Laurie Gallardo

All right. Chug that water to rehydrate. And the caffeine. Deep breaths. And here are your Austin Music Minute SXSW picks for tonight:

–Japan Nite at Elysium, 705 Red River, presents bands eX-Girl, Stereogirl, Furutori and more.

-A hip-hop showcase at Empire Control Room, 606 E. 7th St., includes sets by Houston artist Trae the Truth, Brooklyn artist Rob Markman and others.

–New West Records has its showcase at the Mohawk, 912 Red River, with Justin Townes Earl, Nikki Lane, Wild Moccasins, Los Coast and more.

-A showcase at Flamingo Cantina,  515 6th St., includes Havana artist Cimafunk, Columbian band Monophonicos and more.

-Several Austin-based artists play the Nine Mile Records & Touring showcase at Friends, 208 E. St., including The Reputations (featured on today’s AMM), Löwin, Otis the Destroyer, and A. Sinclair, as well as Montana-by-way-of-Austin artist Christy Hays and Seattle band Smokey Brights.

Keep those walking shoes on. You still have a lot to cover as you pound the pavement to some great performances tonight during South-By. The Austin Music Minute humbly offers you this little cross section of recommendations:

-The Chicken Ranch Records showcase at Valhalla, 710 Red River, includes AMM fave Mr. Lewis & The Funeral Five, LA surf punks Thee Idylls, New Delhi electronic artist Komorebi and more.

-A world/Latin/urban music showcase at Speakeasy, 412 Congress Ave., includes performances by Columbian bands Los Gaiteros de Ovejas, La Mojarra Electrica, singer Mabiland and more.

–Self-Sabotage Records hosts a showcase at the Museum of Human Achievement in East Austin, featuring Little Mazarn, exhalants, Daniel Francis Doyle and others.

–LIZZO is on the bill for a showcase at Stubb’s, 801 Red River, which includes King Princess, Car Seat Headrest, Cherry Glazerr, and Durand Jones and The Indications. 8 p.m.

-Photo of Mabiland courtesy of the artist.

Here’s another round of Austin Music Minute picks for your SXSW adventure time tonight:

-Featured on today’s AMM, UK artist YOLA performs at Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. 8th St. in Downtown Austin (she also performs at 10 a.m. this Saturday at KUTX Live at the Four Seasons). Tonight’s showcase at CPC includes Jealous of the Birds and more.

–Austin Music Award-winning band Black Pumas plays a showcase at Banger’s, 79 Rainey St., featuring Brooklyn hip-hop artist Leikeli47 and others.

-Austin band Duncan Fellows plays a showcase at Hotel Vegas, 1501 E. 6^th with Liverpool garage pop band Trudy & The Romance, Detroit psych rockers Moonwalks, and more.

-On the outside stage at Barracuda, 611 E. 7^th, Molly Burch plays a showcase with Seattle artist Valley Maker, and more.

-Local songwriter Marshall A. Jones’ project The Cranes of Austin performs at the Carousel Lounge, 1110 E. 52nd St.

-Photo of YOLA courtesy of the artist.

KUTX‘s Austin Music Minute recommendations for SXSW just keep on comin’. Here are just a few to peruse for tonight’s escapades.

–Tiger Bomb Promo has its official showcase at Beerland, 711 1/2 Red River with Boogarins (“Foimal” was featured on today’s AMM), Frankie and The Witch Fingers, Illuminati Hotties and more. Doors 7 p.m.

–Nine Mile Records and Touring’s official showcase takes over the Mohawk, 911 Red River, featuring Low Cut Connie, Golden Dawn Arkestra, Sweet Spirit, Go Fever and more. 7 p.m.

–South By Sahara Lounge, 1413 Webberville Rd., hosts performances by Tulsa band Smoochie Wallus, Nashville band Nordista Freeze and others. Music at 7 p.m.

