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KUT and KUTX news and music podcasts for Austin, Texas and beyond

Archives for August 2020

Rexx Life Raj: “Canvas”

Regardless of where you stood on the whole West Coast-East Coast thing in the ’90s, California’s always been a rich hub for hip-hop. And straight outta Berkeley, Rexx Life Raj has been crushing it lately, having earned high praise from the likes of E-40, Scott Storch, and Pharrell while attracting features from Jay Prince, G-Eazy and Kenny Beats.

Rexx Life Raj just aggrandized his already lofty profile with the announcement of his upcoming EP California Poppy 2, and while we don’t know a concrete release date yet, we do know that its lead single (and music video) will untether you from the day-to-day realities of 2020. So break out whatever medium you prefer and reflect along with Rexx Life Raj on “Canvas”!

Couch Session 2020

It’s another great livestream line-up on the next Black Fret 2020 Couch Session, and you’re getting an early heads-up to put it in your calendar. These exclusive Black Fret performances, shot at 3Ten ACL Live and the Gibson Showroom Austin, will stream at 8 p.m. (Central) Thursday, August 27, on Black Fret’s Facebook page.

In the spotlight:

-Black Fret 2020 nominee Ali Holder released a new album this year, Uncomfortable Truths, and though Holder has always sung unflinchingly from the heart without apology, this LP defiantly and provocatively lives up to its title.

-Special guest Harry Edohoukwa credits musical influences such as Beres Hammond and Lucky Dube for guiding his creative energy, lyrical and emotional expression. Edohoukwa was named a “Must See Artist, SXSW 2019” by the Austin Chronicle, and he released his stunning debut Fire On the Mountain at the end of last year.

-Grammy-nominated songwriter and vocalist Tony Kamel, frontman of 2018 Black Fret nominee Wood and Wire, brings a whole other level of fingerpicking to his solo performances, working from acoustic guitar to electric, and clawhammer banjo. Intimate crowds and huge rooms alike are captivated by Kamel’s storytelling.

-Photos: Harry Edohoukwa by Amarachi Ngwakwe for KUTX; Ali Holder, courtesy of the artist; Tony Kamel by Tristan Ipock for KUTX.

Texas Standard: August 25, 2020

Battening down the hatches in Beaumont and across large parts of coastal Texas as a hurricane named Laura intensifies in the gulf. Across the golden triangle evacuation orders take hold in advance of what meteorologists say could be a major hurricane threatening coastal Texas and Louisiana. We’ll check in with officials in Beaumont. Also, neither snow nor rain…but what about Congress? Texas lawmakers and the politics of the postal service in advance of election day. Plus the first and oldest hospital in the Americas. All that and more today on the Texas Standard:

Chill Russell: “Hold On”

For starters, Chill Russell isn’t just some super laid back dude or a command you give your dog when he interrupts your Zoom meeting. No, Chill Russell’s a talented trio of Austinites who can’t seem to stop having a blast playing alternative rock…even when there aren’t any venues open.

The three-piece penned their latest EP Soak Up The Sound before the pandemic settled in, but it’s proven to be more pertinent than they could’ve ever imagined. Recorded with the help of Chris “Frenchie” Smith, Chill Russell released Soak Up The Sound last Friday, marking a distinct moment of maturation and a glimpse of their still blossoming potential, so don’t plan on bailing on them anytime soon and instead “Hold On”!

KUTX supports Austin music; your support makes KUTX possible. Donate today.

It’s Gold

It was last summer, June 2019, a day your Austin Music Minute host will not soon forget. From the moment Bill Callahan walked into the KUTX studios, there was a visible crackling current of…well, a combination of excitement and awe. Maybe even intimidation. The fans knew Callahan was in the building, but, as always, he arrived without tremendous fuss or fanfare. Only quiet and unassuming. Ready to perform in Studio 1A.

Well, I’ve been looking back / at the old ways / over my shoulder…

Something about that deep baritone always tells an engaging story. From the days with his band SMOG through his solo work, Callahan’s extraordinary presence in music brings something thoughtful, striking, genuine in every world observation.

Expect a new album by Callahan, Gold Record, early next month. Give it a sneak peak and get ready: Bill Callahan does a livestream performance at 5 p.m. (Central) tomorrow, Tuesday August 25, on Seattle public radio station KEXP‘s YouTube channel.

-Photo courtesy of the artist. And bubbles.

