Laurie Gallardo

Following the breakup of their previous psych-gaze band Creepoid, Anna and Patrick Troxell forged an electro post-punk dynamic as the duo Lovelorn. And now the ATX-by-way-of Philly outfit is ramping things up with two new additions to the line-up, guitarists Steve Pike and Kyle Harris. No doubt extra shreds will add even more discordant dimensions to Lovelorn’s dark electro-pop vibe like the harshness of 2021’s What’s Yr Damage, bounding into something more industrial/noise-psych power synth, or what Lovelorn describes as “drug pop.”

Lovelorn has a date with Austin tonight, Monday Oct. 16, at Mohawk‘s indoor stage, on a bill featuring Fawn, Prehuman, and Thirst For Love. Doors at 8 p.m. This all rules.

The AMM’s back at it with a few more ACL Fest selections, and a couple of must-see non-festival related shows to sink your fangs into. Here’s a list. Check it twice:

• At Zilker Park this afternoon, start the day with sets by Austin artists Blakchyl, Nemegata, and Rattlesnake Milk; Angel White and Calder Allen are doing their second ACL weekend; and it’s worth going out of your way to catch AMM fave Sudan Archives. Tonight, Tegan and Sara perform, as well as The 1975. And there’s an ACL Fest Nights show with Madison Cunningham at the Scoot Inn.
• There’s an anniversary to celebrate tonight, freaks. Riverboat Gamblers‘ Something To Crow About turned 20 this year (what the hell?!), and that means Mike Wiebe will swing from the rafters – or whatever’s available – at a big ol’ show irreverently titled AC Hell Festival at Hotel Vegas. Eight bands, two stages, doors at 7:30 p.m. Starving Wolves, The Oxys, Tiny, The Del Vipers, The Get Lows, User Unauthorized, and No Association all provide an entire night of various levels of face-melting.
• And tonight, YAWN presents an excellent line-up at Cheer Up Charlie’s featuring San Gabriel, Skateland, and Oklahoma City band Chelsea Days. Doors at 8:30 p.m.
• Tomorrow’s ACL Fest line-up features a few festival debuts by local artists – country artist Kathryn Legendre plays at noon, and folk/pop songwriter Sisi Berry takes the stage at 1 p.m. Catch Caramelo Haze at 3:15 p.m. And there’s a slew of second-weekend sets by Yves Tumor, Little Simz, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Cigarettes After Sex and Death Grips.

Gonna say this over and over: Go support the bands, even if you’re abstaining from those of the wrist variety.

It’s round two of the Austin Music Minute‘s selections for ACL Fest 2023, along with AMM show picks off the beaten path for those not festivally-inclined. No, “festivally” is not an actual word, but you get it:

• At ACL Fest out at Zilker Park, Austin-based band We Don’t Ride Llamas performs this afternoon at 1:40 p.m., and it’s also Abraham Alexander‘s second weekend set at 3:10 p.m. Shoutouts for tonight include Parisian artist FKJ, Maggie Rogers and Portugal. The Man – and here’s hoping for a much longer set by Kendrick Llamar, preferably not unplugged.
• Devon Gilfillian performs at Antone’s, and The Breeders play at Stubb’s, as part of ACL Fest Nights.
• Lauren Lakis celebrates the release of her album A Fiesta and A Hell with a show tonight at Swan Dive, 615 Red River, featuring Alexalone, Daydream Twins and heavy wall-of-sound maestros SKLOSS on the bill. Doors 9 p.m.
• Behold! A most wicked Friday the 13th show at The Lost Well, 2421 Webberville Rd., featuring Sabbath Crow, Cheer Reaper, Mr. Lewis and The Funeral 5, and Sex Pump. Doors at 8 p.m.
• And tonight at Flamingo Cantina, 515 E. 6th St., roots rock reggae from Kingston courtesy of Earthkry, starting at 9 p.m.
• Tomorrow afternoon at Zilker, do not miss Blakchyl, Nemegata, Rattlesnake Milk, Devon Gilfillian, Angel White, and Ben Kweller. You can also cut crazy loose with Nashville outfit Sn​õ​õper, and witness the magic of AMM fave Sudan Archives. All hail Natural Brown Prom Queen.

