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Next of Kin: “Jekyll & Hyde”

Alt-country trio Next Of Kin is a new project out of Austin that is bringing cult country back to the local music scene with the premiere of their first-ever single, ‘Jekyll & Hyde’, coming out on streaming platforms today, September 27th. The trio of Caelin, Lili Hickman (of Flora and Fawna), and Madison Baker has been in the works since March 2023. What started as a fun collaboration session quickly became a serious project when they discovered just how unique their harmonies can be.

At the start of Next Of Kin, each member was also pursuing their independent projects and endeavors, leaving Next Of Kin as simply a way to decompress and make music with other respective musicians. Almost instantly, they discovered their different perspectives and genre backgrounds created a strong sound of alternative country with a hint of indie-folk twang. Despite this project being in its beginning stages, their ability to emotionalize storytelling has already gained them a loyal following across Austin, Texas.

Their press release describes their sound, as “as if The Chicks and Maggie Rogers had a brainchild.” With their eccentric lyricism and scarce mix of genres, Next Of Kin’s “Jeckly & Hyde” is a strong foundation for what tone this brand new project will set. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ live tonight at Continental Club, and keep an ear out for ‘Next Of Kin’, because this is just the beginning.

As of today, ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ is officially out on all streaming platforms. Be sure to check out their show tonight at Continental Club! With a great lineup including Shannon McNally @9:30pm, Next of Kin @11pm, Buffalo Hunt @12:30am.

A Band Called Ma: “Walker”

Austin-based shoegaze duo ‘A Band Called Ma’ is back and better than ever with the premiere of their latest single ‘Walker’, coming out on streaming platforms on September 27th. The unique two-piece comprises Austin Barker and Domonic Sena, who have been making music together under the project ‘A Band Called Ma’ since the beginning of 2023.

They are known around the Austin-scene for bringing a unique perspective to their songs; drawing inspiration from physical surroundings. We see this firsthand in their 2023 single, “Mountaintop” which bridges the relationship between natural environments and self-identity. Nonetheless, they are known to connect the gap between actuality and nature, as their Spotify bio says, “The project is heavily inspired by the vast alien landscape of Big Bend.” With their metaphor-filled lyrics and unique music-making process, this new project is a force to be reckoned with.

Influenced by Alex G, Radiohead, and other Alternative-Rock icons, ‘Walker’ does a phenomenal job of honoring the important aspects of the genre while paving their own eccentric path. With divine harmonizing and a strong instrument presence, A Band Called Ma knows exactly what direction the new music is going in, and “Walker” is nothing short of inspiring.

Be sure to stream ‘Walker’ on 9/27 and don’t miss their single release show tonight (9/26) at Hotel Vegas! They will be on at 11, following Lookalike at 9:30, Hanover at 10:15, and Futon Blonde at 11:45.

Suzanna Choffel: “Get Out”

Austin-based singer-songwriter Suzanna Choffel brings relateable emotion and vibrant energy to her latest single, “Get Out,” off her upcoming album Bird By Bird. Known for her genre-blending sound and raw lyricism, Choffel uses this track to dive into the pressures of her modern life—parenthood, relationships, and career struggles—all while trying to maintain a sense of self.

But, “Get Out” doesn’t stray away from what Suzanna Choffel has always aimed to emulate. In fact, like any insightfully charged musician, her journey as an artist has always been tied to her personal life. Since her last album, Hello Goodbye, recorded while she was pregnant with her first daughter, Choffel’s experiences now as a mother of two have reshaped her perspective on songwriting. Balancing family, a music career, and hosting her own radio show on Sun Radio in Austin, she brings a matured yet still playful sound to Bird By Bird.

And often with big changes like these, sometimes a break from routine is needed. Knowing this, Choffel reached out to longtime collaborator Davíd Garza to help produce the record, who recruited a dynamic rhythm section featuring drummer Amy Wood and bassist Sebastian Steinberg, known for his work on Fiona Apple’s GRAMMY award-winning album, Fetch the Bolt Cutters. Not to mention, the album also features a dash of Austin with guest performances from local friends Adrian Quesada, Carrie Rodriguez, and Elias Haslanger.

