Jack Anderson

Probably best known as a member of Austin’s Bright Light Social Hour, multi-instrumentalist Curtis Roush is quickly making a name for himself with his new solo record. Cosmic Campfire Music (out February 9th) features Roush taking a sonic departure from Bright Light Social Hour’s heavy familiarities with a softer acoustic sound married with classic psychedelic production. Roush joins us live in Studio 1A next Thursday at 1pm but you can treat yourself this Friday with the first of nine tracks from Cosmic Campfire Music – “Mirage”. Let’s get lost.

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

Following a year-long respite from the now-defunct five-piece Dreamboat, Austin’s Mary Bryce is returning with new vocal compositions – this time in solo form and with a more personal sonic sensibility. Currently showcasing her sheer singing talent with local favorites SMiiLE, Bryce’s first recorded foray into her as-of-yet unfamiliar solo venture is an enthralling vocal performance inspired by the likes of Joni Mitchell and Ella Fitzgerald. Produced by SMiiLE frontman Jake Miles, Bryce’s debut single “flowers” will allure you with a captivating vocal performance complemented by R&B poly rhythms and swelling orchestral strings.

Bryce’s next solo performance is Feb. 21st at Cheer Up Charlie’s but you can download “flowers” right here on KUTX!

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

Local live music buffs and frequent KUTX listeners are likely to recognize the name Santiago Dietche, who fronts the high-energy four-piece Growl (our April 2017 Artist of the Month). While Growl has been well established in the Austin scene for some time, folks may not be as familiar with Daphne Tunes, Dietche’s newer project that started as a solo endeavor back in 2016. A far cry from Growl’s cacophonic sound, Daphne Tunes swoons listeners with melancholy, atmospheric pop.

Daphne Tunes is set to release the debut EP Volume 1 this Sunday at Barracuda, and joining Dietche on the album is a motley crew of Austin talent – Guitarist Peter Shults (Hello Wheels, Zula Montez), bassist Andrew Stevens (Lomelda, Hovvdy, Alex Napping) and drummer Josh Halpern (Marmalakes, Shearwater, Palo Duro). Daphne Tunes is stopping by KUTX’s Studio 1A this Thursday but you can get an aural advance of Volume 1 before the release show right now with “All My Life.”

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

Austin’s Bakbonz is an up and coming masterpiece of soul R&B musical collaboration. One half of the duo is Kelly Doze, a locally renowned blues-soul singer-songwriter with a couple of albums under her belt and appearances on tracks from the likes of Ray Prim, Zeale, and D.O.S. Doze’s complementary collaborator is drummer/singer Les Fisher, whose talents have earned him spots onstage alongside Gary Clark Jr, Bob Schneider and Patti Labelle. Joining forces seems like a pretty good idea at this point, right? Luckily for us listeners, Doze and Fisher have teamed up to form Bakbonz (pronounced “back bones”) and are set to release their debut album Worth the Wait tonight at the One 2 One Bar. Worth the Wait‘s thirteen tracks showcase Fisher and Doze’s talents across a variety of sonic textures, but you can end the wait right now with a slammer of an R&B single – “Twisted Love”.

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

Fusing Colombian funk and Caribe soul, Austin’s Superfónicos is a fruitful source of lush and local Latin licks. Bound together by an advocacy for peace and unity through therapeutic dance, Superfónicos was founded four years ago amongst bassist Nico Sanchez and guitarist Erick Bohorquez over their shared passion for Afro-Colombian rhythms. Performing now as a seven-piece, Superfónicos’ pairing with famed Austin producer Adrian Quesada gave birth to the group’s 2017 debut full-length album filled with infectious Latin sounds riddled with Caribbean textures.

Superfónicos stopped by KUTX’s Studio 1A last June and they’re performing this Friday at Hotel Vegas alongside Frederico7, Dub Seance and Steven Lee Moya. You can listen to Superfónicos right here on KUTX!

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

Austin’s Chris McDowell, aka Solar Shield is somewhat of a keyboard/synth wizard. Solar Shield exploded onto the local electronic scene in 2014 with his Reesis EP, serenading listeners and dancers with his seductive key changes and synth grooves. Next month Solar Shield is releasing his self-titled full-length, nine tracks that were created between 2011 and 2013 but still hold their vigor in 2018.

Solar Shield stopped by KUTX’s Studio 1A last year alongside Soundfounder and Brother Bear as part of Exploded Drawing’s 7 Years release, and you can enjoy that session here. Solar Shield comes out February 5th, but feel free to download the album’s second track, one that’ll surely get your head bobbing, “ASixTwoSix”.

