Developing new skills is about a lot more than practice.
In this edition of Two Guys on Your Head, Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke talk about the importance of building perceptual acuity.
Archives for November 2020
Inner Child
More artists to keep on your radar with this weekend’s Baby TV livestream show:
-Recent My KUTX guest DJ Christelle Bofale knows their deepest inspiration reaches into familial roots and the importance of mental health care. Both are at the core of Bofale’s self-discovery. That work shines through on today’s AMM featured track, “lullaby @ inner child,” a raw piece that came to Bofale during the wee hours. “…do you let it go / do you know how? / it’s not your fault!”
-In rich, deep tones, Oak Park, IL artist Kara Jackson unleashes a minimalist and introspective but no less powerful rendition of Gloria Gaynor‘s “I Will Survive” on a recording that came out earlier this month. Jackson’s debut, the gorgeous EP A Song for Every Chamber of the Heart, was released last year, with its magnificent and wistful closer “Don’t” frequently cited as a fan favorite – and with damn good reason.
–Vonne (Austin-based songwriter Yvonne Goodwyne) quickly became an AMM fave with their lo-fi dark pop debut EP Foreign Affairs and the misty single “Doctor (B-Side)”. Earlier this month, Goodwyne released the starkly minimal composition “Elders?”, accompanied by a piano echoing ancestral spirits. “…who finds themself in the role of…” Vonne’s voice softly and deliberately repeats, with no answer to the question but the one the listener might provide.
–Kendra Sells (BluMoon) moves in a solo direction with the release of Sells’ new single, “All In Your Head,” from their forthcoming EP on Richmond, VA label Quiet Year Records. Soul, jazz, trippy beatplay and experimental reverberation form the sonic sphere cradling the eternal self-doubting query: “Was it all in your head? / Was it just something that you dread?”
Catch performances by these four artists starting at 7 p.m. (Central) tomorrow night, Saturday November 21, on Baby TV’s website. Proceeds benefit the artists, and the folks working Brooklyn venue Baby’s All Right.
-Photo of Christelle Bofale by Jinni J.
KUT Weekend – November 20, 2020
With COVID-19 hospitalizations increasing, Austin moves to Stage 4 of its risk based guidelines. Plus, CapMetro tries to make public transit more accessible for low-income riders. And why general aviation in Fredericksburg is soaring through the pandemic.Those stories and more in this edition of KUT Weekend!
Subscribe at https://weekend.kut.org
Texas Standard: November 20, 2020
Is the presidential contest still a real contest? Texas’ senior senator says it’s still too close to call, we’ll have the latest. Also, he pledged to heal the soul of the nation, but when it comes to immigration, some wonder why that topic doesn’t make it too Joe Biden’s top 5 list of policy priorities. We’ll hear about the concerns of advocates of immigration reform. And airlines may be hard hit by the pandemic, but some Texas towns with ties to the skies are taking off. We’ll hear why. Plus the week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Perspective
The ongoing reckoning over racism in the United States inspired this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Hong Kong Wigs: “Discopop!”
Made up of Sweet Spirit singer-guitarist John Fichter, Black Basements bassist Anastasia Wright, and Ex Romantika dummer Adam Galvan, Austin three-piece Hong Kong Wigs truly fulfills their status as a power trio. HKW’s been around for a bit now, but have only just today released their debut LP, LOIS.
LOIS is an outstanding stepping stone for Hong Kong Wigs and a phenomenal first full-length entry into their still-growing art rock discography. They’ll be celebrating LOIS with a virtual release show 6PM tonight via Bud’s Live and Direct and even if you can’t check that out, we’re pretty sure that one of LOIS‘s late contenders “Discopop!” will keep Hong Kong Wigs close to your head throughout the weekend.
