New Texas Tornados album & Waterloo In-Store

The legendary Texas Tornados are back with a new album, Esta Bueno!. Due out this Tuesday, March 2nd, the Texas music legends are celebrating it here in Austin with an in-store at Waterloo Records at 5:00pm also on Tuesday. Expect a big crowd so get there early.

Zlam Dunk Tour Video 09

Zlam Dunk Tour 09 Edit from Daniel Garcia on Vimeo.

The dudes from Zlam Dunk just sent this to me this morning and it got me totally stocked for what's happening on March 17th. More details to come on that very soon, or you can read the Do512 Blog and find out.The kids, they love Zlam Dunk. The kids, they go 'Zlam crazy!

Win Free Tickets To See Los Amigos Invisibles in Austin!

Win these on Tuesday, March 2nd at Mi Casa Tamales & Cantina!

We just announced on Austin Vida that we are giving away two free tickets to see Los Amigos Invisibles when they come to Antone's on April 2nd. What makes this show even better is that Ocote Soul Sounds will be opening up for them. If you haven't seen or herd either, you are in for a treat. These two bands are some of the best the Latin Music world has to offer.

"Discovering America" to benefit American Indian College Fund

One of my absolute favorite bands on the planet is none other than the all  might Cursive. As many of you in Austin may know, they will be here in March with Alkaline Trio. I'm super stoked about that show happening at Emo's on March 28th. The opening band is The Dear and Departed. I really like their EP and can't to see them live. But back to Cursive and the purpose of this little post here...

Cursive just announced that their new single "Discovering America" will benefit the American Indian College Fund. The single comes out March 9th from Saddle Creek Records and will be available at all major online retailers. Again, Cursive is giving all the profits from the sales. Kudos to Cursive. College is fundamental. Download it, turn it up and feel good knowing you are helping a good cause.

2/24 Kill Switch Engage at Stubb's: KSE with different lead singer!

 

Kill Switch Engage

Metal heavy hitters, Kill Switch Engage (KSE), are set to play Stubb's Wednesday with The Devil Wears Prada. I got word of some interesting news today.  KSE vocalist Howard Jones had to unexpectedly leave the band’s current headlining tour, leading to a flurry of rumors and questions about the status of the tour and the band. The band has further issued the following statement addressing the matter, saying: “It became overwhelmingly obvious to all of us around Howard that he is in no condition to be on tour right now and that he needed to get off the road and get himself better. It’s a personal matter and while we understand everyone’s curiosity and concern for Howard and the band, we appreciate everyone respecting Howard’s privacy at this time.”

Deuce at All-Star Weekend in Dallas

LeBron James - NBA Allstar Weekend
Music Videos at www.blastro.com

I just wanted to share with you all a video from my friends at Blastro that they shot during NBA All-Star weekend in Dallas. This video is the on camera Blastro debut of my long time good friend, Deuce, formerly of Hot 93.3 here in Austin. I miss them being on air as they also featured my favorite local DJ, DJ 2DQ.

The video has Duece at a Nike event with hoop stars like Lebron James (Queen James, I said it!) and my boy Paul Pierce from the Boston Celtics. Later in the video Deuce hits the red carpet for the Kenny Smith party and talks tot likes if Charlie Boy, Chamillionaire, Trae Da Truth, Ed Lover (Yo MTV Raps!), Michael Bivens (Bell Biv Devoe and New Edition) and Kenny Smith himself.

2/22/10 Free Show with Downtown Rulers Club at Continental Gallery

 

Alex Chavez of Dowtown Rulers Club

Two weeks ago I went up to the Continental Gallery on South Congress to checkout Downtown Rulers Club, the soul side project of Maneja Beto's lead singer Alex Chavez. It was the first time I have ever heard him sing anything non-Latin and in English. The dude is good. He got soul and so do his bandmates: Christopher Grady on bass, Jeremy Bruch on drums and Beto Martinez on guitar. All four members play for bands or artists you might recognize including Brownout and What Made Milwaukee Famous. 

Downtown Rulers Club is a semi-new new band and looking for a good spot for a weekly residency. Their show Monday night is free. They play at 9:30pm and put on a good show. That Continental Gallery space is small but has a good vibe to it. It is not The Continental but the second floor loft next to the tattoo place and The Continental Club. Check it out for free and have a good time listening to music that your momma would love. 

