The end of the month is fast approaching and that means time is running out to complete the 2020 census. With only a few days left on the census, we check in with counties in East Texas, far West Texas and Southwest Texas. Plus, a U.S. Congresswoman tells us why she was moved to introduce legislation after the gruesome murder of Fort Hood Army Specialist Vannessa Guillen. Also on COVID-19, we check in with San Antonio. And we tell you why some COVID-19 tests are so expensive? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Archives for September 2020
This Is Your Jam
All right. So the Jam is a little different this year. But it doesn’t take away from the fire. And this one is LIT.
Not even a pandemic could stop Summer Jam 2020, and having the event go virtual this year has also provided the advantage of taking it to a higher production and presentation level. Just a glimpse of behind-the-scenes footage from producers Hakone Agency shows how much thought and prep has gone into creating one of the biggest events of the year. The Breaks‘ hosts Confucious Jones and Aaron “Fresh” Knight will guide you through exclusive performances and interviews with rising local artists Mike Melinoe, J Soulja, Vintage Jay, TEDDYTHELEGACY, and Chief Cleopatra (“Belushi” is featured on today’s AMM).
You in? The show starts at 7 p.m. (Central) tonight, Thursday September 17, right here on the KUTX website. Donations support the Summer Jam artists, as well as community non-profit DAWA (Diversity Awareness and Wellness in Action), which provides a financial safety net for people of color experiencing short-term life crises.
-Photo of Chief Cleopatra by Konstantin Belyshev.
Petticoat: “The Middle”
We’ve all heard of Halsey, but have you heard of David Halsey? Better known by his stage name Petticoat this twenty three year old Bay Area songwriter blends the best elements of ’80s new wave and modern club production. Petticoat dropped his debut five-song EP InFormat last year and just today Halsey pulled up the silk to reveal his latest single.
“The Middle” once again finds Petticoat planted equidistant between contemporary electronic and retro synthpop, with Halsey’s robust vocals floating over the bouncing rhythms and delicate arrangements to create something unique, yet perfect for a playlist of vintage stuff or currents.
–Photo: Nas Bogado
Texas Standard: September 16, 2020
Despite less money and name recognition than the incumbent, some think MJ Hegar has a strong chance of making political history in November. Many political analysts think air force veteran and teacher M.J. Hegar has the best chance of reclaiming a seat in the US senate for Texas democrats for the first time in two decades. Also what losing a newspaper means for a Texas town, a teachers’ struggle to wear a Black Lives Matter mask at school, and 80 million unrequested ballots sent to voters? A Politifact check of that claim by the president and more today on the Texas Standard:
That Gulf Coast Soul
That voice! Kam Franklin, who candidly explained to your AMM host in an interview for KUTX At Home that she had little to no prior experience with livestream production, put forth an amazing energy like no other with her solo livestream shows in the past few months – featuring stage sets with artwork created by Franklin herself that added to her spectacular presence. And…it was a lot of hard work. A lot.
Now the frontwoman for The Suffers and recent Song Confessional artist reunites with her badass band for a livestream show kicking off at 8 p.m. (Central) tonight, Wednesday September 16, at Noonchorus. Get that virtual ticket to get into the show, and revel in that voice.
-Photo courtesy of the artist.
Dog Beach Rebels: “Move Along” [PREMIERE]
They may still be in the puppy stage of their career, but Austin quintet Dog Beach Rebels is already leading the pack when it comes to reggae rock. Founded back in 2018 over a mutual love of reggae, DBR just recorded their debut EP a few months ago and with the help of engineer-producer Charles Godfrey (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead, etc.) Take Sides is a formidable first entry to this already-promising group’s discography.
Take Sides comes out October 1st and today Dog Beach Rebels has given us a a first listen to the record’s frenetic lead single, “Move Along”!
KUTX supports Austin music; your support makes KUTX possible. Donate today.
