Moving my blog to Backbeat Magazine

While I am not retiring Ian's Music Blog, I am moving it over to the new Backbeat Magazine website we are currently working on.

Red River Noise is now Backbeat Magazine

Yes folks, it is true. I decided to post this video because I am still getting emails and questions about my involvement with Backbeat Magazine and what's happening with Red River Noise. I made this announcement officially at Club de Ville on July 1st. Red River Noise merged with Backbeat Magazine from San Antonio. We will not only be writing for the Backbeat Austin print edition, but also online when we launch the new website. We are currently working on launching that this summer. The first issue drops today at our Block Party on 7th. I can't wait for you all to see it. Click here for the Block Party details.

(7/9) Backbeat Magazine Block Party

Yes, the word on the street is true. AJ Miranda and I have merged with Backbeat Magazine from San Antonio. We are co-owners and our staff is coming with us from Red River Noise. It's been months in the making and we couldn't be more excited. We are bringing the best in live videos and national content to a organization that already does a stellar job with local coverage in San Antonio. Backbeat Austin is next and we are kicking off the first issue drop with a big block party on 7th Street this Saturday.

Lincoln Park performs "Iridescent" at Red Square

Here's Lincoln Park performing "Iredescent" at Red Square Park in Moscow. The performance was for the world premiere of Transformers: Dark Of The Moon.

Concert announcement: Bon Iver at The Long Center for Performing Arts

You read that right kids! The popular indie-folk band is coming back to Austin for a headlining show on September 13 with Kathleen Edwards. The concert will be at The Long Center for Performing Arts.

New music video from Theophilus London: "Last Name London"

Tags: Theophilus London, Music, More Music Videos

Hip hop fans better get familiar with New York based Theophilus London, especially if you have ACL tickets. His video for his new single "Last Name London" not only teaches you how to pronounce his name but also bumps. London is another M.C. to ride this sort of hipster-hop wave that mixes electronic dance music with an old school flare. His debut album, Timez Are Weird These Days, comes out July 19. He will perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live that same night. It seems Theophilus London is going to have a big year.

Theophilus London online: website, Facebook, Twitter

The Warlocks release 'The Warlocks EXP'

The Warlocks guitarist and vocalist, Bobby Hecksher, recently uploaded an experimental record from The Warlocks vault to the band's badcamp page. The record is called The Warlocks EXP.

Sharks and Mike Ness perform "Lude Boy" live

This was a rare moment captured on video and I just had to post it for all to see. Punk Rock's Godfather, Mike Ness of Social Distortion, joined Sharks onstage in Virginia recently to perform with them. Why is this a big deal you ask? Mike Ness hasn't performed with anyone for twelve years. The last person was Bruce Springsteen. That is a hell of an endorsement for Sharks.

Sharks is one of the bands I am looking forward to checking out at this year's Warped Tour. The English punk band is a serious up-and-comer in the U.S. punk rock scene and if you don't know them now, you will soon. I'll make sure of it.

Trail of Dead perform "Weight of the Sun" on Lopez Tonight

...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead rocked on Lopez Tonight last night.I just want them to hurry up and play another Austin show already. This clip also reminded me that it is time to add them to my vinyl collection.

Le Butcherettes added to Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza just got better.After a tour with Deftones and an upcoming tour with label mate Tera Melos, the trio will perform at Grant Park for the biggest summer music festival in the land. If you have tickets and travel plans, you should be very excited.

(6/22) Preview: Suzanna Choffel at Blues On The Green

One of my absolute favorite Austin artists is Suzanna Choffel. Sorry to say this folks, but she is way too good to be local. Count your blessings that she is and that it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to see her live. She often gets compared to Nelly Furtado because she does sound like her, but Choffel is more bluesy and soulful.

New music video from Dredg: "Upon Returning"

Dredg is one of my favorite bands. While I prefer older albums from them, Chuckles And Mr. Squeezy is pretty good. On the album you will find this single, "Upon Returning." Alt Press debuted this today. Read our interview on Red River Noise here.

(6/30) Rage Against The Machine tribute at Red 7

All my friends know that Rage Against The Machine (RATM) is my all-time favorite band. They have been since I was a teenager.They were group responsible for me taking a real interest in politics. RATM was also the first band to blend hip hop and metal together and get it right. I could go on a fan boy love fest all day, but you get the point. RATM rule.

New Austin Vida live videos coming soon

Be sure to follow Austin Vida(.com) at the following links to stay up to date with all of our new live videos featuring Sour Soul, The Young Maths, Vinyl Dharma and more.

http://www.facebook.com/austinvida

http://www.twitter.com/austinvida

Gaslight Anthem perform "Bring It On" on Letterman

The new video for "Bring It On" premiered on Spin.com today too. Check it out here. I would have embedded it but it wasn't available yet. Meh.

Get to know Making Movies

Making Movies from Kansas City, Kansas are one of those bands that are really difficult to place or describe to people who don't normally listen to Latin music or Latin Alternative music. First they are bilingual, so there is a problem selling them sometimes. They might not be "Latino" enough for Latinos but still too "ethnic" for mainstream fans to understand or enjoy. I thought this sort of logic or mentality was a thing of the past, but as chief of two websites for both audiences, I see that this is still the case.

Listen: Julieta Venegas on Tiny Desk Concert Podcast

NPR's music coverage  was starting to get stale on me for a little bit there. Today, they totally redeemed themselves on their Tiny Desk Concert Podcast series by featuring Julieta Venegas. Arguably Mexico's biggest female pop star, Venegas striped down her normal live show arrangement to just an accordion, her voice and one other musician joining her.

Listen: "Muerta" EP by The Boxing Lesson

The Boxing Lesson are Austin's self-proclaimed "space rockers" that have been flooding my inbox for the past few years thanks to a relentless work ethic and a nose to the grind publicist. They are more of a psychedelic rock band than anything, but they do incorporate electronic elements into their music. They also do a good job incorporating progressive rock breakdowns. Lastly, lead singer Paul Waclawsky looks like he's the lost older brother of actor Ryan Reynolds.

Vote for Zlam Dunk to win The Recording Conservatory of Austin's 5th Annual Unsigned Artist Competition.

photo by Sara Strick

Zlam Dunk are one of my favorite bands. I've followed them avidly since their early days. It still baffles me that they aren't bigger than they are or kicking everyone's ass on Warped Tour. Only youth, talent and a shit ton of energy drinks can birth such a high energy group of dance punks like these dudes.

Best soundtrack I've heard in a while: "Californication: Season 4"

I was sent this a while back and I am kicking myself for not getting into it sooner. I normally don't care much for soundtracks of shows or movies I don't care for. That combined with my lack of time these days let things slip by sometimes. Don't let this one slip by you.