Visit the Downtown Rulers Club on Facebook here: Downtown Rulers Club Fan Page

Can't Stop Thinking About Zlam Dunk!

I saw Zlam Dunk last night at The Parish. They opened up for Bright Light Social Hour. Talk about a killer line up! Zlam Dunk is one of my favorite local bands, local being out of San Marcos as they are Texas State students. Their fans are loyal, enthusiastic and wild. It totally reflects the spirit of the band. If I were a 20-something student, I'd want to be in that band. I'd want to be the hype man with the mic and tamborine. He looks like he has fun.

Austin Music CD Volume 9 out now!

 

The latest version of the Austin Music compilation CD is out now, Austin Music Vol. 9. Produced by Rose Reyes, Director of Music Marketing at the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau, this version of the compilation covers many facets of the city's talent. With all the local talent and eight versions of the CD already out, it must have been a long and difficult task to select who goes on the album and misses the cut.

Do I like all the songs or artists on the CD? I'd be lying if I said I did. That being said, there is some good stuff. Anything by Ben Kweller is pretty much singer-songwriter gold. Anyone who knows me personally knows how much I like Del Castillo. The biggest disappointment for me on the CD was Electric Touch, or who my friends and I call Fisher Price's version of  "My first indie band".

The real gem on the CD is newcomer, or new to most, is Tje (pronounced like 'tie") Austin. Austin has long had a void for a young R&B star. He has the potential with his Ben Harper-esque guitar stylings while trickling hints of Craig David in here and there. I heard him perform live last night at the Gibson Show Room and was very impressed. Austin's single "Sunshine" is the eighth track on Austin Music Volume 9.

Speaking of, here is the track listing for the CD:

Electric Touch- "Love In Our Hearts"

Eleisha Eagle- "Rocketboy"

Uncle Lucius- "Everybody Got Soul"

The Arcangels- "Living The Dream"

Del Castillo- "Noche Brava"

Ben Kweller- "On Her Own"

Sarah Jarosz- "Song Up in Her Head'

Tje Austin- "Sunshine"

Erin Ivey- "All, In Time"

Black, Red & Black- "If I Know'd Then What I know Now, Boy I Tell You What!"

Willie and the Wheel- "Hesitation Blues"

The Daze- "Blizzard Woman Blues"

Jimmie Vaughn- "Boom Bapa Boom"

Ryan Harkrider- "Nobody Ever Wants To Leave"

Austin Music Volume 9 is available at Waterloo Records and online at www.austintexas.org

Friday Night Show Pick: T-Brid and the Breaks with Brownout!

 

T-Bird and the Breaks

Dear Austin,

It is time to get some soul in your life with a splash of funk. By Friday you will have had a long week.  You will be in need of some good back ground music to compliment your alcoholism. The best thing to do for yourself this Friday night is head to Antone's for T-Bird and the Breaks and Brownout. Trust me, only a lack of a pulse will keep you from enjoying this show. These are two of my favorite Austin groups. I own the Learn About It album from T-Bird on vinyl and it is in regular rotation during my commute around town. Enough said. Take a listen to the new T-Bird single right here on this widget.



For more full details on this show, visit Do512 here:T-Bird & Brownout

Festival NRMAL in Monterrey line up announced

FESTIVAL NRMAL / MONTERREY / 13 DE MARZO 2010 from Nrmal on Vimeo.

 The battle of Monterrey begins with Festival NRMAL on March 13th. Think Fun Fun Fun Fest getting together for Pachanga Fest for a naughty weekend in Mexico. We all know you've been there and done that. This is an all day thing that has amazing Latin Alternative acts mixed with killer indie bands.

For those of you Latino hipsters, or "Hipspanics", I recommend Chico Sonido, Banda de Turistas, and 60 Tigres. Some of the other bands worth mentioning that I like include Yellow Fever and White Ninja. Either way it will be a good time in Monterrey, my favorite city in Mexico. Buses will be running from Austin and tickets aren't that expensive at all. We posted the full line up and details on Austin Vida here:

Festival NRMAL line up and details

Album Review: Minor Love by Adam Green

 

Most know Adam Green from his Moldy Peaches association.  As put off as I was by that, I still opened his new Minor Love album and gave it a chance.  After a handful of solo albums he released post Moldy Peaches, Green finally comes into his own on Minor Love.  It was not the album I expected.

