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Expect plenty of photo opportunities during Abloom (Credit: Domain Northside)
The most definitive sign of spring in Texas is the first bluebonnet sighting. The wildflowers are certainly beautiful to see, and now you can also see spring blooming during a week-long celebration called Abloom at Domain Northside.
Clockwise: Austin bands Charlie Faye & the Fayettes, Los Coast, The Lagoons
It’s a week before SXSW Music 2018 and I’m already exhausted. I also couldn’t be more stoked. In a few days, I get the opportunity to cannonball into a maelstrom of sights and sounds, showcases and songs. For seven days, Austin literally becomes the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
Over 2,000 bands will play official SXSW showcases this year. Among them are over 260 locals, ready to rep ATX and highlight what’s amazing about the greatest music city ever.
To help you prepare to listen local, I’ve listened to every Austin band playing official SXSW shows and hand-picked 15 must-see artists. Done right, SX is an incredible experience, and these musicians will help you celebrate what’s good and beautiful about Austin music.
Bill Murray on Jimmy Kimmel Live during SXSW 2015 (Credit: Getty)
Brace yourselves. SXSW is coming! The popular meme floating around the interwebs was inspired by the festival’s legendary reputation. And with good reason, considering everyone has an epic SXSW story. With approximately 400,000 participants, attendees, and celebrities descending on Austin from all over the world, it’s hard to not have a crazy tale about what I refer to as “adult Spring Break.”
To celebrate the return of the festival for another year, here are 14 quotes from Austin locals that perfectly explain the phenomenon that is SXSW.
Walk downtown on a Saturday night in Austin, and you’ll find yourself in a mixtape. Songs and tunes of every genre swirl together to create a kaleidoscope of sound. As the entertainment lifeblood of our fair city, live music holds a special place in our hearts. During SXSW, the vibe is amplified by a factor of 10.
But what about the venues that house this wonderful music? While each official SXSW venue has its own charm and style, here are six I make a point of visiting every year, regardless of who’s playing. [Read more…]
Joe Ely, winner of the Townes Van Zandt Songwriting Award, performs at the 2018 Austin Music Awards (Credit: Bill Tucker)
As anyone who’s watched four hours of the Oscars can tell you, award ceremonies can be tedious. Cheesy jokes, plastic celebrities politely clapping for the winners, and the obligatory political acceptance speech are standard operating procedures. By the end, everyone’s over it.
Not so with the Austin Music Awards. Rather than a collection of stars, it’s a gathering of friends. On Feb. 28, 2018, Austin’s Moody Theater transformed into a celebration of the best our fine city has to offer. By paying homage to those who cleared the way for the artists of today, this year’s Austin Music Awards wasn’t just a ceremony. It was a welcome home party. [Read more…]
This morning, I woke up, checked my phone, and made a shocking discovery. SXSW Music is two weeks away! Before our fair city turns into a wristbanded swarm of music-loving festival goers, head out for a wonderful weekend of live, local music. This weekend, we recommend a one-two punch of ’80s goodness, dreamy classic rock, and down home county Willie would appreciate. Enjoy the weekend and listen local! [Read more…]
Another weekend, another heaping helping of live, local Austin music. This weekend through The Austinot Weekend Concert Picks, we recommend a multi-faceted rock band, indie soundscapes, and a 20-year-old country gal waiting to break out. As always, enjoy the weekend, enjoy the music, and listen local. [Read more…]
In the year I’ve been doing this article series, I’ve had the privilege to feature some of Austin’s best and brightest local artists. It’s a time-consuming labor of love, but my weekly dive into discovery is more than worth the effort. As a result, for the first time, I’m featuring four shows. This weekend brings 1) an exceptional shoegaze band’s album release, 2) driving 80’s synth, 3) an incredible cover show, and 4) a legendary venue filled with legendary performers. Thanks for the readership and keep listening local!
NOTE: I’ll be skipping next week’s article due to a last-minute work trip. Curse you, reality! [Read more…]
It’s the freakin’ weekend–time to have us some fun! Despite Super Bowl Sunday (everyone’s favorite national holiday), live music is alive and kicking this weekend. And even though most of the city will be parked in front of a TV for the big game, we have concert picks for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This weekend, we recommend soulful Americana, evocative synth, and funky dance jams. Enjoy the weekend and listen local! [Read more…]
Happy Thursday, Austin! A wonderful weekend of live, local music awaits those hungry for something to hear, so let’s jump right into it. This weekend, we recommend groovy blues, a shoegaze showcase, and old-fashioned rock and roll. Enjoy the weekend, fellow Austinites. [Read more…]