Song of the Day

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November 12, 2023

Hamell On Trial: “Jelly” (feat. Ruth Theodore)

By: Jack Anderson

Despite their sonic dissimilarities, folk and punk have always shared focal points of dissent through scathing societal commentary and rallying behind the modern working class. Yes, for every Woody Guthrie there’s been an equal and opposite Wattie Buchan, but of course, there are also plenty of folk-punk poets that perforate the norm with their own outraged acoustic discourse.

Take for example Austin’s Ed Hamell, who’s been challenging establishments and offending the straight-laced since nineties as Hamell On Trial. Ever equipped with his ’37 Gibson acoustic, Hamell’s shared stages with everyone from The Pogues to Ani DiFranco, travelled hundreds of thousands of miles on tour, often with his son Detroit, and preserved his crass satire on seventeen studio albums.

The latest of which, Bring The Kids, comes out this Friday, alongside a record release show with fellow Austinite Giulia Millanta 8:30-11:30PM this Saturday at Captain Quackenbush’s Soundscape. New York producer Matt LaBozza helped escalate the phone recordings that formed the basis of Bring The Kids into the most beat-heavy, arrangement-drenched sound Hamell’s ever handled. That said, the album still rings true with Hamell On Trial’s DIY philosophy, hand-painted aesthetic, one-man energy, offbeat unapologetic humor and all. So have a laugh before Saturday with one of Bring the Kids four lead singles, starting with the latest (and dare we say loveliest) of which that features Brit troubadour Ruth Theodore, “Jelly”.


Episodes

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Skateland: “Postcards” (Recorded Live in Studio 1A)

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January 24, 2025

Kirk Smith: “Julian”

Kirk Smith has been kicking around Austin and our airwaves for some time, and last Friday he released “Julian.” “Julian” opens with a melancholy, bossa nova shuffle, setting the stage for a worried heart. But it’s not love, it’s sadness for someone you watched from afar decades ago. Lamenting the tale of a John Bender […]

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January 23, 2025

Futon Blonde: “3 Color Flag”

The imagery of rebirth and change in winter might be the only thing you remember from your Robert Frost lesson in English class, so let’s go back to school and compose a short essay on the significance of featuring this song during this season. Just kidding. Austin’s Futon Blonde have spent the last decade making […]

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January 22, 2025

Yes Sir, No Sir: “Spiritus Heist”

Get a preview of this Austin quartet’s sophomore album, out Friday.

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January 21, 2025

Cast of Thousands: “Serpo”

It’s cold, man! I hope you’re hunkered down with your comfort food of choice because this song is serving fireside umami. Austin quintet Cast of Thousands released their EP Useful People earlier this month, and weather like today, where you may be bending your ear a little closer to the radio, calls for a little […]

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January 20, 2025

Geto Gala: “Homerun Derby” (Live In Studio 1A)

We revisit our November 2024 Artist of the Month’s recent Studio 1A session after they received a $10,000 grant at Saturday’s Sonic Guild Ball.

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January 17, 2025

Next of Kin: “Mean Streak”

There’s a slight, but unlikely chance you haven’t been turned-on yet to the Austin country trio Next of Kin, but you’re certainly familiar with the work of its members: Lili Hickman, Madison Baker, and Caelin. As impressive as these three are in their own right, together they are transcendent. It’s not just the gut-stirring, deeply […]

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