Read the full review on Double Stereo HERE.

Fun With My Mini-Cam: White Denim at Antone's

So last night I was at Antone's because one of my favorite Austin bands, White Denim, was playing and it was cheap. Thanks to Do512 for hooking that that up for only five bucks. I think that and the fact White Denim rocks your face off brought in the packed house last night. When I got there people were lined up outside waiting to get in. I'm glad to see White Denim drawing that kind of crowd. The funny thing for me though, was that people were in line while the lead singer was starring at all of them as he was outside by the door having a smoke. Perhaps it is because people have only heard them and not seen them that no one seemed to notice. Maybe they just don't get amped like I do about that stuff. I tend to be a bit of fan boy sometimes.

For those of you not familiar with White Denim, you need to watch the video above and the ones I uploaded to my YouTube Channel. What makes this band for me is the soulful, old school rock and roll voice of the lead singer. When you combine that with high energy indie-garage rock, you have a winner. The guy may look like a dorky hipster of sorts, but he got soul I tell you. If you like what you hear, go to Waterloo Records and purchase the their album Fits which comes with a bonus disc. The bonus disc is White Denim's Explosion album. It's not as good as Fits, but you might as well get them both while supporting local talent.

Fun With My Mini-Cam: In Situ Sound

As I prepare and wait for next week's Austin Vida Indie Showcase, I was looking through my old mini-cam files and found this clip of showcase artist, In Situ Sound, that I took during Free Week. I am really feeling this band right now and that is exactly why we (Austin Vida crew) chose to spotlight them. For more info on the showcase with Hydra Melody, check out our Facebook page here: Austin Vida Indie Showcase on Facebook.

2/13 Weekend Show Pick: White Denim at Antone's

 

What more do you need to know? Oh wait, there is more. If you are on of the first 200 people to RSVP on Do512, you can win tickets and maybe even a VIP table for four. If you've never seen White Denim live or heard their music, time to get with the program. These dudes rock. I'm so glad they are playing Antone's because the sound and lighting are always good. Good for White Denim. 

WHITE DENIM - Shake Shake Shake from ACIDBIRD on Vimeo.

Like what you hear? RSVP on Do512 here:

http://do512.com/event/2010/02/13/white-denim-w-tba

New interview with Mike Hranica of The Devil Wears Prada

 

Me with Mike Hranica of The Devil Wears Prada

 In lieu of one of my favorite new bands coming to town this month, I just published my interview with Mike Hranica of The Devil Wears Prada on Double Stereo. Shortly after my interview, Alternative Press announced them as their "Band of the Year" for 2009. Check out the sweet cover.

 The guys from The Devil Wears Prada will be back in Austin again to play at Stubb's with Kill Switch Engage on February 24th. You can purchase advance tickets HERE. Their live show is sick I tell you! Sick!

Read my interview to learn about what's coming up and to hear why Mike thinks his early records are "dumbed down". I also posted some great live video from Roxwell in the interview. Check it out:

Double Stereo Interview/TDWP  Link

Attack of the Killer Grocery Store Carts! Agh!

Check out this funny Hurricane Bells video for their song "Monsters". It is a b-side from their album Tonight is a Ghost in case anyone is interested. I just thought this was humorous. Damn those stupid grocery store shopping carts with those crappy wheels.

2/10/10 The Mosh Tour II come to Emo's Wednesday Night!

I'm stoked to see some good old fashion hardcore screamo, metalcore, whatever-core come back to Austin so early in the year. The Mosh Lives II Tour comes to Emo's Wednesday night and is headlined by none other than Emmure. Goodby To The Gallows makes the rotation in my iPod regularly when plugged into the car stereo.

That being said, I am looking forward to finally seeing Miss May I after missing them twice last year. I dug their Apologies Are For The Weak album and their video that made it to the Saw VI Soundtrack. A lot of these kind of screamo or metalcore bands tend to sound samesy, but I like Miss May I. If you like this genre, then you read Revolver Magazine and hate half the bands at Warped Tour. If that describes you, I'll probably see you tomorrow.

For more details on this show, Click here: Do512

Austin Vida Indie Showcase at Mi Casa (Feb 20th)

We at Austin Vida are always on the forefront of the Latino music scene. Whether it is the hottest Rock en Español band, an international touring act or an angsty singer-songwriter, we make sure they are given their moment in the spotlight.  We care not if they are major label or unsigned. That is why we have teamed up once again with Bemba Entertainment to bring you two of the best unknown young bands in the music scene. You don’t know them now, but we will make sure that you do from here on out.

