1 00:00:09,549 --> 00:00:11,569 SXSW 2026 is in full 2 00:00:11,570 --> 00:00:13,429 bloom on a beautiful sunny Friday 3 00:00:13,430 --> 00:00:15,349 here in Austin and today we're 4 00:00:15,350 --> 00:00:17,289 bringing you the director and stars 5 00:00:17,290 --> 00:00:18,809 of the film Stages. 6 00:00:18,810 --> 00:00:20,569 It's the story of an Austin musician 7 00:00:20,570 --> 00:00:22,589 navigating his life and career 8 00:00:22,590 --> 00:00:24,749 and it features many of our city's 9 00:00:24,750 --> 00:00:26,749 best hangs from Hole in the Wall to 10 00:00:26,750 --> 00:00:27,969 Joe's Bakery. 11 00:00:27,970 --> 00:00:29,589 The movie premiered this week as 12 00:00:29,590 --> 00:00:31,409 part of SX, come hear how 13 00:00:31,410 --> 00:00:32,969 the project came together. 14 00:00:32,970 --> 00:00:34,269 That's on today's show. 15 00:00:34,270 --> 00:00:36,169 The Austin Signal is a production 16 00:00:36,170 --> 00:00:38,269 of KUT News, hosted by 17 00:00:38,270 --> 00:00:39,649 Jerry Quijano. 18 00:00:39,650 --> 00:00:41,309 An Austin nonprofit dedicated to 19 00:00:41,310 --> 00:00:43,209 investing in black, indigenous, and 20 00:00:43,210 --> 00:00:44,589 other communities of color is 21 00:00:44,590 --> 00:00:46,449 presenting a free four-day event 22 00:00:46,450 --> 00:00:47,689 during South By. 23 00:00:47,690 --> 00:00:49,949 Come hear what they've got going on, 24 00:00:49,950 --> 00:00:51,869 and we get a check-in from our 25 00:00:51,870 --> 00:00:54,369 official festival correspondent. 26 00:00:54,370 --> 00:00:56,589 Those stories and more up next 27 00:00:56,590 --> 00:00:57,850 on Austin Signal. 28 00:01:07,110 --> 00:01:08,149 Howdy out there. 29 00:01:08,150 --> 00:01:10,329 You are tuned in to Austin Signal. 30 00:01:10,330 --> 00:01:12,289 It is Friday the 13th day of 31 00:01:12,290 --> 00:01:14,169 March. Thank you for including us 32 00:01:14,170 --> 00:01:15,349 in your plans. 33 00:01:15,350 --> 00:01:17,229 We are back in the studio after a 34 00:01:17,230 --> 00:01:19,149 super South by Southwest show at 35 00:01:19,150 --> 00:01:20,069 Schultz Garden. 36 00:01:20,070 --> 00:01:21,409 Thank you to our great guests who 37 00:01:21,410 --> 00:01:23,069 made it possible and to our 38 00:01:23,070 --> 00:01:24,409 listeners who shared the day with 39 00:01:24,410 --> 00:01:26,349 us. We hope to see and meet you 40 00:01:26,350 --> 00:01:29,349 at some future live shows. 41 00:01:29,350 --> 00:01:30,549 We're gonna start today by 42 00:01:30,550 --> 00:01:32,289 discussing the University of Texas 43 00:01:32,290 --> 00:01:34,249 at Austin's consolidation of seven 44 00:01:34,250 --> 00:01:35,509 ethnic and gender studies 45 00:01:35,510 --> 00:01:37,149 departments in the College of 46 00:01:37,150 --> 00:01:38,469 Liberal Arts. 47 00:01:38,470 --> 00:01:40,129 That consolidation was announced in 48 00:01:40,130 --> 00:01:41,149 February. 49 00:01:41,150 --> 00:01:43,449 As KUT's Greta Diaz-Gonzalez-Vasquez 50 00:01:43,450 --> 00:01:45,149 reports, a month after the big 51 00:01:45,150 --> 00:01:46,869 announcement, students and faculty 52 00:01:46,870 --> 00:01:49,479 are still looking for answers. 53 00:01:49,480 --> 00:01:50,999 The departments affected include 54 00:01:51,000 --> 00:01:52,679 African and African Diaspora 55 00:01:52,680 --> 00:01:54,659 Studies, American Studies, 56 00:01:54,660 --> 00:01:56,539 Mexican American and Latina Latino 57 00:01:56,540 --> 00:01:58,439 Studies, and Women's, Gender 58 00:01:58,440 --> 00:02:01,099 and Sexuality Studies, among others. 59 00:02:01,100 --> 00:02:02,959 In total, seven departments will be 60 00:02:02,960 --> 00:02:05,119 consolidated into two. 61 00:02:05,120 --> 00:02:06,959 Right after UT Austin announced the 62 00:02:06,960 --> 00:02:08,769 decision, students held a protest. 63 00:02:08,770 --> 00:02:10,149 What do we do? 64 00:02:10,150 --> 00:02:11,649 Stand up, fight back! 65 00:02:11,650 --> 00:02:13,089 When Latino studies are under 66 00:02:13,090 --> 00:02:14,429 attack, what do we do? 67 00:02:14,430 --> 00:02:15,229 Stand up! 68 00:02:15,230 --> 00:02:17,069 UT officials said curriculums 69 00:02:17,070 --> 00:02:18,829 would also be reviewed, and they 70 00:02:18,830 --> 00:02:21,069 would determine what majors, minors, 71 00:02:21,070 --> 00:02:22,489 and courses will be offered in the 72 00:02:22,490 --> 00:02:24,349 future, but they did not 73 00:02:24,350 --> 00:02:25,269 provide a timeline. 74 00:02:25,270 --> 00:02:27,009 They're trying to act like there's 75 00:02:27,010 --> 00:02:28,809 tools, things being figured out, but 76 00:02:28,810 --> 00:02:30,629 they know that the end goal for them 77 00:02:30,630 --> 00:02:31,749 is the elimination of these 78 00:02:31,750 --> 00:02:33,049 departments and the elimination of 79 00:02:33,050 --> 00:02:35,029 our ways of knowing and ways of 80 00:02:35,030 --> 00:02:35,749 thinking. 81 00:02:35,750 --> 00:02:37,649 That's Alfonso Ayala III, a 82 00:02:37,650 --> 00:02:38,669 second year Ph.D. 83 00:02:38,670 --> 00:02:39,869 Student at the Department of 84 00:02:39,870 --> 00:02:41,649 Mexican, American and Latina-Latino 85 00:02:41,650 --> 00:02:43,519 Studies, who was at the protest. 86 00:02:43,520 --> 00:02:44,639 Say it twice! 87 00:02:44,640 --> 00:02:46,939 Students will not pay the price! 88 00:02:46,940 --> 00:02:48,759 Now, more than a month later, 89 00:02:48,760 --> 00:02:50,419 there's still little information on 90 00:02:50,420 --> 00:02:52,139 what's coming next. 91 00:02:52,140 --> 00:02:53,579 Ashanta Rees is an associate 92 00:02:53,580 --> 00:02:55,159 professor at the College of Liberal 93 00:02:55,160 --> 00:02:57,029 Arts. These are students until. 94 00:02:57,030 --> 00:02:58,469 Intellectual homes. 95 00:02:58,470 --> 00:02:59,709 For a lot of them, this is where 96 00:02:59,710 --> 00:03:01,529 they learn their critical thinking, 97 00:03:01,530 --> 00:03:03,649 their writing skills, et cetera. 98 00:03:03,650 --> 00:03:05,009 So they're really sad. 99 00:03:05,010 --> 00:03:07,209 Many of them are asking questions 100 00:03:07,210 --> 00:03:09,149 on what can we do? 101 00:03:09,150 --> 00:03:11,569 How does this change my degree? 102 00:03:11,570 --> 00:03:12,889 How can we fight back? 103 00:03:12,890 --> 00:03:14,649 Is there anything we can do. 104 00:03:14,650 --> 00:03:16,509 Many are also asking, how 105 00:03:16,510 --> 00:03:17,889 did we get here? 106 00:03:17,890 --> 00:03:18,779 The answer? 107 00:03:18,780 --> 00:03:20,039 SB37. 108 00:03:20,040 --> 00:03:21,639 SB37! 