And remember: Go support the bands, even if you’re abstaining from those of the wrist variety.

Wait. You missed Night 1 of Deezie Brown’s Wire Wheel Opera House series (Part II) last night?? Do not despair! The Austin-based rap artist and producer behind 5th Wheel Fairy Tale is presenting the next round tonight, Thursday Oct. 12, at Chess Club on Red River. And true to form from the previous iteration of Wire Wheel Opera House launched at C-Boy’s in 2021, it’s gonna go LARGE.

The evening begins with a set by Deezie Brown, followed by the enigmatic Kids In A Daze, longtime friend and collaborator Malik, a set by Geto Gala featuring Brown and Jake Lloyd, and DJ Protégé. Doors at 7 p.m.

This is the definition of an all-around badass. Anastasia Hera picks up where frustration or despair would’ve left off. Her philosophy? “Life as art.”

Feeling passionately about rap since her childhood, Hera focused on developing this love of her favorite music into a signature style that doesn’t adhere to just one genre. Facing single motherhood and a variety of challenges along the way, Hera’s resilience helped her power through to become the rap artist, producer, teacher, actress, and successful entrepreneur she is today. In addition to founding the non-profit CAKE (Creativity Abundance Knowledge Elevation) in 2015, which provides support for women and girls in music, Hera launched her company HERA Tropical Rum in 2021.

Don’t miss Anastasia Hera at the next Skylab, a music industry social presented by Spaceflight Records tomorrow evening, Thursday Oct. 12, at Scholz Garten on San Jacinto Blvd. It’s an early free show, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and it’s open to everyone, not just the music industry folks!

 

Don’t fret, pet. This evening, treat yourself to some electrifying glam daddy blues. Austin-based songwriter and face-melter Jeremiah Jackson describes his style as a combination of Bowie, Butthole Surfers and Queens of the Stone Age, all rolled into one sequin-clad glam rocker. Catch the vibe at Jackson’s show tonight, Tuesday Oct. 10, at Meanwhile Brewing, 3901 Promontory Point Dr. It’s a free show starting at 7:30 p.m. Glitter and sparkle, baby, and check out the EP Awake, featuring the title track heard on today’s AMM.

It’s a golden twilight, when the stars and a sliver of the moon are visible, even though the sun hasn’t completely set yet. It’s a wisp of a breeze…or was that a ghost? It can be the early morning light just as easily as it could be a star-studded night sky. And, much to the delight of your AMM host, one fan describes AMM featured track “Stop Waiting” by Cigarettes After Sex as “another great night driving song.” It is. Mesmerizing with a longing that could never be quenched, it’s made all the more ethereally seductive by the vocals of Greg Gonzalez.

Cigarettes After Sex is known for their subterranean dream-pop mystique, a dreamlike ambient presence with a dark edge to it, from their EP I (2012) to their 2017 self-titled debut album, and their 2019 release Cry. But don’t skip over the two-track dark pop caress of Crush (2018). And following the KUTX-featured single “Pistol” comes another two-track treasure, Bubblegum, from which “Stop Waiting” comes. Put this one on the playlist for your next road trip.

Cigarettes After Sex performs tonight, Monday Oct. 9, at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, as part of ACL Fest Nights. Doors at 7 p.m.