 

In Situ Sound (http://www.myspace.com/insitusound)

In Situ Sound is an ambient, progressive rock quintet composed of young Rio Grande Valley natives and a couple of their non-Latino friends. In Sit Sound is now proud to call Austin home and eager to impress with their new EP, Between All We Can See. While no member of In Situ Sound is older than 24, this young band’s sound is reminiscent of a mature Minus The Bear and early Dredg. Having already been featured in Austin Vida and recognized by the Austinist during Free Week, In Situ Sound will win over even the most pretentious of indie music lover. They are so good, that they will even win over the average listener who is ready to be moved by the power of music.

 

Hydra Melody (http://www.myspace.com/thehydramelody)

Headlining will be Helotes, Texas’s best kept secret, Hydra Melody. A progressive indie sextet that features the congas as recent addition to their live show, Hydra Melody impresses audiences everywhere.  They impressed me with their exciting live show and insane energy on a trip to San Antonio recently. I immediately thought they sounded like Cursive meets Mars Volta. Having recently been featured in the SA Current (San Antonio) and a West Coast tour, Hydra Melody’s stock is also quickly rising. Stay tuned for their feature coming up this month in anticipation of the Austin Vida showcase on February 20th.


HydraMelody_Your What I Do On The Weekends_Tour Video from R.J. Gutierrez on Vimeo.

These amazing young bands will take the stage at Mi Casa Tamales & Cantina, Austin’s new Cantina and Austin Vida favorite. Mi Casa is located at 503 East 6th street between The Dirty Dog and Coyote Ugly.

For those of you on Do512, feel free to add it to your calendar: http://do512.com/event/2010/02/20/in-situ-sounds-and-hydra-melody

Nacional Records Listening Party at Mi Casa: Chocquibtown & LFC Tribute

 

We're doing it again Austin! My Austin Vida crew and I are teaming up with our friends at Bemba Entertainment to host another Nacional Records Listening Party at Mi Casa Cantina on 6th street. On March 2nd, we'll be celebrating the release of not on, but two cool new albums from the world's hottest Latin Alternative record label. Just like before, we'll be giving away cool prizes while eating tamales. You how we do....

Also our boy DJ Chorizo Funk will be spinning the new records for us and doing his own thing before and after. Here is some information about the new albums we'll be celebrating. I hope you can join us. We'll post pictures and such on our Austin Vida blog. 

ChocQuibTown – Oro – Release date: March 2

Take a listen here:  http://www.myspace.com/chocquibtown

Fresh off a Latin GRAMMY nomination for “Best New Artist,” ChocQuibTown present their U.S. debut album. The group is an Afro-Colombian hip hop act, which formed in the Chocó region of Colombia’s Pacific coast. The group fuses hip hop, electronic and funk with traditional Afro-Colombian rhythms. 2009 was a banner year for ChocQuibTown, beginning with the their U.S. debut concert at SXSW in Austin. In addition to the Latin GRAMMY nomination, they showcased at WOMEX and toured from London to Paris and all the way out to India and Las Vegas.

 

Various Artists – Vos Sabes…Como Te Esperaba! –A Tribute to Los Fabulosos Cadillacs – Release date: March 2

Take a listen here:  http://www.myspace.com/losfabulososcadillacs

This special Fabulosos Cadillacs tribute release features new versions of classic Cadillacs tracks by a variety of leading Latin alternative acts, including Colombian music icons Aterciopelados, Tijuana’s electronica stars Nortec Collective, Puerto Rico’s reggae masters Cultura Profetica and Venezuelan disco funk rockers Los Amigos Invisibles. A Tribute to Los Fabulosos Cadillacs has already topped the album sales and radio charts in Argentina and Mexico.

There you have folks. I hope you'll mark it down on your calendars now and join us.

New Strange Boys Video for "Be Brave"

Austin's garage rock darlings, The Strange Boys, released their new music video for their first single off the upcoming album entitled Be Brave. That's also the title track for the single.

