Archives for October 2019

Texas Standard: October 25, 2019

The Trump Administration is testing A secretive program in El Paso to speed up deportation of asylum-seeking migrants. We’ll look at what we’re learning about something called the prompt asylum claim review and what it means for asylum seekers. Also, the Texas based airline in special need of a soft landing in light of all the trouble with the 737 Max. And the tape continues to unravel… Fallout from the Bonnen recording and the rest of the week in politics with the Texas Tribune. All that and then some today on the Texas Standard:

Looking For Fossils

Fossils might be right under your feet. It’s just a matter of looking in the right place at the right time. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

La Santa Cecilia: “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” (feat. California Feetwarmers)

In addition to receiving the 2014 Grammy for Best Latin Rock Album, they’ve played the Hollywood Bowl and have worked with Los Lobos, John Paul Jones, and Elvis Costello, and yet L.A.’s La Santa Cecilia is still hungry for more. Every branch of Pan-American and Latin music comes into the mix, not to mention other distinguishable influences from across the globe as well as modern production formulas, impressively covered by La Santa Cecilia’s bare four players.

La Santa Cecilia’s seventh album is appropriately self-titled, and with the help of Shakira/Enrique Iglesias Grammy-winner Sebastian Krys, it’s the best representation of the band yet, for both first-time listeners and longtime fans. La Santa Cecilia came out last Friday and in keeping with today’s all-covers theme, enjoy this quartet’s fresh but faithful rendition of the 1929 Bessie Smith hit, featuring California Feetwarmers, “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out”

This Song: Shura

Shura is a British singer, songwriter and producer who’s latest record Forevher documents her experience of falling in love with the woman who is now her girlfriend.  On this episode, she sat down with host Elizabeth McQueen on the Bonus Tracks stage at the Austin City Limits Festival to explain why “Only Shallow” by My Bloody Valentine terrified her and intrigued her. They also talk about how she went from a teenage musician who was, in the words of her father “allergic to the idea of a chorus” to a writer who excels in writing catchy pop choruses. Shura also explains what it’s like to write an entire album of love songs and why she felt like now was the right time to use female-gendered pronouns in her work.

 Get your own copy of Shura’s new record “Forevher”

Check out Shura’s stripped down version of “Religion (u can lay your hands on me)” recorded backstage at the Austin City Limits Musical Festival

Check out Shura’s stripped down version of “Religion (u can lay your hands on me) recorded backstage a

Listen to Songs from this episode of This Song

Without A Doubt

You’ve probably seen these guys around before, if you’re a music lover here in the ATX. If you dig Black Pumas, Matthew Logan Vasquez, Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears, The Tender Things, Nikki Lane, Israel Nash…then yeah, you may have seen them onstage. Are you into PR Newman? Magic Rockers of Texas? All right then. These faces will be familiar ones.

Once upon a time, in 2011, Spencer Garland and Jim Campo were roommates and stuff. And things. Without any specific direction or ideas – or a clue, they made a band that your Austin Music Minute maven became an instant fan of. Berkshire Hounds soon had drummer Jordan Cook and bassist Alexander “Z” Lynch (as in, mob) on board for this rock ‘n’ roll hoodlum tangent. It was awesome, especially the raucous and demented Are Not Amused (2013), but after five years and three releases in tow, the band went el foldo. They each moved on to multiple projects – it’s not like they weren’t busy – and that was that. Until now.

This year marks the return of Berkshire Hounds with a new single, “Don’t Doubt the Team” (featured on today’s AMM), and a new album coming out next year. The band intends to raise hell at their single release show tonight at Hole In the Wall, 2538 Guadalupe, with friends Mean Jolene, Otis the Destroyer, The Oysters, and Annabelle Chairlegs on the bill. You need to be there. Doors at 8 p.m. 

Don’t abandon me again, Berkshire Hounds. (That’s not hostile or passive aggressive, is it?) Totally recommended.

