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.

(11/12) Grupo Fantasma Anniversary Show at Antone's

Austin's biggest and baddest Latin band is celebrating ten years of awesomeness. Seeing Grupo Fantasma on New Year's Eve is a tradition for many and one I look forward to this year when they do it again at La Zona Rosa with Black Joe Lewis. The anniversary show will be at Antone's on Friday night, Nov. 12, and is sure to sell out quickly so be sure and get your tickets here.

(8/15) Hipspanic goodness with ZZK at Beauty Bar

All you Latino hipsters and cumbia lovers should be pretty excited about this one. The Argentinian DJ collective known as ZZK will be making a tour stop in Austin this Sunday, August 15, at Beauty Bar. Dance music lovers, Latin music lovers and anyone looking for something cool and different will love these dudes. They mash cumbias and electronic dance music with traditional South American sounds we can all get down to. I first heard about them last year when they had an album on Nacional Records. Going on their own now, these DJs keep on truckin' and are making rare stateside appearances in different cities as we speak.

Arrive at 8:00pm and be ready to party all night. Dress for photos, as all the hipster photographers and photo bloggers will be out in full force. Admission is $7 but you can get in for $5 if you RSVP here. Local support comes from the Latin DJ team, Peligrosa All-Stars.  I mean really, what else are you going to do that's cooler than this on a Sunday night? You better call in Monday or tell your boss you're coming in late.

I can't believe you don't own this record!

The best time and place to get it is at Waterloo Records before Wednesday, July 7th, at noon. Why? Alejandro Escovedo will be performing at Waterloo for FREE at noon. Be sure to also catch Escovedo on Wednesday night at 7:30pm at Zilker Park for Blues On The Green. That's also free. Given both events are free, the least you could do is buy the record.

(6/5) Este Vato CD Release show at Mi Casa

Just because "Latin Music Month" is over, that doesn't mean the party stops. It begins again this weekend with Este Vato's CD release show at Mi Casa Cantina on 6th street. It is a very well put together showcase that includes some of San Antonio's best acts, Mexican Step Grandfather and Pinata Protest. It is sure to be packed inside the Mexican Cantina style bar tomorrow night. Also, Este Vato's debut CD is pretty damn good. My only qualm was that it was only seven songs. Make sure to stop by and pick it up. The show is free unless you're 18-20, then it's only five dollars. Check out this clip of Este Vato last year at Red 7 we captured for Austin Vida. Be ready to get your cumbia on!



Be sure and check out my review of Este Vato's debut CD here on Austin Vida:

Album Review: Este Vato (self titled)

Win Free Tickets to Pachanga Fest from Austin Vida

The big event is this Saturday at Fiesta Gardens. Pachanga is the it Latino event that happens in this Latin Music Month here in Austin. Pachanga is the only festival to feature Latino musicians of all music genres, where as in other cities they stick to one genre, typically just salsa, Tejano or Latin Alternative. With Pachanga Fest, you can hear great modern rock, punk, cumbia, Tejano, salsa and indie. It is a truly unique and memorable experience that everyone can enjoy.

That being said, my friends and I at Austin Vida are giving away tickets this week through our Austin Vida Facebook fan page. How dope would it be to go to one of the best music festivals in the country for free? It could happen. All you have to do is add or "like" Austin Vida on Facebook to get more details and be eligible to win. Add Austin Vida on Facebook here:

http://www.facebook.com/austinvida

(5/4/10) Cuatro De Mayo at Momo's

Before this Tuesday's Cinco de Mayo partying begins, there's a pretty damn good show happening at Momo's on Tuesday you need to catch. Two of Austin's best young bands, La Guerrilla and Este Vato, will be performing for a special edition of their regular World Music Nights. Both bands released their debut CDs this year and are great party bands.

New Interview with Carrie Rodriguez

(photo by Sara Wilson)

I got to finally meet and talk to Carrie Rodriguez last week. I've waited a long time. She lives in Austin now and will be playing with full band this weekend at the soon to be defunct Cactus Cafe. She'll be performing on both Friday and Saturday, April 16th-17th. She is one of the few Americana type artists I actually listen to, other than maybe Band of Heathens. We talked about here move back to Austin, her new covers album, touring with Alejandro Escovedo and growing up in Austin.

Read my full interview on Austin Vida here: http://tinyurl.com/y5xox98

Pachanga Fest 2010 line up & artists to watch

So this year's Pachanga Fest line up was announced this week and I liked what I saw. It is now a two day festival, taking place on May 21st and May 22nd. They kept the variety of musical genres that they have always had since the festival's inception in 2008. Other than it being a celebration of Latino musicians, that variety of genres is what makes Pachanga one of my favorite music festivals. There really is something for everyone, not just Latinos.

