Archives for June 2018

Texas Standard: June 8, 2018

Never before has help been more readily available and yet suicide numbers continue rise. What’s going on? We’ll explore. Also, the disappearance of 43 Mexican college students in 2014 is considered an international scandal. Now a court has ordered a new impartial investigation and a truth commission to get to the bottom of it. It’s a move some are calling historic, we’ll hear why. Also, remember the lore of lopping off a rattlers head to kill it? That wasn’t enough for a Texas man, who barely survived getting bitten by the snakehead. What you’re really supposed to do in the event of a snake encounter. Plus actor musician Kevin Bacon and his brother Michael stop by the studios, the week in Texas politics and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Ramadan in Texas

Hundreds of thousands of Texans have been fasting this month in honor of Ramadan. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

This Song: John Cusack

John Cusack comes to Austin’s Bass Concert Hall on June 15th for a screening of High Fidelity followed by a live Q&A moderated by KUTX host Susan Castle! Before the trip to Austin, we caught up with the actor and screenwriter to talk with him about the process of adapting Nick Hornby’s novel into a screenplay and the importance of music and music cues in the film. Also, he tells us how listening to The Clash’s “Armagideon Time” as a teenager opened him up both politically and musically and how he knew which songs to put in the movie.

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Purchase tickets to the Live Screening of High Fidelity at Bass Concert Hall on June 15th

Check out Songs from this episode of This Song

 

Texas Standard: June 7, 2018

A new tactic by US border agents to stop would be asylum seekers: physically getting in the way before they can make their claim, we’ll explore. Also after the Santa Fe high school shooting governor Abbot came up with a list of plans to cut back on gun violence, one plan will give a million dollars to a gun safety group backed by the gun industry, we’ll hear about it. Also, is smartphone addiction a thing? Apple seems to think so, Omar Gallaga of 512 Tech breaks down what the company plans to do about it. And a secret Pentagon plan revealed: using artificial intelligence to find hidden nuclear weapons. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Galeano: “El Gue Gue”

Born in Nicaragua in the middle of the country’s violent revolution during the 1960s and 70s, Jose Galeano and his family fled to the United States with he was just a boy, creating an identity struggle growing-up as a Spanish-speaking Nicaraguan in the middle of a white-cultured New York. He began performing at the age of six under the heavy influence of his uncle Chepito, who himself was a widely successful, world-touring percussionist and timbale player (chiefly with Santana).

Thus far, Galeano has gotten out of life and his career what he’s put into it. An integral member of the Austin-based, Latin-funk phenomenon Grupo Fantasma, Galeano has a Grammy and 2 nominations under his belt, and that’s a metric that will inarguably increase as his prolific career continues. He titles his solo project after his surname, and with this endeavor, the game is spelled R-H-Y-T-H-M. 11 members strong, rhythm is the absolute core of Galeano, pushing the momentum ever forward without ever once getting out of control.

The sound here has a smattering of colors from an array of genres, blending everything from blues to funk stamped with that trademark Latin-Afro flavor that’s become synonymous with Galeano’s musical identity. The choice to employ such a myriad of sounds stems directly from Galeano’s stalwart pushing against borders and the walls they threaten to erect. “El Gue Gue” showcases all of this excitement, brandishing a fully filled-out rhythm section infused with funky basslines, keys, and (not surprisingly) a horn section to boot. All it asks is that “Poganse de pie y bailen el gue gue!” (Everybody on your feet and dance the gue gue.) Boogie on!

Catch Galeano every Tuesday this month during their residency at Antone’s.

-Taylor Wallace// host, Thursdays 8-11P & Saturdays 2-6P; Producer, Eklektikos with John Aielli

This Song: Brownout

Greg Gonzalez, bass player for Austin’s premiere Latin funk outfit Brownout describes how Anthrax’s version of “Bring the Noise” introduced him to Public Enemy, which in turn introduced him to the music of James Brown and ignited a lifelong love affair with funk music.

Brownout just released an album of Public Enemy interpretations called “Fear of a Brown Planet.”