109 00:03:21,640 --> 00:03:23,409 SB37 110 00:03:23,410 --> 00:03:24,949 Senate Bill 37. 111 00:03:24,950 --> 00:03:25,889 It was passed during the last 112 00:03:25,890 --> 00:03:27,289 legislative session and became 113 00:03:27,290 --> 00:03:29,089 effective in September. 114 00:03:29,090 --> 00:03:30,589 Antonio Ingram, a lawyer with the 115 00:03:30,590 --> 00:03:32,569 Organization Legal Defense Fund, 116 00:03:32,570 --> 00:03:33,619 describes it like this. 117 00:03:33,620 --> 00:03:35,559 SP37 as a 118 00:03:35,560 --> 00:03:37,919 law signals that professors 119 00:03:37,920 --> 00:03:39,719 should take a backseat to how 120 00:03:39,720 --> 00:03:41,539 universities are run and 121 00:03:41,540 --> 00:03:43,839 how content and 122 00:03:43,840 --> 00:03:46,039 issues of faculty governance. 123 00:03:46,040 --> 00:03:47,439 Decided. 124 00:03:47,440 --> 00:03:49,699 Faculty at Texas Public Universities 125 00:03:49,700 --> 00:03:51,159 used to be in charge of reviewing 126 00:03:51,160 --> 00:03:52,719 curriculums and making academic 127 00:03:52,720 --> 00:03:53,779 decisions. 128 00:03:53,780 --> 00:03:55,679 But after SB 37 that's 129 00:03:55,680 --> 00:03:57,319 up to the governing board or Board 130 00:03:57,320 --> 00:03:59,019 of Regents whose members are 131 00:03:59,020 --> 00:04:00,519 appointed by the governor. 132 00:04:00,520 --> 00:04:01,659 There's a quorum present and the 133 00:04:01,660 --> 00:04:03,259 board is reconvening in open 134 00:04:03,260 --> 00:04:04,799 session. The date is February 19th 135 00:04:04,800 --> 00:04:06,779 and the time is 9 a.m. 136 00:04:06,780 --> 00:04:08,299 A week after the consolidation 137 00:04:08,300 --> 00:04:10,639 announcement, the UT system also 138 00:04:10,640 --> 00:04:12,139 approved an initiative that limits, 139 00:04:12,140 --> 00:04:14,059 quote, controversial topics in the 140 00:04:14,060 --> 00:04:15,259 classroom. 141 00:04:15,260 --> 00:04:16,539 When critics complained that the 142 00:04:16,540 --> 00:04:18,119 Board of Regents did not define 143 00:04:18,120 --> 00:04:19,958 those topics, Board Chairman 144 00:04:19,959 --> 00:04:21,679 Kevin Eltheiv said, 145 00:04:21,680 --> 00:04:23,179 vagueness can be our friend. 146 00:04:23,180 --> 00:04:24,979 Advocates like Ingram say that 147 00:04:24,980 --> 00:04:26,499 intentional vagueness will make it 148 00:04:26,500 --> 00:04:28,419 unclear on how to comply with these 149 00:04:28,420 --> 00:04:29,089 mandates. 150 00:04:29,090 --> 00:04:30,709 And it leaves students unclear on 151 00:04:30,710 --> 00:04:32,749 what they can and cannot learn under 152 00:04:32,750 --> 00:04:33,789 the state's purview. 153 00:04:33,790 --> 00:04:35,649 It makes people err on the side of 154 00:04:35,650 --> 00:04:37,389 caution, which in the First 155 00:04:37,390 --> 00:04:38,689 Amendment context is quite 156 00:04:38,690 --> 00:04:40,729 concerning because it means they're 157 00:04:40,730 --> 00:04:42,809 not talking about issues or not 158 00:04:42,810 --> 00:04:44,869 communicating ideas that are under 159 00:04:44,870 --> 00:04:46,309 your constitutional rights to do so 160 00:04:46,310 --> 00:04:47,309 freely. 161 00:04:47,310 --> 00:04:48,909 That chilling effect is spreading 162 00:04:48,910 --> 00:04:50,869 further than UT Austin. 163 00:04:50,870 --> 00:04:52,809 Other university systems like Texas 164 00:04:52,810 --> 00:04:54,849 A&M and Texas Tech have also 165 00:04:54,850 --> 00:04:56,389 placed restrictions on teaching race 166 00:04:56,390 --> 00:04:57,429 and gender. 167 00:04:57,430 --> 00:04:59,609 More recently, UT San Antonio also 168 00:04:59,610 --> 00:05:01,189 announced the consolidation of its 169 00:05:01,190 --> 00:05:02,649 Department of Race, Ethnicity, 170 00:05:02,650 --> 00:05:04,679 Gender, and Sexuality studies. 171 00:05:04,680 --> 00:05:06,899 And is actually, I think, 172 00:05:06,900 --> 00:05:08,839 a concerted effort by 173 00:05:08,840 --> 00:05:10,779 the political class executive 174 00:05:10,780 --> 00:05:12,879 branch to really censor 175 00:05:12,880 --> 00:05:14,199 things that they couldn't push 176 00:05:14,200 --> 00:05:15,539 through through the democratic 177 00:05:15,540 --> 00:05:16,669 process. 178 00:05:16,670 --> 00:05:18,629 And Ingram is not the only one to 179 00:05:18,630 --> 00:05:20,609 see it that way. 180 00:05:20,610 --> 00:05:22,109 Nicholas Bloom, a Harvard lecturer 181 00:05:22,110 --> 00:05:23,849 and a graduate from the PhD in 182 00:05:23,850 --> 00:05:25,789 American studies, says because 183 00:05:25,790 --> 00:05:27,889 of its history and diversity, 184 00:05:27,890 --> 00:05:29,789 Texas was at the forefront in 185 00:05:29,790 --> 00:05:31,489 American, African diaspora and 186 00:05:31,490 --> 00:05:33,229 Mexican-American studies. 187 00:05:33,230 --> 00:05:35,429 But now he sees the university as 188 00:05:35,430 --> 00:05:37,009 ground zero for the fight over 189 00:05:37,010 --> 00:05:37,899 academic freedom. 190 00:05:37,900 --> 00:05:39,759 If a state and the 191 00:05:39,760 --> 00:05:42,019 elite of a country are deciding how 192 00:05:42,020 --> 00:05:43,899 and why and when you 193 00:05:43,900 --> 00:05:45,959 are allowed to critically analyze 194 00:05:45,960 --> 00:05:47,439 those things, and we're preventing 195 00:05:47,440 --> 00:05:49,099 people from having the tools to do 196 00:05:49,100 --> 00:05:51,299 that, we're creating a situation 197 00:05:51,300 --> 00:05:53,159 where misinformation can spread more 198 00:05:53,160 --> 00:05:55,039 easily and 199 00:05:55,040 --> 00:05:57,079 where people feel disempowered to 200 00:05:57,080 --> 00:05:58,809 critically think for themselves. 201 00:05:58,810 --> 00:06:00,849 Bloom says these decisions are 202 00:06:00,850 --> 00:06:02,389 hurting the university. 203 00:06:02,390 --> 00:06:03,929 So far, two of his students at 204 00:06:03,930 --> 00:06:05,849 Harvard have decided not to attend 205 00:06:05,850 --> 00:06:07,669 UT for graduate school anymore. 206 00:06:07,670 --> 00:06:09,509 You're going to see a 207 00:06:09,510 --> 00:06:11,329 real brain drain from UT, 208 00:06:11,330 --> 00:06:12,289 you're gonna see the best and 209 00:06:12,290 --> 00:06:13,349 brightest in the country deciding 210 00:06:13,350 --> 00:06:14,589 not to go there. 211 00:06:14,590 --> 00:06:16,749 He worries recruiting faculty will 212 00:06:16,750 --> 00:06:17,859 also get harder. 