Song of the Day

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February 15, 2023

Space Tan: “I Don’t Wanna Die”

By: Jack Anderson

Maybe it’s this never-ending relay race of global pandemics, the collective cabin fever many of us endured during the recent ice storm, or just a gentle mist of malaise. Whatever the affliction, if the Milky Way’s main attraction is shining when you’re feeling imprisoned indoors, it’s always worth taking a couple of minutes to soak up some rays if you can. So with brighter days and clearer skies approaching with spring, perhaps it’s best to follow cues from our climate and embrace a sense of clarity.

Well, in the Austin rock realm, few indie-pop acts have managed to keep things as “clear” as Space Tan. Spearheaded by chief songwriter Gianni Sarmiento, Space Tan maintains transparency across both sonics and lyrics, leaving their melodies and messages ripe for in-ear radiance and emotional reflection. And on Friday, following up 2020’s Don’t Worry About Me and 2021’s Inti Raymi, Space Tan champions the obliteration of internal barriers on Prison Planet.

Prison Planet doesn’t want you to rot in a cell of your own inhibitions or deflective tendencies. Instead it incarcerates you in an energetic five-inmate gen pop of unconventionally inspirational indie rock, guaranteed to leave you re-evaluating any reservations you have for the coming year. Space Tan celebrates Prison Planet on March 3rd at Swan Dive for a joint release show with Domestic Tallboys alongside AMA and our January 2023 Artist of the Month je’Texas. And today, like an adorably deadpan indirect response to Youth Brigade’s 1983 call, Space Tan’s handed us a Strokes-esque testament to the value of life, “I Don’t Wanna Die”.


Episodes

February 2, 2026

J’cuuzi: “Advance/Decline”

Our July 2025 Artist of the Month J’cuuzi hit the ground running with their frenetic debut EP Big Machine. Refusing to rest on their laurels, the duo is pushing the envelope with their new single “Advance/Decline,” sonically detailing the perseverance we sometimes struggle to manifest, but we do anyway, somehow, because we, especially women, have […]

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January 29, 2026

Annabelle Chairlegs: “Shoo Fly” [Live In Studio 1A]

As January closes, we’re shining the spotlight once more on our Artist of the Month Annabelle Chairlegs. Fronted by Linsday Mackin, the band returns after a brief hiatus with new members Nolan Potter, Simone Maresh, and Nick Coretti. And the new album Waking Up is produced by psych rock powerhouse Ty Segall. As gritty and […]

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January 21, 2026

Katherion: “Bad for Me”

Austin artist Katherion is proving she has what it takes to stand out with “Bad for Me,” a track from her debut album EROS. This softly haunting indie-pop song explores the tension of being in a relationship you know isn’t good for you. By focusing on feeling rather than specificity, the lyrics invite listeners to […]

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January 20, 2026

Almost Heaven: “oscillation”

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. Austin-based indie dance, post-punk duo Almost Heaven is having a strong start to 2026. After a C3-produced Free Week performance at Stubb’s, the pair recently released “oscillation,” ahead of […]

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January 13, 2026

Marlei: “2009”

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 not difficult to compare the economic turbulence of 2026 to 2009 – and Marlei, a Houston-born, Austin-based pop/R&B artist, thinks of that time often. In 2009, Marlei was […]

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January 12, 2026

Keepsake: “Appalachian Trail”

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. Indulge in the dreamy, shoegazy splendor of Austin’s Keepsake. All the players are here: lush guitar hooks, head-bopping basslines, and smooth, ethereal vocals. On “Appalachian Trail,” you’re dropped right […]

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January 9, 2026

Russell Taine Jr.: “Strangers”

I’ve said it before, but Austin quartet Russell Taine Jr. is about as cozy Austin as it gets. The kind of band you hear pouring out of a dark bar you might not have otherwise noticed. It sounds like that welcoming, sticky-sweet dive bar aroma. Their new EP Ghost (out last month) is “shaped by […]

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January 8, 2026

Sweet Limb: “Who’s This”

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. While one taste may be in the name, the latest from Austin’s Sweet Limb is savory and brimming with umami. Historically, Sweet Limb founder Chris Robinson has performed with a band, […]

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