📸 Julia Reihs/KUTX

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Check out Brownout’s Tour Dates

Check out Brownout’s MyKUTX Guest DJ Set

Listen to Adrian Quesada’s This Song episode

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Texas Standard: June 6, 2018

It was the biggest primary day so far. On the day after, what do the numbers tell Texas about the shape of the midterms to come? We’ll explore. Also, there’ve been lawsuits and noisy protests against school boards across the state as some districts move to replace failing schools with charter partnerships. What’s behind the controversies, and what do they tell us about how Texas is dealing with the issue? And, pain and profit. A year long investigation by the Dallas Morning News reveals how Texas had dropped the ball regulating health care for the state’s most vulnerable. And as the full moon approaches, the mystery of the Texas stonehenge, revealed? Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

The Beths: “Future Me Hates Me”

Auckland’s The Beths have garnered an enamored following all over Australia and their native New Zealand for a hot minute, but the release of their debut EP in 2016 has yielded a breakout for the four-piece here in the states and elsewhere. Comprised of a group of people who met while studying jazz at the University of Auckland, the four ironically bonded over a mutual love for pop-punk. Harnessing a sound akin to Skating Polly, their music is heavily driven by melodic guitars punctuated by bright vocal melodies. “Future Me Hates Me,” the title track to the group’s upcoming debut full-length, epitomizes the group’s groove, with lead vocalist, guitarist, and chief songstress Elizabeth Stokes singing about diving into love head first despite cynically seeing ten steps ahead to the heartache and headaches that come with the territory.

“Future Me Hates Me” is out August 10th via Carpark.

-Taylor Wallace// host, Thursdays 8-11P & Saturdays 2-6P; Producer, Eklektikos with John Aielli

Las Rosas: “Tax Man”

Simmering up a stew of psych, garage, and pop rock, New York trio Las Rosas is no joke. These three have proved time and again that they can effortlessly deliver powerful psychedelic performances over the course of their five years and four releases together, and now’s the chance to catch the newest tunes here in town!

Just last month Las Rosas put out their latest release in the form of their sophomore full-length, entitled Shadow By Your Side, nine songs of nuanced 1960s-influenced psych rock. Las Rosas has been supporting Shadow By Your Side with a national tour, wrapping up this month with a return show in their hometown of Brooklyn, and you can see them perform tomorrow night at Hotel Vegas with Loteria, Lo Country and The Zoltars. Treat yourself right now with a single that’s certainly sentient of classic ’60s psych, considering it’s Revolver-esque title, “Tax Man”.

Jack Anderson (Host Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

[Photo Credit: Adela Loconte]

Texas Standard: June 5, 2018

The story of a same sex marriage, and a wedding cake that a christian baker wouldn’t bake. There are implications for Texas, we’ll explore. Also, did you realize that as of last week, we are now just one state away from necessary number of states ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment? But there’s a catch. We’ll explore what could be a profound moment in American history and why it may or may not come to pass. And people say stupid things online and on Twitter, with or without the help of Ambien. And as sure as the sun rises come calls for retribution. But is there a way to apologize and do it right? We’ll explore. And Houston, we have a problem, and it’s name is Elon Musk? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: June 4, 2018

After sexual abuse and other scandals, the agency that oversees juvenile justice in Texas puts out a plan for a major overhaul. But will it be enough? We’ll have details. Also, the highest court in in the state takes a step that effectively forces Texas to reveal something it doesn’t want to: the name of the company that supplies its execution drug. Why the fight, and why isn’t the court buying Texas’s explanation for keeping silent? And after pushback from physicians, the state’s largest health insurer says it will now delay plans to second guess emergency room visits. Plus after countless failed attempts to deal with feral hogs, yet another plan, inspired by bacon. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

This Song: John Prine Live at Waterloo Records 6.4.18

KUTX presents John Prine “This Song” Live Interview and In-Store Appearance Monday, June 4th at 2pm.

Come celebrate the release of John Prine‘s brand new album, Tree of Forgiveness with this special event.

The interview and performance will be from 2pm-3pm. John Prine will be signing records from 3-4pm

Purchase a copy of Tree of Forgiveness on CD or LP and receive one FREE priority admission wristband for the in-store. Did you already buy the CD or LP from Waterloo Records? Cool! Just bring it by the store to get your wristband. Subject to capacity!

