Song of the Day

Song of the Day > All Episodes

June 27, 2024

Rulitos: “Envuelto En Tus Uñas”

By: Jack Anderson

Rhythm, melody, and chords. Those are what make the language of music universal. And that’s why even if we can only sing along phonetically, we still appreciate the beauty of a tune, no matter what tongue it’s in – no subtitles necessary.

So let’s talk Rulitos. The Chilean-American multi-instrumentalist-songwriter behind this curly-haired handle is Daniel Sanchez, who first earned local familiarity through his electric guitar work with Austin quintet Turtle Pond and original scores for dance productions and films. And no doubt those multifaceted experiences (especially aligning movement and emotion with music) have helped Sanchez’ strength on the solo front as Rulitos. Seriously, Rulitos soars with an atmospheric acoustic folk aura that makes him sound like the bilingual, Spanish-speaking love child of Nick Drake and Elliott Smith for a wholly transportive effect, and when you hear his recent recordings, you know we’re not exaggerating.

Speaking of such soft sensations, Rulitos’ introductory collection of cuatro canciones, EP 1, is out tomorrow. Rulitos will be taking these new numbers to stage for a free EP release show tomorrow at Vaquero Taquero alongside Fuvk, Sprig, and Cloud Companion and again Saturday evening at Coral Snake with Pam Reyes and Other Vessels. Ready to wrap your fingers around EP 1? Luckily the record’s lead single “Envuelto En Tus Uñas”, is the polar opposite of nails scraping on a chalkboard; minimalist MIDI drum patterns massage unhurried acoustic guitar arpeggios underneath ethereal layers of breathy vocals and a pseudo-orchestral climax to create a serene en Español scene that’ll leave you thinking, “que linda es” to say the least.


Episodes

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 […]

Listen

January 16, 2025

Parker Woodland: “The Reckoning (Last Sunset Remix)”

We’re halfway through Love Austin Music Month, so let’s check-in. How have you shown your love for Austin music so far? If you’re feeling behind, fear not, here are two opportunities to get your live music fix pronto. Austin power trio Parker Woodland have never shied away from expressing their discontent with the world, sometimes […]

Listen

January 15, 2025

Sweet Limb: “Good For You”

Hip-hop, like any genre, can serve many purposes: not only can it grip your soul with stories of regular people trying to make a living in their country that’s been institutionally designed to work against them, but it can also grip your soul in a soft way, with a mantra: a meditation on a promise. […]

Listen

January 14, 2025

Orca Dork: “Sleepy Pilot”

Time to dust off the ol’ Audiosurf game from your college days and get ready for your newest beat-driven meditation. Brother’s Franklin and Graham Pittman are Orca Dork, an Austin-based experimental instrumental duo who have spent the last ten years working on their debut, hip-hop inspired album Experiments With Found Objects. And yes, it can […]

Listen

January 13, 2025

DAYEATER: “Between the Otherside” [PREMIERE]

Who says psych-rock can’t come with badass near rock-opera harmonies? Austin’s DAYEATER certainly doesn’t. And throw in some power pop? Honey we are off to the stratosphere courtesy of an 80s He-Man cartoon-style music video. Jesse Lee fronts the trio, pulling off riffs that give two handed-players a run for their money. Lee’s power on […]

Listen

January 10, 2025

Ley Line: “Agua Do Mar”

The ladies of Ley Line are back, baby, and they’re looking forward to bringing us a string of reunion shows this April. To get us excited, they’ve announced their Live at the Pershing EP (out later this month) and gifted us “Agua Do Mar,” their take on the Brazilian folk song “Memorias do Mar,” an […]

Listen

January 9, 2025

Nilsa No One: “Lucid Dream”

Austin-bred songwriter and guitarist Nilsa grew-up in the throws of the local punk and metal scenes, but Nilsa, like the rest of us, contains multitudes, so she’s brought in rhythm section Jesse Maciack and JJ Pereira to become Nilsa No One, blending the rawness from her nurturing with her haunting vocals and emotive contemplations that […]

Listen

January 8, 2025

Schmiddy: “Nebula” (ft. Andyah)

Austin beatmaker Blake Schmidt has released a string of instrumental mixtapes under the moniker Schmiddy for the last three years, all the while working towards something more comprehensive. Schmiddy’s background in composing for short films in college for grades to composing hip-hop tracks for fun has led him to last Friday: the release of Schmiddy’s debut album Lightning […]

Listen