-Spencer Garland and Jim Campo of Berkshire Hounds. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Texas Standard: October 24, 2019

A former Texas governor makes his first public comments on his role in the issue at the center of the impeachment investigation. We’ll have more of Rick Perry and the growing scandal surrpundo9ng President Trump. Plus, more fallout from the so-called Bonnen tape: what’s behind the animus between state GOP lawmakers and local government in Texas? And is it really possible to be addicted to video games? The World Health Organization weighs in, and so does our tech expert Omar Gallaga. Those stories and much more today on the Texas Standard:

Caravan Palace: “Moonshine”

Just over a decade since the release of their eponymous debut, France’s Caravan Palace continues to innovate and expand the electro-swing genre. They’re inspired by Django Reinhardt just as much as Daft Punk, so it shouldn’t surprise you that Caravan Palace offers more jazz syncopation than some of their French house contemporaries, and certainly more bump than you’d hear from the typical Paris café sound.

On Caravan Palace’s latest album, Chronologic, the group finds itself once again at a junction of classic big band elements and decidedly electronic-based production, this time adding bossa, soul, hip-hop and a handful of guest singers to their load. Chronologic came out at the tail end of August and Caravan Palace continues their North American tour with a sold out show 6:30pm this Sunday at the Mohawk. You’ll definitely be able to hear the fun from outside, and you can get yourself in that jazzy upbeat mood right now courtesy of “Moonshine”!

Rádio Fantástico

Será uma noite inesquecível, and KUTX is proud to be a part of it.

KUTX’s October Artist of the Month, world-pop outfit Ley Line, is ready to release their new album We Saw Blue early next year. But you’ll have the opportunity to hear some of the new music when Ley Line performs tomorrow night at Radio X, a show presented by KUTX’s Latin music progam Horizontes at Radio Coffee and Beer, 4204 Manchaca.

The music starts at 8 p.m., but your Austin Music Minute maven recommends getting there earlier to snag the perfect spot for this outdoor performance. So recommended.

-Photography by Jorge Sanhueza-Lyon for KUTX.

Texas Standard: October 23, 2019

It’s a closely watched case involving bail reform in Harris County. Now, the state’s attorney general wants to weigh in – against the change. Plus, he’s the longest serving governor in Texas history, he’s run for president, he’s been serving as energy secretary and now he’s leaving the Trump administration. What’s next for Rick Perry? Fellow Texan and ABC political analyst Matthew Dowd has an idea or two for the outgoing secretary. Also, decoding the accent of a major film star from Katy. And an overdue honor for a hero from the Texas tower shooting. Those stories and more on today’s Texas Standard.

Van Mary: “New Mexico” [PREMIERE]

It’s only been a couple years since Austin singer-guitarist Emily Whetstone adopted a new moniker and began performing under the name Van Mary, but now backed up by a three-piece, Whetstone’s indie-influenced songwriting has never sounded so well rounded out. Whetstone’s candid lyricism, swaying vocals, delicate strumming, and moody melodies all make for an instantly infectious performance, and when you see the band play live, you’ll be blown away by how easy this frontwoman makes it look.

And although Van Mary’s discography is pretty limited at the moment, their single and music video release show kicks off 9PM this Sunday at Cheer Up Charlie’s and we’re giving you a KUTX-clusive listen to the goods a few days early: “New Mexico”!


Photo: Rachel LaCoss

Bringing the Heat

The long-awaited Hot Motion, the third studio release from UK band Temples on a new label, was two years in the making, And with it, in the band’s own words, comes a new sonic journey. This time, the band reverberates within slightly darker realms, delving into something a bit more transcendent – and bolder.

KUTX’s recent Studio 1A guests have a performance tonight at the Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St., with otherworldly interstellar country artist Honey Harper opening the show. Doors at 6:30 p.m. This entire show comes very recommended.

-Photo of Temples courtesy of Laurie Gallardo.

Introducing The Breaks!

This Song host Elizabeth McQueen has been helping produce a new podcast called The Breaks.  Every Saturday from 10pm-1am, Confucius and Fresh host a hip-hop show on KUTX called The Breaks. And now every Monday at 2pm the world can hear highlights from their wide ranging conversations about all things hip-hop, Austin’s hip-hop and R&B scenes and their lived experiences in the Live Music Capital of the World on The Breaks podcast.

In this episode of The Breaks, Confucius and Fresh discuss Joe Budden’s beef with Charlamange tha God. From there they call out Austin organizations promoting diversity without including people of color in decision making. Local Austin artist CP Loony stops by for an interview.  We hear why Fresh thinks Iggy Azalea is not, in fact, the biggest taint on T.I.’s legacy as part of his Unpopular Opinion, and Confucius encourages everyone to lean into their strengths on Confucius Says. 