KUTX will be streaming the interview on Facebook Live. Checkout the KUTX Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/kutxaustin/

Jerry Paper: “Your Cocoon”

Do you ever listen to an artist and think, “this is really weird…but REALLY good”? Ticking off equal parts odd and astounding, Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Lucas Nathan is best known by his onstage alias, Jerry Paper. Originally averse to anything electronic in his musical tastes, Nathan’s experience tinkering around with a friends’ synthesizer quickly changed his mind and began releasing albums under his new moniker in the early 2010s. One quick listen shows just how much Nathan’s deadpan vocals match up with his own quirks as a lyricist, often exploring themes of alternate universes and what it genuinely means to be a human.
Backed by a five piece for his live performances, Nathan’s lo-fi sound and obsessive songwriting has earned him tour spots along with BADBADNOTGOOD, Mac Demarco, Mild High Club and more. It’s been a bit since Nathan released some new recorded material, that said Jerry Paper made his Stones Throw debut last month with a single in anticipation of a forthcoming project coming later this year. While we can only guess as to the eccentricities present on that upcoming album, right now you can break out of your chrysalis, shed your ego and be free with “Your Cocoon.”

Jack Anderson (Host, Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

Best of “Higher Ed:” When It’s Right To Transfer Schools

This episode was originally published on Sept. 17, 2017.

Sometimes, a relationship doesn’t feel like a good match. You can’t put your finger on it, but it just feels like it’s time to move on. That feeling can crop up in personal relationships, as well as in our relationships with schools. In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and I answer a question from a listener who wanted to know whether transferring from one college to another is the right decision.

It might seem like a pretty simple question, but there are actually quite a few factors to weigh. Ed and I discuss both the practical and emotional elements students and families should consider when making a decision about a transfer. And yes, it can be a little like deciding whether to stay with a boyfriend or girlfriend or break up. Click here to found out more and to get the solution to the puzzler about those elusive matching pairs of socks. Hint: No socks mysteriously disappeared in a dryer!

This episode was recorded Aug. 10, 2017.

Mike Haynes (Ep. 26, 2018)

This week, In Black America producer and host John L. Hanson, Jr. speaks with Mike Haynes, Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback and prostate cancer survivor, about his 14-season NFL career, his battle with cancer, and the Know Your Stats Campaign.

KUT Weekend – June 1, 2018

Why the hottest May ever recorded in Austin could set us up for a scorching summer. Plus, a new art installation at a bus stop at 12th and Chicon Streets that remembers Austin’s African-American history. And it is Bee Cave or Bee Caves? And where are all the bees? Those stories and more in this edition of KUT Weekend!

Subscribe at https://weekend.kut.org

Texas Standard: June 1, 2018

Governor Abbots plan to fight gun violence includes a proposal from a Texas Democrat. Could a Red Flag Law stop a school shooter? We’ll explore. And gimme a T for Texas, T for tariffs too. How new White House duties on imports could help or hurt matters in our own backyard. Plus, hello hurricane season! Are we better prepared than we were this time last year? Three Harvey survivors look back on their experiences and lessons learned from last years storm. Also the story of the Abilene High football team that went all the way to state and on to Hollywood. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Tubing Down A River

The temperatures are hot in Texas — time to jump into a cold body of water. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

Sam Pace and The Gilded Grit: “Punch ‘Em In the Ear” (Live in Studio 1A)

Turning vocal gravel into sonic gold, Sam Pace and The Gilded Grit have spent the last seven years tearing up stages and relentlessly writing tunes. Originally born in Milwaukee, Pace made the move to the Live Music Capital back in 2011 – the same year he released his debut album Let the Big Dog Eat. It was only a couple months before the Big Dog caught the interest of drummer Jake Causey and bassist Patrick Sanderson and lo and behold – The Gilded Grit had been smelted. After 2012’s The Feeling, Causey was replaced by Seth Fasske and the group went on to release their most ambitious endeavor at the time, the full-length Rapture.

Well, Big Dog Pace is alive and well after Rapture, and continuing with apocalyptic-themed titles, Sam Pace and The Gilded Grit just released Judgment Eve today. This latest record features eleven tunes of dirty rock and roll, mean soul, and everything in between – all rounded out with Pace’s idiosyncratic vocal takes. Pace & The Grit celebrate the album release party tomorrow night – 10:00pm at Swan Dive before embarking on an extensive North American tour lasting through November. Sam Pace & The Gilded Grit joined us in Studio 1A this past Tuesday and you can enjoy the live rendition of Judgment Eve‘s intro track that offers anything other than sage advice, “Punch ‘Em In the Ear”.

Jack Anderson (Host Monday-Wednesday, 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)