Pause/Play

November 10, 2026

How to become an Official SXSW Music Artist

Ever wondered what it takes to perform at SXSW? In the latest episode of Pause/Play, we sit down with SXSW’s VP of Music Festival, B. Hobbs, and Senior Music Programmer Berkli Johnson to find out how artists are selected to perform at one of the biggest music festivals in the world. They walk us through […]

Listen

October 27, 2026

How to get your song on the radio

KUTX Music Director Rick McNulty talks about how he discovers new music, and his process for determining what songs make it into rotation. He also gives Austin artists insights about how to pitch their music for airplay.

Listen

October 13, 2026

Season 7 of Pause/Play starts October 27th!

This season, we’re trying to answer we want to answer some questions that we often hear from people in the Austin music ecosystem. How can local artists get their music on the radio? How do Austin bands get booked at ACLfest?  How can we keep the Red River district alive? How can venues stay open […]

Listen

November 11, 2025

BONUS — Austin Artists Share What It Means to Play ACL Fest 

What does it mean for Austin artists to take the stage at the city’s biggest music festival? This episode features conversations with SL Houser, Geto Gala, and Next of Kin as they share their journeys to Austin City Limits Music Festival, reflect on what it means to perform in their hometown, and talk about what’s […]

Listen

October 7, 2025

Can we look to the past to figure out the future of affordable housing for musicians?

We take a look at the Metropolis Apartments, a complex that has been providing affordable housing for musicians and creatives for over 20 years.

Listen

September 23, 2025

What’s going on with the Live Music Fund?

The Live Music Fund is about to launch applications for its third round of funding. Hear what’s changed with the fund over the years, and what will be new with this next iteration.

Listen

September 9, 2025

BONUS — The city has millions of dollars to support the Austin music scene. But who gets the money? (rerun)

In preparation for our upcoming update episode about the Live Music Fund, we revisit this episode from 2022, which tells the story of how the framework for the first Live Music Fund was developed.

Listen

August 26, 2025

The Future of Vinyl

Caren Kelleher, founder and CEO of Gold Rush Vinyl and co-owner of Waterloo Records, shares why she launched a vinyl pressing plant, how her company brings records to life, and what’s next for her growing businesses.

Listen