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Texas Standard: September 15, 2020
No other state has shown as many cracks in its system of counting COVID-19 cases as Texas. Now the numbers are set to shift again. Why is Texas having such trouble with Coronavirus case counts? Edgar Walters of the Texas Tribune has the latest. Also, a plan for affordable housing gets slammed as a tax windfall for developers, we’ll hear why. And an indigenous tribe pushes the University of Texas to hand over Native American remains. Plus the ultimate how to book for those ready to leave it all behind: How to Astronaut. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
HAAM Day 2020
The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians‘ (HAAM) biggest fundraiser of the year has a decidedly different look this time, though it’s also proof that the music cannot and will not stop. Especially now, when our badass multi-talented music artists need us more than ever.
HAAM Day 2020 is a virtual celebration, bringing all the live music to you throughout the day on Facebook Live, Luck Stream, and on TV (and online, of course) on Fox 7 Austin, all to raise funds for HAAM to provide access to much-needed healthcare services for our local musicians.
The day-long line-up is too huge to list here, but you may have heard a few of these inspiring names on today’s AMM: Walker Lukens (dude, that Fox 7 interview this morning, on half a cup of coffee…you’re my hero), Mobley (new song “James Crow” comes out tomorrow!), Miss Lavelle White, Tomar & The FCs, Eimaral Sol, Jackie Venson, Kalu James, Marcia Ball, Hays Carll, Gina Chavez, Como Las Movies, …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Grupo Fantasma, Ley Line, Corey Baum (Croy and The Boys) and more.
Find the full schedule and donation information on HAAM’s website.
-Artwork courtesy of HAAM.
Sometimes a Legend: “Chloe 5000” [PREMIERE]
When it comes to perfectionists, there are few people more protective of their creative output than Austin keyboardist-composer Bowman Maze. He’s eccentric, obsessive, but also kind of a genius. So when you get past the surface level mythology of bros enjoying beers over Dungeons & Dragons, the neighborhood cat interrupting band practice, and the often incendiary yard-meets-gravity game “stump”, Maze’s “fresh pop” sextet Sometimes a Legend has an incredibly mature sound.
Complete with a horn section and multi-part vocal harmonies, Sometimes a Legend is soon set to release their debut self-titled LP, rounded out with nine tracks that boast Maze’s upper register vocals and pulsating arrangements throughout; just hear for yourself on the record’s sophomore track, “Chloe 5000”!
KUTX supports Austin music; your support makes KUTX possible. Donate today.
Westward
The rasp in those vocals comes from a soul that’s been there, done that, and has the figurative – and maybe literal – scars to prove it. You hear that vulnerable strain as our narrator gingerly picks up the shattered pieces, in hopes of putting something back together again. Maybe even for just one night…
Sensitive hearts abound on Westward, the latest solo release by Jonathan Terrell. And, though country may be at the core, there’s an essence to this LP that shimmers and sizzles like a rock star.
The Terrell Barrel (inside joke, you had to be there) happens to be the next featured artist on one of your Austin Music Minute host’s favorite livestream series, Bud’s Live and Direct. See Terrell perform at 7:05 p.m. (Central) Friday, September 18, on Bud’s Recording Studio Facebook Live and YouTube channel.
-Photo courtesy of the artist.
Cathy Hughes, pt.2 (Ep. 41, 2020)
This week on In Black America, producer and host John L. Hanson, Jr. concludes a conversation with Cathy Hughes, veteran radio and television professional and founder and Chairwoman of Urban One, Inc., the largest African American owned and operated media company in America.
The Fall of Tekashi 6ix9ine
This week on The Breaks:
- Confucius and Fresh discuss what the poor sales of Tekashi 6ix 9ine’s latest record, Tattletales, means for his career.
- The hosts debate whether Jay-Z’s billionaire status is okay because of his place in the culture.
- Confucius and Fresh talk about the intersection of hip-hop and branding, especially as it relates to Travis Scott’s partnership with McDonalds.
- Fresh argues that the Drake Stimulus Package is not as important as everyone thinks it is in his Unpopular Opinion.
- Confucius states that in order to grow together, people need to focus first on their own individual growth.
Be sure to Watch Summer Jam 2020 featuring performances by Mike Melinoe, J Soulja, Vintage Jay, TEDDYTHELEGACY & Chief Cleopatra.