Follow the Breaks on Instagram and Twitter

 

Texas Standard: October 22, 2019

Huge political news in the Lone Star state as one of the most powerful politicians in Texas government says he won’t seek reelection amid scandal. We’ll have the latest on House speaker Dennis Bonnens decision. Also, the Texas city once hyped as greenest in the nation is now suing to get out of its solar power deal. We’ll have the latest. And ex Baylor coach Art Briles returns to football, in a place even some locals were surprised to find him. Plus, how do so-called red flag gun laws work in real life situations? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

Acid Arab: “Malek Ya Zahri” (feat. Cheikha Hadjla)

Though the group calls Paris their home, you may guess based on the name alone that electronic crew Acid Arab takes quite a few cues from the world of Eastern music alongside the retro tones of early acid house. Ever determined to carve a niche for Arab culture in the modern electronic realm, Acid Arab refuses to simply slap oriental cues on top of techno-inspired beats or haphazardly toss a drum break behind Eastern melodies, and instead finds a fluid middle ground that effuses the best of both styles simultaneously and organically.

In the shot time since the release of their 2016 debut, Acid Arab has already brought the dance party to nearly fifty countries, and drawing from the Arabic word for “new”, they just released the eleven-track LP Jdid last Friday. Even for those already familiar with Acid Arab’s style, the nine separate features on Jdid show off just how inclusive they continue to be. Take for example, Jdid‘s final track, inspired by the sounds of the ’80s Algerian scene and featuring singer Cheikha Hadjla, “Malek Ya Zahri”!


Order Jdid

Tear It Up

This is how to recharge after one hell of a Monday. Swing on by The White Horse, 500 Comal, to get you back on track with sets by this awesome bunch:

-Roping in that cosmic country from the heavens, James Moritz (featured on today’s AMM) will get you feeling good about life again. 10 p.m.

-Paul Minor leads the way with the all-star Texas Tycoons, starting out the night. Dynamic performers honoring the Lone Star State’s musical legacy. 8 p.m.

-The Blake Whitmire Band takes over the stage at the witching hour to get you through the night.

-Photo of James Moritz courtesy of the artist.

Joe Budden vs Charlamagne tha God

In this episode of The Breaks, Confucius and Fresh discuss Joe Budden’s beef with Charlamange tha God & Netflix. From there they call out Austin organizations promoting diversity without including people of color in decision making. Local Austin artist CP Loony stops by for an interview. Plus Fresh thinks Iggy Azalea is not, in fact, the biggest taint on T.I.’s legacy  and Confucius encourages everyone to lean into their strengths.

Listen on The Apple Podcasts App, Spotify or Stitcher

Listen to CP Loony on Apple Music or Spotify

Check out the Netflix show Rhythm and Flow

Hear the music from The Breaks played on their Saturday Night Hip-hop show 10.19.12

ACLfest and Hip-Hop

This week on The Breaks hosts Confucius and Fresh discuss hip hop and R&B at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, why they think Lil’ Kim continues to influence the current wave of female rappers, whether DJs are relevant anymore, and why you should never wait to take the initiative. Plus, they share the story of how The Breaks got started.

Listen on The Apple Podcasts App, Spotify or Stitcher

Hear the music from The Breaks played on Saturday night. The Breaks radio show airs every Saturday night from 10pm-1am on KUTX 98.9 in Austin, TX

 

Jazz & The Art of Movement

Where do we consider being at home? When do we feel that we belong in a place and how quickly can we become dispossessed? In its essence, jazz traces various migrations – some arbitrary, some forced, and some chosen – and beyond appropriation and broad-stroke caricature, reveal difficult truths of identity, well-being, and honest relationship.

Through the artistry of Miles, Monk, and Mingus, both critique and imagination of the American melting pot will be explored – lessons crucial to our current navigation of the difficulties of migration, refugees, and asylum-seeking in our land. What is native land – and beyond the symbols demanding our loyalty, what consistently makes America, great?

Listen back to Views and Brew: Jazz and The Art of Movement recorded live at the historic Cactus Cafe in Austin, Texas, with Rabbi and Jazz Historian Neil Blumofe in conversation with Rebecca McInroy. Featuring: Michael Malone, saxophone; Andre Hayward, trombone; Red Young, piano; Scott Laningham, drums.