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KUT and KUTX news and music podcasts for Austin, Texas and beyond

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What is Latin music? Carrie Rodriguez explores with ‘Laboratorio’ series

Texans are voting on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution – and one of them involves voting itself. Joshua Blank from the Texas Politics Project joins us for a chat on Proposition 16, which clarifies citizenship as a requirement to cast a ballot.

KUTX’s Maile Carballo talks the Beach Boys coming to Longhorn City Limits after this weekend’s UT-Vanderbilt game.

Texas Standard has been exploring horror movies with Texas ties – today it’s “Grindhouse,” filmed in Austin.

What is Latin music? Austin musician Carrie Rodriguez is still exploring that question through her “Laboratorio” concert series and shares more about the old-timey radio show she’s planning.

How much would Prop Q cost homeowners in Austin?

Prop Q has brought out early voters in numbers that are higher than usual for an off-year election. The proposed tax rate increase, Austin officials say, would raise money to improve local parks, safety and homelessness. How much would that cost that homeowners? KUT government accountability reporter Andrew Weber breaks it down ahead of Election Day.

Meanwhile, the city is facing a deadline to remove painted crosswalks and street murals or risk losing state and federal money for future transportation projects. KUT’s Nathan Bernier has an update on which artwork could be affected.

Plus, ATXplained Live is tomorrow! Get into the spirit with a story about the man who used to recite poetry before Austin concerts.

Williamson County voters to weigh in on proposed tax rate increases

Austinites aren’t the only Texans weighing proposed tax rate increases at the ballot box this year. In Williamson County, the Taylor and Liberty Hills school districts are asking voters for more dollars. KUT’s Kailey Hunt has a breakdown.

We’re one week out from KUT’s ATXplained Live show at the Bass Concert Hall. We’ll talk with Project Manager Matt Largey on this community-powered live storytelling event.

And Texas Standard teams up with magazine “Fangoria” to highlight a horror film shot in Central Texas’ waterways: 1978’s “Piranha.”

Austin fire union, city at standstill over contract days before deadline

Contract negotiations between the city of Austin and its fire department are fast approaching the deadline for a new deal, with negotiations at a standstill. The firefighters union called the city’s offer insulting; the city says it’s willing to negotiate. KUT government accountability reporter Andrew Weber joins the show with more.

We’ll hear about the journey and future plans of 20-year-old professional soccer player Owen Wolff, who has been part of Austin FC since its inaugural season in 2021 and is a big part of the current run of success his side is experiencing.

Plus from our sister station KUTX, a bit Mama Duke the Austin musician who will be featured on the America’s Got Talent finale tonight. 

Why Are Record Sales Important?

On this episode we discuss if record sales are still important and where is the undisputed summer anthem. Hip-hop facts include Public Enemy, Ginuwine and Tyler the Creator. Unpopular Opinion with Fresh is that the beef between Kendrick and Drake ruined hip-hop in a way.

Your List Is Stupid

On this episode we discuss how a recent local list, in regards to hip-hop, was a horrible idea to release. We also discuss Nicki Minaj’s latest tirade against Sza and others. Hip-hop facts we discuss the anniversary of Slim Thug’s debut album and who was originally supposed to produce the Thriller album. Unpopular opinion is about it being nothing wrong with being a hometown hero.

Confession & Song: Rayland Baxter, “Albatross”

What’s up party people! Have you listened to our new song, “Albatross” from Nashville hero Rayland Baxter yet?

Inspired by a confession taken at Newport Folk Festival all the way back in 2019, “Albatross” is an extremely intimate and reflective look into a young woman’s tragic experience and how she’s managed to keep a positive outlook despite all odds. Here’s a little spoiler…it directly involves Rayland himself! This is probably one of our most powerful episodes yet.

Don’t miss our interview with Rayland out this Sunday on our Substack!

Thank you to the City of Austin for bringing us to Newport Folk, probably the best festival in the country!

Song Confessional is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.

You can support our work by becoming a sustaining member at supportthispodcast.org.

