Jack Anderson

Psych, jazz and hip-hop all together at once? Sign me up. Add some modern day Bhangra in the mix and you’ve got Brooklyn six-piece Red Baraat. Are they a party band? Undeniably so. That doesn’t change the fact that on their fifth album Sound The People, Red Baraat proves once and again that the biggest party possible comes in the form of cross-cultural unity.

If this brand new Red Baraat record sounds to you roughly like an international version of Run The Jewels, you’re not far off; RtJ co-producer Little Shalimar took the reigns alongside in-group producer Sunny Jain to create a bizarre and beautiful aural landscape. Aptly fitting in this nine-song forge, Sound The People pairs pop culture references with a discussion on South Asian diaspora, migration and the 2018 US political climate. Heems of Brooklyn hip-hop outfit Das Racist leads the discussion on the album’s title track, so perk up your ears and add a little extra heat to your summer weekend with “Sound The People”!

-Jack Anderson (Host, Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

Congolese-born, German-raised vocalist-lyricist Jean-Pierre Bokondji is back in his native DRC and performs these days as Jupiter. Jupiter’s time in Europe as a teenager shed light on his affection for American soul and funk before returning to Kinshasha at age seventeen, where he fell in love with Congolese rumba and other traditional African rhythms. Bridging traditional and modern, Congolese and Western, Jupiter and his band Okwess (kibunda for “food”) forge a melting pot of musical styles as a platform to discuss life, politics, the poignant past and what we can do to move ahead.

The latest offering from Jupiter & Okwess takes form as their second full-length, Kin Sonic. Kin Sonic features nearly a dozen new tunes that draw from a gaggle of influences (both sonically and lyrically) as well as contributions from Damon Albarn, 3D of Massive Attack (who designed the album’s artwork), and Warren Ellis of Nick Cave’s Bad Seeds. Jupiter & Okwess are in the middle of an extensive international tour, wrapping up in October with dates in the US and Mexico.

There’s a lot to digest with this album so let’s get right to it; here’s Jupiter & Okwess’s tempo-jumpin’ jab at diplomacy and royalty enriched by the masses, “Benanga”!

–Jack Anderson (Host Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

Many KUTX fans first caught wind of Los Angeles rock duo Deap Vally with their 2016 album Femejism. This fierce sophomore full-length highlighted both the individual talents and shared chemistry of Lindsey Troy and Julie Edwards, who have now opened for artists ranging from Red Hot Chili Peppers to Marilyn Manson to Blondie. Troy and Edwards have been writing and touring a heckuva lot on behalf of Deap Vally and so far this year is turning out pretty well for them…

Surprise, surprise! Deap Vally just released one of several sneak attack singles for 2018, a rapid-fire rouser showcasing the alt-garage-punk rock aesthetic we love about DV, “Get Gone“.

-Jack Anderson (Host, Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

Frequent KUTX listeners are likely to the recognize the name Kalu & The Electric Joint; we featured this local group as our Artist of the Month last November, credit in no small part to the fierce vocal chops of frontman Kalu James. Kalu & The Electric Joint blew us away in November with their genre-blurring debut LP Time Undone, a record that has just been distributed worldwide!

Join The Electric Joint tomorrow night at the Mohawk with openers Batty Jr. and The Deer and pick up a vinyl copy of Time Undone (and perhaps a custom Kalu lighter) while you’re there. The show kicks off at 9pm but your weekend starts right now with “Get It Right”.

–Jack Anderson (Host Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

[Photo Credit: Joshua Timmermans]

At only twenty six years of age, Toronto producer, pianist and singer Seth Nyquist is already on another plain of introspection. Performing now as MorMor, Nyquist was raised with influences ranging from Nirvana to Wu-Tang Clan to “Strawberry Fields Forever”, yet his solo musical style comes off more like a midway point between Radiohead and Frank Ocean.

MorMor’s debut EP Heaven’s Only Wishful drops this Friday, five songs showcasing Nyquist’s technical perfection on vocals and piano as well as his lyrical life time of mental exploration. Nyquist is certainly comfortable living entirely in his own mind, that said he’s kind enough to share the penultimate track on Heaven’s Only Wishful, “Waiting on the Warmth“.

–Jack Anderson (Host, Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

After their first five years, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever has hit a serious stride! Each member of this Melbourne quintet came equipped with their own taste and style but when they joined forces in 2013, sparks flew and RBCF’s sound grew. It’s charming but edgy, pleasant but heavy and only three days ago RBCF  put out their biggest installment yet.

The ten-song LP Hope Downs was released last Friday, showing off a more rounded out and production heavy landscape than listeners may be used to. The title references a vast mine in rural Australia and the album itself was recorded in the Northern Australian countryside, all lending itself to a wholly naturalistic tone. Check out the album’s climactic closer and rock your head back and forth to “The Hammer”.

–Jack Anderson (Host, Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

It’s been a busy week for up-and-coming Austin quintet Sun June! They define their genre as “regret pop”, an unexpected pairing of somber and catchy that’ll perk up your ears and crush your soul in one fell swoop. Sun June joined us in Studio 1A this past Monday and celebrated their debut full-length release last night at Spiderhouse. Still unsure as to what the heck regret pop is? Reel in a bit of that debut LP Years with the third track of ten, “Young”.