–Jack Anderson
–Photo: Travis Lilley
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Texas Standard: November 19, 2020
As a new wave of COVID-19 cases sweeps across the state, a strikingly different response from Governor Abbott compared to the last statewide surge. We’ll hear what health experts are saying. Also, more on an emergency treatment approved by the FDA. And as those cases rise, a test of faith for some Catholics called back to the pews. And a forthcoming vote on a new sex education curriculum Texas LGBTQ advocates say falls far short. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
LOIS
Following the release of last year’s self-titled four-song rocker, and singles “I’m So Free,” “Remember” and dreamy-dreamtime seafoamy “Little Oceans” (featured on today’s AMM) Hong Kong Wigs is ready to launch their debut LP LOIS into the world, via Spaceflight Records. Time for a release party – and they’re bringing it virtual-style.
Hong Kong Wigs plays the newest tunes on a livestream show, kicking off at 6 p.m. (Central) tomorrow night, Friday November 20, on Bud’s Live and Direct. Bud’s Recording has a YouTube channel you can see the show on, or check it out on Facebook Live.
-Album cover for LOIS; Photography by Travis Lilley.
Phabo: “LNF”
Like many lyricists based out of L.A., Phabo started cutting his teeth on juvenile yet formative freestyle rap battles while still in high school. Jump to 2014 where Phabo’s four-part mixtape Ratchet & Blues proved that this singer-rapper was nothing to be overlooked, and ought to be put in a salacious pantheon that includes early Weeknd and Usher.
Following a slew of promising collaborations, today Phabo dropped an undulating trap-R&B single ahead of his upcoming LP and we can assure you, “LNF” is nothing short of sultry.
Texas Standard: November 18, 2020
Amplifying the voices of Texas’s Black legislators. We’ll tell you about a revived effort. And remember that Texas County with no confirmed coronavirus cases? Yeah. That didn’t last. What’s going on in Loving County. Plus, how the oil bust has also led to a land value bust. How it’s playing out in the Permian Basin. And could we call what’s happening in the White House right now a coup? The answer from an expert in authoritarian regimes might surprise you. We’ll put it into context. And we’ll fact-check a claim about early voting and voter fraud. All of that and more today on the Texas Standard:
Family Meal
Time to dig in. The Austin Music Minute has the details about a feast for the ears and the appetite.
Luck Reunion plays host to the livestream Prime Cuts: Family Meal, featuring Austin-based chefs Kristin Kish and Alex Munoz of Arlo Grey, and Philip Speer of Assembly of Comedor, preparing assorted victuals for a tasty holiday meal.
And what better pairing than fantastic music?? The livestream includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and Nicole Atkins. The show starts at 7 p.m. (Central) tomorrow night, Thursday November 19, at the Luck Reunion website, with proceeds benefitting the Central Texas Food Bank. Make sure you RSVP.
-Photo of Tank and The Bangas from the “Self Care” video, courtesy of the artist.
Synthemesc: “Nighttrap”
With the pandemic continuing at its current rate, working on a solo project is obviously more feasible than practicing with a full band. And for those that remember Austin psych-noir six-piece The Halfways, former frontman Daniel Fernandez has been churning out electronic music under the handle Synthemesc.
Synthemesc has a new home base in Medellin, where he’s released the latest installment into his arsenal of minimalist yet lengthy, psychosomatic house instrumentals, “Nighttrap”! Its best enjoyed on the dancefloor or behind the wheel, so remember to wear a mask, socially distance, and drive responsibly!
World Wide At Home
It’s epic. It’s gargantuan. It’s a world tour of grand proportions – all taking place in Austin. No van or airplane required.
Songwriter, X-cofounder and resident badass John Doe put together an awesome series of livestream sets that will broadcast from three iconic Austin music venues. Welcome to your front row seat for John Doe’s Travis County World Tour, kicking off with Fan Favorites this Thursday, November 19, from C-Boy’s Heart & Soul, most likely including some of your favorite X tracks.
Up next is Lotsa New Songs, quite possibly with new X tunes and solo goodies, Wednesday December 16, streaming from Arlyn Studios. Then the third livestream is an All Request Live show, Wednesday January 20, from a venue near and dear to those of us at KUTX, the Cactus Café.
Each livestream begins at 8 p.m. (Central), and ticket info can be found at John Doe’s website. So good.
-Photo by Michael Minasi for KUTX.
