cosmic country

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 that’s bogus. Because from what we’ve witnessed, you don’t need an aeronautics degree nor be the world’s richest man to make a name for yourself as an intergalactic vaquero.

Case in point: Garrett T. Capps & NASA Country. For the better part of the past decade, the namesake chief commander of this San Antonio coalition’s shown an impressive flexibility across the nexus of Tex-Mex, but with NASA Country, it ain’t the “cosmic Americana” sound that so many city-slickin’ hipsters relish in; instead it’s what NASA Country calls “cowboy kraut” – a bit of that bold kraut rock mixed in with high octane southern rocket fuel with thrust support from far out grooves and homegrown folk.

The latest update from GTC mission control? Everyone is Everyone, out October 4th (appropriately on Spaceflight Records). Here we thought we’d heard the full “Shadows Trilogy” saga when People Are Beautiful dropped last September, but turns out the “prequel” has just been waiting for the pod bay doors to rotate and open. On Everyone is Everyone, Garrett T. Capps and NASA Country hurdles past any lingering star child infancy and climbs through the synth-acoustic constellations to new heights with the most adventurous route of “cowboy kraut” we’ve heard to date. And while Everyone is Everyone‘s lead single doesn’t formally launch until this Friday, most of us (particularly that poor pair of astronauts stuck in orbit right now) would kill for some of that Colorado climate right about now (maybe save for the hot springs). So if your dogs are already barking this early in the week, take a load off with “Ouray” – because at just over five minutes it makes for one hell of a smoke break soundtrack, whether you’re on a tour pit stop, taking a much-needed respite from work, baying at the moon, strumming a six-string, or gazing into a loved one’s eyes. Not much more needs to be said about this one other than “awoooooo”.

Back Home To The Armadillo

In August of 1970, a music venue opened on the corner of Barton Springs Road and South First in Austin, Texas. The building was an old National Guard armory—no air conditioning, no seating, just a giant cavernous space that frankly, was not well suited for music. Yet this local eyesore would go on to change the identity of Austin, culturally, politically, and artistically. Its reverberations would be felt far and wide, helping turn Austin into the Live Music Capital of the World. This is the story of how that happened. This is the story of the Armadillo World Headquarters.

Join KUTX as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of this historic music venue. Hear an hour-long oral history featuring staff, musicians, and fans. They trace the Armadillo’s immense impact as a music incubator, community gathering space, and home to hundreds of life-altering concerts: Willie Nelson to Frank Zappa. The Runaways to the Ramones. Freddie King to the Clash. You’ll learn why 50 years later, the Armadillo World Headquarters is still a beacon for Austin’s past, present, and future.

Armadillo Bonus: Cosmic Country, Artwork, & More

Join KUTX as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic Armadillo World Headquarters, the music venue that helped put Austin on the musical map. In this bonus episode, hear how Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings turned the Armadillo into a cosmic country destination. Plus, first-hand stories about the iconic artwork, Leon Russell’s home base, a particularly memorable John Prine show, and seeing the Austin Ballet at the Armadillo–complete with a pitcher of beer.