You can watch Summer Jam 2020 Thursday, September 17th at 7pm on KUTX.org
Listen to this episode of The Breaks
Texas Standard: September 14, 2020
Primary care physicians on the front line of a health crisis now asking for a primary care “Marshall Plan” to survive long term. That story and more today on the Texas Standard.
El Paso, long a democratic stronghold, but also with a history of low turnout among Latinos and young voters. A closer look at what issues might get them to the polls with election day now 50 days away.
Also, how one of the biggest legacies of the Obama administration echoes in this election season.
And colleges and universities trying to get in good with social media influencers- but at what price? Those stories and more.
Joe Barksdale: “Moonbeam”
There was an awful lot of talk about football this past weekend…but local news and opinions aside, today we’re giving the historically-introverted Joe Barksdale a spot in the limelight. After a fulfilling career in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, and San Diego Chargers, Barksdale’s recently swapped out the helmet and pads for six strings and a mic.
Barksdale dropped his debut album back in 2017 and just last year formally retired from the NFL to relocate to Austin and focus full-time on music. Friday before last, Barksdale shared Sincerely, an earnest set of indie-rock/electro-soul songs that mark a serious victory for Barksdale in his ongoing songwriting career, perhaps best heard on “Moonbeam”!
KUTX supports Austin music; your support makes KUTX possible. Donate today.
Where It Goes
Maybe your Austin Music Minute host is a bit biased. Just a bit. The heart strings might be ruled by this gang’s collective bluegrass strings, but let this be perfectly clear: Wood & Wire is magic.
Whether you’ve been a longtime fan of the Grammy-nominated outfit, or you’re discovering their music for the first time, it’s easy to get a heart-full with their latest LP, No Matter Where It Goes From Here. Mind you, it’s every bit the impressive, finger-flyin’ instrumental prowess the band’s known for, thoughtfully woven through each story they tell that makes the magic evident, but these stories are not necessarily part of your standard bluegrass fare (“John,” “Pigs,” “El Paso”). In other words…another winner, in that distinctive way Wood & Wire delivers it.
Join the guys for the celebration of their new music on their livestream release show, at 8 p.m. Central tonight, Saturday September 12, on Wood & Wire’s Facebook, YouTube channel and Twitch. Half of tonight’s donations go to U.S. hunger relief organization Feeding America.
-Photo courtesy of the artist.
Seasonal Change
The changing of seasons can bring with it mixed emotions depending on what is going on in our lives.
In this edition of Two Guys on Your Head, Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke talk about the psychology of seasonal change.
KUT Weekend – September 11, 2020
The employment picture in Texas sixth months into the global pandemic. Plus, why the city of Austin is stopping a company from doing diversity training for city employees. And COVID-19 is keeping many students of color from returning to college, but less so at Southwestern. Those stories and more in this edition of KUT Weekend!
Subscribe at https://weekend.kut.org
Siete Sound Bites
In celebration of Latinx culture during Hispanic Heritage Month, Siete Family Foods is presenting Siete Sound Bites, a virtual concert event in collaboration with local restaurants and local music artists, with proceeds benefitting the Hispanic Impact Fund.
Seriously, this line-up is basically a list of Austin Music Minute favorites: Carrie Rodriguez, Gina Chavez, Tiarra Girls, and Adrian Quesada (Black Pumas) performing with Beto Martinez (Brownout). And tasty take-out dishes created by the participating restaurants will be available before the show. The Siete Sound Bites livestream starts at 7 p.m. Central tomorrow night, Saturday September 12, on Siete Family Foods’ YouTube channel.
-Photo of Gina Chavez by Ismael Quintanilla III.
Texas Standard: September 11, 2020
A prescription for Coronavirus relief? Congress hasn’t come up with it, and there’s a major political price that could be paid in Texas, too. Less than two months till election day and the message from constituents: we need relief from the economic effects of the pandemic. Politicians on both sides of the aisle say they get it, so where’s the relief package? We’ll explore. Also what’s in a name: the push to identify heatwaves as we do hurricanes. And American gothic reimagined in a Texas of today. The week in politics with the Texas Tribune and more today on the Texas Standard:
These Are The People In Your Neighborhood
The COVID-19 pandemic has limited travel for many. Some have found more time spent at home has encouraged them to look closer at their surroundings. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.