 

Creating A Shared Reality

When times are tough and uncertain it can be a welcome oasis to read a book or watch a movie; especially with a friend or family member. Being able to imagine that things could be different is one unique thing about being human, and sharing these realities with others has a special significance.

On this edition of Two Guys on Your Head, Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke discuss creating a shared reality.

 

Texas Standard: August 24, 2020

As Marco and Laura bear down on the Gulf Coast, the governor issues disaster declarations. Our conversation with the meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service covering Houston and Galveston on possible evacuations plus impacts already to the energy sector. Also, the the grand old party’s turn: how Texas Republicans are gearing up for the national convention this week. And remaking the political maps of Texas. What lessons can be learned from the past? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

Don’t Argue with Stupid

This week on The Breaks Fresh and Confucius:

The Bright Light Social Hour: “Ouroboros ’20”

With acts like Spoon, White Denim, and Explosions in the Sky, Austin’s “indie rock sound” has become more and more of a defined style. But while those groups have leaned further into the radio bait pop realm, The Bright Light Social Hour has continued to carve their own niche with a sweet but sinister set of sonics, in part through their own deeply personal and traumatic healing process surrounding the death of their manager a half decade back.

These well seasoned Studio 1A veterans drop Jude: Vol. II this Friday and in doing so the quartet’s revisited and reworked something off 2015’s Space Is The Place, at the very least to shake things up in these monotonous self-quarantined times for Jude: Vol. II‘s fifth track, “Ouroboros ’20”!

KUTX supports Austin music; your support makes KUTX possible. Donate today.

 

Dr. Rebecca Etz and Christine Bechtel (Ep. 38, 2020)

This week on In Black America, producer and host John L. Hanson, Jr. discusses racism and its impact on public health with Dr. Rebecca S. Etz, PhD., Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Population Health at Virginia Commonwealth University and Co-Director of the Larry A. Green Center, and Christine Bechtel, patient advocate and co-founder of 3rd Conversation.

Can I Sit With You?

This is music magic personified, an instant fave with your Austin Music Minute maven. An artist who joyfully blurs genre lines and understands – really appreciates – why this is special must be given multiple repeated listens.

When asked what kind of music she plays, Los-Angeles (via Nashville)-based songwriter Sunny War makes it clear it’s not set in stone, nor should it be. Blues? Punk? The sound of memories from lying in the field to watch the stars? Multi-soul-ified R&B-folk tangent? Sure, why not? One of the best descriptions ever comes from Sunny War herself: Perhaps Robert Johnson with a shot of Bad Brains, though even that’s not sufficient enough.

Make plans to catch Sunny War in a livestream performance starting at 10 p.m. Central tonight, Saturday August 22, on the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks YouTube channel. You can also check out the track “No Time Soon,” featured on today’s AMM, on the EP Can I Sit With You on Bandcamp.

-Photography by Florencia P. Marano.

KUT Weekend – August 21, 2020

Texas leaders threaten to punish Austin for cutting police funding. Plus, how COVID-19 has devastated the local hotel industry. And what it’s like to play in a high school marching band during a pandemic. Those stories and more in this edition of KUT Weekend!

Subscribe at https://weekend.kut.org

A Song For Joe

You may have read the news already. The outpouring of memories and support on social media made it all the more heartbreaking.

Gregg and Destinee Ware, proprietors of S. Lamar live music hot spot One-2-One Bar, announced that their venue is closing for good. It was in business for nearly 17 years, home to a number of musical residencies and host of what evolved into an expanding list of performances.

“One-2-One was never about the location, whether it was our downtown space or the South Lamar location,” the announcement read, “It was always about the people, the staff, and the relationships formed because of the atmosphere created.”

Former East 7th St. venue Barracuda experienced a similar emotional outpouring after its closing in June, as did Threadgills and the Townsend on Congress Ave. And the threat of more Austin venues permanently closing looms dangerously close. KUTX’s Jeff McCord wrote about the struggle to keep these venues afloat, with a burning question that should definitely pull up several red flags: “What is Austin without its clubs?” The city’s longstanding “Live Music Capital of the World” declaration rings hallow in the current devastating environment, as haunting as the apparent lack of support.

Also in social media is this hashtag: #SaveOurStages. It’s a campaign started by the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) to preserve music venues across the country, crucial to their local economies. The situation is dire, due to the impact of COVID-19. Could the wake up call be made any clearer? Several more live music venues in Austin alone are expected to close permanently unless provided with some kind of support.