213 00:06:17,860 --> 00:06:19,859 So I think you're seeing the 214 00:06:19,860 --> 00:06:21,699 kind of destruction of one of the 215 00:06:21,700 --> 00:06:22,959 great institutions of higher 216 00:06:22,960 --> 00:06:24,779 education, you know, in 217 00:06:24,780 --> 00:06:26,119 the history of the country right 218 00:06:26,120 --> 00:06:28,089 before our eyes and it's tragic. 219 00:06:28,090 --> 00:06:29,649 But for those who are currently part 220 00:06:29,650 --> 00:06:31,269 of the departments that are set to 221 00:06:31,270 --> 00:06:33,109 disappear, the uncertainty has 222 00:06:33,110 --> 00:06:34,429 only grown. 223 00:06:34,430 --> 00:06:36,009 Undergrads wonder if they'll be able 224 00:06:36,010 --> 00:06:37,709 to finish their majors. 225 00:06:37,710 --> 00:06:39,249 Graduate students like Ayala have 226 00:06:39,250 --> 00:06:40,099 other questions. 227 00:06:40,100 --> 00:06:41,459 We don't know what it means about 228 00:06:41,460 --> 00:06:43,839 our ability to TA or 229 00:06:43,840 --> 00:06:45,819 to teach what it means for our 230 00:06:45,820 --> 00:06:47,599 funding. We're concerned that staff 231 00:06:47,600 --> 00:06:50,339 will be fired, terminated, 232 00:06:50,340 --> 00:06:51,619 but like we have a lot of concern 233 00:06:51,620 --> 00:06:53,009 for our faculty and staff. 234 00:06:53,010 --> 00:06:54,789 Professor Rhee says, beyond knowing 235 00:06:54,790 --> 00:06:56,789 if and which positions will be 236 00:06:56,790 --> 00:06:58,549 cut, it's also unclear how 237 00:06:58,550 --> 00:07:00,119 departments will be merged. 238 00:07:00,120 --> 00:07:01,299 Our departments have different 239 00:07:01,300 --> 00:07:03,459 cultures, but we also have different 240 00:07:03,460 --> 00:07:06,059 intellectual genealogies, 241 00:07:06,060 --> 00:07:07,879 methods, theories, et cetera. 242 00:07:07,880 --> 00:07:09,679 So what does that mean to put us all 243 00:07:09,680 --> 00:07:11,439 in one department and then have to 244 00:07:11,440 --> 00:07:13,259 shape a degree program or degree 245 00:07:13,260 --> 00:07:14,199 programs? 246 00:07:14,200 --> 00:07:14,969 How do we pick and- 247 00:07:14,970 --> 00:07:17,149 choose what that looks like. 248 00:07:17,150 --> 00:07:18,669 She also worries that more changes 249 00:07:18,670 --> 00:07:20,169 are yet to come for other 250 00:07:20,170 --> 00:07:21,469 departments. 251 00:07:21,470 --> 00:07:23,349 But Ayala says that as gloomy as it 252 00:07:23,350 --> 00:07:25,249 seems, faculty, students, and 253 00:07:25,250 --> 00:07:27,289 alumni still have hope. 254 00:07:27,290 --> 00:07:29,069 120 American Studies graduate 255 00:07:29,070 --> 00:07:31,209 alumnus have signed a letter asking 256 00:07:31,210 --> 00:07:33,029 the administration to reverse the 257 00:07:33,030 --> 00:07:34,109 decision. 258 00:07:34,110 --> 00:07:35,589 Departments are holding informal 259 00:07:35,590 --> 00:07:37,669 meetings to discuss the topic. 260 00:07:37,670 --> 00:07:39,509 And students like Ayala, well, 261 00:07:39,510 --> 00:07:41,069 he knows it's unlikely that the 262 00:07:41,070 --> 00:07:42,519 decision will be reversed. 263 00:07:42,520 --> 00:07:44,639 But he finds hope in organizing and 264 00:07:44,640 --> 00:07:46,279 in making sure the university is 265 00:07:46,280 --> 00:07:48,119 still a place where ideas are not 266 00:07:48,120 --> 00:07:48,509 censored. 267 00:07:48,510 --> 00:07:50,409 All of the students I know of are 268 00:07:50,410 --> 00:07:51,989 resisting the pushout and we're not 269 00:07:51,990 --> 00:07:53,359 going anywhere. 270 00:07:53,360 --> 00:07:55,079 For now, all the programs still 271 00:07:55,080 --> 00:07:56,119 exist. 272 00:07:56,120 --> 00:07:58,459 Despite multiple requests from KUT, 273 00:07:58,460 --> 00:08:00,239 the university has not provided any 274 00:08:00,240 --> 00:08:02,219 information on when or how the 275 00:08:02,220 --> 00:08:03,799 changes will happen. 276 00:08:03,800 --> 00:08:05,700 I'm Greta Díaz-González Vázquez. 277 00:08:13,240 --> 00:08:15,239 South by Southwest is in 278 00:08:15,240 --> 00:08:17,159 full swing and local nonprofit 279 00:08:17,160 --> 00:08:19,099 Dawa is hosting a four-day event 280 00:08:19,100 --> 00:08:21,279 called Vision 8291 281 00:08:21,280 --> 00:08:23,079 in partnership with Venice. 282 00:08:23,080 --> 00:08:24,659 That's a digital distribution and 283 00:08:24,660 --> 00:08:26,599 artist development platform. 284 00:08:26,600 --> 00:08:28,239 Host Miles Bloxson and spoke with 285 00:08:28,240 --> 00:08:30,239 Jonathan Chaka Mahone, founder of 286 00:08:30,240 --> 00:08:32,339 Dawa and Angel from the Block, 287 00:08:32,340 --> 00:08:34,239 one of the presenters of this year's 288 00:08:34,240 --> 00:08:36,298 event. Here's Mahone on what 289 00:08:36,299 --> 00:08:38,379 Vision 8 291 means. 290 00:08:39,669 --> 00:08:41,048 NPR listeners are probably familiar 291 00:08:41,049 --> 00:08:43,048 with the 1928 master plane. 292 00:08:43,049 --> 00:08:45,029 If not, it was a moment in the city 293 00:08:45,030 --> 00:08:46,969 where officials decided 294 00:08:46,970 --> 00:08:48,709 to segregate the city and they 295 00:08:48,710 --> 00:08:50,949 decided to basically cut off access 296 00:08:50,950 --> 00:08:52,589 to water and sanitation and 297 00:08:52,590 --> 00:08:53,629 basically move all the black and 298 00:08:53,630 --> 00:08:54,809 brown people over to what is now 299 00:08:54,810 --> 00:08:56,309 known as East Austin. 300 00:08:56,310 --> 00:08:58,749 And we know that after that fact, 301 00:08:58,750 --> 00:09:00,509 after people recovered and started 302 00:09:00,510 --> 00:09:02,029 to build their communities, then 303 00:09:02,030 --> 00:09:03,689 they come around with gentrification 304 00:09:03,690 --> 00:09:05,399 and redlining all these things. 305 00:09:05,400 --> 00:09:06,399 So at the end of the day, that 306 00:09:06,400 --> 00:09:08,399 community has been traumatized and 307 00:09:08,400 --> 00:09:09,859 affected and impacted by these 308 00:09:09,860 --> 00:09:11,759 decisions that the city has 309 00:09:11,760 --> 00:09:13,039 made overall with their social 310 00:09:13,040 --> 00:09:14,040 policy. 311 00:09:14,760 --> 00:09:16,599 And 8291 is a reverse of 312 00:09:16,600 --> 00:09:17,559 1928. 313 00:09:17,560 --> 00:09:18,799 It's about having a vision for 314 00:09:18,800 --> 00:09:20,879 ourselves beyond the trauma. 315 00:09:20,880 --> 00:09:22,079 It's a about having vision for 316 00:09:22,080 --> 00:09:23,719 ourself moving forward. 317 00:09:23,720 --> 00:09:25,699 And it's about centering, 318 00:09:25,700 --> 00:09:27,859 again, BIPOC voices and BIPOC 319 00:09:27,860 --> 00:09:29,879 innovators, people with ideas, 320 00:09:29,880 --> 00:09:31,519 giving them a chance to be heard and 321 00:09:31,520 --> 00:09:32,979 seen, but also a chance connect 322 00:09:32,980 --> 00:09:33,879 together. 