–Modern Outsider Records’ official showcase at Cheer Up Charlie’s, 901 Red River, includes sets by Bright Light Social Hour, Moving Panoramas, Walker Lukens, Ume, Hard Proof, and Passeport. 7 p.m.

-And set your alarm, because you’ll be at it again tomorrow morning with KUTX Live at The Four Seasons, kicking off with the superb Combo Chimbita at 7 a.m.

-Photo of Boogarins courtesy of the artist.

It’s the first round of Austin Music Minute picks for Monday, during the escalating chaos we in Austin know as SXSW 2019:

–The Nothing Song Official SXSW Showcase tonight at Cheer Up Charlie’s, 901 Red River. Featuring sets by French Vanilla (Los Angeles; featured on today’s AMM), ANDY, Quivers (Australia), Big Bill, and Emme on the outside stage; Daniel Francis Doyle and The Dreams, Sub-Sahara (Dallas), Pecas (Brooklyn), Hey Jellie, and Van Mary, along with DJ Big Daddy B inside. Doors 7 p.m., music 7:30 p.m.

–Do512 and Covert Curiosity present Strange Brew VIII, today/tonight at Hotel Vegas and The Volstead, 1500 E. 6th St. Featuring D.C. artist Sneaks, Nashville band Thelma and the Sleaze, Oh Sees, Croy and the Boys, Annabelle Chairlegs and more. Music starts at 2 p.m. RSVP here.

–The Loyalty Firm Official SXSW Showcase tonight at Barracuda, 611 E. 7th St., with Swallow the Rat (Auckland, NZ), Blushing, Honey and Salt and more.

-Photo of French Vanilla by Adam Sandor Nagy.

It’s alarming to find your humble Austin Music Minute host’s brain has already gone numb, when SXSW has just started. Not enough caffeine in the world. Ever heard of Death Wish Coffee? It’s barely helping.

After that lovely caffeinated shout out, let’s take a look at today’s handful of must-see recs that include official showcases and shows off the beaten path:

-Starting today at NOON, the On Vinyl Spring Showcase, 6016 Wilcott Ct., gets the day going for all the lovely locals. Featuring performances by Marijuana Sweet Tooth, PR Newman, Torre Blake, Eimaral Sol and more. Presented by On Vinyl Media with love.

–Tonight, there’s the /start showcase at The Parish, 214 E. 6th St., featuring AMM fave CAPYAC, The Vapor Caves, and Kid Monks. Doors at 9 p.m. Please RSVP here at Do512. And thanks for doing that.

-The big SX Soundcheck Saturday party tonight at Hotel Vegas and The Volstead, 1500 E. 6th St., starring Golden Dawn Arkestra, Calliope Musicals, Löwin, Belcurve and more.

-Awaken the beast. Yeast by Sweet Beast continues tonight at Elysium, 705 Red River, featuring Book of Shadows, Many Birthdays, Ouiness and more.

-Photo of CAPYAC courtesy of the artist.

Your Austin Music Minute host gets overwhelmed trying to keep up with…well, everything. A big chunk of said “everything” comes from all the performances, parties, comedy sets, fundraising events, and general lunacy you’ll find at any given time at the shared space of Hotel Vegas and The Volstead on E. 6th.  From the trippy head-spaces of Me-Mer-Mo Monday, to Oh Sees annihilating the area in a ballroom blitz frenzy two nights in a row, to ULoveI‘s tantalizing cumbia and hip=hop nights, to the mondo bizarro shakedowns paying tribute to Hunter S. Thompson, it’s been an endless adventure, and then some.

Today marks the venues’ 8-year anniversary, and that means – what else? – a major party to celebrate. Doors open early at 4 p.m. today, and the event kicks off with songwriter sets by Leslie Sisson of Moving Panoramas, Brendan Bond, Corey Baum of Croy & The Boys, Mike Wiebe of Riverboat Gamblers (and AMM fave Drakulas) and more. Later in the evening, soak in sets by A Giant Dog, Leather Girls, Sailor Poon, Mean Jolene, Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band and Borzoi.