Buckle up. Presenting more selections from your friendly neighborhood AMM:

• At ACL Fest this afternoon at Zilker Park, remember to catch Die Spitz, Shooks, Angel White, Calder Allen and Ben Kweller. Tonight, Tanya Tucker and Foo Fighters blow it up. Tomorrow, AMM must-sees include Grace Sorensen, The Walkmen, Jane Leo, Yves Tumor, The Breeders, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Cigarettes After Sex and Odesza.
• Head over to Sagebrush today to get yer kernels popped at Austin Corn Lovers Fiesta. Doors at 1 p.m., with music on both stages inside the cool darkness, starring your AMM’s favorite heartbreakers and internationally renown hoodlums, Hickoids. The line-up includes Lost Knobs, The Ghost Wolves, The Beaumonts, The Living Pins, Pussy Gilette and many more.
• Happening tonight at Swan Dive, Half Dream celebrates the release of their album, Will I Still Bloom?, with Batty Jr. and The Episodes. Doors 8 p.m.
• Also tonight, Hard Proof and friends gather for a big Felabration!! at Far Out Lounge and Stage, celebrating the music of Fela Kuti with Superfónicos and members of Golden Dawn Arkestra, Grupo Fantasma, Black Pumas and Trouble In the Streets. Doors at 8 p.m.

Remember: Go support the bands, even if you’re abstaining from those of the wrist variety.

Looks as though your Austin Music Minute host got a little carried away again and got some dates mixed up, but didn’t want to waste a perfectly good Bass Drum of Death song (“Everybody’s Gonna Be There” from Say I Won’t). Click on the LISTEN button to hear how it went down…slightly erroneously:

• The AMM selections for ACL Fest 2023 Friday include aforementioned badasses Bass Drum of Death, along with AMM fave Little Simz, plus Maggie Rogers, a tip o’ the hat to The Lumineers, definitely The Mars Volta, and Kendrick Lamar.
• For those not festival-ing, there’s a must-see early show at Hotel Vegas tonight with Eagle Claw and The Grasshopper Lies Heavy, with doors at 6:30 p.m. That’s followed by an insane line-up with Brooklyn band Godcaster, Borzoi and Glasshealer, starting at 10 p.m.
• Also tonight, Mamahawk has a single release show (“Blue Jay”) at Chess Club, paired with a Math Judson album release show (No Needs A New Shirt), and a set by The Get Lows, Doors at 7 p.m.
• A short list for ACL Fest for early Saturday includes four sets, one right after the other – Die Spitz at 11:45 a.m., followed by Shooks, Angel White and Calder Allen. Then head over the BMI stage for Ben Kweller at 3 p.m.
• As you’ll hear, the AMM mentioned the wrong show day for the Austin Corn Lovers Fiesta at Sagebrush. It’s actually tomorrow, not today, but happy to give them a little extra AMM love. Doors for tomorrow’s crazy party, instigated by Hickoids, are at 1 p.m. Both stages in the house will be invaded by the likes of Hamell On Trial, Lost Knobs, Jane Woe, The Ghost Wolves, The Beaumonts, Pussy Gillette, The Living Pins and more. Sick and twisted. As it should be.

Something for everybody. Go support the bands, even if you’re abstaining from those of the wrist variety.

All right, so this one’s a day early, but it’s good to have a little game plan for something as gargantuan as Austin City Limits Music Festival. Today’s AMM provides a short list of favorites to check out when the fest kicks off tomorrow at Zilker Park.

The afternoon is off to a great start with an early set by Devon Gilfillian, along with The Altons, Thee Sacred Souls and Studio 1A standout Abraham Alexander. Long Beach pop trio Half Alive is.a good lead into Portugal. The Man. But it’s a tough decision for your AMM host because two faves, Bass Drum of Death and the incredible Little Simz, play at the same time. Either way, follow it with Maggie Rogers, The Mars Volta (featured on today’s AMM), then make way for headliner Kendrick Lamar.

The madness begins tomorrow afternoon at Zilker Park, with Asleep At the Wheel greeting you with a set at 1 p.m. Welcome. Remember to hydrate.

One could compare the stark beauty of any given piece by instrumental ensemble Balmorhea to a vigorous inhale/exhale while standing before a gorgeous, never-ending landscape in the natural world. Breathing in the beauty, you’re overwhelmed by the majestic surroundings while simultaneously astounded by their quiet power. It’s unsettling and wonderful.