Ocote Soul Sounds every Tuesday in April at Lambert's

What is up with Tuesday nights being better for live music than most other weekdays? Here in Austin it seems Tuesdays may be the new Friday. April proves this with the announcement of Ocote Soul Sounds Tuesday night residency at Lambert's.

3/10 Ocote Soul Sounds DJ Set at Malverde

This Wednesday, March 10th, Adrian Quesada and Martin Perna of Ocote Soul Sounds will be spinning at Malverde. It will be interesting to see them behind the turntables instead of their instruments, but it should be a good time none the less. There is no cover so there is no reason to stay home. Wednesday is the new Friday for the cool kids of the world. Marlverde is located at 400-B West 2nd St. Austin, TX. 78701 (above La Condessa and across from Lambert's). The guys from Ocote spin from 8pm to 12am. Get your Coconut Rock groove on!

Announcement: Austin Vida Showcase at Ruta Maya (April 1st)

I haven't been writing or posting as much due to a few reason. Obviously SXSW planning has been keeping me busy, but also planning life post SXSW. After all, once SXSW is over Austin is still Austin. Live music is everyday and everywhere you look. As the Editor in Chief of Austin Vida, maintaining a strong local Latin Music presence is very important to me to say the least. That is why the bands on the poster you see above and I have put together another great official Austin Vida showcase.

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.

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:

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 

1/23/10 Saturday show pick: Vallejo at Saxon Pub

Austin rockers, Vallejo, will be releasing their new Acoustica album this Saturday night at Saxon Pub. In case you hadn't really seen the poster above, you get a free CD with admission. How cool is that? More bands should do that. If you don't make it out Saturday, then Acoustica will be available to the public on the 26th. I know this isn't going to be all the blogger buzz, but anyone interested in Austin music and its history should check out Vallejo at least once as a right of passage.


Vallejo - Move On from Jeff Ray on Vimeo.

1/8/10 Friday Free Week Pick: Lower Class Brats, Krum Bums & Sober Daze at Red 7

Tonight at Red 7 is probably the one show I have been really looking forward to more than any other Free Week show this year. Three of the absolute best punk rock bands Austin has to offer are playing together for this amazing show and of course for free. I almost feel guilty picking this show as I know everyone who would be interested in this show already knew about it. That's how punk rock fans are, more specifically Austin punk rock fans. Still, the best show tonight features non other than Lower Class Brats, Krum Bums and Sober Daze.

Lower Class Brats (LCB) have been around a long time and are still an Austin heavy hitter. With a loyal fan base, respect of all the other young bands and a new 7 inch to promote, LCB keep on truckin' in 2010. Even if you aren't a big punk rock fan, Austin music aficionados should at least see LCB as some sort of required right of passage. It might as well be free. They headline the show so be sure to make plans to stay out late. It will be well worth it. I'm stoked because the last time I saw LCB was when they opened for Rancid in 2008.

Playing before LCB are two sick punk rock bands, Krum Bums and Sober Daze. Both bands are personal favorites of mine and I have been following both for a few years now. Krum Bums could easily headline their own show anytime they want as they draw well on their own thanks to their crazy live sets and solid album catalog. Sober Daze on the other hand, are an up and comer that started in the punk rock house party scene. They had a big 2009 when they opened for The Vandals and got featured in Austin Vida. I posted links for you to check out below this video we captured for Austin Vida of Sober Daze at Red 7. The video is on the outside stage, but tonight's show will be inside.



Helpful links:

Krum Bums;a decade late the punk don't stop by Alysha Hernandez

Sober Daze, the next big thing in punk rock by Ian Morales

New Year's Eve Pick: Peligrosa, Brownout & Grupo Fantasma at Mohawk

Why on earth would anyone be anywhere else other than Mohawk on New Year's Eve in Austin? This show is soooo good that it is worth the drive up from San Antonio, Houston or anywhere else in Texas for that matter. Latinos stand up! This is your party. Of course everyone is invited, everyone with rhythm or soul that is. Three Austin heavy hitters fill the bill with funk, beats and cumbia rhythms that will keep you dancing all night long.

I am not normally big on New Year's Eve, only because the show's are too expensive for the quality of acts booked. Also, I am not big on photo booth parties. I like good live music and variety. I also love Mohawk. I'm not afraid to say it is my favorite venue, when we are talking about the outdoor stage. On a nice night, there's nothing better.

As far as the acts for the show, you should already be familiar with Brownout and Grupo Fantasma, as they share members and are Austin staples. You've seen them on M.E. and on blogs for years now. If you aren't getting down with either by now, it is time to reconsider what you are doing with your life. Here's a couple of quick videos for you to check out. If you want tickets, which I suggest buying in advance as this will sell out, there's a link for that also.

