Less than 3 weeks until early voting in Texas and already some numbers are in: registration shatters records. Jeremy Wallace of the Houston Chronicle with more on voter registration records being set, what it tells us and what it doesn’t when it comes to the election outcomes. Also decriminalizing homelessness: one year on after a change in laws in the Texas capitol city. How much of a difference is it making, and are other Texas cities following suit? And far fewer cars on Texas roadways, why aren’t traffic fatalities far fewer as well? Those stories and much more today on the Texas Standard:
Archives for September 2020
Texas: A State That Loves Its Flag
By W.F. Strong
If you were ever to start a new country, one of the first tasks you’d have to undertake would be to design a flag. Are you really a country if you don’t have a flag to advertise your existence – a flag that can fly atop skyscrapers, state houses, schools and ships at sea? Now cities and even corporations have flags, as do organizations and social movements.
I’m proud to tell you that according to Ted Kaye, one of the world’s leading vexillologists – a fancy word for one who studies flags – the Texas flag is the best-selling of all the state flags. It also rates almost perfect in artistic design. That’s the conclusion of one landmark study by the North American Vexillological Association (try saying that after three beers at sea). The study rated all national, state and territorial flags of North America and found that only New Mexico’s flag had just a smidgen of a better design.
Ted Kaye says these are the five rules of good design.: first, keep it simple – so simple a child can draw it from memory. Use meaningful symbolism. Use two to three basic colors – no more than three. No lettering. No words. The design should speak for itself. Do you hear it saying Lone Star State? Yep. And finally, your design should be distinctive. I know what you’re thinking – the Chilean flag. There are accidental similarities, but there is no evidence at all that the Chilean design influenced ours.
Not only is the Texas flag the best-selling state flag, it is also displayed more in all its forms than any other state flag.
Drive down any neighborhood street in Texas and you will see the flag flying proudly in the Texas breeze on 30 and 40 foot poles in many a yard. It’s displayed from wall mounts on porches or over garages. You will see it over car dealerships and on top of skyscrapers in cities. In the countryside, you’ll see it at the entrance to farms and ranches, perhaps with the Stars and Stripes next to it.
It’s at the beach, fluttering and snapping smartly behind four-wheel-drive pickups. Or on boats and at makeshift campsites and even over children’s forts in the woods. It’s found in dorm rooms and in shopping malls. It’s everywhere.
And when it’s not in cloth form, you will find it displayed in many a medium. It’s painted on barns. You can’t drive very far in rural Texas without seeing a barn flag. I’ve never seen a Nebraska barn flag. I see many a Texas flag painted on gates, too. Beautiful. Never seen a Michigan flag gate, either. And though it’s not the same, I’d like to point out that we’re the only state with our own toast. There’s no Oregon toast. There’s no Florida-shaped waffle maker either.
Yes, the Texas flag is everywhere: t-shirts, swimsuits, towels, bikinis, boots, belt-buckles, earrings and tattoos. We have Texas flag picnic tables, tablecloths and stools. And if it’s not a flag, we have the Texas star as a stand-in, on the side of our houses, hanging on the wall in the kitchen, or on the apron we’re barbecuing with. I have even seen a Texas star barbecue grill cover.
John Steinbeck pointed out that the deep love and commitment Texans have for their state closely approximates that of a religion. Based on the affection we have for our symbols; it seems that we are an extraordinarily devout people. As this is radio I can’t end with the flag, but I can play Willie. You can hear Texas in his voice.
And I’m Lovin’ It
It’s what every glamour ghoul wants. Make it outrageous, and make it rawk.
Though known for their work as visual and fashion artists, music came quite naturally to siblings Felix and Sloan Lenz, founders of Lord Friday the 13th. And with that instinctive talent, they use their fabulous flair and fierceness to whip up what they’ve described as “dollar store glam/punk,” or what your Austin Music Minute maven visualizes as early Stooges, New York Dolls and Velvet Underground hot wiring a 1970 Chevy Chevelle, then peeling off to party.
Oh, and the brakes are kind of iffy. On purpose.
Lord Friday’s official releases to date include the saucy sneer “Big Mac” and rabidly ravenous “Sally Wants A Salad” (featured on today’s AMM), and a new LP is on the way next year. Want a taste of what’s to come? Check out Lord Friday the 13th on their full-band livestream performance – a major shift from the dynamic duo livestreams la familia Lenz presented during previous pandemic months – on Bud’s Live and Direct. They’re joined by Benjamin Violet (Pelvis Wrestley) working the bass, while Andy Nixon takes over the drums.
The show kicks off at 7:05 p.m. (Central) tonight, Wednesday September 23, on Bud’s Facebook Live and YouTube channel. Wear your cape. XO
-Photography by Katrina Barber.
Daniel Fears: “Windows” [PREVIEW]
When emotions reach a boiling point, sometimes you just gotta reach for the pen and let it all out. That’s definitely the case for Austin’s Daniel Fears, who’s temporarily set aside his once-trademark trombone to create his debut EP.
