The new season of Pause/Play starts on April 17th. This season is all about change. We’ll be looking at the impact that climate change, changes in laws, changes in ticketing, changes in venues, changes in tech, and more are having on the Austin music scene.
Té for Two: Austin Musician Gina Chávez and Winger Emliano Rigoni.
Co-host Jimmy Maas interviews singer Gina Chávez. The native Austinite shares her experience doubling as an independent musician and philanthropist, her experience singing the national anthem as a queer artist during Pride Month, and how she went from a Brené Brown fangirl to performing an original song she wrote for Brown’s podcast on stage.
Then Colombiano co-host Juan Garcia kicks off the conversation with Emiliano Rigoni, the senior midfielder of Austin FC, entirely in Spanish. Originally from Argentina, he and Garcia speak about his longstanding relationship with Sebastian Driussi, playing in a Russian premiere league, and his love for the community that makes his new hometown special. To break the tension, the two share a cup of maté—a tea-like beverage that sparks joy throughout the interview.
Pump up the Volume: Gyasi Zardes & Austin FC Match Day DJs Peligrosa
Austin FC striker Gyasi Zardes speaks on the all-time greats he’s played with, plus how music has helped him find balance and how parenthood changed him.
You’ll also hear from Austin DJ crew Peligrosa – who are the home game DJs for Austin FC – about mixing fan favorites at Q2 stadium, surviving as an artist in Austin, and the connection between rockin’ a party and teaching school.
A New Hope: Austin FC’s season opener w/ goalie Brad Stuver and singer Mélat
Austin FC goalie Brad Stuver talks to hosts Jimmy Maas and Juan Garcia about his pre-game ritual, his favorite date night spot in Austin, and how he makes sure that what happens on the field stays on the field.
Austin musician Mélat explains what it’s like to sing the national anthem at the season kickoff game — she’s done it three times! Plus she explains how she manifested a professional soccer team for our city.
Juan tells you why Austin FC is paying tribute to the Armadillo World Headquarters on their new away jersey.
And Jeremiah Bentley and Landon Cotham from the Moontower Soccer podcast talk about off-season trades and signings.
Trailer: ¡Vamos Verde!
¡Vamos Verde! is a podcast that looks at the intersection of Austin FC and the community that surrounds it. Hosts Jimmy Maas and Juan Garcia talk to players, staff, fans, musicians, and artists to bring you an inside look at the culture of Austin’s only professional sports team.
The first episode comes out on Feb 29th, with episodes coming out every other Thursday through the end of the season.
¡Vamos Verde! is a production of KUT and KUTX Studios in collaboration with Austin FC.
The new season of Song Confessional starts Feb 7th!
The new season of the Song Confessional podcast arrives on Feb 7th! Walker Lukens and Zac Catanzaro travel around the world collecting anonymous confessions from everyday people and then give them to songwriters and bands who turn them into new original songs. This season features new songs from artists like Golden Dawn Arkestra, Woodbelly, Buffalo Hunt, Pigeon John, and more !
An Outsider’s Take on the Austin Music Scene
In this bonus episode, Brazilian journalist and podcaster Filipe Speck explores the Austin Music Scene from his perspective as someone visiting the city for the first time.
Filipe is the co-founder of Matinal
You can listen to Filipe’s podcast Noites Gregas.
Afrotech and Hubbledvision
Confucius and Fresh interview J.M., the founder of Austin’s Hubbledvision, and Chicago-based artist Blvck Svm about their musical collaboration and the Afrovision event at this year’s Afrotech.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about who wrote the treatment for Dr. Dre and Tupac’s “California Love” video, the debut of Will Smith’s “Summertime,” what Questlove called himself before he landed on Questlove, and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Texas rappers can get lazy.
Confucius talks about Mike Pence dropping out of the presidential race, Trump’s lawyer’s claim that he can’t go to jail because he has a secret service detail, the data breach at the Austin Meals on Wheels and more on Confucius Reads the News.
What Does Artist Cey Adams Have to Say?
Confucius and Fresh interview hip-hop art legend Cey Adams, former creative director for Def Jam who designed album covers for everyone from Run-DMC to Jay-Z. They talk about his early days in hip-hop, what it’s been like to watch the genre evolve and grow, and his new show “Combinations” at the West Chelsea Contemporary in Austin.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Jay-Z’s first appearance on television, Jermaine Jackson’s diss song to his younger brother Michael, and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that the culture put unrealistic artistic expectations on Bobby Shmurda after he got out of jail.
Confucius talks about the recently discovered flesh-eating parasite in Texas, the new speaker of the House, and Bob Mendez’s legal woes in Confucius Reads the News.
Beyoncé’s the GOAT
Confucius talks about seeing Beyoncé in Houston for night two of her Renaissance World Tour. Then Confucius and Fresh debate whether Drake’s fame is getting in the way of his art.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the connection between Jay-Z and Lupe Fiasco, how Fabolous indirectly connected Rich Paul and LeBron James, what the family connection between Boldy James and Snoop Dogg is, and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Beyoncé’s Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) video has had the same cultural impact as Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
Confucius talks about the end of the writer’s strike, the second GOP debate, unprecedented theft in retail stores and more on Confucius Reads the News.
Art or Clout?
Confucius and Fresh debate what it takes to become a part of Austin Hip-Hop history, and talk about whether artists now are in it for the art, or the clout.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about who produced Deion Sanders’ “Must Be the Money,” how LL Cool J wanted to be Blade, how Ice-T got the role in New Jack City, and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Big Boi is better or even equal to André 3000.
Confucius talks about Ken Paxton’s acquittal, the cancelation of Winning Time, and the impending government shutdown on Confucius Reads the News.