Grupo Fantasma:



http://www.grupofantasma.com/

Brownout:



http://brownoutmusic.com/#/NEWS

DJ Orion of Peligrosa All-Stars



http://www.peligrosablog.com/

The Mohawk is located at 912 Red River, at the corner of 10th in downtown Austin. For tickets, click here.  Feliz Año Nuevo, chorizo con huevo.

New Video from Maneja Beto: 'Ofrendas'

Maneja Beto

I just saw these guys live last night at Beauty Bar for our first Austin Vida showcase. Despite the cold, we had a great turnout and people couldn't get enough Maneja Beto. If you're like me and still need more Maneja, fear not. They just released their new music video on Friday for their latest single, "Ofrendas". The video was directed by Johnny Ramirez and features David Garza as a janitor. For those of you in Austin, you may recognize the bar to be Rabbit's on East 6th. Here's the video:

For more on Maneja Beto, check out this interview with Austin Vida HERE.

The Austin Times Interview with Austin Vida Editor in Chief: That's Me!

It is weird being on this side of the fence for once, the side where you are actually interviewed or are the interviewee. Here's Dulcenea Garica's interview from this week's edition, which is print only right now. The Austin Times is currently rebuilding their website. The interview is about Austin Vida and the upcoming Austin Vida showcase happening Saturday night at Beauty Bar. You should come. It will be fun.

The Austin Times interview with Austin Vida Editor in Chief
By Dulcenea Garcia
The Austin Times (http://www.theaustintimes.com/)

Look out Austin because Austin Vida is making its mark in the Latin music scene. The new Austin Vida online magazine was launched in January 2009 and has become the place to find the latest reviews and interviews in Latin music.

On Saturday, December 19th, Austin Vida will celebrate its one year anniversary by presenting its first showcase under new ownership of Ian Morales.

The Austin Times spoke with Morales about Austin’s new music online magazine and upcoming event.

The Austin Times: Who are the bands that will be featured in your showcase?

Ian Morales: This particular showcase has been months in the making. After meeting with Alba Peña of Conexion Rockera, both parties decided to put on this showcase. We gave Peña a list of bands we liked. Maneja Beto was at the top of the list. As a staff, we are all big Maneja Beto fans and feel like they offer a unique sound that is hip enough for young audiences, but traditional enough for our parents to enjoy. Este Vato is a young band that people can dance to, with sounds ranging from cumbia to hip hop.

El Tule is a large band, in members and stature, and has a great live sound. DJ Chorizo Funk is a local favorite. Once I heard some of his mixes, I immediately loved his style. He’ll definitely get the party going early.

TAT: What has Austin Vida accomplished since beginning in 2009?

IM: First and foremost, we’ve sustained. So many new blogs and online magazine sites go under within their first year. Not only have we sustained, but we grew. New visitors are finding us everyday from all parts of the world. The other accomplishment is the praise and approval of the different musicians and industry people that we’ve received.

TAT: What are your goals for Austin Vida this coming up year?

IM: To keep up the momentum we’ve built as a group. Of course we want to increase our readership here in Austin, but also outside of Austin so that the artists, businesses, and people we feature get a bigger spotlight. We also will be working towards presenting more showcases, especially for Latin Music month in May.

TAT: Who are some Austin Latino bands we should watch for in 2010?

IM: Este Vato and La Guerrilla, two bands we featured as up and coming in 2009 on Austin Vida, will be coming out will their full length albums next year. They are the new generation to carry the flag for Latin Music in Austin along with Kalua.

TAT: Do you believe there is huge fan base for Latin music in Austin?

IM: I believe the fan base is big, but honestly “huge” is still a stretch. I think more people, both Latino and non, need to be exposed to what the Latin Music scene in Austin has to offer. I also feel people need to expand on their idea of what Latin Music is. Some of the most talented Latino musicians in Austin and in Latin America don’t play Latin Music or even sing in Spanish. We feel that they need to be included in the conversation when it comes to the Austin Latin Music scene.

TAT: What is your greatest interview moment?

IM: That’s a toss up between two different interviews. For me personally, it was getting to sit down with Alejandro Escovedo last spring. He has quite the history, to say the least, and is iconic as far as I’m concerned. There was also getting to see Ajay Miranda, Austin Vida Managing Editor, do our first video interview on Blastro.com with Camilo Lara of Mexican Institute of Sound (MIS).

The Austin Vida showcase featuring Maneja Beto, El Tule, Este Vato, and DJ Chorizo Funk is on Saturday, December 19th at Beauty Bar. Tickets are $5 dollars and guarantee you a night full of dancing and fun.

Ian Morales, third from the left, of Austin Vida poses with Maneja Beto