Laurie Gallardo

Making lists. Checkin’ ’em twice. Gonna find out…if you can handle this much in a single night, but that’s how SXSW is, right? Here are some AMM South-By selections for your Wednesday shenanigans. Live and in yo’ FACE, freak:

• Join KUTX’s The Breaks hosts Confucious and Fresh for SXSBreaks at the Sheraton Backyard at 8 p.m., featuring Bianca B-Lo, Stasseny, Lil Ke, Skateland, Alesia Lani and more.
• An outstanding line up presented by Punk Black: Femme Fetale, an all-femme fronted showcase with Atlanta artist Lesibu Grand (pronounced le-SEE-boo, and not in the erroneous way your AMM host did – deepest apologies for that), Austin trio Pussy Gillette, LA-based band Cinnamon Babe, Austin band BONDBREAKR, ATX Afro-rockers We Don’t Ride Llamas, and Norwegian band Mirror Lake. The show starts at 7 p.m. at Latchkey on E. 6th.
• An official SXSW cumbia showcase at Hotel Vegas at 7 p.m., with Superfónicos, El Combo Oscuro, Money Chicha, brand new AMM fave Son Rompe Pera, J Guero and more.
• Wizard Rodeo and Spaceflight Records present People Are Beautiful at The White Horse on Comal, with Sunjammer, Jane Weaver, Garrett T. Capps, Carson McHone, A Giant Dog, and Daniel Romano’s Outfit.
• Dark pop band and longtime AMM fave Namesayers presents Grindhouse Island, a showcase with Namesayers, Sea Moya, Moving Panoramas, and Walker Lukens, starting at 6 p.m. at Spokesman Coffee, 440 E. St. Elmo Rd.
• The Windsor Park Spring Music Series at Knomad, 1213 Corona Dr., includes sets by Sabbath Crow, Suspirians and more.

Time for the next heaping batch of AMM South-By selections for Tuesday, March 14. It ain’t right to feel this tired, it’s only Tuesday:

• The DAWA Fund presents the Vision 8291: UNITY showcase at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheatre, with J Soulja, Urban Heat, Caramelo Haze (featured on today’s AMM), Eimaral Sol, The Tiarras, and CP Loony. The music starts at 7:45 p.m.
• Howdy Gals and Happen Twice present Eastside Bockparty at Long Play Lounge East and High Noon on E. Cesar Chavez, featuring UK artist Alien Tango, Winona, MN outfit Sleeping Jesus, Shooks and more.
• An official SXSW showcase tonight at Chess Club, 617 Red River with garage post-punk band from The Netherlands Iguana Death Cult, Brooklyn noise rockers Venus Twins, and Narrow Haunts.
• An additional short list of badass notables performing tonight – The Ophelias at Central Presbyterian Church; Fennec at Cuatro Gato; Moon Panda at Half Step; the phenomenal RVG at Empire Control Room;  Chetumal, MX artist Immasoul at the Parish; The Lemon Twigs at Cheer Up Charlie’s; and Bartees Strange at The Belmont.

And don’t forget: KUTX Live at Scholz Garten kicks off tomorrow morning with KUTX Artist of the Month Jane Leo at 7 a.m. No, that’s not too early. Just don’t sleep tonight, then cruise into Scholz with rock ‘n’ roll bedhead. No prob.

All right. We’re doing this. Here’s an AMM list of SXSW picks for Monday night, including official showcases and the cool stuff off the beaten path. Whaddya mean, you’re tired? It’s only Monday. Drink some water and get going:

• The SXSW Music Tech Mashup continues tonight at Empire Control Room on E. 7th St., with The Black Angels, Sir Woman, Pearl Z, David Shabani, Jaron Marshall and more.
• Cardiff punk outfit Panic Shack plays the British Music Embassy showcase at The Courtyard, 208 W. 4th St.
• The gargantuan Spring Break Boogie Kickoff continues at Hotel Vegas and The Volstead on E. 6th St. with A Giant Dog, Pleasure Venom, Annabelle Chairlegs, BONDBREAKR, Why Bonnie, Chucky BLK, Hey Cowboy!, Holy Wire (featured on today’s AMM) and many more.
• Indefinable and badass, Philadelphia-based artist Andrea Valle performs tonight at Sellers Underground, 213 W. 4th St.
• An instant AMM fave, Montréal, Québec band Le Couleur plays the M for Montreal and Investissement Québec showcase at Swan Dive on Red River.
• The official HTX Music Monday showcase features DJ Hella Yella, Ndebele R&B artist Le Mpendulo, San Antonio-based artist Jay Amari and more at Vaquero Taquero, 603 Sabine St.
• It’s a late night set for DAIISTAR at an official SXSW showcase at The 13th Floor, 711 Red River.
• The No Sleep No Hunger showcase at Hole In the Wall on Guadalupe includes Rae Isla, Bowling Green, KY band The Josephines, King Youngblood (featuring Zach Person), Exotic Fruit, Holy Wire pulling double duty tonight, and many more. Doors at 7 p.m.

