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MCG’s new EP “Outside” (Credit: Brent Boswell)
Austin indie pop band MCG has only been around two years, but their dedication, talent and sound are that of a seasoned, mature band. Their recent vinyl release party at Empire Control Room drew an excited crowd, ready to dance, and MCG did not disappoint!
I sat down with the band after the show to get an inside look at their quick rise in Austin. [Read more…]
Danny Shoemaker, owner of Straight Frets in Austin
Guest article by Sam Small
A guitar is a complicated weapon of music-making. It has to be light enough to wear around your neck, but strong enough to bear the enormous string tension that can range from 70 to 150 pounds.
So, you masters of the zinging strings, how is your neck relief? Is your truss rod in good order? Is your action too high? Is your intonation accurate? Is your bridge at the right height? If you answered no to any of these questions, then you need guitar service in Austin.
Guest article by Andi G. C.
What is love?
This is a question we’ve all asked ourselves at least once in our lives. Numerous authors have written on the matter; it is the theme of many movies; and a great number of musicians awaken our emotions when singing about the topic of love.
Since Austin is such a vibrant and energetic city, largely due to the abundant number of musicians who reside here, we thought it would be fun to shine light on several local male artists’ perception of love. This time it’s the guys’ turn to open up and share their feelings! [Read more…]
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.
Second Annual Black Ball at The Paramount Theatre
It’s easy to say we love Austin’s live music scene, but Black Fret is actually doing something for local musicians. $150,000 worth of something.
At the second annual Black Ball Gala, Friday night at The Paramount Theatre, non-profit Black Fret awarded grants to 20 musicians, for a total of $150,000 in grant dollars. Ten major grant winners received $12,000 each, while 10 minor grant winners were awarded $3,000.
The organization is built on its members, about 300 and counting. These patrons donate $1,500 per year to fulfill Black Fret’s mission: “to empower musicians to create and perform great new music.” [Read more…]
Check out advice from four professional Austin music makers on how to be successful in Austin
Guest article by Ben Snyder
The low cost of living used to attract musicians here. Austin’s small town feel, combined with its thriving economy, drew talent away from New York and Los Angeles, simply because the rent was cheaper. But that’s not the case anymore. It’s getting harder and harder to make a living as a musician in Austin.
Below, you’ll learn about four Austin musicians who are adapting in order to achieve the holy grail of getting paid and preserving creative autonomy in our rapidly growing city. [Read more…]
It’s difficult to describe music in general, nevermind attempting to explain Tele Novella, a red hot, psychedelic, 60s-inspired rock band straight out of Austin. The description found on their Facebook page captures their unique sound quite accurately: “Tele Novella is a fresh strain of sugar-crash dream-psych popsicle punch out of Austin, TX.” Yep, that about sums it up. [Read more…]