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

Local melodic-psych-rock quartet Mopac is a relatively young endeavor but they’ve already proved their chops with their first studio album. Formed around brothers Trey Monts (guitar), Colton Monts (drums) and Sky Monts (vocals / bass) Mopac’s pleasant-on-the-ears brand of psychedelic songwriting is rounded out by Hunter Peterson (guitar). Their debut album Kayfabe was released digitally at the tail end of 2017 but Mopac is only now enjoying the album release show this Friday at Swan Dive alongside Cicadas, Dylan Hill & Dead Recipe. Here’s a sneak peek of Mopac’s magnetic and masterful material – track five of eight on Kayfabe – “Ain’t No Chase”. You can listen to Mopac right here on KUTX!

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

Ever since the tender age of 10 when he first heard Chuck D’s outrage-fueled bars on Public Enermy’s It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hiold Us Back, San Antonio’s Trizzol has been carving his niche in hip hop. In the many years since he popped in that first cassette tape, Trizzol has contributed to countless tracks and has released nine albums, culminating last week with Boom Bap Organic.

The record’s ten tracks cover a ton of sonic territory for Trizzol to rap about his life and experiences and Boom Bap Organic‘s final track features a verse from Third Root’s Easy Lee. So go ahead and kick back with a free download of Trizzol’s “Just Another Day” and enjoy what is certifiably not just any other day.

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

Portland-based eleven-piece Typhoon is kicking off 2018 with a sonic storm. Thirteen years after initially assembling the group and just one year after enjoying a solo tour, frontman Kyle Morton is back with full force on Typhoon’s fourth album that was released today, Offerings. Over the course of seventy minutes the fourteen tracks on Offerings form a narrative of a man losing his memory and subsequently his identity. Powerful lyrics aside, the latest sounds from Typhoon are enthralling. Just check out the second song, “Rorschach” (and accompanying music video) and dive into the intricate mental headspace Typhoon presents on Offerings. Typhoon is stopping by KUTX’s Studio 1A on February 6th and performing that evening at the Mohawk along with Bad Bad Hats & Sunbathe.

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

After years of honing his craft, local lyricist Jake Lloyd is prepared to share his biggest project yet. Native Austinite Jake Lloyd II returned from A&M in 2009 and quickly made the decision to pursue music making as a full time endeavor. Reuniting with high school friend Danny (DSII) Saldivar, Lloyd formed Kicks & Khords and released the Wishful Thinking LP. Kicks & Khords eventually blossomed into a full band experience before dissolving in 2012. After a brief stint with Big Money Gators, Lloyd was determined to drive his solo music with all his energy, and along with DSII, The Jake Lloyd LP had begun.

Hardly two weeks into 2018 and Lloyd is set to release what could be his crowning achievement! Jake Lloyd’s release show takes place this Friday at Swan Dive along with JJustine, Anastasia and Breezah. No need to wait to dig your teeth in though – check out the infectiously grinning feeling you get from listening to “Mile”! You can listen to Jake Lloyd right here on KUTX.

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

It’s Monday. We’re officially one week into 2018. It may already not feel quite like your year so far. Thankfully the latest warm stylings of Austin’s Lolita Lynne are coming to a stage near you this week! Founded in 2016 around the titular frontwoman and her propensity for Latin-influenced arrangements and compelling vocal melodies, Lynne is now backed by guitar, bass, drums and keys. Lolita Lynne recently followed up their debut album In The Dark with a release at the very end of last year – their sophomore six-track Fools Moon.

Engineered by Adrian Quesada, Fools Moon packs a punch in terms of production, sonic clarity and composition, even from the get-go with the first song – one which features The Octopus Project’s Yvonne Lambert – “Enslaved”. Check out the record release show for Fools Moon is this Friday at Barracuda and listen to Lolita Lynne on KUTX in the mean time.

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

After enjoying a several-year run as The Gents, this local rock quartet re-emerged, sonically rebranded and renamed accordingly with their self-titled single “Meanswell“. Soothing and cheerful vocal triple harmonies aside, Meanswell’s live performance delivers exactly as their name promises: positive energy through shared happiness! Meanswell is providing with well means for your free week – performing this Saturday set at the Mohawk at 9:30pm and followed by Chill Russell, Megafauna and A. Sinclair. Meanswell stopped by KUTX this past Tuesday in preparation of the event and you can get unleash your ears to the Studio 1A performance of “Calling Off The Canines” here on KUTX.