To raise further awareness of this and #SaveOurStages, a nation-wide benefit has been organized: A SONG FOR JOE – Celebrating the Birthday of Joe Strummer, featuring several music artists performing, and a premiere of never-before-seen live Joe Strummer footage. The line-up includes Joe Ely, (no Strummer celebration would be complete without Ely, hello?), Bruce Springsteen, Lucinda Williams, Jeff Tweedy, Jesse Dayton, Jim Jarmusch, Butch Walker, Dhani Harrison, DJ Scratchy, Cherry Glazerr, holy hell, even Steve Buscemi is making an appearance…and many more.

The show launches at 2 p.m. Central today, Friday August 21, and can be viewed on the official Joe Strummer YouTube channel as well as the Joe Strummer website. The website also includes the full line-up, and NIVA’s website lists ways you can help #SaveOurStages.

-Photography by Ebet Roberts.

Texas Standard: August 21, 2020

The party’s party’s over – now what? After the national convention, how do Texas democrats plan to seize on the momentum? A closer look today – our conversation with the head of the Texas democratic party on next steps in the run up to November. Plus, a Declaration of Independence for women in US politics. Also, a big arrest involving an effort to build a private border wall in South Texas – what’s known and what isn’t. A new batch of listener questions about COVID-19, a look back at the week in politics with the Texas Tribune and much more when the Texas Standard gets underway.

Poem For A Rising Freshman

Students are headed back to school. For many, that’s in a virtual way. For almost all, it’s different than last fall. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

Cilantro Boombox: “Wahoo”

With the monotony of quarantine, every could use a little something to spice up their weekends…even if they don’t really mean much at the moment. Fortunately Austin seven-piece Cilantro Boombox has crashed through this new music Friday with one of two new singles, both of which revisit the dance-inviting grooves, striking horn arrangements, and accessible group vocals that made us love ’em in the first place.

Keep an ear open for “Y O U” from these Studio 1A veterans in the next couple weeks and serve yourself up more than just a helping of the sonic Latin seasoning on “Wahoo”!

–Photo: Brittany Hallberg

KUTX supports Austin music; your support makes KUTX possible. Donate today.

Fang Hang Time

The best adventure time for your Austin Music Minute host is when an artist or band embraces sounds all over the genre spectrum. That’s one way your ears are drawn more toward the awesomeness of Austin-based outfit Ladyfang. Rock ‘n’ roll is at the root of their style, but there are more layers to drink in – folk, alt., pop, funk, multi-colored tones…the fierce “chaos pop-rock” they were talking about. Turn it up.

A little bird (okay, Instagram) told your AMM host that Ladyfang drummer Rodney Joseph is having a birthday today, and in honor of the occasion, the band’s doing something special to celebrate. Catch Ladyfang’s livestream performance, presented by Safehouse, starting at 9 p.m. (Central) tonight, Thursday August 20, on the Safehouse YouTube channel. Proceeds raised from the show benefit the DAWA Fund. And a very happy birthday, Rod.

-Photography by Jackson Schwartz.

Texas Standard: August 20, 2020

A very different political convention for an unprecedented time in the US. But has this weeks big political event moved the needle in the Lone Star State?
As the democratic national convention moves into its final night, a look at the role of Texas. Or the relative lack thereof, and whether the event could change the calculus in November.
Remembering Ann Richards big convention moment and the significance of how she said what she did.
Also, an epic battle in the online gaming world that’s more than a game.

Texas Standard: August 19, 2020

Calls for defunding police now getting pushback from Texas’ top three elected officials, setting up a major fight between state lawmakers and cities.
A vow from Texas GOP leaders at the State Capitol to cap property tax revenue for cities that move to make cuts in law enforcement budgets. We’ll have details.
Also, how the senate race in Texas could be a factor in calls for reform in sexual harassment policies in the US military. Plus, Madlin Meckleberg with a Politicfact check about who votes republican in the Lone Star State and much more.

Carley Bearden: “Something Like This” (feat. TAKA$) [PREMIERE]

Like the rest of us, DFW activist and queer advocate Carley Bearden has found herself stuck in quarantine, but has also been making the most of the solitary summer with a couple new singles. Today Bearden’s shared her third of the year, created in collaboration with her guitarist, writer and producer Wil Brookhart along with genre-blender TAKA$ for an ominous yet ethereal addition to your night drive 8-track, regardless whether you’re more of a Nightcrawler Jake Gyllenhaal or a Drive Ryan Gosling.

Keep an eye out for the animated lyric video of the same name, and revisit some serious Urban Flora vibes on Bearden’s latest gift, “Something Like This”!

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