Austin band Wild Heaven’s “One to Go” dives into the noise that can build up in our heads, from media and the internet to other people’s expectations. The song started with a guitar riff before a circular bass line brought everything together, eventually building into a chaotic outro of layered guitars and megaphone vocals. It’s a pretty fitting soundtrack for trying to tune everything else out.
austin music
Hemp flower legality, Airbnb Austin investment, mail-in ballots ruling
For years, Texans could walk into their local smoke shop and buy cannabis flower that looked and smelled exactly like marijuana. It came from the very same plant but was legally sold as hemp. Stores in Texas can no longer sell these smokeable products, but can folks still have them on their person?
And the City of Austin is getting a $6 million investment from Airbnb to help fund affordable housing.
Plus, a big decision was handed down from the Supreme Court yesterday on mail-in ballots ahead of November’s midterm Election Day.
And a sneak peek of the latest episode of the Tacos of Texas podcast.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Shannon Hudson: “Black Roses”
The new album from Leander singer-songwriter Shannon Hudson, Cross Stitch, finds him plugged-in. Electric guitars are center stage this time for an album poignantly built around the dissolution of communication, the self-fulfilling prophecy of isolation it creates and perpetuates, and a reckoning with the state of our country and the atrocities wherein. “Black Roses” hits on this last point: a frank song about our neighbors being pulled from the streets, and families torn apart.
Cross Stitch is out today.
Ridin’ Dirty Down IH-35 w/ Vontay Galaxy
On this episode we talk with Austin rap artist Vontay Galaxy about his start at Texas State and traveling up and down IH-35 spreading his music. We also talk about if there is a lack of new rap superstars being created to supplement the genres growth. Hip-Hop Facts this week include facts about Ol Dirty Bastard, Kriss Kross, Nelly and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is that rap is no longer a young peoples game.
Ruby Dice: “Dress To Impress (ft. Shinyribs)”
Austin-based bassist and Americana songwriter Ruby Dice brings some true Texan honky-tonk vibes with soulful vocals in her new track “Dress To Impress.” Austin legend Shinyribs opens this track to add old-school sizzle. You can find this song on her new album, Take Me Back, which came out two weeks ago today.
Grocery Bag: “Stop Calling Me Out” [Live in Studio 1A]
Our Artist of the Month, Grocery Bag, is blowing in the wind to big places! After starting in West Campus, they’ve gone on to tour with bands like the Psychedelic Porn Crumpets – and they’re just getting started. Tomorrow, they’re taking the stage at Levitation Festival at the Far Out Lounge. Later this month, they’ll perform at a KUTX-supported show at Meanwhile Brewins, and in October, they’ll take the stage on Weekend 1 of ACL!
You probably didn’t need convincing to see them live, but to give you a taste, today we’re featuring one of their songs from their Studio 1A session. Live from Studio 1A, this is Grocery Bag with “Stop Calling Me Out.”
NYC to AUS w/ Jai Bliss
On this episode we interview Austin rapper Jai Bliss about her musical journey from New York City to Austin and her musical inspirations. We also discuss the long awaited murder conviction in the case of 2pac that is 30 years in the making. Hip-Hop Facts include facts about Beyonce, Travis Scott, Pimp C and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is that local artists don’t have to leave Austin to gain greater heights in their career if they have unfinished business here.
Emily McLoud: “What Will I Do”
Austin singer-songwriter Emily McLoud brings folk and Americana songwriting to stories of love, loss, family and change. “What Will I Do” takes on anticipatory grief, focusing on the everyday moments and routines that suddenly feel much more meaningful when you realize they could change. The album is out October 23, with an intimate release event happening October 29 at Smith’s private Austin studio.
Magna Carda: “Vibes VII” [The Hole Story]
THE HOLE STORY IS POWERED BY AUSTIN BEERWORKS
Magna Carda began as two college students trying to combine hip-hop production with the spontaneity of live jazz. Nearly fifteen years later, Megz Kelli and Dougie Do are still following that idea and their collaboration has grown into one of Austin’s most acclaimed hip-hop groups, blending Megz’s sharp, self-reflective rhymes and Dougie’s production with the energy and spontaneity of live jazz.
Winner of five Austin Music Awards for Best Rap/Hip-Hop Artist, the group has played ACL Fest, Utopia Fest and X Games Austin, and shared stages with artists including The Pharcyde, Joey Bada$$ and Oddisee. Their latest album, inninoutcheamind was three years in the making, and explores identity, resilience and the uncertainty that comes with sustaining a creative life. For The Hole Story, Magna Carda joined us at Austin’s Hole in the Wall for stripped-back performances from the album—and some of the stories behind them.
Austin Do We Have A Problem?
On this episode we discuss what are favorite rappers bio movies are and our reservations about the upcoming Snoop Dogg film. We also discuss whether or not Austin is trying to ease off its support for hip-hop in comparison to years past. Hip-Hip Facts this week include facts about MC Hammer, Prince, Case and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is that Austin having break out artists won’t elevate the scene like previously believed.