–Jack Anderson (Host Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

When you’re selected as Sam Smith’s tour mate, standards are high and the pressure is on. Fortunately for us, British balladeer Bruno Major is not only up to the task; he makes it look easy. Major’s vocals aren’t the only thing that’ll make you swoon, his talents on piano and guitar also shine through each live performance and studio recording. Major is currently waist deep in his biggest American tour to date, continuing 9:30pm tonight at Stubb’s.

In major need of Major, like…right now? Major’s full length A Song For Every Moon came out last year and today you can enjoy a free download of that record’s midpoint – “Just The Same”.

–Jack Anderson (Host Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

Described once as a sort of “punk rock Randy Newman”, Spencer Garland didn’t need much more impetus when he started his local band PR Newman around three years ago. Garland has centered his own virile vocals over much of the group’s compositions, allowing for a beyond-compelling dynamic range across the band’s discography. PR Newman doesn’t just shine in the studio; their live performances are a captivating breed of their own, thanks in no small part to Garland’s genuine sense of humor, wit and general ability to move a crowd.

Piggybacking off of last Monday’s Austin Music Minute, PR Newman has the pleasure of entertaining audiences each Monday this month as part of their June residency at Cheer Up Charlie’s, continuing tonight at 9pm with Indoor Creature and Magic Rockers of Texas. Make the next several hours go by a little bit quicker with an exclusive live recording from PR Newman’s appearance in our own Studio 1A this past January, the album opener for their last LP Turn Out – “Go To Hell”.

–Jack Anderson (Host Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

Los Angeles-based professional pianist and beat arranger Kiefer Shackelford, best known simply as Kiefer, is back with a baker’s dozen of bangers! You may have already heard Kiefer’s subtle production contributions on tracks by artists like Anderson .Paak, Kaytranada and more. Kiefer’s investment in the tried and true pairing of hip hop and jazz stems from his array of inspirations, ranging from his contemporary Karriem Riggins, all the way back to classic icons like Bill Evans.

Kiefer’s newest musical exploration comes to us today as Happysad, thirteen tracks whose vague titles leave blurred lines across the emotional spectrum. In contrast to the straightforward bleakness of Kiefer’s 2017 debut Kickinit Alone, Happysad leaves the tone up to the listener, allowing them to soak up every note, beat, chord and nuance. Be sure to burn through the whole record at some point this weekend and you can start right now with “What A Day”.

–Jack Anderson (Host Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

Simmering up a stew of psych, garage, and pop rock, New York trio Las Rosas is no joke. These three have proved time and again that they can effortlessly deliver powerful psychedelic performances over the course of their five years and four releases together, and now’s the chance to catch the newest tunes here in town!

Just last month Las Rosas put out their latest release in the form of their sophomore full-length, entitled Shadow By Your Side, nine songs of nuanced 1960s-influenced psych rock. Las Rosas has been supporting Shadow By Your Side with a national tour, wrapping up this month with a return show in their hometown of Brooklyn, and you can see them perform tomorrow night at Hotel Vegas with Loteria, Lo Country and The Zoltars. Treat yourself right now with a single that’s certainly sentient of classic ’60s psych, considering it’s Revolver-esque title, “Tax Man”.

–Jack Anderson (Host Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

[Photo Credit: Adela Loconte]

–Jack Anderson (Host, Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

Turning vocal gravel into sonic gold, Sam Pace and The Gilded Grit have spent the last seven years tearing up stages and relentlessly writing tunes. Originally born in Milwaukee, Pace made the move to the Live Music Capital back in 2011 – the same year he released his debut album Let the Big Dog Eat. It was only a couple months before the Big Dog caught the interest of drummer Jake Causey and bassist Patrick Sanderson and lo and behold – The Gilded Grit had been smelted. After 2012’s The Feeling, Causey was replaced by Seth Fasske and the group went on to release their most ambitious endeavor at the time, the full-length Rapture.

Well, Big Dog Pace is alive and well after Rapture, and continuing with apocalyptic-themed titles, Sam Pace and The Gilded Grit just released Judgment Eve today. This latest record features eleven tunes of dirty rock and roll, mean soul, and everything in between – all rounded out with Pace’s idiosyncratic vocal takes. Pace & The Grit celebrate the album release party tomorrow night – 10:00pm at Swan Dive before embarking on an extensive North American tour lasting through November. Sam Pace & The Gilded Grit joined us in Studio 1A this past Tuesday and you can enjoy the live rendition of Judgment Eve‘s intro track that offers anything other than sage advice, “Punch ‘Em In the Ear”.

–Jack Anderson (Host Monday-Wednesday, 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

Initially inspired by a spectrum of sounds ranging all the way from Disney musical numbers to Carole King to Fiona Apple, Detroit’s Anna Burch has just entered a new chapter in her career. Michigan concertgoers are already familiar with Burch as a member of Frontier Ruckus and Failed Flowers, yet Burch was only recently – and not so discretely – encouraged by close friends to focus on her solo songwriting. After one particular friend helped put a band together to back up the rough demos, Burch’s first solo foray began to truly take shape.