The collaboration brings a driving, percussive intensity to “Get Out” while somehow still maintaining a graceful balance with her folksy highs and lows. To bring more of a personal touch to the album, Garza, who’s also a new father, suggested turning the song’s final chorus into more of a celebratory moment capturing the cathartic release that “Get Out” represents.

The Midnight Stroll: “It Ain’t Worth a Dream”

When in Austin, you’re bound to run into some cross pollination among bands. For Austin-based duo, The Midnight Stroll, this is nothing short of the truth. Featuring the frontman of Ghostland Observatory, Aaron Behrens, and musical jack-of-all-trades, Jonas Wilson (Heartless Bastards, Urban Heat, Black Angels, and more), their latest and 3rd, upcoming single, “It Ain’t Worth a Dream”, explores the hardships of new beginnings through the eyes of an American immigrant wondering if the reality of it all is worth the cost of his dreams. What someone might not expect though is how the band expresses their sentiment through grungy shoegaze guitar hooks and Grouplove x AC/DC vocals.

After almost a decade since their second album Western Static, it’s clear to hear exactly where the duo is heading with their upcoming album, Humans Scheme and Headphones Dream, debuting next month. With a little touch of hair rock and dash of multi-track tape recorder effects, the duo’s sound sets them apart from local bands, including their other projects. But despite having to wait a bit longer for the full album, It Ain’t Worth A Dream makes its radio debut TODAY and will be available to listen to tomorrow.

Balkan Taksim: “Zalina”

Balkan Taksim is something you could only describe as entrancing. Originating from Romanian folk, Balkan Taksim lies heavily within Balkanian formed psychedelia, while putting a sagacious twist to its traditional style. Swaying synths are paired with a non-stopping pattering goblet shaped doumbek (or drum), which create an almost disorienting aural space for the listener. It is within this disorientation though, that Balkan Taksim starts to make you move, and tap your feet almost in sync to the rhythm. Soon, that tapping becomes fully fleshed out dance steps, and quickly after that you begin to lose yourself in the nearly too inviting embrace of the Balkan Groove.

For a taste of Carpathian soul in your day, check out Balkan Taksim’s latest and greatest offering “Zalina” out now!

-Felix Kimbrell

This Song: Ibeyi

Lisa-Kaindé Diaz of Ibeyi explains how Nina Simone’s version of “I Put a Spell on You” helped her understand what singing was really about and how music helped heal the relationship with her sister Naomi. Oh yeah, and what it was like to be a part of Beyonce’s Lemonade!

Subscribe via the Podcasts App, iTunes or Stitcher to get the new episodes of This Song delivered to you as soon as they come out.

Listen to Ibeyi’s second record Ash

Check out Ibeyi’s tour dates With David Byrne. Look for the dates marked with a ^^

Listen to the Two and Fro episode celebrating the two year anniversary of Beyonce’s Lemonade

Listen to Songs from Episode 128 of This Song

This Song: Bully

Alicia Bognanno, lead singer, songwriter and guitar player for the Nashville based band Bully explains how the imperfect beauty of the Breeder’s Pod showed her that she could make music the way she wanted to make it.

Bully has a new record out called Losing.

📸 Jorge Sanhueza-Lyon/KUTX

Subscribe via the Podcasts App, iTunes or Stitcher to get the new episodes of This Song delivered to you as soon as they come out.

Listen to Bully’s latest record Losing

Check out Bully’s tour dates

Listen to Kelley Deal of the Breeder’s episode of This Song

Check out Bully’s set from KUTX Live at the Four Seasons

Listen to Songs from Episode 127 of This Song

This Song: Kelley Deal of the Breeders

In this episode, The Breeders’ guitar player and singer Kelley Deal describes how watching Jimmy Page play guitar in Led Zeppelin’s concert film The Song Remains the Same exploded her mind and gave her a template for the kind of sonically adventurous musician she would later become.

The Breeders have a new record out called All Nerve.

Subscribe via the Podcasts App, iTunes or Stitcher to get the new episodes of This Song delivered to you as soon as they come out.

