Ley Line (Credit: Thom Washburn)

When I think of Ley Line’s music, I instantly think of what it means to connect. This Austin band’s mission is to bridge the listener and remote parts of the world. Ley Line does this by creating a tapestry of sound that blends language, rhythm, and stories. In action, this multilingual group expresses a deep reverence for the traditions that inspire it.

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Gina Chavez looking onward as she releases her latest EP “Lightbeam” (Credit: Juice Consulting)

It was love at first strum. Three years ago during SXSW 2016, Gina Chavez played an early evening set at Sidewinder. Knowing her reputation alone, I showed up as a newbie. An hour later, I walked away a fan.

With a stylish and exuberant brand, melding samba, cumbia, and Latin influences, Gina Chavez has rocketed to the upper echelon of Austin’s music scene. And with her first record in four years, she’s refined her sound into something groovy, moving, and magical. [Read more…]

Tomar and the FCs raise temperatures at SXSW’s Pandora Party (Credit: Robert Hein)

I dare you to go see Tomar and the FCs and not move your body. I’m convinced that’s impossible. This musical storm raises the roof and sets it on fire, night after night on stages across Austin.

Tomar, lead vocalist for the band, and Paul Kresowik, drummer for the FCs, shared their story with me. They talked about their love of music, how the group came together, and what’s on the horizon for this sublime talent in the Austin music scene.

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