323 00:09:33,880 --> 00:09:35,519 Angel how does it feel to be a part 324 00:09:35,520 --> 00:09:36,999 of this year's event because you're 325 00:09:37,000 --> 00:09:38,039 going to be one of the presenters 326 00:09:38,040 --> 00:09:39,029 there 327 00:09:39,030 --> 00:09:40,969 it feels so amazing especially 328 00:09:40,970 --> 00:09:42,849 as like a native austinite this 329 00:09:42,850 --> 00:09:44,129 is something that shaka and i have 330 00:09:44,130 --> 00:09:46,029 talked about before but that 331 00:09:46,030 --> 00:09:47,969 there's like a sense of deep 332 00:09:47,970 --> 00:09:49,889 like internalized racism for east 333 00:09:49,890 --> 00:09:51,349 austinites because of things like 334 00:09:51,350 --> 00:09:53,329 the 1928 master plan 335 00:09:53,330 --> 00:09:55,029 that have like basically taught us 336 00:09:55,030 --> 00:09:56,249 that all of these great things that 337 00:09:56,250 --> 00:09:58,249 our city has like acl south 338 00:09:58,250 --> 00:09:59,469 by southwest all of these things 339 00:09:59,470 --> 00:10:01,409 that uplift creatives they're 340 00:10:01,410 --> 00:10:04,459 not for us so despite the 341 00:10:04,460 --> 00:10:05,859 The live music capital with all 342 00:10:05,860 --> 00:10:07,199 these events grew up going to South 343 00:10:07,200 --> 00:10:08,619 by Southwest every year. 344 00:10:08,620 --> 00:10:10,599 I never, like, never at 345 00:10:10,600 --> 00:10:12,619 any point in my life imagined that 346 00:10:12,620 --> 00:10:14,799 having an opportunity to speak to 347 00:10:14,800 --> 00:10:16,319 people and connect with people and 348 00:10:16,320 --> 00:10:18,339 be platformed at South by South 349 00:10:18,340 --> 00:10:20,159 West was something that was going to 350 00:10:20,160 --> 00:10:21,139 be for me. 351 00:10:21,140 --> 00:10:23,319 So it feels really meaningful to be 352 00:10:23,320 --> 00:10:25,199 a part of the return to what 353 00:10:25,200 --> 00:10:26,599 I feel like South by is supposed to 354 00:10:26,600 --> 00:10:26,949 be. 355 00:10:26,950 --> 00:10:28,809 Ay, the fun 356 00:10:28,810 --> 00:10:30,709 fact of the situation is I found out 357 00:10:30,710 --> 00:10:32,709 about Angel through their video that 358 00:10:32,710 --> 00:10:34,169 they created for Instagram and 359 00:10:34,170 --> 00:10:35,649 TikTok to teach people about the 360 00:10:35,650 --> 00:10:38,229 1928 Master Plan and gentrification. 361 00:10:38,230 --> 00:10:40,489 And I saw them at 362 00:10:40,490 --> 00:10:42,229 a tenant rally for folks that were 363 00:10:42,230 --> 00:10:43,909 fighting against some of the 364 00:10:43,910 --> 00:10:45,489 developers. 365 00:10:45,490 --> 00:10:47,749 And I said, yo, I was like, that's, 366 00:10:47,750 --> 00:10:49,689 and I invited them to the Killer 367 00:10:49,690 --> 00:10:51,709 Mike concert and also invited them, 368 00:10:51,710 --> 00:10:53,469 to come out to DAWA Studios and now 369 00:10:53,470 --> 00:10:55,329 they are at DAWA studios 370 00:10:55,330 --> 00:10:56,639 creating content. 371 00:10:56,640 --> 00:10:58,099 And there's just this amazing 372 00:10:58,100 --> 00:10:59,839 synergy happening right now. 373 00:10:59,840 --> 00:11:01,219 And so we're celebrating that. 374 00:11:01,220 --> 00:11:02,459 We're celebrating putting someone 375 00:11:02,460 --> 00:11:04,819 like them in front of new people 376 00:11:04,820 --> 00:11:06,859 to share the 377 00:11:06,860 --> 00:11:09,039 amazing work that they are doing in 378 00:11:09,040 --> 00:11:10,919 this world and how it can contribute 379 00:11:10,920 --> 00:11:12,469 to a greater Austin. 380 00:11:12,470 --> 00:11:13,769 Shaka, can you tell us what people 381 00:11:13,770 --> 00:11:15,909 can expect from attending 382 00:11:15,910 --> 00:11:17,469 Vision 8291? 383 00:11:17,470 --> 00:11:19,009 Because I feel like every single 384 00:11:19,010 --> 00:11:21,149 year, the bar gets higher and 385 00:11:21,150 --> 00:11:22,709 higher and hire. 386 00:11:22,710 --> 00:11:24,309 Number one is free. 387 00:11:26,730 --> 00:11:29,349 Number two, it's in East Austin, 388 00:11:29,350 --> 00:11:31,569 okay? On Springdale Road, 389 00:11:31,570 --> 00:11:33,249 okay, very accessible. 390 00:11:33,250 --> 00:11:35,229 Parking is not a problem. 391 00:11:35,230 --> 00:11:36,409 And we're having conversations 392 00:11:36,410 --> 00:11:37,989 starting on Saturday, it's called 393 00:11:37,990 --> 00:11:39,509 the Music Blueprint. 394 00:11:39,510 --> 00:11:40,809 So if there are musicians and 395 00:11:40,810 --> 00:11:42,489 creators out there listening, you 396 00:11:42,490 --> 00:11:44,469 can come and learn about tour 397 00:11:44,470 --> 00:11:46,229 realities in 2026 from Jackie 398 00:11:46,230 --> 00:11:47,909 Vinson. You can come, and learn 399 00:11:47,910 --> 00:11:49,769 about how do I get music 400 00:11:49,770 --> 00:11:50,829 for TV and film? 401 00:11:50,830 --> 00:11:52,429 How do I sync music and TV and 402 00:11:52,430 --> 00:11:54,469 films? You can go and see the first 403 00:11:54,470 --> 00:11:56,429 ever live podcast of someone named 404 00:11:56,430 --> 00:11:58,089 Mauricio Ruiz. 405 00:11:58,090 --> 00:11:59,469 He has something called the Managers 406 00:11:59,470 --> 00:12:00,689 Playbook, which is one of the 407 00:12:00,690 --> 00:12:02,989 industry leaders and podcasts about 408 00:12:02,990 --> 00:12:05,549 just a career in music. 409 00:12:05,550 --> 00:12:06,869 He's interviewed some of the biggest 410 00:12:06,870 --> 00:12:08,289 names in music, in the music 411 00:12:08,290 --> 00:12:09,069 industry. 412 00:12:09,070 --> 00:12:10,349 That's just Saturday. 413 00:12:10,350 --> 00:12:11,549 And I haven't even named everybody 414 00:12:11,550 --> 00:12:12,688 that's going on a Saturday. 415 00:12:12,689 --> 00:12:13,379 Oh, yeah. 416 00:12:13,380 --> 00:12:14,779 Give you a highlight of Sunday. 417 00:12:14,780 --> 00:12:16,419 We have Angel from the Block talking 418 00:12:16,420 --> 00:12:17,899 about social media as an organizing 419 00:12:17,900 --> 00:12:19,619 tool. Also Celine from Community 420 00:12:19,620 --> 00:12:20,679 Power at ETX. 421 00:12:20,680 --> 00:12:21,819 Shout out to them. 422 00:12:21,820 --> 00:12:23,879 We have Jamiah Hargans from 423 00:12:23,880 --> 00:12:24,959 LA Crop Swap. 424 00:12:24,960 --> 00:12:26,299 He's a really important figure in 425 00:12:26,300 --> 00:12:28,119 terms of food and food sovereignty. 