Such is the power of Balmorhea, who released their eighth studio album this summer – their second recording on internationally renown label Deutsche Grammophon – titled Pendant World. Balmorhea founders Rob Lowe and Michael Muller continue to expand their ensemble’s atmospheric range by elegantly shifting their ambient exploration into varied rhythms and percussive arrangements. Featuring collaborations with violinist/vocalist (and longtime AMM fave) Aisha Burns, cellist Clarice Jensen, and experimental jazz saxophonist Sam Gendel to name just a few, this beautiful experiment of sound and silence continues to evolve into something greater than ever before.

Experience the magic that is Balmorhea at their performance tomorrow night, Thursday Oct. 5, at the Paramount Theater, with special guest and Pendant World contributing artist Joseph Shabason opening the show. Doors at 7 p.m.

The forthcoming album Fox Street Blues by Buenos Diaz has a family story behind it, perhaps one that’s familiar to many generations of survivors. As songwriter/vocalist Nick Diaz explains, “These stories are unfortunately the norm and a large part of the American fabric.” But the album is a testament to how Diaz’ family persevered, and how music saved his life.

Fox Street is the Houston neighborhood his mother grew up in, where she lived with her mother – a single mom – and her older brother. Diaz’ grandmother worked most of her life to support her family, a pattern that would repeat itself when Diaz’ own father left his family. Despite the difficult times, the blues fueled a new fire in Diaz’ life. He took up guitar at age 17 and was playing the blues alongside a badass crew of older musicians to learn everything he could about his favorite music. Imagine learning from the best of the best. Albert Collins, Johnny Clyde Copeland, Gatemouth Brown, Billy Gibbons… All of it shaped the artist Diaz is today.

Here some of the new music from Fox Street Blues when Buenos Diaz performs tonight, Tuesday Oct. 3, at the Far Out Lounge and Stage. It’s another great line up featuring Lauren Gurgiolo’s musical project The Dialtones, and a set by Dylan Bishop. Doors at 7 p.m.

Earplugs are not optional for this one.

The double headliner at Mohawk tomorrow night, Tuesday Oct. 3, is over the top sick. Tokyo heavy sludge masters Boris share an explosive bill with one of the most influential bands in several things heavy, from sludge to grunge, noise to doom, Melvins. Like, what the hell?! Both of these bands in one night? Ridiculously awesome, but emphasis on the earplugs, if you’re interested in preserving whatever hearing you’ve got left, especially to witness the badassery of Boris guitarist Wata shredding into oblivion against a tower of amps. And whether you think Buzz Osborne‘s riffs remind you of Black Sabbath or Black Flag, you’re gonna need to brace yourself either way. And you just might get to witness Boris covering the very track that inspired their band’s name, so…

Doors open at 6 p.m. tomorrow for this outdoor stage event, with chaotic noise rockers Mr. Phylzzz (was informed it’s pronounced “flies”) opening the show. And don’t miss the afterparty on Mohawk’s indoor stage, featuring The Flood playing their album release show, with longtime AMM fave Bridge Farmers. Holy hell. Forget your ears. Your ribcage won’t make it.

Put this in your 2024 calendar, in case you missed out this year. On Sept. 21, Mayor Kirk Watson officially declared the day as David Shabani Day in the City of Austin, presenting Shabani with “a proclamation for their craft and work in the industry both locally and abroad.”

This is meaningful for Shabani on many levels, coinciding with his Homecoming Tour, named in honor of a few cities on the route with a significant role in his life, as chronicled on the single “YUL to DFW”: Montreal, QC, where Shabani is originally from, and where he wrote his first ever rap-bars; Dallas, where he was raised; and Austin, where he’s built his musical career.

Shabani’s Austin performance is tomorrow night, Saturday Sept. 30, at Empire Control Room on E. 7th, opening for hip-hop artist Asher Roth, on a bill with Austin artist Kardinal Bloo’s hip-hop project Global Octopus. Doors at 7:30 p.m.