Honestly, it’s a series of lists, isn’t it? That’s because there’s so much going on in the next few days that it’s IMPOSSIBLE for the Austin Music Minute to focus on just one show. The AMM presents another handful of selections to kick off SXSW this weekend, including official showcases and those shows off the beaten path. Let’s go, Beauford:

• The Pietschhouse New Bloom showcase continues tonight at Planet K, 1516 S. Lamar, with KUTX February Artist of the Month Skateland (featured on today’s AMM), Jonny Jukebox, DLG, AMM fave Chief Cleopatra, and Juice. Doors at 4 p.m.
• Kerrville Folk Fest presents a day show at Radio Coffee and Beer, 4204 Menchaca Rd., with performances by Good Looks, Ley Line, Brennen Leigh, and Georgia Parker. Doors at 3 p.m.
• For Spite presents SXLatinx unofficial showcase with Los Alcos, Alex Y Los Cósmicos, El Combo Oscuro, Ritmo Cascabel, and Miguel St. Michael. Music starts at 7 p.m.
• Free Zone East presents an unofficial SXSW In the Backyard showcase, 3304 Thompson St. featuring AMM faves Large Brush Collection and Creekbed Carter Hogan, Miss Miranda, Will K, Turtle Pond, Baltimore-based artist Cal Folger Day, and E. Artifact. Music from 2:30 p.m. today ’til sunset.
• SXSatellite 2023 takes over The Parlor, 4301 Guadalupe St., with Stella and The Very Messed, Magnet School, The Wheel Workers, Parker Woodland, Jay Satellite, Houston-based band Cool Moon, Roominghouse Madigrals, and Gospel and The Wolf. Music starts at 2 p.m.
• Resound Weekender, For the Record vendor market at Mohawk, 912 Red River, starts at 1 p.m. and features assorted mind-bendingly wonderful sonic adventures with Thor Harris’ Ambient Exploration with Bird Peterson.
• More shows tonight include Sailor Poon at Hole In the Wall, with The Pinky Rings and Choux Choux; and Amplified Heat at The 13th Floor, 711 Red River.

They’re baaack.

KUTX and the Austin Music Minute are here to guide you through the mighty beast known as SXSW with official showcase selections and shows off the beaten path. It can be a little overwhelming. Here’s a short list of just a few shows happening tonight. Buckle up:

• Feels So Good Records presents a show with AMM-featured NYC-based duo SUSU (“Slow Death” is the track on today’s AMM), and Austin bands The Ghost Wolves and The Shanks at the FSG HQ, 211 E. Alpine Rd. Doors at 6 p.m.
• Make your way over to Do512’s The Smoke Show at Hotel Vegas to see The Octopus Project, Me Nd Adam, Being Dead, Flyer Club and Foxtales, along with a surprise guest. The music starts at 7 p.m.
• A badass line-up at Kick Butt Coffee, 5775 Airport Blvd., featuring The Dead Houseplants, Shivering Demons, Naga Brujo, Straight Stitch, Spit City, Shared Walls, and more. Doors at 5:30 p.m.
• For Spite Creative presents For Spite’s Sake, an unofficial showcase at The Far Lounge  and Stage, including Billy King and The Bad Bad Bad, The Boleys, The Deadcoats, and Daymares. Doors at 7 p.m.
• KUTX January 2023 Artist of the Month Je’Texas plays a show at Valhalla, 710 Red River, with Holy Death Trio and The Point. Doors at 8 p.m.