Check out the new Breeders record All Nerve

Check out the Breeders Tour Dates

Listen to Vickie Howell’s episode of This Song

Listen to Songs from Episode 126 of This Song

This Song: Mobley (rerun)

Austin songwriter, producer and one and band Mobley has a new project coming out on April 27th called Fresh Lies Vol. 1. In it he explores his relationship, as a black man, with the United States through the metaphor of a romantic relationship. This is the first volume in a career spanning song cycle.

Listen as he describes how Kanye West’s “808’s & Heartbreak” showed him how powerful and freeing vulnerability could be and why he felt compelled to explore his relationship with America in his work.

Check out Mobley’s Tour Dates

Learn More about “Fresh Lies.”

Pre Order Fresh Lies Vol. 1

Check out Mobley’s Artist of the Month Page

Subscribe via the Podcasts App, iTunes or Stitcher to get the new episodes of This Song delivered to you as soon as they come out.

Listen to Songs from Episode 125 of This Song

This Song: Dessa

Rapper and writer Dessa’s latest record Chime finds her exploring everything from feminism to death to her complex feelings about free will. Listen as she describes all the reasons why hearing Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” as a twelve hear old exploded her preconceived notions about race and gender and gave voice to her feelings of restlessness. And you don’t want to miss her describe her quest to use science to rid her brain of a love that wasn’t serving her. Seriously, what she did will blow YOUR mind.

Photo: Jorge Sanhueza-Lyon

Subscribe via the Podcasts App, iTunes or Stitcher to get the new episodes of This Song delivered to you as soon as they come out.

Listen to Dessa’s new record Chime

Check out Dessa’s Tour Dates

Pre Order Dessa’s Book My Own Devices

Watch Dessa’s presentation as the Artist in Residence at the Greenespace

Listen to Songs from Episode 123 of This Song

This Song: Luke Lalonde of Born Ruffians

Canada’s Born Ruffians just released their 5th album, Uncle, Duke and the Chief. Listen as singer, songwriter and guitar player Luke Lalonde explores why he loves John Prine’s “Far From Me” and describes the deep impact his father has had on his musical journey.

Subscribe via the Podcasts App, iTunes or Stitcher to get the new episodes of This Song delivered to you as soon as they come out.

Listen to Uncle, Duke and The Chief

Check out Born Ruffians Tour Dates

Listen to Songs from Episode 120 of This Song

This Song: Mélat

Austin based R&B artist Mélat just released her latest record Move Me II: The Present. Listen as she explains how two very different songs –Ella Fitzgerald’s version of “Misty” and Mariah Carey’s version of “Always Be My Baby” — helped her understand the deep connection between music and emotion.

Subscribe via the Podcasts App, iTunes or Stitcher to get the new episodes of This Song delivered to you as soon as they come out.

Mélat is playing KUTX’s Live at the Four Seasons during SXSW. See the full lineup here

See Mélat live at Stubb’s Austin on Friday April 6th

Listen to Songs from Episode 119 of This Song

This Song: Portugal. The Man

John Gourley and Eric Howk from the band Portugal. The Man explain how “I’m Only Sleeping” by the Beatles along with the Woodstock documentary and soundtrack changed the way they saw music and inspired the making of their latest record Woodstock.

Subscribe via the Podcasts App, iTunes or Stitcher to get the new episodes of This Song delivered to you as soon as they come out.

Check out Portugal the Man’s Tour Dates

Listen to Songs from Episode 117 of This Song

Nicole Atkins: “Sleepwalking”

Photo by Anna Webber

Nicole Atkins‘s latest album, her fourth, is the personification of transition: a musician moving from Jersey to Nashville and letting the sonic roots and influences of those cities soak up into the porous bones of her music. The product of Atkins’s life and resolve in sobriety after years of feeling numb towards the things that should have filled her with elation and pride, her fourth release Goodnight Rhonda Lee took three years to write, but only five days to record. Cherry on top? She recruited members of the prolific Dap Kings to back her up throughout the record.

Underneath the light-hearted, danceable energy of “Sleepwalking” lies Atkin’s waxing on a strange plane we’ve all had the odd fortune of experiencing, that plane of transition. Surroundings are familiar, but the feelings and energies are different, and you can’t do anything except wait for the next phase to settle in.