While he’s an affable guy in person, in the studio Fears channels Frank Ocean on somber but earnest R&B arrangements across the upcoming Canopy, due next month, and today you can melt off the anxiety with a quick preview on “Windows”.
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Texas Standard: September 22, 2020
A Beta test for southeast Texas as rains pummel the region, roads are closed, schools shift plans and officials warn to stay put, we’ll have the latest. Also, COVID-19 has hit retail hard, but what about retail politics? The pandemic’s impact on a political season like few others in recent memory. Plus, Latino political power in Texas: under lockdown or primed to make major waves on election day? We’ll explore. And the U.S. Department of Transportation gives the green light to the Texas bullet train connecting Dallas to Houston in 90 minutes. All aboard? Not quite. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
The New Era
It still leaves a heavy impression, though the sound itself is diaphanous and otherworldly.
In March, Motorama recorded “The New Era” in their hometown, Rostov-on-Don, Russia. As you hear Vladislav Parshin‘s vocals make their quiet entrance, it’s as though you can feel the mists creeping in to darken the atmosphere. “The air is thick / above high fields,” Parshin intones. “Life gets long / and time goes slow…” Who would have even known the prescient tone these words would carry?
“Loud and silent in my head / Everywhere and nowhere…”
It was easy to disappear down the rabbit hole that is Motorama’s discography – five albums, two EP’s and several single releases to explore, taking in the post-punk melodic sound that got them several Joy Division comparisons in the past, but that’s so off the mark. Theirs is a more ethereal presence.
Touring is not an option at the moment, of course, but you have a chance to catch Motorama on a livestream performance at 6 p.m. central tonight, Tuesday September 22, on Noonchorus. Your virtual ticket gets you into the show.
-Photo courtesy of the artist.
The Pause
What happened to Austin’s live music scene after the shutdown of SXSW?
On March 6th, 2020 the Austin City government canceled SXSW. That decision had an economic ripple effect throughout the city. It also marked the true beginning of the COVID-19 crisis for Austin. In this episode, hosts Miles Bloxson and Elizabeth McQueen explore why Austin calls itself the Live Music Capital of the World. They’ll look at the effect that the cancellation of SXSW and the subsequent shut down of the bars had on Austin through the experiences of some of the musicians, venue owners, venue staff, and music non-profits who make up this live music ecosystem.
Listen on The Apple Podcasts App, Spotify
Silvana Estrada: “Para Siempre”
At just twenty, multi-instrumentalist Silvana Estrada is already considered one of Mexico’s finest talents. Estrada’s been inspired by mid-century jazz songstresses like Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday since her youth, lending itself to her successful collaborations both in Guadalajara and New York.
Once again south of the border, Estrada is soon set to release her latest LP Marchita, and alongside the news comes a music video and Spanish-language cover of “Forever” from CHVRCHES, beautifully re-imagined as “Para Siempre”!
Not Today Kanye
This week on The Breaks
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- Confucius and Fresh talk about Kanye’s quest to regain control of his masters, and explain why they’re skeptical about his appeals to other artists for support.
- Both hosts talk about how surprised they were to hear that Outkast had considered making a mixtape for DJ Drama’s mixtape series Gangsta Grillz and discuss why they think it might not have happened.
- Confucius and Fresh discuss how and why music tastes change.
- In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh states that Austin radio is in a very, very good place.
- In his Confucius Says segment, Confucius encourages people to keep those they don’t like from living rent-free in their heads.
Listen to this episode of The Breaks
Texas Standard: September 21, 2020
She was a fearless voice of dissent and change, and left a lasting mark on history. What comes next with the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsberg? President Trump has promised to announce her replacement as soon as this week. We’ll explore the Texas nexus of a story with enormous implications on the home front and beyond. Also the high tech fight between the U.S. and China over TikTok and why the stakes for Texas may be higher than some realize. Plus a relief for families with loved ones in eldercare centers, but a recipe for disaster? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Still Happy
There might have been a bit of confusion in those early days. You’d hear the name Mrs. Glass but see Jordan Webster and his band tearing things up at their residency at The Blackheart back when Rainey St. wasn’t a complete nightmare, or stirring folks up at The White Horse and the Hard Luck Lounge. Webster is the songwriter behind the name, the NOLA transplant in the three-piece suit who knows the demons consuming the mind. That gravel-voiced grit defines the experience, the unsettling feeling of trouble on the way – and you know you want it. Now and then, Webster would even raise his glass of whiskey to toast you as he worked his magic.
These days, Webster makes his home in the Pacific Northwest. But Austin fans have a chance to see him perform on a livestream at 7 p.m. tonight, Monday September 21, on the Mrs. Glass Facebook page. While you’re at it, pour yourself a glass and check out the album Happy Every Day to get you ready for the show.
