Fun Fun Fun 2011
- Nov, 03 2011
- By Caitlin
- What's Going On
- 2 comments
Fun Fun Fun Fest crept up on me so quickly this year that I haven’t had time to scour the lineup the way I normally do. Thus, I have decided to highlight my favorites below that I already know and love – and apparently, they’re all mostly playing the Orange Stage. But my absolute favorite aspect of Fun Fun Fun Fest is the fact that I discover so much new music to love. It’s like being a college DJ all over again. I intend to hit up my top picks, but I also plan on wandering wherever my ears take me. So ultimately, that is my suggestion. Be brave, go to a stage you didn’t think you’d visit, keep an open mind, get dirty and have a blast.
For another excellent preview, check out Zack’s at Festival Crashers.
Read More...Two Door Cinema Club Bring the Love
- Mar, 22 2011
- By Caitlin
- Multimedia, Photos, Review
- No comments
Before the SXSW Music Conference was even officially underway, there were all kinds of amazing live performances to catch around Austin. I spent my Tuesday night with Glassnote Records at La Zona Rosa, dancing up a storm to all of the electronically infused pop they could offer.
Benjamin Davis of Bad Veins (photo by Melissa Montes)
Ueber-openers Bad Veins were the only non-label act to make the set. The crowd totally ate up the duo from Cincinnati; lead singer Benjamin Davis was the perfect balance of nerdy and flirty to win over the audience’s fresh-faced demographic. Personally, I wasn’t so keen on Bad Veins. They were a touch too cutesy for my tastes, with all-too-familiar lyrics and no unique spin to speak of. But Bad Veins were definitely the opening night winners, based on fan reaction.
Drummer Chris Rusk, being a beast. (photo by Melissa Montes)
I prefer the more experimental sounds of Knoxville’s Royal Bangs, though the crowd at large was less receptive. I’d initially seen the trio perform at SXSW 2010, and watched them totally win over a hip New York crowd at CMJ 2010. The band performed a mix of old and new tunes; the standout was the catchy jam “War Bells,” which has an addictive synth bass line. The star of this show was definitely drummer Chris Rusk, who is a beast. Watching his limbs fly as he bangs out rhythms at breakneck speed is addictive — his face is controlled, emphasizing his precision, but his arms appear to be everywhere at once. The guys ended on a new tune that will be included on their upcoming LP, and it shows their country roots much more than anything they’ve done in the past. It’s an exciting and interesting direction to see the band take, and feels like a natural and necessary progression.
Alex Trimble (photo by Melissa Montes)
When Ireland’s finest electro-poppers finally took the stage, the crowd made it clear it could’t have been too soon. The love in the room for the band was delectable, and the band ate it up (it is, after all, good for you). It was the band’s first headlining gig in Austin, and they ripped the roof off straight away with “Cigarettes in the Theatre.” The band is as pitch-perfect live as they are on record, and the most stunning piece to their puzzle for me is always lead singer Alex Trimble’s gorgeous, angelic voice. It is the textbook definition of sweet, and when Trimble sings in a live setting, he clearly has complete control over his instrument. In between songs, bassist Kevin Baird takes the helm, flirting with and pumping up the crowd in equal measure. Sam Halliday is the quietest of the founding band members, choosing to let his guitar work speak for him. Newest addition Glen Thompson has become the band’s glue, pumping out their fast-paced drum beats like a machine.
The biggest crowd-pleasers of the night included bright-and-quick “Undercover Martyn,” earworm “Do You Want It All?” during which the founding trio pass around vocal duties at the chorus, power-of-positive-thinking anthem “Something Good Can Work,” and the encore performance of “I Can Talk,” which inspired more dancing and pogoing than at any other point of the night, rising the room to a fevered pitch before letting people leak out into the night.
Overall, it was a fun night with great energy all-around, and a fun-yet-gentle way to ease everyone into the madness of South By Southwest. The Irish gents will finish up their North American tour at Coachella in April before they head back to Europe, so if you’re looking for a dance party, catch ‘em while you can.
Crowd at La Zona Rosa (photo by Melissa Montes)
SXSW Preview No. 3 – Who to See
- Mar, 14 2011
- By Caitlin
- What's Going On
- One comment
Here it is – the last preview before the South by Southwest Music Conference descends and we all lose our minds. I scoured the band list to try and find the best groups I could to recommend. Below, you’ll get a quick-hit description of the band from me, a link to a song that exemplifies their sound, and the time and venue the band is performing at. I break it all down day-by-day; if you really love a band, check the sxsw.com schedule to get all of their performance dates (a lot of ‘em are playing 3+ shows). Read on, and then get out there and rock!
Tuesday, March 15
Admiral Fallow – upbeat orchestral pop from Glasgow; like if Freelance Whales had Frightened Rabbit’s accents. The Bat Bar, 9pm
Admiral Fallow – Squealing Pigs
Dry the River – Bon Iver-ish vox over sweet, smooth tunes. Like a brighter Margot and the Nuclear So & So’s. The Bat Bar, 10pm
Fences – Beckish vox, gentle singer-songwriter stuff with a little folksy overtone. (His appearance = TOTALLY deceiving). The Bat Bar, 11pm
Mr. Heavenly – Man Man meets the Ronettes. The Bat Bar, midnight
Mister Heavenly – Pineapple Girl
Surfer Blood – Move the Drums south to Florida to beach up their sound; there you go. Emo’s Main Room at 1am
Wednesday, March 16
Brett Dennen – Paul Simon-y. Pretty voice, pretty songs. Moody Theater @ 7:30pm
Erland & the Carnival – something familiar about this; like Travis-esque vox with throwback pop rock music. 8pm at Club de Ville.
Erland & the Carnival – Trouble in Mind
The Black Atlantic – saw ‘em at CMJ, absolutely gorgeous music. Teitur with more folk leanings than pop. 10pm at Esther’s Follies
The Black Atlantic – Fragile Meadow
1,2,3 – gritty pop-rock with a snarl. 10pm at the Parish.
Sea of Bees – 11:30pm @ Central Presbyterian Church; somewhere between Stevie Nicks and Martha Wainwright. Gorgeous voice, she’ll shine in this venue.
Flogging Molly – the perfect band to get you ready for St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday. 11:45pm @ Moody
Flogging Molly – If I Ever Leave This World Alive
Sharon Van Etten – heartbreaking singer/songwriter with vocal power that overwhelms you. Midnight at Swan Dive.
The Spinto Band – these are my boys. Super fun and smart pop music. Midnight on the Barbarella Patio.
The Spinto Band – Japan is an Island
Young the Giant – This band has a song in heavy rotation on 101x right now, and it hooked me. I’m weary that they might be another ‘The Hours’ for me (where “Ali in the Jungle” is amazing but everything else falls flat), but seriously – watch that video and tell me you’re not curious. Midnight at Buffalo Billiards.
The Dodos – I’ve been a fan of these guys for a while. If you’re into heavy rhythms and incredible guitar playing, check ‘em out. The Parish @ 1am.
Thursday, March 17
Sondre Lerche – gorgeous intricate delicate pop music. I’ve loved this Norwegian since I was 16 (I’ll be 24 on March 16). Not to be missed. Maggies Mae’s @ 9pm
Sondre Lerche – To Be Surprised
Phantogram – electronic rock, super catchy, bop-able. Playing Lustre Pearl at 11pm
The Kills – Allison. Effing. Mosshart. ‘Nuff said. Emo’s at 11pm.
Emmylou Harris – Classic country darling. Plus…will Conor make a guest appearance? She’s play his set at Auditorium Shores for sure. Antone’s at 11:15pm
Emmylou Harris – Making Believe
Miniature Tigers – saw these dudes open for the Freelance Whales, and fell in love. Incredible onstage charisma, great pop tunes – winners. Lamberts at 11:45pm
Miniature Tigers – Cannibal Queen
Maps & Atlases – really great vox, deep and luscious, plus uptempo rock to back ‘em; reminded me a little of TV on the Radio, but I like this better (keep in mind I’m not a fan of TVotR). Midnight at Red Eyed Fly
Dom – saw ‘em at CMJ, they totally won us over. Fun, dancey, energetic, depth – definitely a must-see. 1am at Club de Ville
Friday, March 18
Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears – local funky rock; the baby-makin’ kind. Moody Theater @ 8:05pm
Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears – Sugarfoot
JBM – A blog favorite. The kind of gorgeous folk music that will make you ache in your guts. Central Presbyterian Church @ 8:15pm
Alex Highton – sweet singer-songwriter from the UK. 9pm at 18th floor at Hilton Garden Inn
Alex Highton – You’ve Got the Trees
Sarah Jaffe – You know where we’ll be at 9pm on Friday. Jaffe is stunning, stunning, stunning. If you haven’t caught her yet – you must. She’s at Momo’s.
The Bright Light Social Hour – Austin’s men of rawk. Put your fist in the air and let loose. Momo’s at 10pm.
The Bright Light Social Hour – Bare Hands Bare Feet
Thao with the Get Down Stay Down – Thao is a beast. She’s emotive and fabulous and crafts kickass pop rock tunes. See for yourself – 11pm at Antone’s.
Thao with the Get Down Stay Down – Body
Wye Oak – gorgeous folksy music with stunning lead vox. Great for woods-walking. 11:45pm at the Parish
Little Dragon – gorgeous R&B vox and moody/peppy electronic music from Sweeeeden!!! SVERIGE!! Lustre Perle at midnight.
Saturday, March 19
Man Man – Wild and crazy collaborative party good times. 4:30pm at Auditorium Shores
Middle Brother – Collab between Dawes, Deer Tick and Delta Spirit members. Old school country-fried rock. 5:25pm at Auditorium Shores
Bright Eyes – I don’t even know what to say about this. This will be my first ever time catching Conor with Bright Eyes. He’s my musical soul mate. Dig it. 7:30pm at Auditorium Shores.
Pujol – Jack White’s babies. Raucous and fun. Mohawk Patio at 9pm
Toy Selectah – mashin’ up the hits for you to get your dance on. 9:30pm at Prague
The Rural Alberta Advantage - kinda whiny vox (think Neutral Milk Hotel) but if you can get into it, the music is great. Great energy. 10:30pm at Central Presbyterian Church
The Rural Alberta Advantage – Stamp
Ezra Furman & the Harpoons – Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! vocals set to folksy pop rock. 11pm at Speakeasy
Ezra Furman & the Harpoons- Take Off Your Sunglasses
Royal Bangs – forceful and fun electronic rock. 11pm @ the ND
Royal Forest – Austin heroes; will sometimes cover Neil Young and the Talking Heads. (Full disclosure – I help manage these guys and they’re the bomb. See them.) 11pm @ the Marq
Deer Tick – Gritty country folk rock. 1am @ Lustre Perle
Yoko Ono – Yoko! I mean. It’s Yoko. 1am @ Elysium
Yoko Ono – Walking on Thin Ice
BONUS: The Black & White Years are quickly becoming my favorite Austin band. They don’t have any official showcases, but they’re playing gigs every day until SXSW ends. Check out their show list here.
CMJ 2010 – Top Picks
- Oct, 26 2010
- By Caitlin
- Review
- One comment
At some point in my day Monday, I finally crashed. I crashed, because I had spent the last five days on a music junkie’s high, doing nothing but exploring new bands in one of the craziest, coolest cities in the world. New York engulfed me and spat me back out with sore legs, sleep deprivation and a boatload of new bands to devote myself to. The CMJ festival had tons to offer, and felt overwhelming at times, but I have only happy memories and fond reflections for this particular post. Below, you’ll find AWM’s picks for best of the fest; there’s a lotta folk, a little bit of rock, some exciting new finds and some old favorites. The first few reflections are my top picks for new-to-us finds, and below that, you’ll discover honorable mentions in the form of artists this blog has loved in the past, and loved at the fest. Enjoy, and feel free to share your own favorites in the comments!
Read More...CMJ Preview Post #4
- Oct, 18 2010
- By Caitlin
- What's Going On
- One comment
I made my favorite discovery on this day, so I’m crazy stoked to share them with you. Friday is teeming with talent, and some of that talent is kick-ass female talent from Texas, y’all!
Cotton Jones is folk-rock with heart and soul, and a touch of twang. They’re from Cumberland, Maryland, and will be performing at the Knitting Factory at 5:00 p.m.
Grand Hallway makes soundtrack-like, full, orchestra music a la the Morning Benders or (locally) Mother Falcon; the songs can sneak up on you and overwhelm you in a very good way. These kids from Washington will play the Rockwood Music Hall Stage 1 at 6:00 p.m.
Sarah Jaffe is my IDOL. This young Denton, Texas-native sings with a rare passion, and her voice will immediately fill a room. Her debut full-length record, Suburban Nature, is full of heart-wrenching soul baring and the kind of love songs that can simultaneously comfort and break you. She’s NOT to be missed. Jaffe will play at Fat Baby at 7:00 p.m.
This is the group I was alluding to in the opening graph; the Black Atlantic come from the Netherlands, and are my favorite formerly-unknown-to-me find. They employ a choir of voices that act as a cushion to the lead singer’s voice, which gives you that snuggly, wintry feeling. Hit up their MySpace page and check out “Fragile Meadow” RIGHT NOW, and you’ll understand my fanaticism. The Black Atlantic play the Living Room at 7:45 p.m.
I had the immense pleasure of interviewing Blair (so, so awkwardly – on a moving van with mics falling all over the place) at South by Southwest this past year, and not only is she a total sweetheart, but she makes excellent music. Hers is minimalistic pop music that’s dancey at times, more subdued at others. She performs at the Mercury Lounge at 8:00 p.m.
lissie is a vocal beast. Though small in stature, she sings almost as if possessed, and her voice seems to burst from every pour. Musically, she makes country-tinged folk, and it’s wonderful. You can see her at the Hiro Ballroom at 8:00 p.m.
Royal Bangs are a three-piece from Knoxville who will make you dance to the kind of jaded lyrics you expect from a group like LCD Soundsystem. They are intensely energetic live performers, and I have seen fans mosh around a little at times. Jump around at the Cameo Gallery at 8:30 p.m.
JBM is a blog favorite, and for good reason. The man can play guitar like he was born to play guitar, and his voice is some kind of ethereal that makes him sound related to Jim James. Live, he is the kind of performer that will make a room go silent. Catch him at the Mercury Lounge at 9:00 p.m.
Rock Love Austin