Definitely an evening of not behaving. A very Happy Anniversary to Hotel Vegas and The Volstead. And here’s to more fun on the way.

-Photography of the band A Giant Dog by Mike Manewitz.

The clinking glasses, perhaps a wisp of smoke, and the faraway stares of lovelorn people whose minds are preoccupied, for better or worse…that may very well be the cinematic, romanticized image that comes to mind when one thinks of a Piano Lounge. Perhaps some of these elements come into play at the Historic Scoot Inn‘s event tonight. But most importantly, it’s all about the performance by Datura.

Jessica Pyrdsa is the soul-jazz artist behind the Datura moniker, delivering a sultry mix of jazz, pop, soul and R&B that doesn’t necessarily adhere to a specific genre. It’s more about blurring the lines and stirring up those feelings that just won’t quit. Datura’s often backed by a band of rotating musicians, turning each set into a unique performance.

Don’t miss Datura tonight at the Scoot Inn,1308 E. 4^th. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Raise your glass to the “Devil’s Tune.” Recommended.

-Photo courtesy of the artist.

Do what you will, but consider this protip from your Austin Music Minute: Make time to check out a lot of the great shows happening before the chaos of SXSW ensues. Naturally, that includes some awesome upcoming shows with Austin bands. It may seem obvious, but you’ll thank the AMM later…

Here’s one for you: Songwriter Chris Simpson, known for his ’90s-era indie band Mineral, (eagerly awaiting the arrival of the One Day When We Are Young book by Mischa Pearlman) is now sharing his latest work as Mountain Time, the moniker of his project since previously recording as Zookeeper. Don’t miss Mountain Time tonight at Cheer Up Charlie’s, 901 Red River, along with another AMM favorite, The Naked Tungs, and Massachusetts surfer blues outfit Calico Blue.

The music starts at 9 p.m. So recommended.

-Photography by Courtney Chavanell.

Chilly weather be damned. Bundle up in your favorite layers of what little winter wear you have (we’re in Texas, as difficult as that is to believe at the moment), and head over to The Volstead on E. 6th to cozy up with Me Mer Mo Monday.

The weekly music series of wonderful weirdness, spearheaded by Self Sabotage Records, highlights an eclectic array experimental artists, avant-garde projects, and bands venturing into an unexpected performance realm they’re not typically known for.

Doors open tonight at 6 p.m., and the music starts at 7 p.m. with Gregory Wildes‘ Buster Futzer, followed by Flowertops, San Diego artist Modesty, Left Limbs, and an experimental set by AMM fave Suspirians. DJs Loma Editions and Jacob Green spin between sets, and Vision System creates the perfect atmosphere for the entire experience. Recommended.

-Photo of Suspirians courtesy of the artist.

 

Sara Houser approached the task at hand with…some trepidation. She wasn’t quite yet comfortable writing music on guitar, but the creative spirit will not be stifled. Hesitations be damned. Houser just went for it. And that determination was how, five years ago, she and her band Löwin recorded their first single for their debut EP, Royal Jelly.

Race ahead to five years later. Löwin’s second LP, Heavy As the Sun, shows front woman Houser inspired by a slight shift away from more fuzzed-out blitzes toward a pop direction, without leaving behind Löwin’s natural knack for rocking out. And Houser owns it.

Hear what the fuss is about as Löwin celebrates the release of Heavy As the Sun tonight at Cheer Up Charlie’s, with an equally badass line-up that includes Blushing, Fanclub, and All Eyes. Doors open at 8 p.m.

It’s the lion’s roar. So recommended.

-Photography by Tristan Ipock for KUTX.

Of course the Austin Music Minute is all over this one. Today’s AMM feature is a lovely fit for the final week of #LoveAustinMusicMonth, although, as you know, KUTX shows love for local artists all year round.