“when my eyes are in my lids / i dream of hell,” intones Chris Lopez from the warped and warbled beginnings of “Hell Rises.” The single is from Lopez’s multi-layered project Lizzie Page, an experimental sonic incarnation described by Lopez as “queer, Chicano, bipolar music.” Lizzie Page’s discography includes solo albums and Lopez’s collaborations with Rip Levesque, Marcos Rocha and Abraham Rodriguez.

Check out Lizzie Page tonight, Thursday March 9, at Hole In the Wall with multi-genre artist Fillet, bedroom/dark pop artist and AMM fave Vonne, and self-described pop-punk princess Raine Mara. Doors at 8 p.m., with the show starting at 9 p.m.

Add this to your International Women’s Day soundtrack ASAP. Actually, add it to any soundtrack that reminds you that you’re a badass. Austin-based R&B dynamo Alesia Lani clarifies the situation with “Breaking Me Down,” a rock ‘n’ soul firebomb releasing the exasperation from going round in circles. Our protagonist is done with the cut-downs, the insecurity and all the bull. And on the latest single, Lani joins forces with forces with renown guitarist/songwriter Jackie Venson for extra shreds and volume, more fire to the fierceness. Spoiler alert: Lani will not be broken.

Join Alesia Lani for her residency performance tonight, Wednesday March 8, at Long Play Lounge East on E. Cesar Chavez. The music starts at 9 p.m.

 

At a time when it feels as though slowing down is next to impossible, The Band of Heathens forges through all the doomscrolling with a deep appreciation for the Simple Things.

Their new album, out March 17, includes recent single releases “Stormy Weather,” “Heartless Year” and today’s AMM featured track “Don’t Let the Darkness,” each connected by the common thread of resilience in the midst of challenging times – the word “challenging” being an understatement, of course.

The Band of Heathens have a couple more hometown shows at C-Boy’s Heart and Soul before heading out on tour toward the end of this month. Check them out tomorrow night, Wednesday March 8 at C-Boy’s at 10 p.m., followed by songwriter Caroline Hale at midnight. If you’re around earlier for happy hour, don’t miss The Moeller Brothers at 6:30 p.m.

Your Austin Music Minute maven has returned from her two-week hiatus, which included an extremely brief but brilliant Nashville trip to see Lord Friday the 13th at The Blue Room at Third Man Records, and providing a literal weep fest at this year’s Austin Chronicle Austin Music Awards, so much so that every tree, plant or drainage hole along Red River got watered. And just before the madness of SXSW descends upon us, the AMM is here to remind you that there’s live music in Austin all year round.

Today’s AMM features the latest installment of Me Mer Mo Monday, a showcase spotlighting experimental music and artists creating unique soundscapes. This evening’s show includes the enigmatic electronic textural sculpting of FllAPS; the Hindustani synth-acoustic arrangements of Plume Girl; and extraordinary San Antonio-based sound artist Justin Boyd. Experience Me Mer Mo Monday tonight, Monday March 6, at Dada Lab, 2824 Real St., starting at 7 p.m.

Your AMM host’s first introduction to Hilary York, self-described “’70s singer/songwriter stuck in the present,” was with York’s 2006 romantic full-length debut The Moon, in particular the intimate sway of “Out of Sight” and the awe and wonderment in “Any Sweeter” (“…Something like that day / It’s the same light today”). Originally from Houston, York spent time overseas with her musical family as a child, but it was her move to Austin when she first picked up the guitar. She’s been playing shows in the Live Music Capital and points beyond, including NYC and Spain, since 2000.

Today’s featured AMM track “Over the Line” is from the 2021 full-length release 3, produced by The Greyhounds and featuring contributions by a huge local all-star artist list, from Gian Ortiz (Je’Texas) and Mike St. Clair (Pocket Sounds), to Lauren Gurgiolo and Nick Yaklin. And this month, York has a Monday night residency at The 13th Floor, 711 Red River. Catch the show tonight, Monday Feb. 20, starting at 9 p.m.

Exciting times for trash-glam punk outfit Lord Friday the 13th, starting with this week’s release of their new EP, Disaster Piece – most of which was recorded in early 2020, pre-pandemic (and now available on cassette via Feels So Good Records, FYI). A dazzling, TMZ-styled new video for today’s AMM featured track “Larger Than Life” will be out soon, filmed in Hollywood and complete with maddening, in-your-face paparazzi. And coming up, a much-anticipated performance at The Blue Room at Third Man Records in Nashville on Thursday Feb. 23 (road trip, anyone?), opening for their friend Alan Sparhawk‘s (Low) new musical project DERECHO, along with otherworldly Nashville glam artist Gyasi.