“Sleepwalking” appears on Goodnight Rhonda Lee, out now via Single Lock.

-Taylor Wallace// Host, Thursdays 8p-11p & Saturdays 2p-6p; Producer, Eklektikos with John Aielli

This Song — Daniele Luppi

Composer, producer and songwriter Daniele Luppi just released his second record Milano. In it he explores his teenage experiences in 1980’s Milan. Listen as he describes the impact that The Buggles MTV hit “Video Killed the Radio Star” had on him as a kid and explains why Parquet Courts and Karen O were the perfect collaborators for his new project.

Subscribe via the Podcasts App, iTunes or Stitcher to get the new episodes of This Song delivered to you as soon as they come out.

Listen to Milano

Watch the Video for Pretty Prizes

Listen to Karen O’s new song “Yo! My Saint” produced by Daniele Luppi

Watch the Video for “Video Killed the Radio Star”

Listen to Songs from Episode 116 of This Song

This Song: Milky Chance

German indie folk group Milky Chance released their second record Blossom in March 2017. Listen as DJ/ producer Philipp Dausch and singer/guitarist Clemens Rehbein explain how Red Hot Chili Pepper guitarist John Frusciante’s “A Name” and the unreleased Bob Marley demo “Rumors” helped them clarify how direct and raw they wanted their own music to be.

Check out Milky Chance’s Tour Dates

Listen to Milky Chance perform “Ego” backstage at ACLfest

Listen to Bob Marley’s unreleased demo “Rumors.”

Subscribe via the Podcasts App, iTunes or Stitcher to get the new episodes of This Song delivered to you as soon as they come out.

Listen to Songs from Episode 120 of This Song

This Song : Lukas Nelson

Lukas Nelson and his band Promise of the Real just released their 4th eponymously titled album. They also recently released a record with Neil Young called “The Visitor.” Listen as Lukas describes how Young’s “Tonight’s the Night” inspired him to pursue a career in music and ultimately led him to play with the man himself.

Subscribe via the Podcasts App, iTunes or Stitcher to get the new episodes of This Song delivered to you as soon as they come out.

Check out Lukas Nelson’s Tour Dates

Check out Lukas Nelson Performing “Forget about Georgia” backstage at ACLfest

Listen to Songs This Episode of This Song

This Song: Blitzen Trapper — Rerun!

Portland rockers Blitzen Trapper just released a new record called Wild and Reckless. They’re also headlining the first show in KUTX’s 5th Birthday Concert Series at Antones on February 22nd. In this rerun singer, songwriter and guitar player Eric Early describes how the darker realms of R.E.M.’s music inspired him as a teenager. Then drummer Brian Koch explains how his high school peers led him to realize he too could play music.

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Buy tickets to see Blitzen Trapper February 22nd at Antones

Check out Blitzen Trapper’s tour dates

This Song: Benjamin Wallfisch (Blade Runner 2049, IT)

Composer and Conductor Benjamin Wallfisch has scored music for over 60 feature films including Hidden Figures and the remake of Steven King’s IT. He also collaborated with Hans Zimmer on the soundtrack for Blade Runner 2049. Listen as he describes how hearing John William’s score for E.T. as a young boy set him on the path of making music for movies.

Subscribe via the Podcasts App, iTunes or Stitcher to get the new episodes of This Song delivered to you as soon as they come out.

Listen to Songs from Episode 111 of This Song

This Song: Yoke Lore

It’s the Hanukkah edition of This Song! Adrian Galvin, aka Yoke Lore, plays his own brand of blissed out folk pop. Listen as he explores how singing “In the Window” with his family as a child during Hanukkah opened his eyes to the deeply connective possibilities of music. And you’ll definitely want to hear his theory about music and magic.

Subscribe via the Podcasts App, iTunes or Stitcher to get the new episodes of This Song delivered to you as soon as they come out.

Check out Yoke Lore’s tour dates

Check out Yoke Lore’s Studio 1A performance

Listen to Songs from Episode 110 of This Song