Song of the Day

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July 19, 2023

Jefferson Clay: “Freaking Out Is Fine”

By: Jack Anderson

The gift and curse of modern artist multiplicity is so immense that it’s nearly unfathomable. For listeners, it opens a Pandora’s box of choices to the point that we almost have to rely on streaming algorithms and pre-made playlists to find new sounds. And while artists themselves can still easily find musical role models to emulate, where do you even start in terms of identifying your contemporaries and narrowing down your competition? Well, especially for a solo act here in the already-flooded Live Music Capital, it not only depends on talent, but indeed, a calculated release schedule to keep all those easily-disinterested listeners engaged. Just check out Austin singer-guitarist Jefferson Clay‘s single discography, which now totals at a dozen, including the Fall 2021 breakout/playlist darling “Sun-Glo”. Clay wisely kicked off his streaming presence within the first two weeks of the global shutdown, back when everyone was begging for any kind of variety to help stave off cabin fever. But Clay kept the momentum going with three more singles for 2020, and a pair both for 2021 and 2022, all of which maintain a well-branded minimalist aesthetic in terms of visual art. And as opposed to a fad-chaser desperate for metrics, fortunately Clay has the wisdom to recognize the artistic wholeness of a debut full-length, Elsewhere. Somehow. Somewhere., which drops…sometime soon. Continuing the journey from his salad days of underage 6th street shows to co-headlining 40 Acres Fest at his alma mater, appearing on American Idol and opening for REO Speedwagon, Elsewhere…is an indie-pop alt-rock R&B tumbler of Clay’s ever-maturing talents wrapped up in one easily-accessible package. Ahead of the “Too Damn Hot” showcase 8PM this Friday at Burleson Yard Beer Garden in San Antonio Jefferson recently unfurled a twofer that evokes Max Frost, which isn’t a huge surprise since they were produced by Max/BLK ODYSSY collaborator Victor Gaspar. So funnel the earworm that is “Freaking Out Is Fine” straight into your cranium and try not to incorporate it into your daily wakeup routine.

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August 20, 2024

Magdalena Bay: “Image”

Buenos Aires. Miami. Los Angeles. All three coastal (or with the latter at least coast-adjacent) metropolises that perfectly embody the breezy, night drive-friendly feel of synth-pop. But no matter where contributions to that style get made, once they’re unleashed, they enter the subconscious for world’s internal ’80s-inspired electronic score, whether you’re attempting to court a […]

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August 19, 2024

Big Bill: “Hawk” / “Trick Everybody” (Live at Mohawk)

Over the past three weeks you’ve heard plenty about our August 2024 Artist of the Month Big Bill. But be honest…have you seen them live yet? Because despite the quality of their studio recordings, the real magic happens once Big Bill sets foot onstage to a packed house. Fortunately for those who haven’t yet witnessed […]

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August 16, 2024

Gracky: “Up All Night”

Folk music fosters some of the most wholesome creators. And when you look past the transplant apathy that’s rampant within our city limits, you’re usually reminded of that greater Lone Star State trait: kindness to strangers. So naturally, Texas folk musicians are some of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet. Perfect example? Grace Roberson, who […]

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August 15, 2024

J Halp: “You Let Me Down”

Song quality is rarely measured in runtime; as long as it “hits”, there’s no need to wear out your welcome. Like for every “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” there’s a “Song 2” or a “Disciples”, right? Because when you’ve done everything you need to do to make a tune total, and as long as a quick dose of dopamine […]

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August 14, 2024

Free Hamze: “Two $idez” (feat. YoursTruuly)

Fifty years down the line from its humble block party origins, we can officially classify hip-hop as a legacy genre. And although there are plenty of genre stalwarts who themselves are “over the hill” and still cranking out quality material, there’s no denying rap is a young man’s game. In terms of the latter, it’s […]

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August 13, 2024

Garrett T. Capps & NASA Country: “Ouray”

Between Elon Musk centering his SpaceX escapades in the Lone Star State and wearing a ten-gallon hat backwards…the dude is trying way too hard to be a “space cowboy”. But for those of us who’ve spent enough time here in Texas, at least those who’ve made acquaintances with a few certified cosmic countrymen, we know […]

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August 12, 2024

Marlei: “No Matter”

Ah, Bossa Nova. That jazzy genre so emblematic of playful times na praia, sandy sensuality, intimate sunsets, and overall just good ol’ fashioned summer fun. But whereas in the ’60s Bossa was the genre every pop artist had to try their hands at, these days you rarely get the fresh stuff outside of Brazil. So […]

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August 8, 2024

Torin Franklin: “For the Birds”

Against the annual challenges of triple digit Texas temps, one AC reigns supreme above all the rest: air conditioning. Well…maybe also the alternating current that makes powering on fans and your Margaritaville possible. Our point is there’s another awesome contender for AC that’s also accessible all-year ’round. That of course is Austin country. And we […]

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