singer songwriter

AI and the Future of Music

AI is a hot topic right now, but how will it impact music? We discuss everything from fake bands getting millions of listens to a legendary producer vouching for the use of AI to lawsuits by major music groups against AI music generation programs.

In the latest episode, we dive into how Austin musicians are using the tool or staying away. Hear from Chinasa Broxton and Carlos Dashawn Daniels Moore of Tribe Mafia, Walker Lukens, Lauren Bruno, Jonny Johnson, Zeale and Erin Walter share their thoughts on the future of AI and music.

Tell us what you think about AI and Music

Pause/Play is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.

You can support our work by donating at supportthispodcast.org.

McKenna Michels: “Never Satified”

Austin’s McKenna Michels is just it. The singer-songwriter, who daylights as a childhood abuse and trauma advocate, has been featured on local television, has been asked to open for several global artists on their European tours, and she gets to hear her own music over the speakers when she’s shopping. And to peep her style, you know this girl is down to talk some Sir Gawain and The Wife of Bath. McKenna, can we please get a beer together?

Her music embodies the spirit of “full,” as showcased in her latest single “Never Satisfied.” There is no negative space, but there’s also no wasted space. Every layer is exciting and deserves an isolated listen, but the magic of all of the pieces fitting together is her amber-shaded jazz vocals. But don’t be fooled by the overwhelming joy — Michels is speaking earnestly from her heart about one of the most universal feelings we don’t like to be honest about: insecurity.

Michels brings her stage energy to her fans across the globe tomorrow at her birthday day show at the Pershing. The show starts at noon and will be livestreamed worldwide.

Social Media & Music: Love It, Hate It, or Use It?

Social media has completely changed how musicians share their work and connect with fans — but not everyone is here for the endless scroll. Some artists are over it and have even ditched it altogether.

In this episode, we dive into the love-hate relationship musicians have with social media. Hear from Chinasa Broxton, Carlos Dashawn Daniels Moore of Tribe Mafia, Walker Lukens, Sara L. Houser, and Robert Ellis as they dish on how they do — or don’t — use these platforms to build their careers and stay true to their art.

Elijah Delgado: “Hide + Seek”

Austin native Elijah Delgado has been releasing his self-proclaimed indie rock lullabies since 2021. Since then, he’s performed with national acts like Sister Hazel and Dayglow and performed at Old Settler’s Music Fest and Utopiafest.

Since the release of his debut EP in 2021, Delgado has been sprinkling his audience with a few singles, now leading up to his second EP Moonboy, out this June. The EP’s first single “Hide + Seek,” showcases Delgado’s continued graduation in songwriting. A song about being honest with yourself when you know you’re off or simply falling behind, taking inventory, and using that information to do better and get back on track.

Playing tomorrow afternoon at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, here’s Austin’s Elijah Delgado with “Hide + Seek.”

Scott Collins: “Aphophenia”

Austin singer-songwriter Scott Collins has been ever-evolving in both songwriting and sound and now he’s started leaning in more to letting himself define his sound, branching out and seeing what feels right.

His 9th EP And All This Happened serves on the title’s promise: it’s all happening. But the early 00’s indie sound is still driving the bus. Recorded once again with Frenchie Smith at the Bubble, Collins brought the whole band into the studio this time, allowing Scott to focus on being Scott. And the song “Apophenia” is a brilliant summation of his effort: finding connections in things that seem or end up being totally unrelated.

“Apophenia” is on And All This Happened, out March 7th. You can see Scott Collins this Saturday at Guero’s on South Congress and Friday, February 14^th @ the Aloft hotel off 183 and Lakeline Blvd.