Archives for February 2019

Wiretree: “Rainy Corner”

Happy Monday and Happy Love Austin Music Month! In the spirit of the season let’s take a look at Austinite Kevin Peroni, whose indie rock songwriting as Wiretree has earned him a steady following in the local scene and beyond. Wiretree’s 2007 debut album was strictly a solo endeavor for Peroni and though Wiretree’s subsequent recordings have been made with his live band, there’s no doubting the talent Peroni holds on his own.

You can see the full band this Friday at the Mohawk but before you do, check out a new single from Wiretree; one that marks a return to form for Peroni as a solo singer-songwriter, with a little bit of ’60s skiffle peppered in: “Rainy Corner”.

Higher Ed: Couldn’t We All Use A Little Help? The Impact Of Effective Mentoring

What comes to mind when you hear the word “mentor?” Perhaps a bespectacled older teacher or other professional offering sage advice to a younger student? In this episode of KUT’s podcast “Higher Ed,” Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT’s Jennifer Stayton discuss what makes a good mentor (and it doesn’t necessarily have to do with age or specific experience).

Ed wants to make a few things clear about mentors and mentoring up front.

First of all, mentors and role models are not the same thing.

“When I think of a role model, that person can be far away, could be someone who I don’t even know but I aspire to be, or I see and see elements of that I want to replicate, ” says Ed. “A mentor is much closer. There is a person who not only do I know, but the person has taken the time to know me and then to offer wisdom, counsel, advice, guidance and so forth.”

Secondly, mentors of any age – not just more seasoned teachers and other professionals – have something to offer.

“I don’t think that a mentor necessarily has to be someone who is older than you,” Ed believes. “It’s the perspective they bring and the questions they ask and the inspiration they offer.”

Ed believes a strong mentor-mentee relationship entails much more than the exchange of information and advice.

“It’s a safe relationship where no one’s going to be judgmental,” says Ed. “But in fact, listen – ideally open mindedly – and then ask questions. Then start to say ‘Okay, let me probe you. If you really want to do that, what about this? Why are you thinking that way?’ Then all of a sudden, it provokes thought, which is of course what all things should do.”

Listen to the full episode to hear about some of Ed’s experiences being a mentor and having a mentor. He firmly believes people can benefit from a mentor’s guidance at any age or stage of school and work. It is also time to gear up for the solution to the most recent puzzler.

This episode was recorded on Dec. 4, 2018.

Bernard Shaw (Ep. 9, 2019)

This week, In Black America producer and host John L. Hanson, Jr. presents a 1985 interview with retired television journalist Bernard Shaw, examining his distinguished career in broadcasting. Shaw was a correspondent and lead news anchor for CNN from 1980 until his retirement in March 2001.

Break Down Your Wall

That wall’s gonna do you no good, baby. Break it down and let love in.

The Austin Music Minute celebrates #LoveAustinMusicMonth with longtime AMM favorite, Latasha Lee & The Black Ties. Today’s featured track, “Break Down Your Wall,” features songwriter and vocalist Lee sounding better than ever, remaining true to the giants who influence her sound – Aretha, Etta, Sam Cooke – while completely owning the emotional fire that ignites her songs.

It will do you good to see Latasha Lee & The Black ties at their show tonight at The Continental Club, 1315 S. Congress Ave. Very special guest, the eternally legendary “Soulman” Sam Evans is also on the bill. The music kicks off at 10 p.m.

Word from The Continental Club is that this is Dianne‘s birthday show, put together with a lot of love. Wish her a Happy Birthday while you’re there soaking in the great music. Recommended.

-Photography courtesy of the artist.

KUT Weekend – February 1, 2019

A pipeline through Central Texas reignites the debate over land rights. Plus, does public comment at Austin City Council meetings make a difference? And the story of a man who robbed a bank in Austin to get access to health care behind bars. Those stories and more in this edition of KUT Weekend!

Subscribe at https://weekend.kut.org

Love Austin Music: Go Fever

Your Austin Music Minute maven has hearts in her fluttery eyes. But before you go, “Ewww…,” and get grossed out, remember that it’s all due to a musical celebration of the best kind.

February is Love Austin Music Month, and all month long KUTX, the City of Austin Music & Entertainment Division, the Austin Music Foundation and several other local music org’s will collectively shine the love light on Austin-based artists. True, KUTX does this all year long, but February calls for a bit extra – and that means more musical discovery for you.

The AMM kicks off this love fest with badass pop-rock monsters Go Fever, fronted by one of the best songwriters around, Acey Monaro. The track featured on today’s AMM, recent KUTX Song of the Day “Feel So Much,” an infectious melodic jolt making one weak in the knees with the simple but heart-piercing chorus “I really want you”, is on the band’s new EP, Daydream Hawker. Go Fever celebrates its release with a massive blowout of a party tomorrow (Saturday) night at Cheer Up Charlie’s, 901 Red River. They share the bill with another band celebrating a debut record release, Honk Kong Wigs, as well as Hard Proof, Being Dead, and – check this out – “jazzy avant-garde spoken word beatnik collective” Grant Cross’ Arms.

Oh hell yes. Doors at 8 p.m. Don’t miss a single bit of it. Presented by KUTX 98.9. Recommended like there’s no tomorrow.

-Photography by Salvador Castro for KUTX.

The Lege Is Back

Texas lawmakers have reconvened at the State Capitol Building for the start of the 86th Legislative Session. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

Texas Standard: February 1, 2019

The harmonic convergence at the State Capitol: Texas’ top three power brokers get on the same page over property taxes. But something’s missing.
Coming up: Ross Ramsey of the Texas Tribune on the missing link between efforts to limit property taxes while promising to boost education. Which is largely paid for by…property taxes.
Also, a look at the week that was in politics and a cautionary tale for those demanding more made in America goods: the case of the Texas-made-Mac- that didn’t take off. All those stories plus a whole lot more.

Reverse Psychology

What we refer to as “reverse psychology” is more or less a strategy of deception based on expected defiance, and any short term gratification is often met with long term problems. So why has reverse psychology become such a trope in parenting or dealing with contrarians?

On this episode of Two Guys on Your Head, Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke discuss “reverse psychology”.

Tiny Ruins: “School of Design”

New Zealand songwriter Hollie Fullbrook first earned fans worldwide with her 2011 solo debut full-length, Some Were Meant For Sea, and she’s since become an international force of psychedelic folk pop under the name Tiny Ruins. It wasn’t long before Tiny Ruins expanded from just the founding frontwoman to a well-disciplined four-piece live band, who’ve now toured the English-speaking world several times over, opening for the likes of Sharon Van Etten and Calexico.

The latest triumph of Tiny Ruins is their third full-length, Olympic Girls, and it’s available everywhere today! Recorded with a relatively relaxed schedule, the eleven originals on Olympic Girls find Tiny Ruins flirting with new experimental ideas and a phenomenally rounded out full-band sound. Before you listen to Olympic Girls in its entirety, soak up this haunting slow burner of a single from Tiny Ruins, “School of Design”!

Photo: Si Moore