The post Confession & Song: Rayland Baxter “Albatross”appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios — Podcasts.

Song Confessional’s Wet Hot Austin Summer Mini Series Starts May 28th

It’s true! The Song Confessional podcast will be back for a summer mini-season featuring songs from Vapor Caves, Rayland Baxter and Starflake. Plus they’ll be doing a summer confession call where listeners can write songs based on a confession that got from KUTX Live at Scholz Garten during SXSW. The fun starts May 28th.

This mini season is part of KUTX’s Wet Hot Austin Summer.

Song Confessional is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. 

You can support our work by becoming a sustaining member at supportthispodcast.org.

Texas Extra: My KUTX

March was all about music for Texas Standard. We debuted our latest Texas Standard special – “Rap to the Ranch: The Ballad of Mason ‘Bric’ LaDue.” And we celebrated ten years of the show with a top 10 list of our favorite music interviews and stories from the past decade.

The first weekend in March, the music partner of our home station KUT actually let the Texas Standard team take a turn as guest DJs! Our playlist is very different from our top 10 list because these are *personal favorites in one way or another.

Please note, for podcast purposes, we couldn’t play the whole song – so you’ll just hear little teases. Here’s the playlist:

1. Asleep At The Wheel – “Bob Wills Is Still The King” (feat. Clint Black) [David Brown]

2. The Black Angels – “You On The Run” [Alexandra Hart]

3. Selena – “Tus Desprecios” [Raul Alonzo]

4. Freddy Fender – “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” [Kristen Cabrera]

5. Jess Williamson – “Chasing Spirits” [Leah Scarpelli]

6. David Halley – “Loose Diamond” [Shelly Brisbin]

7. Khruangbin – “The Infamous Bill” [Casey Cheek]

8. Scarface – “Good Girl Gone Bad” [Wells Dunbar]

9. Amanda Shires – “Mineral Wells” [Gabrielle Muñoz]

10. Margo Price – “Hands of Time” [Rhonda Fanning]

11. Black Pumas – “Colors” [Laura Rice]

Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this work at supportthispodcast.org.

Proposed school curriculum with Bible stories nears vote

A possible government shutdown looming with an Oct. 1 deadline. With the backdrop of elections, how might this story unfold? UT-Austin political science professor Sean Theriault talks about a perennial issue of government funding and where its headed.


Bible stories in the classroom? The Texas Education Agency is getting a lot of feedback and blowback over a new curriculum.


Mando Rayo of the Tacos of Texas podcast introduces us to a James Beard award winner in the Rio Grande Valley named the best chef in Texas.


This Hispanic Heritage Month, a look at some of the artists shaping the sounds of Texas.


Also, the week in politics, Typewriter Rodeo and more.

An Austin Artist’s Guide to Success: Part 2

The latest episode of Pause/Play is part two of an Austin Artist’s Guide to Success. You’ll hear from many people in the everchanging Austin music scene about their tips and tricks for making it here.

You’ll hear about the role of streaming in an artist’s career, what makes a great artist and advice from people within the industry.

Featuring advice from:

An Austin Artist’s Guide to Success: Part 1

The latest episode of Pause/Play is an Austin Artist’s Guide to Success. You’ll hear from many people in the everchanging Austin music scene about their tips and tricks for making here. 

You’ll hear about what people within the industry are looking for in an artist, what role authenticity plays, and how social media can impact a musician’s career.

Featuring advice from:

Confession Response #3

GOOD GOLLY! we asked and we received TWENTY FIVE SONG SUBMISSIONS!! In this episode, you’ll hear new songs by Chris Robeson, Con Davison, We Sell Shirts, Brittany Banowsky, and Bu Gee, as well as clips from several more. You can hear all 25 songs on a playlist we made for you to listen to all in one spot.

Join the Song Confessional mailing list to stay up to date on all of our latest episode, news, and the whereabouts of our confessional booth: https://songconfessional.com/connect.

