A lot of people have either asked me in person or emailed me about what I saw at South by Southwest this past March. I never got around to answering those emails because I just get really busy sometimes. My apologies to those who emailed, but I'll answer the question in this post for everyone.
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.
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.
One of Alt Press Magazine's bands to watch in 2010 is coming to Emo's this Wednesday for their own headlining tour.When I saw The Maine at Warped Tour last year, I wasn't impressed one way the other. This year, after a label deal and some haircuts, they are like a whole new band. Now they are much less "scene kid" band and more rock radio. That's a good move. Check out their new video for their single, "Inside of You."
If you like what you hear or are a big fan of The Maine, we are giving away tickets on Red River Noise. Learn how you can win them here.
I don't know whether to be excited, weirded out or frightened by this one.The one and only Gram Rabbit will be performing at Emo's on Sunday, August 14. Talk about an interesting Sunday after church huh? This doesn't appear to be your typical indie-pop or dancy-electro band. From what I've read, they have a very loyal following called "The Royal Order of Rabbits." Interesting to say the least. Take a look at this music video for their song "Shiny Monster."
To learn how to win FREE tickets to the show at Emo's Sunday and a copy of the new CD, visit the Red River Noise here.
While I know the attraction to Emo's on August 27th will be headliner Hot Hot Heat, be sure to show up for their opener, Hey Rosetta!. These Canadian indie rockers are a pretty good band, with talent worthy of their own headlining tour. You will be hearing more about them in the near future I'm sure, but you might as well get familiar with them now as they are coming to town. The song in the video posted above is called "Bandages" from their Red Songs EP. Purchase tickets for the Austin show at Emo's here.
I saw Jeffree Star for the first time at Warped Tour in San Antonio. Kids were going ape shit over this dude. He reminds me of a drag, pink haired, electro version of Marilyn Manson. He's got a lot of crazy stories and is pretty hilarious. He told me about taking a taser to a guy, firing band members and all sorts of stuff. It was an interesting experience to say the least. Check out the interview on Red River Noise:
The craziest show Friday night in Austin is easily the Krum Bums at Emo's. They are one of the best live punk rock shows ever to hit the Red River scene. They've been a band for over decade and haven't lost s step. This year during Free Week, they had a crazy show at Red 7 that our Red River Noise crew captured here in this video. It shows what a Krum Bums show is like and why you need to go to Emo's Friday night. Check it out.
Also on the bill Friday night at are Hot Rails To Hell, Women In Prison and World Burns To Death. Emo's is located at 603 Red River. Doors at 9:00pm. Get there early and make it crazy night out. If you're an Austinite, it is a right of passage to see the Krum Bums at least once.
I don't talk about too many local shows on my blog. I leave that to 'Nites and some of these other Austin music based blogs. Also, too many local acts fail capture my attention on nights when bigger touring acts I want to see come through. That is not to say I don't support local, because I absolutely do. I am always on the lookout for good Austin or regionally based bands. Our local scene is the heart and soul of Austin. I know this. I just hold those bands to the same expectations I would a touring band. Austin's Bright Light Social Hour is one of those bands that is on par with major touring acts or better in some cases. Now they need your help, besides going to tonight's show.
Thursday night when all you faux hipsters will be wearing your best Urban Outfitters to Stubb's for the Phoenix concert, I'll be at Emo's watching one of my favorite new bands, Violent Soho. These Aussies are out to prove grunge and anything Sonic Youth(ish) still kicks ass. Speaking of Sonic Youth, they are even on Thurston Moore's label, Ecstatic Peace! Records. They are touring to support their self titled album before making their way to Lalapalooza this summer. Violent Soho will be playing with Austin's own, The Boxing Lesson and Red Falcon. Now watch this video, turn it up and get your face rocked off!
This past Sunday night was crazy on Red River. There was this big Adult Swim party-carnival-concert thing happening. When I arrived downtown it felt like a Saturday night. I wasn't there for any of that though. That's stuff isn't for me. I was there to see a punk rock show, a damn good one at Emo's indoor. Playing were Thieves (local opener), Left Alone, Voodoo Glow Skulls and Authority Zero. I captured some cool clips from my mini-cam. Here are some clips in order the bands appeared. Check them out.
