Canvas People frontman Kyle Taylor wows the Stubb’s Indoors crowd (Credit: Austin T. Wells)

It was 11 p.m. on a school night, and the energy at Stubb’s Indoors was winding down. Thursday night was flirting with Friday morning as the still-healthy crowd milled about and chatted. Drink orders were being rushed out before last call. The crowd was attentive, but distracted.

But when Austin original Canvas People hit the stage and jammed out their first number, they got everybody’s attention. The room shut up and listened. And that’s what happens when this unassuming four-piece takes the stage and blows the brick off the venue walls. With spacey guitars, indie rock backbeats and three-part harmonies Grizzly Bear would respect, Canvas People creates stirring music that forces you to take notice. [Read more…]

His attire is simple and uncomplicated. Stormy blue eyes rest behind tortoise-rimmed spectacles. Disheveled strands of hair manage to find refuge under a black skull cap, tilting down toward scuffed brown loafers. A denim shirt attempts to hide under a frayed gray cardigan. His stride is heavy, but intentional.

You may be tempted to give him the once over and move on, but don’t. Brandon Kinder is no wallflower. Like many of us trudging through the day, he’ll be the first to tell you that he’s just trying to get by. [Read more…]

Miranda Dawn and Chris Hawkes of Dawn and Hawkes (Credit: Dawn and Hawkes)

“In a field of clovers, Miranda found one among millions with four leaves.” -Chris Hawkes

The lights are dim, but the stage glows. It’s a simple set: two individuals with acoustic guitars, not an uncommon sight in Austin, but the chemistry that sparks sets them apart.

Miranda Dawn and Chris Hawkes laugh, joke and tease each other with ease–putting on a fine show along the way. Throughout the concert, they share their creative process with the audience, providing backstory for tunes and lyrics.

Inspiration seems drawn from everywhere: sunsets, literature, creepy vans and possessive ex-girlfriends. Most of the set is composed of their originals, with a Springsteen cover thrown in for good measure. [Read more…]

Love the blues? Check out Clay Campania Band at Friends Bar

Rock and roll as we know it is mostly inspired by the blues. As a fan of music, especially live music, I tend to appreciate bands that give the blues the credit it deserves, while introducing some of their own influence to an otherwise traditional pattern. Clay Campania Band does this well.

[Read more…]