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

Let’s face it…2017 was a pretty rough year. Despite all the difficulties, tensions and anxieties that came out of the past year, Australian four-piece Stonefield managed to squeeze a bit of excellence out at the tail end of 2017. Comprised of sisters Amy, Hannah, Sarah, and Holly Findlay, Stonefield has four releases, international tours and opening spots for the likes of Meat Puppets and Fleetwood Mac already under their belt. The conclusion of 2017 saw the release of a new, heavier, prog-inspired single “Delusion” – one that gets out of Stonefield’s comfort zone with a welcome sonic shift. You can listen to Stonefield here on KUTX and you can catch them when they perform later this year as part of Levitation Fest!

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

Between her talents as a cellist, banjoist, bassist and vocalist, Austin’s Lindsey Verrill AKA Little Mazarn is a powerhouse of atmospheric folk songwriting. Since receiving her banjo at the tender age of fourteen, Verrill has been building up her instrumental and vocal skills alongside her repertoire and ever maturing world view. Tonight the fruits of Verrill’s labor can be experienced live at the release show for her self-titled debut EP, recorded and performed by her three-piece arrangement.

Little Mazarn stopped by Studio 1A earlier this week, so be sure to listen to that session as well as the second track of the studio album, “White Fang”, before heading to the release show tonight at Central Presbyterian Church – doors at 7:30pm!

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

Longtime listeners of KUTX may be quick to recognize Joe Ely‘s name and affinity for well-woven narrative lyricism, perhaps from one of his many visits to Studio 1A over the years. Through Ely’s solo performances and appearances with The Flatlanders, he’s hardly a stranger at the Cactus Cafe, where he’ll be performing this Friday and Saturday, both featuring an opening set from Miles Zuniga (of Fastball). For a preview of Ely’s live demeanor, check out “Run Little Pony” – recorded on Ely’s most recent visit back in February – and if the audio isn’t enough for you, there’s a video to boot.

You can see Joe Ely Friday December 15th and Saturday December 16th at the Cactus Cafe and you can listen to him right here on KUTX.

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

Like it or not, the holiday season is here! And while you may not be ready for eggnog and tinsel, the well-meaning winter spirit is certainly alive in Austin’s P.T. Banks. The local three-piece has shined over the years under the direction of fronting vocalist and guitarist Paul Banks – who now is releasing something just in time for the holidays.

Derived lyrically from a Civil War-era Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” is a stripped down solo acoustic performance by Banks – one that was recorded years ago but is only now enjoying its release. Take a breather this Monday and soak in the yuletide vibes with a free download of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” by P.T. Banks right here on KUTX.org.

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

Austin psych-rock explorers Food Group blend genres and incorporate acoustic sounds to make reflective experimental music. Formed in 2013, the band consists of singer and guitarist Eric Lyday, keyboardist Wiley Greene, bassist Luis Rangel, and drummer Jeff Olson—with a rotating group of friends that provide additional instrumentation and fill in every now and then. Food Group’s sound has evolved since their early single-microphone demos, incorporating elements of chamber pop, folk, and electronic music. Their more recent efforts have been sonically darker and more progressive while still touching on the themes of love, loss, and spirituality that are present in their earlier work. 

With “Lakespirit,” Food Group takes their psychedelic journey underwater. The instrumentation seems to move around Eric Lyday’s singing until it reaches a fever pitch of wailing organs and crash cymbals. The live interpretation of “Lakespirit” recorded in Studio 1A features arpeggios that are even dreamier and brings attention to Lyday’s vocals in particular. We were very lucky to have the band visit KUTX and add a new dimension to one of Food Group’s most energetic and romantic songs. The jangling guitars and spacey synths work like a long extended metaphor, equating the feeling of love to the feeling of floating.

“Lakespirit” appears on Here Today, out now via Bandcamp. Food Group will be playing a free show at Cheer Up Charlie’s on Saturday, December 9th with Particle Devotion, Lola Tried, The Hermits, and Ama.

-Harold Urteaga, KUTX Music Intern

One of the most talented Texas blues musicians is back with some old and new material! Johnny Nicholas has been entertaining listeners and live audiences for decades on end across the nation and right here in the Lone Star State. His idiosyncratic songwriting and guitar and vocal performance style continue to captivate after all these years, and in the spirit of that timeliness, Nicholas is set to re-release his 1977 album, Too Many Bad Habits. Too Many Bad Habits accompanies an album of brand new material Fresh Air – and the pairing truly illustrates the versatility of Nicholas’ talent 40 years down the line. Check out the re-released version of Nicholas’ cover of Son House’s “Grinnin’ In Your Face” before you catch him performing this afternoon – 5:00pm at Waterloo Records and this evening – 9:00pm at Antone’s.

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