426 00:12:28,120 --> 00:12:30,199 And we also have Richie Verseda who 427 00:12:30,200 --> 00:12:31,619 spent seven years in the California 428 00:12:31,620 --> 00:12:33,859 state prison, came out and 429 00:12:33,860 --> 00:12:35,319 just like blossomed. 430 00:12:35,320 --> 00:12:37,099 He created a Netflix documentary 431 00:12:37,100 --> 00:12:38,059 called Songs from the Hole. 432 00:12:38,060 --> 00:12:39,259 He's going to be screening that. 433 00:12:39,260 --> 00:12:40,479 He's also going to do a workshop 434 00:12:40,480 --> 00:12:41,569 after that. 435 00:12:41,570 --> 00:12:42,369 Come out. 436 00:12:42,370 --> 00:12:44,109 Yes, we are censoring BIPOC 437 00:12:44,110 --> 00:12:45,909 creatives and BIPOC innovators and 438 00:12:45,910 --> 00:12:47,789 leaders and folks, but this is for 439 00:12:47,790 --> 00:12:49,029 everybody. 440 00:12:49,030 --> 00:12:50,869 Angel being from the east side of 441 00:12:50,870 --> 00:12:52,709 Austin, how important is it for 442 00:12:52,710 --> 00:12:54,889 you to see things happening like 443 00:12:54,890 --> 00:12:56,849 Vision 8291, you know, 444 00:12:56,850 --> 00:12:58,009 in the place that you call home and 445 00:12:58,010 --> 00:12:59,419 the place you grew up in? 446 00:12:59,420 --> 00:13:01,559 My whole childhood and 447 00:13:01,560 --> 00:13:03,139 life like Springdale Road was almost 448 00:13:03,140 --> 00:13:04,759 never associated with positivity you 449 00:13:04,760 --> 00:13:06,259 know like Springdales almost never 450 00:13:06,260 --> 00:13:07,879 talked about in a positive way and 451 00:13:07,880 --> 00:13:09,539 whatever it is these days is usually 452 00:13:09,540 --> 00:13:10,619 tied to like some sort of 453 00:13:10,620 --> 00:13:12,279 gentrification so the fact that 454 00:13:12,280 --> 00:13:13,839 we're talking about Springdale we're 455 00:13:13,840 --> 00:13:15,719 boosting Springdale in a way that 456 00:13:15,720 --> 00:13:17,479 is positive and serving the 457 00:13:17,480 --> 00:13:18,699 community and celebrating the 458 00:13:18,700 --> 00:13:20,899 community uplifting us it means 459 00:13:20,900 --> 00:13:22,540 so much to me the fact that we are 460 00:13:22,541 --> 00:13:24,419 calling people into the east side 461 00:13:24,420 --> 00:13:26,359 with like black people 462 00:13:26,360 --> 00:13:28,189 running the event making up 463 00:13:28,190 --> 00:13:30,129 the majority of the event. 464 00:13:30,130 --> 00:13:32,669 It's genuinely re-alchomizing 465 00:13:32,670 --> 00:13:33,720 my brain, honestly. 466 00:13:35,250 --> 00:13:37,069 That was Myles Bloxson speaking with 467 00:13:37,070 --> 00:13:39,109 Jonathan Shaka Mahone, founder of 468 00:13:39,110 --> 00:13:41,109 DAWA, as well as Angel from 469 00:13:41,110 --> 00:13:42,809 the Block, one of the presenters of 470 00:13:42,810 --> 00:13:45,329 Vision 8291. 471 00:13:45,330 --> 00:13:46,989 We'll have a link to more about the 472 00:13:46,990 --> 00:13:48,989 fest and a longer version of this 473 00:13:48,990 --> 00:13:50,909 interview in today's show notes and 474 00:13:50,910 --> 00:13:52,909 at kut.org 475 00:13:52,910 --> 00:13:54,109 slash signal. 476 00:13:54,110 --> 00:13:55,590 We'll be back after this break. 477 00:14:00,780 --> 00:14:02,199 This is Jimmy Moss, Program Director 478 00:14:02,200 --> 00:14:03,719 with KT, and you are listening to 479 00:14:03,720 --> 00:14:05,219 The Austin Signal. 480 00:14:05,220 --> 00:14:07,059 Day two of South by Southwest is off 481 00:14:07,060 --> 00:14:08,119 to a great start. 482 00:14:08,120 --> 00:14:09,999 Futurists and CEOs are 483 00:14:10,000 --> 00:14:11,659 doing a lot of panels today and 484 00:14:11,660 --> 00:14:13,139 through the weekend, talking about 485 00:14:13,140 --> 00:14:15,419 how AI will affect everything. 486 00:14:15,420 --> 00:14:16,759 And right now, day two's keynote 487 00:14:16,760 --> 00:14:18,019 speaker, movie director Steven 488 00:14:18,020 --> 00:14:19,839 Spielberg, is probably regaling a 489 00:14:19,840 --> 00:14:21,659 large audience about how he was 490 00:14:21,660 --> 00:14:23,599 all over AI artificial intelligence 491 00:14:23,600 --> 00:14:25,419 25 years ago, 492 00:14:25,420 --> 00:14:27,479 if only Siri looked like Haley Joel 493 00:14:27,480 --> 00:14:28,369 Osment. 494 00:14:28,370 --> 00:14:30,049 This afternoon comedian Larry David 495 00:14:30,050 --> 00:14:32,269 will be featured on a panel and 496 00:14:32,270 --> 00:14:33,529 staying in comedy Austin's own 497 00:14:33,530 --> 00:14:35,189 Saturday Night Live alum Devin 498 00:14:35,190 --> 00:14:36,969 Walker will do the first of a couple 499 00:14:36,970 --> 00:14:38,669 of South by Southwest shows in town 500 00:14:38,670 --> 00:14:39,889 this weekend. 501 00:14:39,890 --> 00:14:41,169 Don't forget plenty of things you 502 00:14:41,170 --> 00:14:43,069 can enjoy on the periphery without 503 00:14:43,070 --> 00:14:44,329 a badge. 504 00:14:44,330 --> 00:14:46,129 Another great lineup for KUTX at 505 00:14:46,130 --> 00:14:48,089 Schulz's Tomorrow Morning, 506 00:14:48,090 --> 00:14:49,829 the Rivian Daystage on South 507 00:14:49,830 --> 00:14:51,389 Congress also on South congress 508 00:14:51,390 --> 00:14:53,409 South by San Jose at the hotel of 509 00:14:53,410 --> 00:14:55,849 the same name and the Radio Daystage 510 00:14:55,850 --> 00:14:58,189 at the Downright Hotel. 511 00:14:58,190 --> 00:15:00,449 South By's Flat Stock, the art show, 512 00:15:00,450 --> 00:15:01,969 opens today at the Palmer Event 513 00:15:01,970 --> 00:15:04,629 Center, all free, no badge required. 514 00:15:04,630 --> 00:15:06,089 Among the luminaries in town for the 515 00:15:06,090 --> 00:15:07,349 conference this weekend, who might 516 00:15:07,350 --> 00:15:09,869 be appearing in Waymo's Near You, 517 00:15:09,870 --> 00:15:11,789 Jamie Lee Curtis, Paul Rudd, Nick 518 00:15:11,790 --> 00:15:14,289 Jonas, and Mark Cuban. 519 00:15:14,290 --> 00:15:15,889 Speaking of weird rides, once I was 520 00:15:15,890 --> 00:15:17,709 chatting with former NFL star 521 00:15:17,710 --> 00:15:20,369 Chad Ochosenko Johnson about 522 00:15:20,370 --> 00:15:22,669 his appearance at South By, 523 00:15:22,670 --> 00:15:24,529 and then a Toyota Tacoma was 524 00:15:24,530 --> 00:15:25,569 pulled up by the valet. 525 00:15:25,570 --> 00:15:27,269 I said, whoa, you're driving a 526 00:15:27,270 --> 00:15:28,270 pickup? 527 00:15:28,630 --> 00:15:29,789 It's all they had. 528 00:15:29,790 --> 00:15:30,790 It's South By. 529 00:15:32,030 --> 00:15:33,289 I'm Jimmy Moss. 530 00:15:33,290 --> 00:15:34,789 You're listening to The Austin 531 00:15:34,790 --> 00:15:35,790 Signal. 