Truly a Renaissance man. No exaggeration. Songwriter. Musician. Multi-media artist – which you’ll know first hand if you’ve ever been to Mobley performance. And now, in the recent words of Jonny Jukebox, “Are you ready for the next level?”

Mobley’s journey takes its next cue from a collection of demos titled Worktape, and that’s exactly what it is. The great and powerful musical wizard pulls back the curtain for a glimpse into his creative process, from lyric writing to piecing songs together, featuring rough cuts from Young and Dying In the Occident Supreme, and Cry Havoc!. Though none of these demos were meant for public consumption, Mobley describes Worktape as a retroactive voyeurism hopefully leading to a deeper insight and connection to the music.

It’s time for an unorthodox performance experience. Presenting Mobley | A Deconstructed Concert: No speakers, no raised stage, no physical barriers. Just a pair of headphones for each audience member for this astounding immersive event, culminating in a live track recording for Mobley’s next album. The concert is this Saturday night, Sept. 30, at Originator Studios, 718 Northwestern Ave., with special guests Urban Heat and the aforementioned Jonny Jukebox. Ticket info available via Mobley’s website.

We’re all guilty of building up expectations. So, you might spin Corinne Bailey Rae‘s latest blazer Black Rainbows and find it something of a departure for Rae, in terms of a style that incorporates R&B, jazz and soul. This one gets loud, bold, experimental in many parts, powered by guitar and unapologetic vitality, all inspired by Chicago’s archive of Black art. “But it sounds different,” you say, “so not like her music!”

Stop right there, pal. Rae’s story is rooted in rock. As a teenager, she played in a rock band and was inspired by women-led bands like L7 and Veruca Salt. Those were the formative years. Perhaps it’s different from previous releases, but Black Rainbows highlights another brilliant layer of Rae’s talent. Think about it; this one’s not so different. It’s unabashedly, wholeheartedly Rae.

Catch Corinne Bailey Rae at her show Friday night, Sept. 29, at The Paramount Theater. Doors at 7 p.m., and opening the show is an artist described by NPR as one who “embodies the soul of jazz: Exploration,” songwriter Melanie Charles.

Put the go-to retro label aside for a minute. The Heavy Heavy moves beyond that with a multi-layered ‘60s sound on their debut EP Life and Life Only. The way Georgie Fuller and Will Turner channel psych and mod influences with folk and soul in a timeless shimmer feels more instinctive than imitative. Then again, it’s also refreshing to see Fuller and Turner freely embrace the artists who’ve inspired them along the way, from the most obscure (do yourself a favor and look up The Action) to legendary figures like Paul Weller.

The Heavy Heavy is back in Austin to play a show tomorrow night, Wedensday Sept. 27, at The Far Out Lounge and Stage in South Austin, with The Mellows open the show. Doors at 6:30 p.m.

Truth be told, your nerdy AMM host is drooling like a goblin over Hyperreal Film Club‘s upcoming scary October screenings at Hotel Vegas. This Austin-based film lovers’ club, formed in 2016, does badass pop-up screenings of independent films of every genre at various spots around town, and provides a platform for guest columnists to write about the films they see – the good, the bad, and the seriously ugly. And October is looking terrifyingly awesome, with House of Wax, Event Horizon, Basket Case (Henenlotter??!! Yessss!!) and Ringu, not to mention a much milder nostalgic stroll through the jack-o-lanterns with Halloweentown.

Before your AMM host overdoses on horror galore, let’s rein it back in to the here and now for an ultra cool happening tonight at Hotel Vegas. Welcome to the 1971 wild contemporary western outlaw adventure Zachariah, though this is not your daddy’s gunslinger movie. Hailed by many as the original gay western predating Brokeback Mountain, Zachariah brings sharp shooters, electric guitars, drummer Elvin Jones as a bandit in the most badass ensemble, and starring John Rubenstein and Don Johnson as the worst bank robbers ever. It all starts with a mail order gun…

Tonight’s screening features a music video release performance by Austin-based psych-western outfit Sheverb, featuring the fabulous Brigitte Bandit, for “Pamela Anderson Was a Prophet”; and western-infused baroque pop courtesy of KUTX’s June 2023 Artist of the Month, Pelvis Wrestley. The event starts at 8 p.m. this evening. Let those spurs sparkle.

