravo @ Sidewinder – 9 PM

Peacers, Elisa Ambrogio, Quin Galavis, Shawn McMillen, Jared Leibowich @ Cheer Up Charlies – 8 PM

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ATX Popfest 2015

ATX Popfest 00It all started when Nathan ran his mouth about getting a bunch of bands together to celebrate just how damn good Austin’s Pop scene is right now. It is a renaissance. With long time ATH faves like Shivery Shakes, She Sir, Young Girls (HTX) and Letting Up Despite Great Faults, Popfest had a number of shiny new things to shimmy to including Templo X, Summer Salt, Polio Club, (new to me) MCG and new old friends in Tres Oui to round things out. Well, OK, Tres Oui is kinda Literature, but not really, so still “new”…

Pics and recap? Sure.

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ATX Popfest (9.12) – The Definitive Edition

11895936_10207422291186088_4494044377145704198_nTomorrow is the ATX Popfest over at Cheer Up Charlies, doors are at 6 PM, bands start at 7. It’s $5 for 10 Bands. All the money goes straight to the bands…so let’s not complain about $5. But, I also want you to have notes on all the bands, and why you should check them all out. It’s a long post, so please read it all. It should convince you why attendance is required.

Come enjoy yourself some pop music. There’s no place else to be Saturday. 

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ATX Popfest Playlist – Show Saturday @Cheer Up Charlies

11895936_10207422291186088_4494044377145704198_nWe’re really excited to be part of the first ATX Popfest, trying to encourage love and adoration for our favorite local pop bands. The event features 10 of the best pop bands in Austin, and it’ll be going from 7 – Close over at Cheer Up Charlies. I figured the whole world might not be aware of our scene, so why not create a little playlist to get you hip to what we’ll be throwing down on Saturday.  Two notes, Polio Club have been battling Soundcloud, and have chosen instead to only stream their music via Tidal, so you can buy their excellent tape HERE.  Also, Literature is not officially playing, but members past and present will be playing in Tres Oui, and we’re hoping Nate will DJ late into the evening…playing indiepop hits.

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Announcing ATX Popfest!!! — September 12th @ Cheer Up Charlies

11921975_1035276473149720_2134988977_nPop music is near and dear to my heart…it was my gateway drug into music.  And, Austin’s got an incredible pop scene that often goes unnoticed, so I got together with some friends and some great bands in Austin, and we’ve organized a great night of music for you.  We’re calling this gathering the ATX Popfest; it’ll feature 10 great bands for $5.  That’s 50 cents a band, so you can’t beat that. Here’s the line-up: Tres Oui, MCG, Letting Up Despite Great Faults, Templo X, Rose Selavy, Young Girls, Shivery Shakes, Summer Salt, Polio Club, She Sir and a Guest DJ.  Show will start at 6 PM, and there will be bands selling merch, booze, etc.  Come enjoy and partake in some of Austin’s finest pop delights.

Also…I’ll be celebrating the release of the Rose Selavy/Templo X 7″ that night, so if you can’t make it to grab one, order it HERE.

Have a listen to it now; I’ll make a master mix of the great bands for you guys later!

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