My New Year's Eve tradition

I'm blessed to live in Austin, Texas. I've been here since '95 and have no plans on leaving anytime soon. One of the many things I love about Austin is obviously the live music scene. More importantly to me, the Latin music scene we have here. Despite my love for the incredible and amazing Maneja Beto and David Garza, Grupo Fantasma has ruled the scene for ten years now. I have zero problem with that. No one smashes harder than Grupo.

For the past few years, it has become a tradition for Grupo Fantasma to play here on New Year's Eve. Last year they performed at Mohawk and the at The Parish the year before. This year, Grupo's show is even bigger as it is at La Zona Rosa and with Austin's hip happening soul band, Black Joe & The Honeybears. I have my tickets thank goodness, as it is probably sold out by now. I hope you got your tickets.

Even if you missed out on your chance to spend NYE with Grupo, you should be at one of the many other great live shows happening here in Austin. Cake is at The Austin Music Hall. The Sword, the world's best metal band not named Metallica, will be ripping faces off at Mohawk. Cheer Up Charlie's has a great local band showcase that gives you the most bang for your buck. Oh, and Lady Tron will be at Seaholm Power Plant. That's just to name a few. My friends at Do512 have a great list for you here if you still have no idea what to do tomorrow night.

Anyway...Happy New Year to all of you! It's time for me to party and enjoy my life before getting back to work on Monday.

Remember Saigon from 'Entourage'?

I was watching some early Entourage episodes tonight and then came across this video someone emailed me. I was glad to see it. I've had a download of Saigon's album for a while but haven't really heard much about him since. He is still one of the few rapper's out there who I think can lead us out of this new movement of ringtone rap and back into an era of lyrical, content driven hip hop. I also think most rap is soft now too, so it's nice to hear something intelligent with a rough edge. Check the video...he's rapping about some real tough subjects.

New video from Bobby Valentino: 'Words'

Bobby Valentino has come a long way since his days with the boy band, Mista. I thought he fell off the face of the earth, along with all other good R&B, after he was done with his last album. His new single, "Words," is the type of song I would have put on mixtape to give to my girl. True story.

New Senses Fail live clip: 'Life Boats'

I freakin' love these dudes. I'm bummed I missed them the last time they were in town at Emo's. I'll catch them again soon. In the meantime, I really liked this live clip I found on their twitter page.

New Obie Trice video: 'Anymore'

I always thought Obie Trice was underrated as an MC. Listen to some urban poetry and turn off your radio.

(12/12) Epica at Emo's

Epica hits Austin on Sunday, Dec. 12. This is a rare opportunity to see this orchestral hair metal band from The Netherlands. The video I posted above is for their single "Unleashed" off of their 2009 release, Design Your Universe. It will be cool to get out to Emo's and hear something out of the ordinary. Get there at 7:00pm to catch openers Blackguard and Symmetry. General admission tickets and even VIP Meet & Greet tickets can be purchased here.

New music video: "Como Quisiera (Pulsar)" by Monte Negro

Monte Negro is one of my all time favorite bands, Latin and non.Their sound is completely original but comfortably familiar. They are indie, but edgier. Even better, they are Latino. Well, Jason (guitar) is Japanese but that makes the group's make up even cooler. He's also one of the best guitarists I've seen. Monte Negro are semi-big in the Latin Alternative world and are certainly ready to blow up in the mainstream indie world. Take notice folks. Watch this new video from their latest album, Cosmic Twins.