Energy costs & public health, GED offers a second chance, KUTX songs of August
Austin’s energy market is regulated. Other Central Texas cities’ markets aren’t. A look at the impacts on public health.
This month, 1.5 million Texas high schoolers went back to the classrooms, and a harsh reality is not all of them will graduate. The GED plays an important role in offering people a second chance and economic mobility.
College football is back in full swing this weekend, and if you’re planning a tailgate or a party, you’re gonna need the music to bring the energy. We’ve got the best songs of August from our buddies over at KUTX.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
Geto Gala: “Playa Call”
New music from Geto Gala was literally on my 2026 New Music Wish List, and here we are. Jake Lloyd and Deezie Brown are back with the smooth and sexy “Playa Call”: thematically harkening back to seductive 90’s R&B hits…until we ge to the twist at the end. Hold up! We’ve been sucked in, the phone is lighting up, but we ain’t answering.
Austin writing data center rules, Great Austin Shake Off, Dolly Parton tributes
The Austin City Council has kicked off a long process focused on creating new rules and requirements for large-scale data centers. Some council members say it’s imperative to get a leg up, before any future construction takes hold.
The Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees is at risk of being taken over by state-selected appointees. So why would anyone be interested in running for a board seat? There are a few reasons.
When’s the last time you actually read work by William Shakespeare? A local group is working to bring the Bard’s word back to the masses with a competition called the Great Austin Shake Off.
Plus: The details on some some Dolly Parton tribute shows this weekend.
Austin Signal is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our work by making a donation at supportthispodcast.org
What’s behind the recent surge in food recalls?
Texas youth prisons go on lockdown after assaults on correctional staff, with one official saying young detainees are “becoming more violent and more aggressive.” We’ll hear about the effects of the lockdown and what happens next.
Why are we seeing a surge in food safety concerns and outbreaks of illness in Texas and other states? We’ll dive in and share some steps on staying safe.
With heat warnings in effect across much of the state, the University Interscholastic League makes heat safety guidelines mandatory.
New Generations of Hip-Hop
On this episode we have a conversation with KUTX interns Joel and Monica about their first introduction to hip-hop. Hip-Hop Facts include facts about Frank Ocean, Jay-Z, Outkast and more. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is that Do It Yourself artists do more harm than good to their careers.
BS: “f1”
Austin’s BS comes in hot with “f1,” a fast-moving track that lives up to its name. Built on propulsive drums and sharp, forward-leaning production, the song feels like it’s constantly accelerating, carrying a restless energy from start to finish. It’s a short, sharp burst of momentum that doesn’t waste much time getting where it’s going.
Catch BS performing “f1” at Hole in the Wall on August 23, with the single officially out August 28. Their new EP follows October 2.
New city 911 office, Austin fire chief retiring, Goth culture in Texas
The city’s system of 911 call-takers will be moving from the Austin Police Department into a standalone office in an effort to improve response times. The City Council approved the move as part of the city’s $6.6 billion budget — though not everyone agrees on the plan.
Austin’s Fire Chief Joel G. Baker is retiring at the end of the month. He spoke with KUT News about the reason for his departure, his plans and the future of the department.
Elysium, Austin’s oldest goth bar, is celebrating 25 years this year. How the subculture has grown in Texas.
Ramesh Srivastava: “The Times” [The Hole Story]
mid-2000s, as music blogs and MP3s were changing how people found new music, Austin’s Voxtrot became one of the most talked about indie bands with a wave of attention that reached far beyond Austin, all before the band released its first full-length.
After Voxtrot broke-up in 2010, frontman and songwriter Ramesh Srivastava went on to release two albums under his own name. Over a decade later, Voxtrot reunited, releasing Dreamers in Exile earlier this year. Those early EPs have also been collected as Early Music, with a vinyl edition arriving September 11.
For The Hole Story, Ramesh moves between all of it: early and new Voxtrot, his solo work, and an unreleased song with candid stories about the life underneath the songs: growing up as a half-Indian gay kid in Texas, love, and his own search around religion and spirituality.
Taped live at Austin’s Hole in the Wall on June 23, 2026.
Every song has a story. The Hole Story invites artists to perform stripped-back sets and share the memories, experiences and stories that shaped the songs. Taped live at Austin’s Hole in the Wall, where generations of songwriters have found their voices for more than 50 years.
GOAT Talk
We are still celebrating the birthday of Hip-Hop! On this episode, we discuss our favorite rap albums and also what we consider the biggest disappointment in Hip-hop history. Hip-Hop Facts this week is a little different as we both tell two truths and a lie and have to guess which one is the lie. Fresh’s Unpopular Opinion this week is another controversial topic that will definitely get people talking online.
A Band Called Ma: “SALT”
Releasing their self-titled debut album today, Austin’s A Band Called Ma is giving us our daily dose of nostalgia through the 90s-inspired rhythm guitar and abstract lyricism featured in their single “SALT.” This track was the last single released for the album, acting as the final taste of what’s to come from their self-produced and recorded album, three years in the making. If you like what you hear, consider stopping by their free album release show tonight at Hotel Vegas. It’s sure to add a little “SALT” to your life.
Written by Monica Sanchez.