Now I haven't been up on the blogosphere recently as I have been swamped with Austin Vida stuff, but I'm sure I'm not the first blog to post this video. The Strange Boys are a "blogger" band, but deserve all the recognition they get despite that. The last time I saw these dudes was at Fun Fun Fun Fest. The new single sounds like everything you'd expect from the The Strange Boys, but that's not a bad thing. Check it out:



The Strange Boys will be peforming at Emo'son February 19th before going on tour. They will be back for SXSW and then tour some more. mark your calendars.

Video clips from Fashion Freakout 3

So last Friday was the third annual vintage rock and roll showcase known as Fashion Freakout. I've been the past two years and it has sold out twice. It is always a good time and has great music. Oh yeah, and then there's the models. That's always cool because the hip people that put on Fashion Freakout always do a great job of choosing models of all colors and sizes. That's not always the case in the fashion world.

So lately I've been having fun with my new toy, a Kodak i8 camera. I took it with me to Fashion Freakout this year and captured some really cool YouTube vids of almost the whole show. Check out these clips of my favorite from each shop participating.

Prototype Vintage

Buffalo Exchange



New Bohemia



I have other videos on my YouTube channel for those of you who want to see them. My YouTube channel link is http://www.youtube.com/user/attacksquad. If you want to learn more about the show itself, my friend Alysha Hernandez did a great Q&A with Audrie San Miguel of Prototype Vintage. Read it HERE.

Free show Monday night with The Downtown Rulers Club

 

The Downtown Rulers Club (photo by Isabel Salazar)

This Monday night at The Continental Club, The Downtown Rulers Club will be playing a free show starting at 9:30pm. They are a very cool classic '60s-'70s style soul band. They are fronted by Alex Chavez, whom you may know as the lead singer of Maneja Beto. Other members of The Downtown Rulers Club include members of Grupo Fantasma. When I first heard these guys, I was hooked immediately. I love old school soul music live. You can keep up with these guys on their Facebook page for now. We'll see what happens with these guys as the year goes by. For now, give a listen to The Downtown Rulers Club:

Weekend Show Pick: Blastro 10 Year Anniversary Party with Alpha Rev

 

My good friends at Blastro are celebrating their tenth anniversary this Saturday at The Belmont. Blastro is an Austin based video production company that is responsible for all the great Ya'll Wire country vids and Roxwell videos you've seen online. They work with Austin Vida for big Latin events and shows, along with some 101X radio personalities for Roxwell. Their imprint on not only the Austin Music scene but the music scene everywhere has been made. Even before I got to know the crew over there, I was a fan of their website for their great live concert videos. If you haven't seen their videos yet, you're missing out on some great stuff. 

Performing at The Belmont for Blastro will be Austin's own Alpha Rev. Their a good band for this event given the venue and their mass appeal to general audiences. In fact, the only live anything I've seen from Alpha Rev was on Rowell, which remember is the same people as Blastro. Rather than describe them this time, get the full Alpha Rev experience in this video Blastro filmed at La Zona Rosa. 

Alpha Rev live from La Zona Rosa


Alpha Rev - Phoenix Burn (live at La Zona Rosa)
Video Codes at www.roxwel.com

Win Free Tickets to Carnaval Austin from Austin Vida

 

Just letting you all know that we at Austin Vida are giving away tickets to Carnaval Austin coming up here on February 20th. Carnaval is always a great event for people watching and checking out beautiful women wearing almost nothing but body paint. I also happen to enjoy the music. 

As for the give aways, all you have to do is add Austin Vida on Facebook. We'll draw names on February 8th and again on February 15th. Add Austin Vida on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/austinvida 

New interview with In Situ Sound

 

In Situ Sound live at Beerland during Free Week

So my favorite Free Week discovery this year was In Situ Sound. This is the kind of indie I like and I couldn't be happier that these dudes are here in Austin now. I'm hoping people get as excited about them as I have. Kudos to my girl Chantel Clopine for not only taking amazing photos, but also introducing me to the band. 

Read the full interview with live photos here: Austin Vida interview 

Sharon Jones on SNL with Michael Buble

Michael Buble is a good singer who gets rich off singing other people's songs, but Sharon Jones is the real deal Holyfield. I love me some Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings. Their new album, I Learned The Hard Way, is coming out on April 6th. I'm really hoping they stamp a vinyl for that one. Right now you can visit www.daptonerecords.com and get you a free download of the title track. You know you need some soul in your life.

Check out my girl Sharon Jones on SNL: