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.

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.

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.

(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.

(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

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.

Listen: "Trashcan USA" by A Giant Dog

A Giant Dog are one of many talented garage rock bands based here in Austin. They perform tomorrow (4/1) at Club de Ville at 7:00pm. Like with many local bands here in Austin, there is always a struggle to get people's attention in this crowded field of local talent and of course the constant stream of popular touring acts.

Since Red River Noise is a media sponsor for the showcase tomorrow, I thought I'd shed a little bit more light on the night's headliner. Listen to A Giant Dog's new EP Trashcan USA below:



For more details, visit our preview on Red River Noise here.

Video: Trail of Dead's Conrad Keely's comic art

Nerd alert! I love music and I love comics. Always have. This video brings together the two with ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead's Conrad Keely, the group's lead singer. He's a talented artist and is the mastermind behind the their new album's artwork. Epic...

Keep on eye out for Tactics

Tactics is the side project of Brett Thorne and Ross Bennet from Zlam Dunk. I saw this video online today from their first show back in December at Mohawk. Damn I wish I would have gone. Not only were they playing on the same bill as This Will Destroy You (f*cking epic!) but Tactics actually sounds good. I need a record and to check them out.

In the interest of full disclosure, Brett Thorne is a friend of mine. That being said, our friendship has zero influence on my opinions of the bands he plays in. In fact, if I thought they sucked I'd have a blast teasing him about it. Trust me, I would and I'd be really mean.

Tactics perform at Beauty Bar tonight. Click here for the details.

Set your DVRs for ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead on Jimmy Fallon

I swear these dudes are one of the one of the best bands on the planet earf. The now Austin based ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead will be performing on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on February 7, one day before they release Tao of the Dead. I'm stoked. Remember late Night With Jimmy Fallon airs at 11:35pm CST on NBC.

A mini-cam clip of The Young Maths at Austin Vida Free Week 2011 showcase

This was captured by a local blogger I know very well. It's not bad quality for a mini-cam. The set by The Young Maths was killer as was the rest of the Austin Vida showcase. Of course I'm supposed to say that but the numbers and quality of talent don't lie. More footage and pics to come your way soon.  

(1/4) Red River Noise Free Week Showcase 2011 at The Parish

While Red River Noise is not yet a year old, my crew and I made some serious headway in 2010. We debuted with a an epic day party during South By Southwest that had both Zlam Dunk and Bright Light Social Hour on the bill. We offered media sponsorships to various local shows, including those put on by Giant Steps and Adi Anand. Now, we are back at it this week for Austin's own little local music festival of sorts, Free Week.

This year we went "off the river" to one of my favorite venues in Austin, The Parish. During a cold January, it is nice to have an indoor venue that is not only warm, but has epic sound and lighting. Shows at The Parish always look great in photos and the twenties style speakeasy aesthetic looks great.

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.

(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.

(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.

(10/22) Texas Soul Revue at Ruta Maya

Like any other Friday night in Austin, there are so many amazing live shows to pick from. This Friday night though, is especially heavy. Choices ranging from The Gorrillaz at The Frank Erwin Center to Stone Temple Pilots at The Backyard will force music lovers to choose between many of their favorites. If you are looking to get out and avoid all that touring act and stadium show craziness, then you should head over to Ruta Maya on South Congress. They seem to have a good party going on that celebrates some of the best local blues, funk and soul.

Ruta Maya has been one of my favorite local venues in the past few years, especially since they moved from downtown to South Congress. I love how it is out of the way from downtown, sells food, non-alcoholic drinks and has a great new sound system. It is a venue unlike any other in town and now they have a new booking manager. I have already seen the changes in what they are trying to do, the first sign being a Leatherbag residency on Thursdays. Friday night they are throwing a soul party with Lisa Marshall, Dertybird and Soul Track Mind. The line up is a mix of southern rock style blues and old school soul. It is not an everyday showcase although those musical genres can be found here in Austin.

Doors open at 8:00pm. The cover is $10, which I think is a little high for this sort of local show. Still, I know local musicians don't make a lot of money on shows and have to split the door amongst all the performers. I hope it does well which is why I chose to spotlight it here on my blog. Here's a clip I found on YouTube from headliner Soul Track Mind that gives you an idea of their vibe and sound:

(10/19) 'Mi Gente' at The Parish with DJ Orion, a salsa happy hour

Many outside of Austin don't see Austin as a "salsa town." That is true in terms of salsa bands maybe, but not when it comes to salsa music lovers and the amount of salsa dancers we have here. That is why my crew and I at Austin Vida, together with DJ Orion and The Parish, have put together a salsa happy hour tomorrow night. DJ Orion is one of the few DJs I know with a good salsa collection and the good taste not to play any newer, poppier salsa. Him and I see eye to eye when it comes to our love of old school Fania Records classics and obscure salseros from records our parents have tucked away that no one has ever really heard of. We did this once already with mild success and his set was fantastic.

The other details include $3.50 drink specials for my favorite alcoholic drink, the mojito. It is an early evening event so working folks, such as myself, aren't dragging Wednesday morning at work. The Parish is a beautiful room with an epic sound system right smack in the middle of 6th street. My favorite part is the no frills, everyone 21+ is welcome vibe. Salsa can get a little too uppity in this town for my likings sometimes, but not at our Mi Gente events. Come as you are, be yourself and listen to some of the best in classic salsa. It's just a cool hangout with a good setting and good people. I hope to see you there.

I almost forgot...

We are celebrating the release of the new El Rey, Tito Puente CD, from Fania Records. DJ orion will be spinning some of the tracks from the two disc anthology. Here's a small sample:

(10/9) School Of Seven Bells at Mohawk

Brooklyn "etherealists" School Of Seven Bells are in town for a headlining show at Mohawk. This is one of the indie bands I actually listen to and like. Their style of indie is very mellow without being folky or weird. They have a unique sound with a lot of sound effects and melodies going on all at once, but they totally make it work. I do have to be in the mood to listen to them, but their music is relaxing. I bet they are good live. you should o check them out tonight if you are looking for something to do because you didn't get tickets to any of the ACL after-shows. Take a look and listen to this music video for their song "Half Asleep."



If you like what you heard, learn more about School Of Seven Bells from my interview with Alejandra Deheza on Red River Noise here.