Before they hit the road, catch Lord Friday tonight, Saturday Feb. 18 at the new Blue Palace, an independent live music and productions space, 802 Prince Valiant Dr. They’re on the bill with Motel Kicks and Public Age. Doors at 7 p.m.

A band that can hold its own alongside the likes of the great Lee Fields or the legendary George Clinton & the Parliament Funkadelic has got to be a band worth checking out. The time is now. Treat your self to a night with Austin-based R&B/funk/soul outfit Honey Made, playing tonight, Friday Feb. 17 at Skylark Lounge, 2039 Airport Blvd. The music kicks off at 9 p.m., but you should get there early for happy hour to catch a set by Brannen Temple and The 19th Street All-Stars, starting at 6 p.m.

Not to brag, but…we gotta brag. We know how to throw a party. The KUTX 10th Birthday Concert Series delivers another badass show this week, with dark synth-pop duo Night Drive, darkwave/post-punk outfit Urban Heat, and eletro-pop project Holy Wire. See them all tonight, Thursday Feb. 16 at The Parish, 501 Brushy St. Doors at 7:30 p.m. See you there!

Perfect. The sun just went down.

Your AMM host first got word of Austin-based darkwave/goth duo Haunt Me when they played an event presented by The Glass Coffin – a favorite haunt, if you’ll pardon the expression. And with the acquisition of their album This Sadness Never Ends, the AMM made all the dark connections to this prolonged gaping into the romantic abyss. What is love without the pain? “Our Ghosts,” “Nothing Lasts” and HM fan fave “Dancing In the Dark” (an original piece, not the Springsteen ode, although can you imagine…?!) are absolute necessities for your darkest soundtracks.

Don’t Fall Asleep is the latest morbid gem for your collection – perhaps not for the faint of spirit, but undoubtedly a delectable six-track collection of instant classics for one’s gothic soul to feed upon. Don’t miss out on Haunt Me’s performance tonight, Wednesday Feb. 15, at Mohawk on Red River. The line-up reigns in darkness with Dallas-based duo NITE, and Austin bands Dragon Rapid and Nemion. Inside stage, doors at 8 p.m.

Whether you’re floating on air with hearts in your eyes, meticulously assembling an anti-Valentine’s Day playlist, or you’re your own Valentine, the Austin Music Minute offers a few show picks to fit the vibe. Show some love for these local artists tonight:

• A Valentine’s Showcase with Star Parks, Sun June & friends, and Hey Cowboy! at The Volstead on E. 6th, starting at 8:30 p.m.
• Austin cowpunks and AMM sweethearts Hickoids & The Cuntry Killers (featured on today’s AMM doing a heart-slaughtering rendition of “Burning Love”) play the You Give Love A Bad Name VD Dance, 8 p.m. at The Lost Well on Webberville Rd.
• Do you love pasghetti and meatbulbs? Sure, we all do. Join the fam for Pelvis Wrestley‘s Spaghetti Dinner at Hole In the Wall, featuring Sabrina Ellis, Redbud and Little Mazarn. Doors 8 p.m. Food is the love language; carbs, the romance.
• For Spite Presents: Singles Only at The Far Out Lounge and Stage, with sets by Exotic Fruits, Die Mart, The Blowies (featured on today’s KUTX Song of the Day) and Kiki Machine, Doors at 6 p.m.
• A Valentine’s Day Rock Show at Kickbutt Coffee on Airport Blvd., starring Danny B. Harvey & Casino Frap, Dogs and Diamonds, Trashy Annie, and The Genders. Doors at 7 p.m.

It’s a natural fit. Individually, Stephanie Hunt (Buffalo Hunt) and Jazz Mills are phenomenal artists in their own right, with vocals surpassing expectations. Together, though…something distinctive emerges. A simple Hunt/Mills harmony is a magical vibration.

Both singers have been collaborators for over a decade. Among other projects, they’ve performed as part of the Popecoke collective, a fantastical melding of art, fashion and pop culture experiences as inspiration for their narrative.