Help us out! Rate the show and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Subs

Confession Call #3

Do you write songs? If you do, we want you to write a song based on the confession in this episode!! If we love it, it may become the KUTX Song of the Day.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Listen to the latest episode of the Song Confessional podcast. You’ll hear an anonymous confession that we collected back in March at the KUTX Live at Scholz Garten series.
  2. Write a song inspired by that confession and record it. Anything from an iPhone memo to a full-on bedroom production, whatever puts you in the zone.
  3. Submit it to kutx.org/confession by Sunday, May 12th
  4. Some of the songs will be featured on the May 15th episode of the Song Confessional podcast

Plus the Song Confessional Team will choose their favorite song and give the winner a day in the studio with Walker Lukens to professionally record your song! That song will be featured on the KUTX Song of the Day.

Join the Song Confessional mailing list to stay up to date on all of our latest episode, news, and the whereabouts of our confessional booth: https://songconfessional.com/connect.

Help us out! Rate the show and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Subs

A&M researchers are working to bring ocelots back

After a swift and historic vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy, we’ll hear more about the role of the Texas delegation and what comes next on Capitol Hill.

Will climate change alter Texas’ coastal community landscape? It already appears to be doing just that, says Erin Douglas of the Texas Tribune.

Texan Simone Biles has pulled off a gymnastics move so remarkable that it now carries her name.

After overhunting and creeping development, the number of breeding ocelots in the wild has tumbled to under 100 – with very few in South Texas, where they used to be plentiful. Now, researchers are working on a plan to bring the cats back.

Plus, a conversation with James C. Watkins, the 3D state artist of the year.

Fall is finally here. What does that mean for Texas’ drought?

Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan has faced increasing pressure to resign since Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial – and a special session of the Legislature starts next week.

El Paso, a city with a reputation as welcoming to migrants, is now at a breaking point, according to its mayor. Angela Kocherga of KTEP El Paso has details.

About 24 million Texans are living through some level of drought right now, according to data from the U.S. Drought Monitor. What’s on the horizon as fall weather moves in?

The former Texas Memorial Museum on UT Austin’s campus, shuttered in March due to COVID and cutbacks, returns in grand style with a new name and focus.

Texas voting restrictions challenged in court

The trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton continues, but not for long. We’ll have details on the latest testimony from the Senate floor.

State senators could start deliberations in Paxton’s impeachment trial as soon as Thursday.

Texas voting laws go on trial in San Antonio. We’ll have details about a case challenging state bans on 24-hour polls and drive-thru voting.

All that, and how to keep your trees fungus-free, the best bean and cheese taco in Texas, and the latest headlines from across the state. It’s coming up today on the Texas Standard.

Historic heat makes Texas’ ailing water infrastructure even harder to fix

A plan for state officials to take over special education in the Austin Independent School District is being reconsidered. Becky Fogel of KUT in Austin shares more.

Record heat this summer statewide has led to widespread water leaks amid an already pressing need for repairs – but will a fund earmarked for fixes be enough?

With five deaths from fentanyl on average in Texas each day, a growing number of those deaths is among young people. The Dallas Morning news turns a monthlong spotlight on a growing crisis.

Advice for Austin Artists

This week Fresh and Confucius get real about what they think artists in the city should do career-wise. They talk about the importance of music videos, and when artists should try to start performing outside of Austin.

Plus, they celebrate Love Austin Music Month by playing an interview with J Soulja from ACLfest.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that paying for features by bigger artists isn’t always the best way to get your music out there.

Confucius talks about the recent involuntary manslaughter charges against Alec Baldwin, the debate over the debt ceiling, and Dr. Dre’s $200 million catalog sale in Confucius Reads the News

Remembering John Aielli

If you knew John personally, you knew he was an avid thrifter. Both his home and his desk at work were covered with secondhand art and knickknacks, as eclectic as his taste in music. John spent more than 50 years sharing stories and his thoughts through the music he played on his radio show Eklektikos. Inspired by that eclecticism, we present to you a collage of songs, sounds and remembrances of an Austin legend, from longtime colleagues, friends, Austin musicians, and listeners all over the world.

This is “Remembering John Aielli.”

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