Song of the Day

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January 28, 2020

Aaron Parks: “Mysterious Forest”

By: Jack Anderson

Tommy Howard Trio. Gil del Bosque. Atlas Maior. Ben Balmer. Even if you’ve never stepped foot into a jazz-friendly venue, you’ve probably seen some of those names on marquees around town. Not all that surprising, but what’s interesting about these acts (and many more) is the unifying factor: drummer extraordinaire Aaron Parks. With invaluable contributions across the Live Music Capital, Parks has become a household name for any jazz act in Austin and a must-have teacher for any up-and-coming drummer in need of lessons. The passion that Parks exudes isn’t limited to his work as a sideman, since you can’t overlook his percussion-sprinkled psychedelic namesake, The Parks Project.
However, Parks’ philosophy of being your best self and not extending your individuality further than necessary has come to fruition with the eponymous retitling of this group, now referred to simply under the frontman’s name. The new handle comes alongside the follow up to 2018’s Space Jazz, and culminates in the release of the outfit’s sophomore album Parks & Wreck. Catch the release show Sunday evening at King Electric Recording
and get to know Aaron with Chopin-esque title that’s all original, “Mysterious Forest”!
-Jack Anderson

Episodes

January 21, 2026

Katherion: “Bad for Me”

Austin artist Katherion is proving she has what it takes to stand out with “Bad for Me,” a track from her debut album EROS. This softly haunting indie-pop song explores the tension of being in a relationship you know isn’t good for you. By focusing on feeling rather than specificity, the lyrics invite listeners to […]

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January 20, 2026

Almost Heaven: “oscillation”

Support for KUTX’s Love Austin Music Month coverage comes from Eldorado Cafe, embracing a community of folks who believe sharing food and music feeds the soul. Austin-based indie dance, post-punk duo Almost Heaven is having a strong start to 2026. After a C3-produced Free Week performance at Stubb’s, the pair recently released “oscillation,” ahead of […]

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January 13, 2026

Marlei: “2009”

Support for KUTX’s Love Austin Music Month coverage comes from Eldorado Cafe, embracing a community of folks who believe sharing food and music feeds the soul. It’s not difficult to compare the economic turbulence of 2026 to 2009 – and Marlei, a Houston-born, Austin-based pop/R&B artist, thinks of that time often. In 2009, Marlei was […]

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January 12, 2026

Keepsake: “Appalachian Trail”

Support for KUTX’s Love Austin Music Month coverage comes from Eldorado Cafe, embracing a community of folks who believe sharing food and music feeds the soul. Indulge in the dreamy, shoegazy splendor of Austin’s Keepsake. All the players are here: lush guitar hooks, head-bopping basslines, and smooth, ethereal vocals. On “Appalachian Trail,” you’re dropped right […]

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January 9, 2026

Russell Taine Jr.: “Strangers”

I’ve said it before, but Austin quartet Russell Taine Jr. is about as cozy Austin as it gets. The kind of band you hear pouring out of a dark bar you might not have otherwise noticed. It sounds like that welcoming, sticky-sweet dive bar aroma. Their new EP Ghost (out last month) is “shaped by […]

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January 8, 2026

Sweet Limb: “Who’s This”

Support for KUTX’s Love Austin Music Month coverage comes from Eldorado Cafe, embracing a community of folks who believe sharing food and music feeds the soul. While one taste may be in the name, the latest from Austin’s Sweet Limb is savory and brimming with umami. Historically, Sweet Limb founder Chris Robinson has performed with a band, […]

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January 7, 2026

Good Looks: “Vaughn” [Live In Studio 1A]

Support for KUTX’s Love Austin Music Month coverage comes from Eldorado Cafe, embracing a community of folks who believe sharing food and music feeds the soul. Good Looks! You know Good Looks. Our May 2022 Artist of the Month was fairly quiet throughout 2025, but they’re kicking off the new year in perfect Austin fashion […]

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January 6, 2026

haha laughing: Pulled Apart By Horses

Support for KUTX’s Love Austin Music Month coverage comes from Eldorado Cafe, embracing a community of folks who believe sharing food and music feeds the soul. I like to say that Free Week is a time for exploration, moving on feeling, looking to be pulled in by sound and locked into place. And if you’re […]

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