Defined by Burch as “the end of an era of uncertainty”, her debut Quit the Curse came out to critical acclaim this past February. The dark lyrical content of Quit the Curse stands in stark contrast to its bright ’60s jangle pop arrangements, but the result is nothing short of sensational. You can see Burch performing with the full band, Speedy Ortiz and Control Top this Saturday at Barracuda and you can grab a piece of Quit the Curse right now with “Tea-Soaked Letter“.

–Jack Anderson (Host, Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

A true advocate for honest and realistically complicated lyrical narratives, New Orleans’ guitarist and vocalist Andrew Duhon brings the marks of a troubadour into the twenty-first century. Duhon released his debut album back in 2009, following it up with a couple more installments, not the least of which was the Grammy-nominated The Moorings (from 2013).

In the five years that have passed since The Moorings, Duhon’s maturation as a songwriter has coincided with his own narrative of finding out just how complicated true love can really be. Serving Duhon as what may be “the last letters I ever write her”, the eleven-track album False River finds middle ground between blues, rock, folk and of course, candid and complex lyricism. False River was released just last Friday, and you can treat yourself with the tale of ending a relationship early on as the best possible option – “Let You Down”.

–Jack Anderson (Host, Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

Wrapping up a tour alongside Margo Price and soon opening for fellow Austinite Shakey Graves, Tyler, Texas-born singer-songwriter Paul Cauthen is breaking out of the local scene with some bold new outlaw-influenced goodies! Cauthen’s country-coated original compositions and live performances stood out this past SXSW, where he deservedly gained plenty of new listeners and attention in national publications.

Cauthen announced his sophomore EP Have Mercy back at the close of April and has set a release date for June 22nd. But let’s face it – a month is a long time. Fortunately for the Cauthen-crazed listeners, a new single was released just today in anticipation of Have Mercy and you can potentially get a live premiere of some new material when Cauthen plays midnight tonight at The White Horse as part of Hot Luck Fest. Don’t give up if you can’t make it out or your hands are tied elsewhere for Hot Luck – say farewell to the work week with “Resignation”.

–Jack Anderson (Host, Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

Headed by the piano-poundin’ and vocal chord crunchin’ frontman Adam Weiner, Philadelphia rock sextet Low Cut Connie has already earned attention and acclaim from the likes of Elton John and former President Barack Obama. Following the departure of two of the three founding members (after the second and third album, respectively) Weiner soldiered through with a binary-record project entitled Dirty Pictures. Dirty Pictures (Part 1) graced listeners after its release in May of 2017, and the second installment came out just last Friday. Check out Dirty Pictures (Part 2) in its entirety on NPR’s First Listen and grab a free download of Part 2‘s second song – “Beverly“.

–Jack Anderson (Host, Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

Nick Diaz, best known locally for fronting Buenos Diaz is back with some lo-fi loveliness! Tomorrow marks the release of Buenos Diaz’s fourth studio album, Gringo Novelas – ten original compositions that initially found their sound in Diaz’s bedroom over the course of 30 drum tracks. Instead of re-recording those drum tracks in a fancy studio, Diaz simply re-mastered and refined the pre-existing files, then filled in the blanks into the analog excellence that is Gringo Novelas. The full record drops tomorrow but feel free to fill that void right now with “Empty Head”.

–Jack Anderson (Host Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

22-year-old community activist and Southside Chicago resident Ric Wilson has already made a name for himself selling out venues and opening for the likes of The Roots, Public Enemy’s Chuck D and DRAM. Wilson found his origins with the renowned Young Chicago Authors organization that also helped kickstart the careers of Jamila Woods and Chance the Rapper.

Following 2016’s The Sun Is Out and Soul Bounce and 2017’s Negrow Disco, Wilson released his third EP Banba just today – a six pack of soul-soliciting tracks, packed with a ton of features. One of such feature-frenzy tunes appears halfway through Banba and gives voice to Kweku Collins, Nick Kosma and Rane Raps. Watch out, A Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario” and Wu Tang Clan’s “Protect Ya Neck” – here’s a modern day posse cut with a lot more lyrical depth – “Sinner”.

–Jack Anderson (Host Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)

Latin Grammy-nominated producer and turntablist El Dusty just met a bold milestone in his already burgeoning career. Known in the live music realm for his mainstream festival appearances and garnering acclaim from the likes of Rolling Stone and Billboard, El Dusty’s natural sense of sampling, chopping and just plain moving the crowd is undeniable.

Last Friday El Dusty released the full-length Cumbia City, fourteen fresh collaborative songs of bass bumpin’ and booty shakin’, all ripe for replayin’. El Dusty celebrates Cumbia City with a release party this Friday at the North Door along with Peligrosa. but hop in right now with a tune featuring Montreal-born Latin musician Boogat – “La Cumbia”.

–Jack Anderson (Host, Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)