Texas Standard: November 17, 2020
As coronavirus numbers continue to surge in Texas – health care providers are desperate for resources and energy for the battle ahead. Today on the Texas Standard. We’ll check in with communities across the state about the specific challenges in their neck of Texas. Plus, how one Texas university has cracked down on compliance with COVID-19 prevention measures. It’s not without controversy. And, the Irving-based Boy Scouts of America facing an uncertain future after tens of thousands lobby sexual abuse allegations. Plus, some smart brains here in Texas have figured out we can investigate the very first stars. How? I’ll go ahead and say it — it’s pretty out of this world. Today on the Texas Standard.
The Return of Live Music Part 1
Live Music has returned to Austin, even as COVID cases continue to surge in Texas. Hear about three live music experiences from the perspective of a fan, three musicians and a promoter.
Listen to this episode of Pause/Play
In this episode you’ll hear from:
host Elizabeth McQueen stepping into the role of a fan
Greg Gonzalez, bass player for Money Chicha & Grupo Fantasma
Tomar Williams from Tomar and the FC’s
Geoff Earle from Stiletto Feels
Walker Lukens from Walker Lukens and the Sidearms. He’s also the co-host of the Song Confessional Podcast
Love and Lightstream
Antones
Central Machine Works
Listen on The Apple Podcasts App, Spotify
Listen to Songs from this Episode
Ghost Funk Orchestra: “Little Bird”
Halloween may be over, but for one set of sonic specters the urge to get a little ghastly isn’t tied to any one holiday. Solo-project-turned-ten-piece Ghost Funk Orchestra has continued to float across genres, ushering in an aura of mystery and intrigue not heard in most ensembles of this size.
Last Friday GFO conjured up their sophomore full-length, An Ode To Escapism, with an astonishing seventeen tracks that incorporate a bit more jazz and fuzz than their 2019 debut A Song For Paul, while still leaning heavily into salsa, psych, soul, and of course, funk. The arrangements are more complex, the drums bang harder, and the experience (pauses and all) is unparalleled. But don’t take our word for it; instead let “Little Bird” increase your mood’s altitude.
–Photo: Jeanette D. Moses
Jeezy vs Gucci Mane
This week on the Breaks
- Hosts Confucius and Fresh Talk about the upcoming Verzuz battle between Jeezy and Gucci Mane.
- The duo brings the Random Hip-Hop Facts segment back and drops some random facts about UGK & Bun B, Uncle Luke and Snoop Dogg, Yo MTV Raps, MC Hammer and more.
- Both hosts talk about TI.’s comments after the death of rapper King Von.
- In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh states that the blog era of the of hip-hop (2005-2015) rivals the golden era of hip-hop (1988-1995).
- In his Confucius Says segment, Confucius talks about the speculation surrounding the death of Dallas rapper Mo3 and the shooting of rapper Boosie Badazz and encourages people to mind their own business.
Listen to this episode of The Breaks
Texas Standard: November 16, 2020
Texas’ top law enforcement official Ken Paxton faces more legal hot water, this time from some of his own former top aides. We’ll have the latest. Also, a city’s convention center transformed into a field hospital as COVID-19 cases soar in El Paso. We’ll have more. And lessons for the lockdown era: a book to help kids cope with the Coronavirus. Also the twists and turns of Texas elections without straight ticket voting. And we’ll take a closer look at what drove so many young latinos and latinas to the polls. Plus the re-release of a mid-century classic offers a critical re-examination of Texas small town life. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Jackie Venson Artist Feature
For the first 50 days of quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic, Austin musician Jackie Venson live-streamed hours of musical performances from her home. She awoke at the end of the meditative marathon to a new normal for Austin musicians: no touring, no in-person shows, and no idea of what would come next. But in her calmed state of mind, Venson focused on her practice and her music, and used her platform to stand for Black musicians and Black lives. Last month, she received the honor of playing her first ACL Live performance – a culmination of her patience and perseverance in this uncertain year.
Video by Julia Reihs.
Kirk Brown (Ep. 50, 2020)
This week on In Black America, producer and host John L. Hanson Jr. speaks with Kirk Brown, founder of Melanin Meetups, a national think platform where young African American professionals come together to develop data-driven solutions to address social, economic and professional challenges facing the African American community.