Song of the Day

Song of the Day > All Episodes

July 2, 2024

deCasa: “INSTIGATOR”

By: Jack Anderson

Remember that expression “in the house” that was used to show enthusiasm about someone or something’s presence in close proximity? Yeah, you don’t really hear that one much anymore in the 2020s… But if you do want something that’s retro without sounding too dated, deCasa is sheer delight.

Since 2019, deCasa’s Ricky Santiago-Cruz has incorporated his Puerto Rican upbringing into this Austin solo project with effusive flavors of funk, soul, hip-hop, and reggae for a breezy, inner-city-meets-remote-island vibe. On top of that, this Caribbean Cowboy’s the head honcho of his very own label, the emerging Rock Bottom Cartel. And with the added experience of playing alongside KUTX favorites Mobley and The Bright Light Social Hour, Santiago-Cruz has mastered the art of moving the crowd as deCasa.

Speaking of which, ahead of an open invite free house party on Saturday, July 20th (DM Ricky on Instagram for all the deets), last week deCasa rolled out a soulful, synth-y piece of daytime disco. So if you wanna start shit on the dance floor without breaking too much of a sweat, “INSTIGATOR” is short, sweet, and begging for rhythmic feet with a relaxed uptempo energy that doesn’t sacrifice the accessibility of its slick, Jamiroquai-esque grooves.


Episodes

January 5, 2026

Je’Texas: “California Sun” [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. It’s Free Week, baby! Time to see your favorite groups you haven’t seen in a while, check out bands you haven’t seen but perhaps have heard on your favorite […]

Listen

December 19, 2025

Grace Sorensen: “Cologne” [Live At the Hole In the Wall]

KUTX’s Artist of the Month Program is powered by PNC Bank. Fresh off her debut full-length BLUEPRINT, Austin R&B/soul singer (and our August Artist of the Month) Grace Sorensen has made it abundantly clear she is a force to be reckoned with. Well before her debut LP dropped, Sorensen had become an integral part of Austin’s R&B and rap scenes […]

Listen

December 16, 2025

Chaparelle: “Devil’s Music” [Live In Studio 1A]

KUTX’s Artist of the Month program is powered by PNC Bank. Texas band Chaparelle harkens back to a golden era of country with modern lyrics. What started as a mind-meld between Zella Day and Jesse Woods in 2023 not only evolved into a match on its way towards matrimony, but also into a trio, originally working with […]

Listen

December 15, 2025

Teethe: “Holy Water” [Live In Studio 1A]

KUTX’s Artist of the Month program is powered by PNC Bank. Our October Artist of the Month. Teethe was formed up in the DIY music enclave of Denton, all students of the University of North Texas. Now, with streaming numbers on their side, a move to Austin, and a European and east coast tour under their belt, […]

Listen

December 12, 2025

Half Dream: “Fly” [Recorded Live at the Hole In the Wall]

For over a decade, the windows in the KUTX booth and the front of the Hole In the Wall have gazed at each other from across the street. Generations of musicians and music lovers have storied memories of the 51-year-old venue, whether you were there to see Townes Van Zandt’s regular performances or Lucinda Williams […]

Listen

December 11, 2025

Jay Som: “What You Need” [Live In Studio 1A]

It’s been six years since we’ve had a full Jay Som album, but Melanie Duterte has remained ambient. She kicked-off the early 2020’s as one half of the side project Bachelor alongside Palehound (El Kempner); produced music for Lucy Dacus, Jeff Tweedy, and Hatchie; and worked as both a producer and live band member of […]

Listen

December 10, 2025

J’cuuzi: Fame by Death [Live in Studio 1A]

Today, we’re thrilled to highlight our July Artist of the Month, J’cuuzi. The Austin-by-way-of Atlanta punk duo, made up of Gorge Bones and Trey Razeldazl, have an insatiable appetite for the stage and pushing the boundaries of how they use it. They released their debut EP, SLUDGEcontent, in July, with their style that they’ve dubbed “pop-vantgarde.” […]

Listen

December 9, 2025

Variety: “Subtropical” [Live In Studio 1A]

Rhys Woodruff has been a sterling songwriter throughout his adult life, with the single caveat that he has had very little interest in singing his own songs. Sure, his oscillations between art punk and post punk have led to some of the coolest songs heard in Austin clubs for years, but it took more than […]

Listen