Hip-Hop’s Golden Age?
Confucius and Fresh talk to Austin hip-hop pioneer Tee-Double about his career and how it feels to be one of the honorees at The Austin Hip-Hop Awards Sunday, September 17th from 2pm-5pm at the Austin Central Library.
Then they debate whether or not this is the golden age of hip-hop.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about why Cardi B’s verse didn’t end up on the final version of Ice Spice’s “Munch,” how LL Cool J and 50 Cent almost made an album together, what the connection between Warren G And Pimp C is and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Drake is a bit of a clout chaser.
Confucius talks about Mitt Romney’s announcement that he will not run for reelection, the release of El Chapo’s wife from prison and more on Confucius Reads the News
Did Capitalism Kill Hip-Hop?
Inspired by a recent article in Defector, Confucius and Fresh discuss the impact of capitalism on hip-hop. Then they talk about Puff Daddy’s decision to give Bad Boy artists their publishing back.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about who wrote Dr. Dre’s “The Watcher,” what Chamillionaire and Paul Wall did before they were famous, the connection between Shaq and UGK, and more.
Fresh States the Unpopular Opinion that Mac Miller’s 2016 Divine Feminine album was the album that Drake should have made that year.
Confucius talks about Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s divorce, the push in Texas to criminalize traveling to get an abortion, the Ken Paxton Trial and more on Confucius Reads the News.
United We Stand?
Confucius and Fresh talk to Austin R&B artist Mélat about her new music, her experience in the Austin music scene, he collaboration with Austin FC, and how she ended up singing with Matthew McConaughey. Then they discuss how united the hip-hop community is in Austin.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the connection between New Edition and Eddie Murphy, why Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter III” track listing kept changing, why there’s no video for Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest” and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Chad Hugo is the unsung hero — as opposed to the real genius — of the Neptunes.
Confucius talks about last week’s racially motivated shooting in Jacksonville, Mitch McConnel freezing at a press conference, and more in Confucius Reads the News.
Hot Boys and Girls
Fresh and Confucius talk about the impact that this year’s record heat is having on live music in Austin. Then, inspired by Asian Doll’s comments about not wanting to rap at 30, they debate the merits of older rappers.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Andre 3000 lived in Austin, why Dr. Dre turned down opportunities to work with Michael Jackson and Prince, what Missy Elliot song contains Beyoncé’s first solo outing and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that people don’t actually separate the art from the artists, but instead just decide what bad behavior they will or won’t tolerate.
Confucius talks about Trump’s mug shot, the recent Republican Party presidential debate, the Biden Administration’s new student loan repayment plan, and more.
Do ATX Rap Shows Make Money?
Confucius and Fresh try to understand why people think local hip-hop shows can’t be successful in Austin. Then they discuss whether J Cole could surpass Kendrick Lamar one day
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about who gave Missy Elliot her “Misdemeanor” nickname, who signed Queen Latifah to her first record deal, how Method Man’s “All I Need” Remix featuring Mary J. Blige came to be, and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Big K.R.I.T. has a better overall discography than J. Cole. (spoiler alert! Confucius does not agree.)
Confucius talks about the heat in Austin, how Austin venue Hole in the Wall secured a 20-year lease thanks to a grant from the City of Austin, Donald Trump’s most recent indictment in Georgia, and more in Confucius Reads the News
ATX Hip-Hop vs. the Media
Confucius and Fresh discuss the comments that Kydd Jones made on Fresh’s show New Fresh City about his reservations about people who write about hip-hop in Austin. Then, inspired by a recent article in Billboard, they talk about the future of pop stardom.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the connection between Angie Lopez and Biggie’s “Ten Crack Commandments,” who signed 98 Degrees to Motown, why Prodigy and C-Murder got taken off the final version of the remix of M.O.P’s “Ante Up” and more.
Fresh States the Unpopular Opinion that Metro Boomin makes way better albums than DJ Khaled.
Confucius talks about how High School Musical’s Troy and Gabriella are in couples therapy, what it’s like to live under the Texas heat dome, and Donald Trump’s latest indictment in Confucius Reads the News.
Jump On It!
Confucius and Fresh talk to Austin Hip-Hop artist and activist NOOK Turner about Jump On It Week, July 30-August 6th.
Then they discuss what support looks like for black endeavors in Austin.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Bun-B feels about Jay-Z using his bars in 99 Problems, How DJ Screw’s mom inspired him to sell mix tapes, what happened when Sinéad O’Connor featured MC Lyte on a song, and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Lil Baby is overhyped.
Confucius talks about the recent confirmation that the US Government has alien biologics, Mitch McConnel freezing during a press conference, chaos in the DeSantis campaign, and more in Confucius Reads the News.
RDC World talks Dream Con
Confucius and Fresh talk to Mark and John from RDC World about Dream Con, the anime and gaming convention they’re throwing July 28-30 at the Austin Convention Center.
They also talk about why hip-hop artists like Lil Baby and Lil Durk are canceling their tours lately.
You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about how Webby, not Plies, was the original artist on “Shawty,” the real reason Ice Cube left NWA, why George Clinton was inspired to write Atomic Dog, and more.
Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Wale is the most underrated rapper of a generation.
Texas Extra: Growth Machine — We Planned This
In this Texas Extra, you’ll hear the first episode of the new podcast Growth Machine: How Austin Engineered its Housing Market.
Austin has grown a lot in recent years — and the East Side has been impacted the most. To understand the city’s pattern of displacement, we have to go back to 1928.
Listen to Growth Machine: https://kutkutx.studio/category/growth-machine
We’re experimenting with bonus episodes here at the Texas Standard and we’d love to know what you think. You can let us know here: https://www.texasstandard.org/contact-us/