Song of the Day

Song of the Day > All Episodes

February 5, 2019

Darkbird: “Crimes” [PREMIERE]

By: Jack Anderson

When tragedy strikes, sometimes you can only soar above it with someone else on the wing with you. L.A. artist Kelly Barnes’ marriage and band had broken up around the same time that New York’s Brian Cole lost his home to a fire. Two fresh starts, two separate moves to Austin, and one serendipitous meeting later, Darkbird had hatched.

Now performing as a sextet, Darkbird just wrapped up their third record and they’re gearing up for their third official SXSW as well as an upcoming national tour. We’ll get an aerial view of Darkbird’s new EP at the release show next Friday at Stay Gold but since you want to shake your tail feather to this six-song rock roulette early, guess what? Darkbird has given us KUTX-clusive access to this new single until Valentine’s Day, so set yourself up right now with “Crimes”!


Episodes

July 9, 2026

Cure for Paranoia: “The Artshow” [Live In Studio 1A]

We’ve gotten really acquainted with Dallas hip-hop group Cure for Paranoia this year, and their meteoric rise has been a joy to be a part of and to watch from the sidelines. The winners of the 2026 NPR Tiny Desk Contest hit their Austin tour stop a couple of weeks ago, making a pit stop […]

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July 8, 2026

Slow Pulp: “Better Man”

Slow Pulp has a way of making introspective songs feel inviting, and “Better Man” is no exception. Soft guitars and Emily Massey’s understated vocal give the track room to breathe, capturing the complicated feeling of wanting to grow while still figuring things out. The song comes from an album that leans into subtlety, favoring mood […]

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July 6, 2026

Briscoe: “The Heart of Texas”

In the midst of a nearly year-long tour, Austin indie-Americana breakouts Briscoe have released “The Heart of Texas.” The song commemorates the anniversary of the horrific Kerr County floods that devastated entire communities and families and resulted in the deaths of around 60 people, including children. The song is what I would call “cinematic Americana,” […]

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July 1, 2026

David G. Smith: “Hero Street”

David G. Smith shines a light on an often-overlooked piece of American history with “Hero Street,” a moving tribute to the eight Mexican American soldiers from one small Illinois neighborhood who gave their lives in service. Anchored by understated acoustic guitar, heartbeat-like drums, and mournful steel guitar, the song honors both the sacrifice of these […]

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June 30, 2026

Jenny Gillespie Mason: “Rungs of Love”

During the oppressive heat of the summer, it’s easy to long for a breeze – and today’s song, “Rungs of Love” by Jenny Gillespie Mason, feels like one. In this single from In the Safety of the Light, Mason’s debut solo album, the Northern Californian artist croons about finding love and focus in a chaotic […]

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June 24, 2026

Restos: “No Cigar

Austin’s Restos turn close calls and near misses into an indie-rock anthem on “No Cigar.” With jangly guitars, a driving rhythm, and just the right amount of grit, the track captures the feeling of chasing something that’s always a little out of reach—and having a good time anyway.

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June 17, 2026

QUENTIN: “LUCY IN DISGUISE”

Austin artist Quentin celebrates identity, self-acceptance, and the city that helped shape them on the upbeat new single “Lucy in Disguise.” Inspired by the iconic South Congress costume shop, the song pairs bright indie-pop energy with a sense of nostalgia, while the self-directed video turns Austin into a dreamlike backdrop where memory, transformation, and home […]

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June 16, 2026

Grandmaster: “Feel It Coming” [Live In Studio 1A]

Austin’s most musical intergalactic cult and former Artist of the Month are back with their third annual Grandmaster Gala at the State Theatre this Saturday. Their sound defies both space and time, so it’s fitting that we’re rewinding it back to their Studio 1A session from February, where they performed tracks off of their second […]

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