532 00:15:39,140 --> 00:15:40,319 Thank you, Jimmy. 533 00:15:40,320 --> 00:15:41,839 We're gonna keep the South by 534 00:15:41,840 --> 00:15:43,779 Southwest ball rolling and talk 535 00:15:43,780 --> 00:15:45,479 about the film Stages, which 536 00:15:45,480 --> 00:15:46,939 premiered Thursday night here in 537 00:15:46,940 --> 00:15:49,039 Austin. Joining us on the show are 538 00:15:49,040 --> 00:15:50,879 director Ryan Booth and David 539 00:15:50,880 --> 00:15:53,059 Ramirez and Leslie Grace, who star 540 00:15:53,060 --> 00:15:54,439 in the film. Welcome to Austin 541 00:15:54,440 --> 00:15:55,299 Signal. 542 00:15:55,300 --> 00:15:56,739 Thanks for having us. 543 00:15:56,740 --> 00:15:58,659 So Ryan, I wanna start with you. 544 00:15:58,660 --> 00:16:00,219 How long have you known David and 545 00:16:00,220 --> 00:16:01,959 was this project made specifically 546 00:16:01,960 --> 00:16:03,139 with him in mind? 547 00:16:03,140 --> 00:16:05,059 It definitely was. 548 00:16:05,060 --> 00:16:06,599 David and I have known each other 549 00:16:06,600 --> 00:16:08,539 for over a decade at this 550 00:16:08,540 --> 00:16:10,419 point and we 551 00:16:10,420 --> 00:16:12,379 met through, I 552 00:16:12,380 --> 00:16:13,799 filmed some music videos and 553 00:16:13,800 --> 00:16:15,339 performance videos with him back in 554 00:16:15,340 --> 00:16:16,119 the day. 555 00:16:16,120 --> 00:16:18,399 There we go. 556 00:16:18,400 --> 00:16:19,859 Filmed some music video and 557 00:16:19,860 --> 00:16:21,779 performance video with him, 558 00:16:21,780 --> 00:16:23,139 back in a day. 559 00:16:23,140 --> 00:16:25,359 And when I thought about kind of 560 00:16:25,360 --> 00:16:26,619 trying my hand at narrative 561 00:16:26,620 --> 00:16:28,539 filmmaking, a friend of 562 00:16:28,540 --> 00:16:29,719 mine named Bradley Jackson who's one 563 00:16:29,720 --> 00:16:31,478 of the co-writers on this film. 564 00:16:31,479 --> 00:16:33,039 He called me out of the blue and was 565 00:16:33,040 --> 00:16:34,859 like, when you think about making 566 00:16:34,860 --> 00:16:36,519 a movie, you should think about 567 00:16:36,520 --> 00:16:37,520 doing it with David. 568 00:16:38,600 --> 00:16:40,159 And he had worked with him on a 569 00:16:40,160 --> 00:16:41,619 project and was there's a way that 570 00:16:41,620 --> 00:16:43,839 he can exist on camera that 571 00:16:43,840 --> 00:16:45,919 I think is like 572 00:16:45,920 --> 00:16:47,179 we could build a whole story around 573 00:16:47,180 --> 00:16:49,039 it. And so I spent a lot of 574 00:16:49,040 --> 00:16:50,999 time kind of in proximity and 575 00:16:51,000 --> 00:16:52,639 adjacent to musicians. 576 00:16:52,640 --> 00:16:54,719 And so knew I wanted to explore 577 00:16:54,720 --> 00:16:57,019 this world as my first film 578 00:16:57,020 --> 00:16:58,839 and couldn't think 579 00:16:58,840 --> 00:16:59,909 of anybody. 580 00:16:59,910 --> 00:17:01,389 Else I would want to work with other 581 00:17:01,390 --> 00:17:02,889 than David. So the whole thing was 582 00:17:02,890 --> 00:17:04,789 built with him in mind 583 00:17:04,790 --> 00:17:06,129 from from the jump. 584 00:17:06,130 --> 00:17:08,348 We made a short film many years ago, 585 00:17:08,349 --> 00:17:09,309 and then now the feature. 586 00:17:09,310 --> 00:17:11,489 So he's been kind enough to 587 00:17:11,490 --> 00:17:13,429 hang with me for the last nearly ten 588 00:17:13,430 --> 00:17:14,049 years. 589 00:17:14,050 --> 00:17:15,129 Well David, what were you thinking 590 00:17:15,130 --> 00:17:16,749 when Ryan first approached you with 591 00:17:16,750 --> 00:17:17,750 this idea? 592 00:17:18,970 --> 00:17:20,848 I was stoked and then years went 593 00:17:20,849 --> 00:17:22,568 by and I thought it was never going 594 00:17:22,569 --> 00:17:23,569 to happen. 595 00:17:24,190 --> 00:17:26,649 And then I got a phone call to 596 00:17:26,650 --> 00:17:28,529 hang out with one of the 597 00:17:28,530 --> 00:17:30,829 producers, Russell, here in town 598 00:17:30,830 --> 00:17:32,469 a couple years ago and I showed up 599 00:17:32,470 --> 00:17:34,209 and he had a shot of Mezcal for me 600 00:17:34,210 --> 00:17:36,449 and I thought he was congratulating 601 00:17:36,450 --> 00:17:38,609 me on my new record but 602 00:17:38,610 --> 00:17:40,709 turns out he was 603 00:17:40,710 --> 00:17:43,089 getting me drunk to tell 604 00:17:43,090 --> 00:17:44,409 me that I needed to start learning 605 00:17:44,410 --> 00:17:45,099 my lines. 606 00:17:45,100 --> 00:17:46,220 We love you. 607 00:17:46,221 --> 00:17:47,989 Which was a really great way to hear 608 00:17:47,990 --> 00:17:49,829 that the film had 609 00:17:49,830 --> 00:17:51,369 been green lit, and we were moving 610 00:17:51,370 --> 00:17:52,370 forward. 611 00:17:53,470 --> 00:17:55,149 And now we're sitting here being 612 00:17:55,150 --> 00:17:56,349 interviewed about a movie we 613 00:17:56,350 --> 00:17:57,489 premiered last night. 614 00:17:57,490 --> 00:17:58,349 Yeah, last night! 615 00:17:58,350 --> 00:17:59,589 And I can't believe I can believe 616 00:17:59,590 --> 00:18:00,449 that. 617 00:18:00,450 --> 00:18:01,829 It definitely has some biographical 618 00:18:01,830 --> 00:18:03,169 elements, I'm sure it's not a one 619 00:18:03,170 --> 00:18:05,029 for one, so I did want to ask you, 620 00:18:05,030 --> 00:18:07,089 and Leslie as well, you are 621 00:18:07,090 --> 00:18:08,949 both performers and here you 622 00:18:08,950 --> 00:18:11,249 are specifically acting in 623 00:18:11,250 --> 00:18:13,269 the film. For you David, 624 00:18:13,270 --> 00:18:15,469 how, when you approached working 625 00:18:15,470 --> 00:18:17,509 day in and day out, how often were 626 00:18:17,510 --> 00:18:19,489 you struggling to be Ben 627 00:18:19,490 --> 00:18:21,429 Garza or David Ramirez, did 628 00:18:21,430 --> 00:18:23,369 you feel like you could commit to 629 00:18:23,370 --> 00:18:25,189 one the other, you're kind of 630 00:18:25,190 --> 00:18:27,390 constantly pulling from both worlds. 631 00:18:29,120 --> 00:18:30,299 I don't think there was a lot of 632 00:18:30,300 --> 00:18:32,379 struggle internally to 633 00:18:32,380 --> 00:18:33,279 switch back and forth. 