As the calendar tiptoes from July to August, the world around us slips into a heat-induced coma. Everything, that is, except Austin’s local music scene. Exceptional shows are still everywhere, awaiting your patronage. This week, we highlight an upbeat party show, a socially-conscious, female-focused festival, and a band whose heart lives in the crux of the early 2000’s emo scene. Another unforgettable weekend, courtesy of the Live Music Capital of the World. Enjoy the music, and as always, listen local!
Friday, July 28
Calliope Musicals, SIP SIP, The Sour Notes
@ Empire Control Room (606 E. 7th St.) – 8 p.m. – Tickets
If starting the weekend with a body-bumping start appeals to you, then Friday’s triple shot of foot-tapping fun is your jam. Calliope Musicals’ brand of light-hearted, retro-laced indie pop delivers bubblegum smiles, while SIP SIP rocks the funk out of crowds with big, brassy party jams. Round out the evening with the spaced out, garage rock fuzz of The Sour Notes, and you have an eclectic evening of awesome music.
Saturday, July 29
Babes Fest w/Magna Carda. Sailor Poon, Alesia Lani, Melat, and more
@ Empire Control Room (606 E. 7th St.) – 6 p.m. – Tickets
A bevy of Texas’ most talented female artists will grace the Empire Control Room stage this Saturday during the cheekily-named Babes Fest. Austin will be well-represented with the hip hop luminaries of Magna Carda, the in-your-face punk rockers in Sailor Poon, and sultry R&B vocalist, Alesia Lani. The local lineup continues with electro-R&B songstress, Melat, and the power pop rockers in The Reputations. The entire event is hosted by #bossbabesATX, an organization dedicated to promoting and connecting women in the arts. A great lineup for a great cause.
Hitting Subset
@ Sidewinder (715 Red River St.) – 11:45 p.m. – $8+ at the door
Newcomers to the Austin music scene, Hitting Subset harkens back to early 2000’s emo with a modern, more focused presentation. Expressive in both composition and lyrics, Hitting Subset hearkens back to the sound of early Matchbook Romance with thunderous drums, scorching guitar lines, and lyrics dripping with horror imagery and emotional weight. An under-the-radar band worth checking out.
@BillTuckerTSP asks:
Which local Austin band are you looking forward to seeing this weekend?
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The Soul Supporters at Skylark Lounge Saturday and Two Hoots and a Holler at ABGB Friday!