Song of the Day

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July 23, 2025

Pedal Steel Noah: “Head Over Heels”

By: Taylor Wallace

Austin’s Noah Faulkner, known on stage as Pedal Steel Noah, has garnered a global fanbase by harnessing the Gen-Z power of social media to share his novel pedal steel covers of music of all genres from all decades. This keen sense and talent have earned him fans like Jonny Marr, members of Duran Duran, Frank Black, Neko Case and more. He’s opened for Modest Mouse and the Polyphonic Spree in addition to his own band’s full tours. And he’s caught the attention of the New York Times, who profiled Faulkner last August, the same month the 17-year-old virtuoso made his debut at the Grand Olde Opry. Yes, 17-years-old.

One of my favorite covers of Noah’s is his take on the Tears for Fears classic “Head Over Heels.” The pedal steel primordially steps in for the cascading keys, immediately becoming fit for a twirl around the dance hall. If you never thought Tears for Fears could make you want to listen to George Strait, prepare to stand corrected.

Pedal Steel Noah joins Elijah Delgado, Jo Alice, Kate Heron, Pocket Sounds, and a special headlining guest for Austin Loves Y’all: a benefit show for Central Texas Flood Recovery at Scholz Garten this Sunday starting at noon.


Episodes

July 23, 2026

Ivy Mine: “500 Days”

I hope you get tangled in the tendrils of this next group. Ivy Mine is a diy indie/alternative band based in Austin Texas. This Track off the upcoming album Keep the Chaos Close brings sparkling vocals and snarling guitars

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July 22, 2026

Tvlormvde: “Heat Wave”

Austin-based artist Tvlormvde blends house, pop, and R&B on “Heat Wave,” a standout from the new EP Sometimes on Wednesday. Built around classic house grooves, live instrumentation, and an infectious hook, the track sticks with you long after it’s over. With another Texas summer in full swing, “Heat Wave” is a fitting soundtrack for the […]

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July 15, 2026

Woody Russel: “Cross That River, Take Up This Fight”

Woody Russell’s “Cross This River, Take Up This Fight” settles into a steady, rootsy groove, with warm acoustic textures and vocals that feel both weathered and inviting. It’s the kind of song that lets the arrangement breathe, giving every lyric room to land while building a quiet sense of momentum.

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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 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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June 10, 2026

Cast Iron Shoes: “Little Bird”

Austin’s Cast Iron Shoes song “Little Bird” is written around themes of borders and escape. It carries a sense of longing and resilience that feels deeply personal. Inspired in part by growing up in a trailer without electricity or running water, the song turns hardship into something hopeful, pairing vivid storytelling with a warm, wandering […]

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