Three bands grace the stage tonight at Cheer Up Charlie’s, 901 Red River. You’ve got Lolita Lynne (featured on today’s AMM), Otis Wilkins, and making their debut this evening, Beach Street. Doors open at 9 p.m. for this 21+ show. Remember to buy band merch and REPRESENT. Very recommended.

-Artwork of Lolita Lynne by Ashley Hernandez.

We’re in the home stretch, the final week, of #LoveAustinMusicMonth, but to clarify: KUTX is committed to showing the love for Austin music artists all – year – long.

Today’s Austin Music Minute highlights an Austin-based band ruling the room with a soundscape aesthetic that goes loud and slow, The Teddys. Granted, it may not always be a slow trip, but count on the energy and volume to tip past eleven. There’s new music on the way from their forthcoming release, Falling Down A Drunk Staircase (the AMM previewed the track “A.M. Snooze”).

Catch The Teddys at their show tonight at Beerland, 711 1/2 Red River, with Mother Water House and Frosty Palms, and Arkansas artist Mouton. Doors open at 9 p.m., and the music starts at 10 p.m. The Teddys play at 12:30 a.m., but you have to understand, this is worth staying up late for. Recommended.

As part of KUTX‘s #LoveAustinMusicMonth celebrations, the Austin Music Minute highlights a local artist of international standing.

If you’ve ever indulged in the jams of Os Alquimistas, Suns of Orpheus or the Jorge Ben/Gilberto Gil/Tropa Maldita-era vibed Macaxiera Funk, then you must know Frederico Geib. The songwriter makes his official solo debut as Frederico7 with a new LP, Exótico Americano, a cross-section of Pan American soul and a universal message of unity.

Dig the massive album release party happening tonight at Empire Control Room, 606 E. 7th St. This is one huge blowout with Kiko Villamizar, Cilantro Boombox, Manolo Black, and Maracatú Texas. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the music starts at 9 p.m. Parabéns, Frederico! Recommended.

-Photography by Juan Figueroa for KUTX.

Hayes Carll is one of the nicest fellows around. And, as your Austin Music Minute maven often raves on various occasions, Carll is one of the best/funniest damn storytellers ever to bring your attention to any stage he graces. It’s a special bonus you get whenever he performs. Makes sense. A songwriter of his caliber thoughtfully weaves the yarns that compel you, give you pause, paint the clearest pictures opening the memory floodgates. It all comes alive.

So, the coolest thing happened recently. Carll made his official debut at the Grand Ole Opry. It was a mind-blowing and overwhelming experience, to put it mildly. And obviously, an excellent choice on the part of the Grand Ole Opry.

In the spirit of #LoveAustinMusicMonth, we’re selfishly pleased that this Grammy-nominated artist and outstanding storyteller calls Austin his home, and he loves to play here, too. Speaking of which, Carll has a (now sold out) show tonight at The Continental Club, 1315 S. Congress Ave. And fellow songwriter Ben Dickey opens the show at 9:45 p.m. Barfield closes out the night after midnight.

Some major badasses in the house, ya’ll. Tip ‘o the hat from the AMM. Very recommended.

-Photo courtesy of the artist.

Austin songwriter and longtime Austin Music Minute fave David Ramirez gets the #LoveAustinMusicMonth spotlight on today’s AMM, and with good reason. Some busy music-filled nights are ahead for Ramirez at the Cactus Café, 2247 Guadalupe in the Texas Union building. Check this out: Ramirez will perform his entire catalog of work, each song off every record and EP he’s recorded, over the next four nights at the Cactus, beginning tonight. Dang!

For you hardcore fans, here’s the schedule Ramirez recently posted to his Facebook page:

–American Soil and Strangetown tonight, with Carson McHone (fresh from her London tour, hello?!) opening the show.

–Apologies and The Rooster tomorrow night, with Thomas Csorba opening.