Yes, the above photo is real. I have been told it looks fake, but I assure you it's real. It was taken by Ajay Miranda in the green room at Emo's. I got to interview the guys from Anvil when they came through Austin recently. I saw the movie, own This Is Thirteen on vinyl now and I am still looking for the Japanese Anvil t-shirt Lips was wearing the day of the show/interview. I even captured a video of Lips rocking the guitar with a dildo and put it on YouTube. It was quite the experience to say the least. This was definitely one of the best times I've had during this ride.
Before all the festival madness starts, let's not forget that this is Austin, Texas and we have awesome live shows happening everyday. I mean, we have a plethora of local talent and killer touring acts coming through everyday of the year it seems. This week, even before the storm that is SXSW next week, comes one of the best shows of the year thus far. On Sunday, March 14th, Emo's is the place to be.
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.
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.
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.
Ever seen Lips from Anvil rock a pocket rocket on the guitar? I wouldn't watch this at work or in front of small children. Tom Morello never did this...
Yes, those '80s lookin' hair metal dudes you've seen on VH1 Classic for the past few months are coming to Emo's on Monday. The forgotten hair metal band that is still respected by so many bands and musicians of that era, Anvil, have been resurrected from the rock and roll grave thanks to their new movie.
I watched Anvil! The Story of Anvil the other day and I cannot help but pull for these dudes. First, I have to say I expected something really cheesy and something that resembled VH1's Behind The Music in a sense that you'd hear about drugs, booze, women, etc. Much to my pleasant surprise, the movie was quite the opposite. Now I am not so naive as to believe they didn't do all that over the years, but the movie didn't focus on all that if they did. Instead it was a story of success, triumph, struggle, failure and the undying belief in one self. For lack of a better word, it was really inspiring. Here's the trailer:
Now I am not going to review the movie, but will say it is a must see for any music fan. I gladly go on records saying that I loved it and will soon own my own copy. If you haven't seen the movie yet, it will be showing Monday night before Anvil takes the stage. Local cock-rock band, Broken Teeth, will open. Doors are at 7:00pm. This truly is a once in a lifetime experience and a rare opportunity to see Anvil live. It is going to be a good time and should be a great people watching experience if nothing else.
Purchase tickets online at TicketWeb here. More details on the show here on Do512.
Zechs Marquise live at Mohawk, Austin in November 2009
When I found out Zechs Marquise was coming back to Austin, I was stoked. From the royal family that is Rodriguez-Lopez, Zechs Marquise are giving my friends and I another Volta like fix of what rock should be. This time around they are touring with RX Bandits, a band I've wanted to see live for a while, and The Builders and The Butchers. Their Austin stop comes on March 14th at Emo's. Here are more tour dates and an awesome live video from Austin Vida.