Interestingly, it’s not often the two get to perform together, which is what makes this evening so special. Buffalo Hunt and Jazz Mills perform tonight, Monday Feb. 13 (or, as they recently described it, Valentine’s Eve), at Arlo Grey at The Line Hotel. It’s a benefit to show some love for local nonprofit Free Lunch, founded by Mills and Carrie Fussell (Calliope Musicals) to reduce food insecurity in Austin. Doors at 8 p.m.

Take a moment to drop whatever you’re doing and check out the recent Studio 1A performance by Jane Leo. Music Editor Jeff McCord sat in for the session and recently did an interview with the dynamic duo, featuring singer/songwriter Jane Ellen Bryant and Daniel Leopold of Leopold and His Fiction. It’s a trip to learn that Bryant and Leopold had no intention of starting a band; this was only supposed to be a one-off recording project. And now there’s a debut LP release this Friday.

Rave reviews are in for Jane Leo’s February residency at Hotel Vegas, which continues tomorrow night, Sunday Feb.12. The bill includes Tele Novella (surely you’ve heard your AMM host rave over Merlynn Bell – in particular, the track “Never”) , and yet another dynamic duo, Carruthers and Rousch, featuring songwriter Mia Carruthers and Curtis Rousch (Bright Light Social Hour). Doors at 9 p.m. That’s when your Sunday fun day actually starts.

Make space for this dynamic duo – and get the bubbles out.

Let’s start with Jake Lloyd, resident badass who’s not just about the pivot; Lloyd beautifully mixes, masters, respects and loves many musical genres, and is a natural at combining them. Then there’s Deezie Brown, fellow badass, lyrical poet, and master producer with an ear for minute detail, perfection to the point of distraction. Both are standouts in hip-hop/rap artistry reaching beyond Austin. Both tell damn great stories. And when Lloyd and Brown combine their super powers, they become the experience known as Geto Gala.

Time to bring out the bottles as Geto Gala grants your “Champagne Wishes.” In a continuing series of incredible live performances presented by Firehouse Lounge, 605 Brazos St., Geto Gala returns there for a show at 9 p.m tomorrow night, Saturday Feb.11. Cheers and salud, GG crew.

Make way for the Em El Vee. Matthew Logan Vasquez is taking on his first national tour since 2019 and the release of Light’n Up, an ode to his home state of Texas recorded at his then-residence in Norway. Now back in Wimberley with the fam, Vasquez is gearing up for the new show dates in support of his follow-up LP out April 7 – and keep in mind there’s a new single out this Friday.

First, the upcoming tour includes a February residency at C-Boy’s Heart and Soul, 2008 S. Congress Ave. MLV performs with his band each Thursday night this month, including tonight, Thursday Feb. 9, starting at 10 p.m. Songwriter Jesse Woods’ new project Chaparral has a set at 11:45 p.m.

Each week features Vasquez exploring different musical genres, and this time it’s on the slightly softer, more folky side. Apparently, last week’s show got pretty loud, so Vasquez says it’ll be a bit quieter this evening.

Maybe.

The rustling and murmurs started with the tales unveiled on the artist-formerly-known-as Rod Melancon‘s full-length debut Parish Lines (2014), almost like ghosts of past and present from the Austin transplant’s childhood home of Vermilion Parrish. It was only the beginning of the burgeoning storyteller’s powerful homage to the Bayou State – and, in no uncertain terms, whatever he could clearly live without. His creative metamorphosis continued on through the darkest corners of Southern Gothic (2017), on to the 2019 critically-lauded Pinkville and 2021’s For Louisiana – simultaneously a love letter to home, and an unfiltered condemnation of the systemic injustice that plagues it.

Now the untamed gator is on the loose with a new name – and a recommitment to the evocative, badass delivery that brings his music to life in a bath of fire. (Re)Introducing Rod Gator, and his newest single “Born In the Octagon”(featured on today’s AMM), another firebreather built on grit, and pulsing with an early Black Sabbath metal beat while guitars wreak havoc. Gator’s celebrating the new music with a single release show tonight, Wednesday Feb. 8, at Hotel Vegas on E. 6th. The line-up features a set by the Otis Wilkins Trio, another iteration of Taylor Wilkins’ band; Colton Cerny & The Hog Leg Band, and Ol’ Saint Walt. Doors at 9 p.m.