634 00:18:33,280 --> 00:18:35,319 Thankfully there is a lot music in 635 00:18:35,320 --> 00:18:37,179 this film and 636 00:18:37,180 --> 00:18:39,219 thankfully a lot it was 637 00:18:39,220 --> 00:18:41,079 written by me. 638 00:18:41,080 --> 00:18:44,039 So there was lot of me in it. 639 00:18:44,040 --> 00:18:46,059 I think what was the 640 00:18:46,060 --> 00:18:47,979 hardest part and Leslie helped me 641 00:18:47,980 --> 00:18:49,959 out so much, you're 642 00:18:49,960 --> 00:18:52,019 just such a natural on camera and 643 00:18:52,020 --> 00:18:53,119 just so comfortable. 644 00:18:54,580 --> 00:18:56,179 I'm used to being in front of a 645 00:18:56,180 --> 00:18:58,369 microphone not in front a camera. 646 00:18:58,370 --> 00:19:01,069 And watching you just 647 00:19:01,070 --> 00:19:03,009 exist so naturally in 648 00:19:03,010 --> 00:19:05,049 it was 649 00:19:05,050 --> 00:19:06,589 made me really, really comfortable 650 00:19:06,590 --> 00:19:08,049 because that was the thing I was 651 00:19:08,050 --> 00:19:08,869 most nervous about. 652 00:19:08,870 --> 00:19:10,189 It wasn't really like a character 653 00:19:10,190 --> 00:19:11,329 thing that freaked me out. 654 00:19:11,330 --> 00:19:13,269 It was, something's 655 00:19:13,270 --> 00:19:14,829 watching me right now. 656 00:19:14,830 --> 00:19:15,989 You know? 657 00:19:15,990 --> 00:19:17,029 Yeah, that kind of thing. 658 00:19:17,030 --> 00:19:17,030 But. 659 00:19:17,031 --> 00:19:18,140 I always feel like that 660 00:19:18,141 --> 00:19:20,119 Yeah, but watching you as 661 00:19:20,120 --> 00:19:20,980 he... That was, it's right. 662 00:19:20,981 --> 00:19:22,009 It's Ryan that was watching. 663 00:19:22,010 --> 00:19:22,010 Yeah 664 00:19:22,011 --> 00:19:23,019 Yeah, yeah, yeah. 665 00:19:23,020 --> 00:19:23,730 It was me, sorry. I'm sorry. 666 00:19:23,731 --> 00:19:24,999 I'm the whole rest of the crew. 667 00:19:25,000 --> 00:19:26,899 So that made it 668 00:19:26,900 --> 00:19:28,819 really easy just to have you next to 669 00:19:28,820 --> 00:19:29,399 me. That was cool. 670 00:19:29,400 --> 00:19:30,939 And I can say the same. 671 00:19:30,940 --> 00:19:32,699 I think anybody that would watch 672 00:19:32,700 --> 00:19:34,779 this film would be surprised to hear 673 00:19:34,780 --> 00:19:36,799 that that's 674 00:19:36,800 --> 00:19:38,979 something that you felt, because 675 00:19:38,980 --> 00:19:40,899 one of the biggest gifts of 676 00:19:40,900 --> 00:19:42,719 my experience of shooting this film 677 00:19:42,720 --> 00:19:45,219 was getting to 678 00:19:45,220 --> 00:19:47,099 play off of someone who I could 679 00:19:47,100 --> 00:19:48,999 look in the eyes and feel 680 00:19:49,000 --> 00:19:50,979 that they weren't lying, you know? 681 00:19:50,980 --> 00:19:52,919 Didn't feel because of that 682 00:19:52,920 --> 00:19:54,859 because of you not necessarily 683 00:19:54,860 --> 00:19:56,819 you being so honest 684 00:19:56,820 --> 00:19:58,929 as a as as a musician, 685 00:19:58,930 --> 00:20:00,909 as a person in life, in your actual 686 00:20:00,910 --> 00:20:02,749 life, there was no other way 687 00:20:02,750 --> 00:20:03,909 for you to play Ben. 688 00:20:03,910 --> 00:20:05,789 And so it made my 689 00:20:05,790 --> 00:20:08,209 job easy, 690 00:20:08,210 --> 00:20:09,569 dude, for real. 691 00:20:09,570 --> 00:20:11,169 It made it easy, cause I could just 692 00:20:11,170 --> 00:20:12,109 also sink into that. 693 00:20:12,110 --> 00:20:14,009 Like you set the tone for me to 694 00:20:14,010 --> 00:20:15,010 also just exist. 695 00:20:16,280 --> 00:20:17,339 It's a high compliment. 696 00:20:17,340 --> 00:20:19,419 Thank you. So you so David made it 697 00:20:19,420 --> 00:20:20,699 comfortable for you because he was 698 00:20:20,700 --> 00:20:22,379 bringing that true musician feel 699 00:20:22,380 --> 00:20:24,319 Yeah for Davey Leslie made 700 00:20:24,320 --> 00:20:26,139 you feel comfortable because she was 701 00:20:26,140 --> 00:20:27,759 an acting professional and you guys 702 00:20:27,760 --> 00:20:28,759 sounds like you guys are just kind 703 00:20:28,760 --> 00:20:30,239 of Propping each other up which the 704 00:20:30,240 --> 00:20:32,399 chemistry is really Vibrant 705 00:20:32,400 --> 00:20:33,839 in the movie, you know Leslie. 706 00:20:33,840 --> 00:20:35,139 Can you just say more about working 707 00:20:35,140 --> 00:20:36,779 with Ryan and and David on this 708 00:20:36,780 --> 00:20:37,269 project? 709 00:20:37,270 --> 00:20:39,209 It's been a joy, 710 00:20:39,210 --> 00:20:41,869 it's been the joy of my life. 711 00:20:41,870 --> 00:20:43,889 This project came at a time for 712 00:20:43,890 --> 00:20:45,809 me that I, you know, I 713 00:20:45,810 --> 00:20:48,049 always feel that certain things 714 00:20:48,050 --> 00:20:49,929 happen in life just when you 715 00:20:49,930 --> 00:20:50,930 need them to. 716 00:20:51,730 --> 00:20:53,089 And it's, it has been true for me 717 00:20:53,090 --> 00:20:55,169 with certain roles 718 00:20:55,170 --> 00:20:57,229 and the role of Jesse in 719 00:20:57,230 --> 00:20:59,509 stages and getting to collaborate 720 00:20:59,510 --> 00:21:00,949 with everybody that's been apart of 721 00:21:00,950 --> 00:21:02,809 this project 722 00:21:02,810 --> 00:21:04,629 certainly came at time for where I 723 00:21:04,630 --> 00:21:05,629 needed it. 724 00:21:05,630 --> 00:21:07,609 And I was really struggling 725 00:21:07,610 --> 00:21:09,569 in some 726 00:21:09,570 --> 00:21:11,829 ways, in the ways that Ben is 727 00:21:11,830 --> 00:21:14,889 in the film with, 728 00:21:14,890 --> 00:21:17,089 you know, how do I want to keep this 729 00:21:17,090 --> 00:21:19,129 love for this huge relationship 730 00:21:19,130 --> 00:21:21,329 in my life with this thing that 731 00:21:21,330 --> 00:21:23,389 feels so connected to my identity? 732 00:21:23,390 --> 00:21:24,489 How do I keep it alive? 