Mar 5 8:00pm Take II w/ Frontera Bugalu El Paso, Texas
Mar 9 7:00pm Marquee Theatre w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Tempe, Arizona
Mar 10 7:00pm Club Congress w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Tuscon, Arizona
Mar 12 7:00pm Granada Theater w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Dallas, Texas
Mar 13 7:00pm White Rabbit w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers San Antonio, Texas
Mar 147:00pm Emo’s w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Austin, Texas
Mar 16 5:30pm House Of Blues w/ RX Bandits & The Builders And The Butchers New Orleans, Louisiana
Mar 18 7:30pmCulture Room w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Mar 19 7:00pm The Social w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Orlando, Florida
Mar 20 7:00pm The Social w/ RX Bandits and The Builders and The Butchers Orlando, Florida
Mar 21 7:00pm Masquerade w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Atlanta, Georgia
Mar 23 7:00pm Cat’s Cradle w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Carrboro, North Carolina
Mar 24 7:00pm Rock And Roll Hotel w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Washington, Washington DC
Mar 25 7:00pm Gramercy Theatre w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers New York, New York
Mar 26 7:00pm Gramercy Theatre w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers New York, New York
Mar 27 7:00pm Gramercy Theatre w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers New York, New York
Mar 28 7:00pm TLA w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mar 29 7:00pm Toads Place w/ RX Bandits & The Builders And The Butchers New Haven, Connecticut
Mar 30 7:00pm Harpers Ferry w/ RX Bandits & I Am the Avalanche Allston, Massachusetts
Mar 31 7:00pm Harpers Ferry w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Allston, Massachusetts
Apr 1 7:00pm Underworld w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Montreal, Quebec
Apr 2 6:00pm Mod Club w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Toronto, Ontario
Apr 3 8:00pm Magic Stick w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Detroit, Michigan
Apr 4 6:00pm The Bottom Lounge w/ RX Bandits and The Builders and The Butchers Chicago, Illinois
Apr 5 7:00pm Turner Hall Ballroom w/ RX Bandits and The Builders and The Butchers Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Apr 6 5:00pm Triple Rock Social Club w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Minneapolis, Minnesota
Apr 8 7:00pm The Marquis Theatre w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Denver, Colorado
Apr 9 7:00P
In The Venue w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Salt Lake City, Utah
Apr 10 7:00pm The Venue w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Boise, Idaho
Apr 11 7:00pm El Corazon w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Seattle, Washington
Apr 12 7:00pm Hawthorne Theatre w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Portland, Oregon
Apr 14 7:00pm The Boardwalk w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers Orangevale, California
Apr 15 7:00pm Slim’s w/ RX Bandits & The Builders and The Butchers San Francisco, California
Apr 23 7:00pm The Glasshouse w/ RX Bandits Pomona, California
For a more in depth look at Zechs Marquise,check out this interview by Ajay Miranda on Austin Vida:
Oh dear God, this kind of metal scares me. Still, I can't not listen. It's intense like a horror or thriller movie. There must be something about Poland that makes Behemoth do death metal better than most. They've been around a long time despite line up changes and over wear and tear touring puts on your body after a certain age. Still, Behemoth has not lost a step or slowed down one bit. Touring to support their latest album, Evangelion, the Polish metal monsters take the stage Wednesday at Emo's for the Evangelina Amerika Tour.
You should get there early as door are at 8:oopm and the show starts at 9:00pm with local old school thrashers, Pack of Wolves. Septicflesh and Lightning Swords of Death round out the bill under Behemoth. It is going to be cold and dark Wednesday night, just like death! Muahahahaha! Okay...that was cheesy. I couldn't resist.
Oh, remember that part about this kind of metal being scary? Check out this video from Behemoth for their song "Ov Fire and the Void" off of Evangelion. Don't watch around small children or while at work, unless of course you don't care one way or the other. Don't say I didn't warn you. This video is sick.
Ian is a graduate of Round Rock High School and attended St Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. In 2008 he joined the team at Double Stereo (formerly CD Fuse) as their Blog editor where he reviewed concerts, albums, and did interviews for the popular music site.In January 2009, he became the Editor in Chief for Austin Vida. In 2010, with the help of some of his most talented friends, he launched Red River Noise. "Ian's Music Blog" is also one of the few blogs selected to be a Do512 All-Star.
On any given night of the week he can be found in downtown Austin on 6th Street and the Red River live music district.
Before all the festival madness starts, let's not forget that this is Austin, Texas and we have awesome live shows happening everyday. I mean, we have a plethora of local talent and killer touring acts coming through everyday of the year it seems. This week, even before the storm that is SXSW next week, comes one of the best shows of the year thus far. On Sunday, March 14th, Emo's is the place to be.
Oh dear God, this kind of metal scares me. Still, I can't not listen. It's intense like a horror or thriller movie. There must be something about Poland that makes Behemoth do death metal better than most. They've been around a long time despite line up changes and over wear and tear touring puts on your body after a certain age. Still, Behemoth has not lost a step or slowed down one bit. Touring to support their latest album, Evangelion, the Polish metal monsters take the stage Wednesday at Emo's for the Evangelina Amerika Tour.