The humor is just as beautiful as the damn album, and the album is gorgeous. It starts as soon as you drop the needle on “Girls Bugging Me” on BOOTCUT. You clearly hear Afie Jurvanen, better known as Nova Scotia-based artist Bahamas, attempting to record something, but his young daughters are not having it.

“…Can it wait ’til I’m done writing this song?”

“NO.”

“It has to be right now?”

“Yes, it has to,” a tiny voice intones with great command. So much for the perfect melody, but as Jurvanen says with a shrug you can easily visualize, “Greatness will have to wait.” Then, it’s a lovely slide into the twangy steel of “Just A Song.” Holy hell, this is awesome.

Step aside, mister Sad Hunk (that title alone should clue you in on the humor your AMM host raves about). Following Bahamas’ rich funk-n-soul adventure comes a dream adrift in a big time country-inspired vibe known as BOOTCUT, right at home with your boots. Jurvanen’s sixth release is a collection of ballads taking it all the way with a cast of Nashville musicians and a special guest appearance by Vince Gill. Soak in all the twang, warm tones, and badass steel, but understand that that rich Bahamas soul remains at the heart of it all. And of course, no Bahamas album would be complete without Jurvanen’s dry wit, delivered in quiet and understated touches that sometimes makes you laugh out loud.

Bahamas will be in Austin for a performance tonight, Saturday Sept. 23, at Mohawk on the outdoor stage. Fortunate Ones opens the show. Doors at 7 p.m. And don’t forget the Mock-Up! babes, on the indoor stage with Jonny Sanders‘ magic spell Prehuman and the spins of DJ Black Leche.

In any exploration of the origins of bboy subculture and its crucial role in the development of hip-hop, one of the best rabbit holes to dive into is the work of Bronx street photographer Ricky Flores. The stark black and white imagery from these formative years carries a unique fluidity and exuberance, but Flores was capturing something more than just innovative dance moves. Breaking was the phoenix rising from the (literal and figurative) ashes of Bronx neighborhoods in decay, left to crumble after property values declined, oftentimes intentionally set ablaze by unscrupulous landlords for insurance payoffs. Bboy subculture was, and continues to be, the survival, rebellion and joy keeping youth alive and moving forward.

“It’s a story about art and human beings’ resilience, and their ability to use art as a tool to rebuild themselves and create beautiful things out of tragic situations,” Flores told VICE in a 2019 article by Cassidy George about the bboy emergence in 1970s New York. It’s something totally worth checking out as an excellent starting point to exploring bboy history and relevance.

In present day Austin, we have the BBoy City and Hip Hop Culture 5-Day Unity Event, honoring the bboy/bgirl roots, 50 years of hip-hop culture, and celebrating the 29th anniversary of BBoy City, the longest-running breaking/hip-hop convention in the South. Everything kicked off Wednesday night with the Breakin’ Austin – Can’t Be Stopped art exhibit at Riches Art Gallery, and continues today through this weekend with events showcasing DJs, breakers, art and graffiti artists. The entire event culminates with the Snipes Pro Breaking Tour finals competition at 3 p.m. Sunday at Waterloo Greenway at Moody Amphitheater, featuring a performance by Brownout.

Tonight, the BBoy City and Hip Hop Culture Unity Event continues with the first annual block party at Riches Art Gallery, 2511 E. 6th St., starting at 7 p.m., with a street wear fashion show, live painting, art installations and more.

*Special thanks to Fresh Knight of The Breaks, and to M.A.S. Cultura, for insight and information inspiring today’s Austin Music Minute.