733 00:21:26,210 --> 00:21:28,149 How do not let it be strained 734 00:21:28,150 --> 00:21:29,689 by all the detours that come with 735 00:21:29,690 --> 00:21:32,089 the journey? And 736 00:21:32,090 --> 00:21:34,329 stages allowed me to 737 00:21:34,330 --> 00:21:35,579 explore that. 738 00:21:35,580 --> 00:21:37,079 At a time where I wasn't singing 739 00:21:37,080 --> 00:21:39,379 even, I wasn't using my voice, 740 00:21:39,380 --> 00:21:41,039 I was experiencing a lot of new 741 00:21:41,040 --> 00:21:42,159 things that I hadn't experienced 742 00:21:42,160 --> 00:21:44,699 with music at the time and 743 00:21:44,700 --> 00:21:46,999 it made it safe for me to 744 00:21:47,000 --> 00:21:48,939 via Jesse, 745 00:21:48,940 --> 00:21:52,499 practice being 746 00:21:52,500 --> 00:21:54,579 in love with music again and 747 00:21:54,580 --> 00:21:56,859 feel safe to 748 00:21:56,860 --> 00:21:58,699 do that and I'm just grateful 749 00:21:58,700 --> 00:22:01,339 that I got to experience that. 750 00:22:01,340 --> 00:22:03,179 Ryan early you said like the film 751 00:22:03,180 --> 00:22:05,159 feels lived in and as I'm talking to 752 00:22:05,160 --> 00:22:07,079 you I'm feeling like you almost 753 00:22:07,080 --> 00:22:08,899 feel like your characters, you know, 754 00:22:08,900 --> 00:22:10,619 I feel like I'm getting falling into 755 00:22:10,620 --> 00:22:11,819 the trap of the movie here 756 00:22:11,820 --> 00:22:12,740 Yeah, yeah. 757 00:22:12,741 --> 00:22:14,739 I really could talk all day, 758 00:22:14,740 --> 00:22:16,219 but I know you guys have, it's a 759 00:22:16,220 --> 00:22:17,619 busy week here with South By. 760 00:22:17,620 --> 00:22:19,519 I did want to talk about the 761 00:22:19,520 --> 00:22:20,739 production that happened here in 762 00:22:20,740 --> 00:22:22,199 Austin, because lots of great 763 00:22:22,200 --> 00:22:23,240 places. Hole in the Wall, I 764 00:22:23,241 --> 00:22:24,199 mentioned, is featured a couple 765 00:22:24,200 --> 00:22:26,679 times. Joe's Bakery is featured. 766 00:22:26,680 --> 00:22:28,299 Why was it important to feature 767 00:22:28,300 --> 00:22:29,359 these spots? I'll start with you, 768 00:22:29,360 --> 00:22:29,589 Ryan. 769 00:22:29,590 --> 00:22:31,549 Well, I mean, I think Austin is 770 00:22:31,550 --> 00:22:33,169 is, you know, for anyone in Texas is 771 00:22:33,170 --> 00:22:34,609 an important place. 772 00:22:34,610 --> 00:22:35,769 You spend a lot of time here, even 773 00:22:35,770 --> 00:22:37,289 if you don't live here. 774 00:22:37,290 --> 00:22:39,229 And in twenty twenty two, I came 775 00:22:39,230 --> 00:22:42,268 to town to meet with David 776 00:22:42,269 --> 00:22:43,909 and he was like, we can hang. 777 00:22:43,910 --> 00:22:45,329 But I got to go do this thing at 778 00:22:45,330 --> 00:22:47,109 Hole in the Wall for South by. 779 00:22:47,110 --> 00:22:49,189 And I just was in the room. 780 00:22:49,190 --> 00:22:51,189 I filmed on my little camera. 781 00:22:51,190 --> 00:22:53,149 And that little clip kind of 782 00:22:53,150 --> 00:22:55,189 became a very important 783 00:22:55,190 --> 00:22:56,489 tonal reference. 784 00:22:56,490 --> 00:22:58,529 And then we went back and. 785 00:22:58,530 --> 00:23:00,309 And shot the whole, that's why we 786 00:23:00,310 --> 00:23:01,949 shot the final scene there. 787 00:23:01,950 --> 00:23:03,809 So in many ways, I think the city 788 00:23:03,810 --> 00:23:06,189 is integral and 789 00:23:06,190 --> 00:23:08,069 very, very much woven into 790 00:23:08,070 --> 00:23:09,769 the kind of the fabric of the 791 00:23:09,770 --> 00:23:11,909 original idea of the film. 792 00:23:11,910 --> 00:23:13,869 And so also then to come 793 00:23:13,870 --> 00:23:15,769 back and share the film at South By 794 00:23:15,770 --> 00:23:17,929 feels like a very beautiful, 795 00:23:17,930 --> 00:23:19,009 full circle moment. 796 00:23:20,050 --> 00:23:22,849 This city saved my life, creatively, 797 00:23:22,850 --> 00:23:23,869 you know. 798 00:23:23,870 --> 00:23:25,889 And so to be able to make something 799 00:23:25,890 --> 00:23:28,409 that for me, 800 00:23:28,410 --> 00:23:30,489 I did this for a lot of reasons, 801 00:23:30,490 --> 00:23:32,309 but for me when I was watching is 802 00:23:32,310 --> 00:23:34,169 just kind of my thank you to Austin 803 00:23:34,170 --> 00:23:35,170 thing. 804 00:23:36,780 --> 00:23:38,119 It meant a lot. 805 00:23:38,120 --> 00:23:39,939 It meant a lot and it was nice 806 00:23:39,940 --> 00:23:41,239 to because I think there was a 807 00:23:41,240 --> 00:23:42,539 moment we were talking about doing 808 00:23:42,540 --> 00:23:44,099 it in New York. 809 00:23:44,100 --> 00:23:46,019 Yeah. And I would have loved to 810 00:23:46,020 --> 00:23:47,419 do it to have done it anywhere. 811 00:23:47,420 --> 00:23:49,499 But I don't think that I'm 812 00:23:49,500 --> 00:23:51,539 that great of an actor to pull off 813 00:23:51,540 --> 00:23:53,620 that I am from New York City. 814 00:23:55,520 --> 00:23:57,759 I'm using it 815 00:23:57,760 --> 00:23:59,959 just doesn't really make any sense. 816 00:23:59,960 --> 00:24:01,239 It would have been a different film. 817 00:24:01,240 --> 00:24:03,119 And so making it here 818 00:24:03,120 --> 00:24:04,519 was just like. 819 00:24:04,520 --> 00:24:06,399 Yes, okay, this makes sense and 820 00:24:06,400 --> 00:24:07,669 I don't really have to try that hard 821 00:24:07,670 --> 00:24:08,439 Yeah. 822 00:24:08,440 --> 00:24:09,779 Yeah, you can just be yourself. 823 00:24:09,780 --> 00:24:10,599 Yeah. Just hang out. 824 00:24:10,600 --> 00:24:11,148 That's right. 825 00:24:11,149 --> 00:24:11,839 That's what it's for. 826 00:24:11,840 --> 00:24:14,019 Well, you all really did create a 827 00:24:14,020 --> 00:24:16,119 new, great Texas movie, 828 00:24:16,120 --> 00:24:17,299 and one that will be celebrated by 829 00:24:17,300 --> 00:24:18,199 lots of folks. 830 00:24:18,200 --> 00:24:19,459 Hopefully our listeners will catch 831 00:24:19,460 --> 00:24:20,239 it soon. 832 00:24:20,240 --> 00:24:21,679 It's gonna be playing a few more 833 00:24:21,680 --> 00:24:23,749 times during South by Southwest. 834 00:24:23,750 --> 00:24:25,129 When is that happening? 835 00:24:25,130 --> 00:24:27,049 Saturday at 3.30 at the Violet Crown 836 00:24:27,050 --> 00:24:28,369 and then we play again on Tuesday 837 00:24:28,370 --> 00:24:30,289 night at the Rollins Center 838 00:24:30,290 --> 00:24:32,189 for our final screening 839 00:24:32,190 --> 00:24:33,499 which will be very exciting. 840 00:24:33,500 --> 00:24:35,539 Excellent, that is Ryan Booth, 841 00:24:35,540 --> 00:24:37,039 director of the film Stages, and 842 00:24:37,040 --> 00:24:37,999 we've been speaking with David 843 00:24:38,000 --> 00:24:39,619 Ramirez and Leslie Grace. 844 00:24:39,620 --> 00:24:40,759 They are stars of the films. 845 00:24:40,760 --> 00:24:42,199 Catch it if you can this week. 846 00:24:42,200 --> 00:24:43,639 It is a fantastic movie. 847 00:24:43,640 --> 00:24:45,199 Thank you all for the conversation, 848 00:24:45,200 --> 00:24:46,459 and have a great rest of your week. 849 00:24:46,460 --> 00:24:47,779 Thanks so much. 850 00:24:47,780 --> 00:24:49,059 And thank you out there for tuning 851 00:24:49,060 --> 00:24:50,779 in to Austin Signal. 852 00:24:50,780 --> 00:24:53,099 We will be back with you on Monday. 853 00:24:53,100 --> 00:24:54,239 Have a great weekend. 854 00:24:54,240 --> 00:24:55,880 Happy South by Southwest.