This is your perfect rainy Monday night. You’re welcome.
-Photo courtesy of the artist.
Waylon Payne: “All The Trouble”
As the son of Willie Nelson guitarist Jody Payne and Grammy winning singer Sammi Smith, Waylon Payne‘s blood runs thick with country songwriting. It’s been a little past a decade and a half since Payne’s previous album, but after sixteen long years he’s returned with his LP Blue Eyes, The Harlot, The Queer, The Pusher & Me.
Aside from its mouthful of a title, BEHQPM proves an awesome twelve-song romp across country, blues, and rock, with Payne’s vocals front-and-center. Hear for yourself on one of Blue Eyes‘ strongest tracks, appearing at the one-third mark on the record, “All The Trouble”!
Ed Gordon (Ep. 42, 2020)
This week on In Black America, producer and host John L. Hanson, Jr. speaks with Emmy Award-winning television journalist Ed Gordon, a news anchor and interview program host on BET, CBS, NBC, NPR and MSNBC. He is the author of Conversations in Black: On Power, Politics and Leadership.
Saturday Rib Fry
Full disclosure: Your Austin Music Minute host’s musical connection to The Gourds goes back to hometown days in El Paso, TX in the ’90s, where a lot of loyal Gourds fans never missed a show at Wildhare’s on Mesa St. whenever the band was in town. Still have a CD copy of Dem’s Good Beeble bought at the merch table, which is why you hear “Dying of the Pines” on today’s AMM.
That makes today’s livestream performance by Shinyribs‘ Kevin Russell and his former Gourds bandmate Claude Bernard all the more special. And according to Russell, the two will journey through an “in-depth exploration of our musical history,” which may include a story or two since Claude is “King of the Gab.” Join them for the show at 8 p.m. (Central) tonight, Saturday September 19, on Shinyribs’ Facebook, YouTube channel, and Twitch.
Get ready. Gonna be a good one.
-Trippy art courtesy of Kevin Russell.
KUT Weekend – September 18, 2020
Governor Abbott allows restaurants, retail businesses and offices to increase to 75% capacity on Monday. Plus, the challenges of being a UT professor and parent of two toddlers during the pandemic. And a local indigenous tribe seeks to reclaim remains from the University of Texas. Those stories and more in this edition of KUT Weekend!
Subscribe at https://weekend.kut.org
Friday Night Flights
The start to your weekend is set with this badass line-up at South Austin mainstay, The Far Out Lounge and Stage. Rock, soul and hip-hop are on the agenda, but that’s just scratching the surface. Dig all of this:
-The grit of urban decay, the lightning heat of a Texas storm… Imagine ’70s rock and alt.-soul partying hard on that infamous night – the one you have no recollection of. Enter Sam Houston and BLK ODYSSY, with some fierce funk along for the ride.
-The Dallas native decided to take a chance…and a different path. From there, the music came naturally. Harry Edohoukwa has blazed the stages of KUTX’s SXSBreaks and Love Lockdown. Fire on the Mountain sheds light on the story of his journey.
-Clarity and understanding were key to creating his latest release, F*cked Me Up – while working bass, guitar, keys and drums, on top of that. And Clarence James is just getting started.
The music starts at 9 p.m. tonight, Friday September 18, at The Far Out Lounge, 8504 S. Congress Ave. This is an outdoor socially-distanced show; masks are required for entry.
-Photo of Harry Edohoukwa by Mike DeLeon.
Texas Standard: September 18, 2020
We are open for business is the latest announcement from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, we’ll have the latest. Nursing homes gear up to receive visitors next week. And protests are part of civic life and so is voting. Will summer protestors turn into fall voters? Also when contact tracing is lost in translation. How that affects in the fight against COVID-19. And how a photojournalist’s life is marked by a loss she experienced as a baby. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
What Hasn’t Changed
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how many work, go to school, socialize, shop, and so much more. But other things aren’t that different. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
72 Hours In Newport – Wild Child “Going In”
Episode 4 of “72 Hours in Newport” features Austin-based indie pop band, Wild Child! In this episode our confessor tells us about meeting her long lost half-brother at a party in high school. (Oh, she had no idea he even existed beforehand.) Later, Zac and Kelsey Wilson of Wild Child discuss how boring the ‘end of the world’ is, finding her voice in multiple musical projects, and building community around her.
Pelvis Wrestley: “In Heaven”
Artists are always blending genres these days, but I can safely say I’ve never heard of “glam country”. And yet, after a decade long romp in Seattle, songwriter Benjamin Violet has returned to Austin and proved that anything is possible with his outfit Pelvis Wrestley.
Pelvis Wrestley released their debut ten-track Vortexas Vorever this morning, re-shaping the myth of Manifest Destiny and capturing that indescribable energy you feel on those long Texas road trips. Vortexas Vorever is an undeniably gorgeous record, and its penultimate track “In Heaven” will certainly elevate you throughout the weekend.
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