Fly

Half Dream: “Fly” [Recorded Live at the Hole In the Wall]

For over a decade, the windows in the KUTX booth and the front of the Hole In the Wall have gazed at each other from across the street. Generations of musicians and music lovers have storied memories of the 51-year-old venue, whether you were there to see Townes Van Zandt’s regular performances or Lucinda Williams get her start, spotted icons like Courtney Love and Dave Grohl, or witnessed Yard Act’s first show in the U.S..

So it would make sense that two iconic Austin music institutions would finally converge. Over the last few months, we’ve invited our Concert Club members to be part of a new tradition, a series we’re calling The Hole Story. Think of it as MTV: Unplugged, but Austin. Short, stripped-down story-driven solo sets by some of our favorite Austin musicians performed on Hole In the Wall’s famous front stage.

And now, we’re sharing these sets with you, kicking it off with our May Artist of the Month Half Dream. A regular on the Hole In the Wall calendar, Half Dream’s Paige Renee Berry performed a plugged-in solo set, showcasing her lofty, haunting vocals and bare-it-all-while-sometimes-taking-no-prisoners songwriting prowess.

Half Dream: “Fly” [PREMIERE]

Austin’s Paige Renee Berry has had music at the center of their life since before they could talk. The Knoxville, Tennessee native began writing their own music in college, and when they moved to Austin in 2015, Berry co-founded the folk duo The Rosaries. In 2018 Berry started taking their own solo music head-on but quickly fleshed out their vision with a full rock band and renamed the project Half Dream. Since 2018, the group has released an EP and full-length, toured the East Coast, and been an official SXSW artist.

Today, Half Dream releases their new single “Fly,” a song true to their brand of rock music with lyrics about growth, trauma, and the state of the world around us. But, also true to their brand, there’s no wallowing or doubling down — there’s always a sense of therapy and hope, as fallible as we may be along the way. “Fly” in particular, has a slight country step to its groove like a little nod to where their love of music all began.

Half Dream plays tonight at Hole in the Wall with Great Howl and Hallo.

Texas Standard: January 13, 2022

Harris County is once again at its highest COVID-19 threat level. We’re talking to County Judge Lina Hidalgo about why and what she wants the community to know. Also with high COVID-19 positivity rates across the state, many Texans are desperate for tests. How to make sure the at-home variety give you the most accurate results. Meanwhile, at a time when hospital systems are overwhelmed, one is facing a potential financial crisis that could shut it down. We’ll look at why. And we’ll introduce you to a folk rock duo that describes their sound as “Southern and Garfunkel.” All that and more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: April 14, 2021

It is not a recall, but a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Starting today the FDA and the CDC begin evaluating an extremely rare type of blood clot found in six women who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, this after 500 thousand doses of that vaccine were administered in Texas. Also Texas’s attorney general taking the Biden administration to court for the third time. Now: over the end of the Trump Administrations remain in Mexico program. And SpaceX’s potential setback on terra firma south Texas. Those stories and more when today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: March 26, 2020

We’ve asked listeners statewide what questions do you have about the Coronavirus. Today, we’re getting some answers. Dr. Fred Campbell of the Long school of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio takes on listener questions about COVID-19. Plus, attention shoppers. A certain statewide grocer on the front lines of this crisis asking for help from the public. And how high tech is trying to tackle COVID-19. Also, amid warnings about future lack of bed space, are Texas hospitals ready? Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: August 23, 2018

Treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors: how does hush money fit in to the formula for impeachment? We’ll take a look. Also, fears of an upswing of violence on the border. We’ll hear what’s happening and why. And since 2016, law enforcement officials and social media companies have taken steps to curtail fake news and foreign hackers. With the midterms fast approaching, how well is the fight faring? Our Digital Savant Omar Gallaga takes a look. Also, the deer industry up in arms over state efforts to limit where the animals roam. Plus our weekly trip tip takes us to South Padre Island and we’re just getting started. Turn it up! It’s Texas Standard Time!

Texas Standard: September 14, 2017

What just happened between the Democrats and Donald Trump? Both less and more than meets the eye. Has the president reached a deal with democrats to save DACA and stop the wall? The idea alone, improbable as it may sound, creating ripples across the political landscape and raising eyebrows among Texas republicans. Also joining us on the line, a Texas lineman in Florida with a perspective on the Irma aftermath. And A Harvey delay for statewide student testing? Not gonna happen, says the states top education official. We’ll hear the reasoning. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard: