Free Week Pics: Modern Outsider Takeover @ Emo’s (1/5)

Ume. There is the general feeling around these parts that they just need to blow up; power trio rock with the remarkably charismatic powerhouse lady putting down the jams should be a lock. I love photographing this band. I think every music photographer in Austin loves photographing this band thanks to Lauren’s hair.

But they weren’t my highlight. Modern Outsider is a friend of the program. They have several great acts on their roster and bedsides being really good people, they call Austin home. So naturally, they decided to host a pre-SxSW showcase as part of Free Week 2013.

Click through for plenty of pics of Soft Swells, My Jerusalem, The Black and White Years, The Calm Blue Sea and Ume.

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Show Preview: My Jerusalem @ Stubbs (12/16)

 

Date 12/16/12
Location Stubbs
Doors 8pm
Tickets $7 @ Frontgate

It’s been a big year for local band My Jerusalem.  They just dropped their impeccable album Preachers, have done some light touring, and have been picking up some positive national press.  Sunday evening is a chance to get on board and support local music with a show on the Stubbs inside stage featuring the up and coming group.  It’s an even better show with ATH approved local songwriter Frank Smith providing the opening support for the evening.  Should be a good one.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/My-Jerusalem-Mono.mp3]

Download: My Jerusalem – Mono [MP3]

Show Preview: My Jerusalem @ Holy Mountain

Date 10/19/12
Location Holy Mountain
Doors 9pm
Tickets $12 @ Frontgate

I was always a huge fan of Jeff Klein during his solo career after his move down to Austin from New York many years ago.  I admittedly lost touch with the singer/songwriter and haven’t really kept up with his recent work as a musician.  All that being said, I’m excited to see that Klein is back in an up and Austin band called My Jerusalem. The band just released their new album Preachers and have a local show planned at Holy Mountain on Friday night before kicking off a huge national tour.  Supporting the band for the show are fellow locals The Sour Notes and Mirror Travel (formerly Follow That Bird).  Those not familiar with Holy Mountain should take note that it is in the old Beauty Bar space and was recently taken over by ATH amigo James Taylor.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/My-Jerusalem-Mono.mp3]

Download: My Jerusalem – Mono [MP3]

New Tune from My Jerusalem

I love a smoky voice, especially when you drape it over solemn tunes.  The latest tune from local Austin act My Jerusalem has that exact perfect vocal I look for, even including a nice little pop raise in the vocal during the chorus.  Otherwise, the track treads the water with a careful guitar line, some light flourishes of instrumental accompaniment and a thoughtful drum beat.  It’s great to see an Austin band crafting this sort of music, which definitely seems able to escape the confines of our local scene. You can hear this tune and others on the band’s upcoming record, Preachers, which is being released by The End Records on October 9th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/My-Jerusalem-Mono.mp3]

Download:My Jerusalem – Mono

Show Pics: Mynabirds @ The Mohawk (7/28)

Back to the friendly confines, Mohawk’s inside stage played host to the Mynabirds touring with locals Deep Time. Another local band My Jerusalem used the opening slot.

It was a cool mix. The outside show with Murder By Death as headliner had a comfortable crowd, some of which stayed behind for the inside show which added to the crowd but it was never “crowded”. The night felt like a showcase or label party. Calm, plenty of friendly faces, the kind of show you can go to solo and just have fun in the crowd.

Click through for plenty of pics and show notes…

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Show Preview: Mynabirds @ Mohawk (7/28)

Date Saturday, July 28th
Location Mohawk
Doors 900 pm
Tickets $10 from Frontgate

 
 
 
Tons of great acts are playing in town on Saturday night, but here’s where we have our eyes set.  Mynabirds sweep into town fresh off the release of their sophomore record, Generals; it’s been called enchanting, but most of all, it’s been called good. Personally, I’m stoked to see Deep Time, a band that really deserves some Austin love, seeing as they’re from our hometown.  They just put out their latest, Deep Time, on Hardly Art, and it grows on my the more I listen to it.  But, be sure to get there early because another great Austin act, My Jerusalem will be opening the night up.  And I’ll be honest, if you live in Austin and aren’t at a show on Saturday night, give yourself an F. Unless you have kids. Then a D since I gave you at least a day’s notice to get a sitter.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/05-Homebody.mp3]

Download:Deep Time – Homebody [MP3]