–FABLES on Friday night, with Matt McCloskey opening.

–We’re Not Going Anywhere on Saturday night, with Jason Robert Blum opening.

Doors at 8 p.m., and music at 8:30 p.m. each night. Soak it all in, and raise a glass to Ramirez. Very recommended.

-Photo courtesy of the artist.

The #LoveAustinMusicMonth celebrations continue on KUTX 98.9 with the AMM spotlight on Austin-based artist Joseph Mach.

Austin is where Mach makes his home these days, but he previously fronted two bands in Los Angeles, Hotspur and The Static, while collaborating as a co-writer with other artists. However, following the end of a relationship and what Mach describes as “a period of spiritual awakening,” it was time for major change. This included a move away from a pop-rock comfort zone toward more folk/Americana/country and blues styles on his solo debut, White Buffalo, produced by Daniel Watters (The Watters), as well as a deeper exploration of vulnerability and survival in his songwriting.

Tonight, Joseph Mach and The Lighthearts celebrate today’s release of White Buffalo with a show at One-2-One Bar, 1509 S. Lamar Blvd. Sedona Skies start out the evening. Doors open at 8 p.m.

-Photography by Evan Louis Anderson.

The #LoveAustinMusicMonth celebrations continue at KUTX 98.9, with our friends at the City of Austin Music & Entertainment Division and the Austin Music Foundation, as we proudly show the love for Austin-based music artists. Today’s Austin Music Minute feature is about something quite magical, indeed, a wonderful gathering of like minds and new fans to bear witness to a crackling electricity like no other.

The torch was passed from Flipnotics to Radio Coffee and Beer, 4204 Manchaca Rd., to keep a lovely tradition alive and well. Monday Night Bluegrass Night, recent Austin Music Industry Award Winner for Best Musical Residency, is a gathering of world-class string musicians performing old bluegrass standards.

There’s a rotating cast each Monday night, and tonight includes the talents of Sophia Johnson, Katy Rose Cox, Trevor Smith and Dom Fisher (Wood and Wire), and Noah Jeffries. The music starts at 8 p.m. Very recommended.

-Photography by Reagan Hackleman.

-Special thanks to Tony Kamel of Wood and Wire for his recommendation of “Molly and Tenbrooks” for today’s AMM.

The Austin Music Minute is turning things up a notch with today’s #LoveAustinMusicMonth feature. Surely you’ve heard the music of Shinyribs on KUTX, loud and proud, but have you had the profound pleasure of seeing the mighty Kevin Russell and his band perform live? Because if you haven’t, you need to take advantage of tonight’s dazzling soirée.

Shinyribs is taking over the room tonight at a classic – some would even say, iconic – South Austin joint, Sam’s Town Point, 2115 Allred Dr. We are talking about a grand group that can, and has, filled a space like The Paramount Theatre, so you know this is a huge event. The music kicks off at 8:30 p.m. with special guest, Houston artist Oliver Penn.

Your AMM host recommends getting there early, because this show will sell out. Period. This one comes highly recommended.

-Photography by Gabriel C. Pérez for KUTX.

Your Austin Music Minute maven was not exaggerating when describing tonight’s show as “the party of parties.” As part of #LoveAustinMusicMonth, KUTX’s The Breaks presents Love Lockdown, a showcase highlighting some of the best local artists in the realms of hip-hop, R&B and pop.

Dynamic duo Confucious Jones and Fresh play host to an excellent line-up at Empire Control Room, 606 E. 7th St., featuring Alesia Lani, Harry Edo-Houkwa, Lesly Reynaga (“All American Girl” from Dual Passport is featured on today’s AMM), PARALLELEPHANTS, and Malik, with JOAQU.N as your DJ at the helm. Doors open at 9 p.m. 

This is mad love. Recommended.

-Photo of Lesly Reynaga in Studio 1A courtesy of the artist.