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.

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.

(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.

Win free tickets for this weekend

Sleepy Sun is on tour and will be performing at The Parish on Saturday night. Details on how to win a pair of free tickets here.



For those of you who aren't so indie, Red River Noise is giving away two tickets to see the Japanese icons, Shonen Knife, at Red 7 on Friday night. Details on how to win a pair of Shonen Knife tickets here.

Win a free signed CD or vinly signed by The Sword

 That's my old friend Bryan Richie from The Sword. He's holding a signed CD and vinyl of their new album, Warp Riders. He had all the members of the band sign both for me. As much as I wanted to keep them both for myself, I didn't. Instead I am giving them away on Red River Noise. After all, it is better to give than receive. To learn how you can win these, visit Red River Noise here.

(8/20) Krum Bums tour kick off show at Red 7

 Hardcore punk rockers rejoice! Krum Bums are headlining Friday night at Red 7. This is their tour kick off show so make sure make this show. They'll be playing again in Austin on October 8th but why wait until then? Expect a large crowd, crazy pits and frontman Dave Tejas to climb and jump all over the place. Check out this Red River Noise live video of the Krum Bums from this year's Free Week show. Craziness!


RRN-TV: Krum Bums live at Red 7 from Red River Noise on Vimeo.

If you want to win a pair of free tickets, there is still time to add Red River Noise on Facebook here.The winner will be drawn on the day of the show in the afternoon sometime. Good luck to ya!

Chicken, Waffles and Soul at The ND this Friday

I know you have been hearing about these Knuckle Rumbler parties and events around town. They've made quite the name for themselves as event producers and promoters. I'm not into the everything they put on because they get too hipster for me at times. When they get it right they get it right though, they get it right.

This Friday their event involves chicken and waffles with some soul? Are you kidding me? Delicious and fun. I have always said more live music concerts and events need to have food available, food other than pizza or cheap tacos that is. I mean I'm always music first, but I gotta eat when I'm hungry. Oh and the band, Soul Track Mind, looks like they'd be fun to check out live. Blue eyed soul is nothing new, but it makes for a good time. Check these dudes here on this video from TC's Lounge over on the Eastside. 



Advance tickets for this event are available. VIP gets you a meal, a drink ticket and a copy of the Soul Track Mind CD. Purchase tickets here. If you want to try and win tickets, Red River Noise is giving them away on their Facebook here.

Gram Rabbit Ticket + CD Giveaway

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.

Austin Ticket Give Away: Rasputina and Larkin Grimm at The Parish

Rasputina is a popular (amongst certain sects anyway) cello driven trio have been around since the early nineties. I remember them getting early buzz from two things specifically 1) Lead singer and founder Melora Creagor played cello with Nirvana and 2) Marilyn Manson once mentioned in an interview that Rasputina was one of his favorite bands. I wish I could remember the magazine but it has been so long at this point that I'm surprised I even remember that. They truly are unique, regardless of who said what or how you are familiar with them. They always seem to come through Austin when tour, the last time having performed at The Parish. With the incredible sound and lighting at The Parish, it is the perfect venue for Rasputina.

Rasputina return to The Parish this Friday, August 6th. Their touring mate this time around is singer-songwriter, Larkin Grimm. It is on this tour that you will see a male cellist for the first time in Rasputina, Daniel DeJesus. If you like Rasputina and want to check out the show for free, we are giving away tickets at Red River Noise. Visit the following link for more details:

Win Rasputina Tickets!

Royal Forest and Samantha Crain ticket give away

 

 Samantha Crain is one of my favorite new music discoveries. She is a singer-songwriter of the indie-folk persuasion. I'm not always in the mood for that sort of genre but when I'm at home relaxing late at night in I tend to get in those kind of moods. I'll throw on some J. Tillman, A.A. Bondy, Ola Podrida and now some Samantha Crain. She just released her sophomore album, You (Understood), in June and will be performing at The Parish this Saturday, July 24th.  Take a look and listen to Crain's music video for her single "Santa Fe" here:

Headlining will be indie-psych rockers, Royal Forest. If you like what you here or are fans of the either artist/band, Red River Noise is giving away a pair of tickets on their Facebook page. All you have to do is "like" Red River Noise on Facebook and you are eligible to win. It's that simple. Here's the link:

http://www.facebook.com/redrivernoise
 

New interview with The Frontier Brothers on Red River Noise

In June I got the chance to see the Austin based indie band, The Frontier Brothers, twice at Mohawk. They were part of the "Mind of Adi" residency that month. Red River Noise was a proud promotional supporter of the series. These guys were so good live and a good time was had by all. I got a chance to interview frontman Marshall Newman for Red River Noise which features photos by my friend and photographer, Chantel Clopine. Read the interview on Red River Noise here:

Made In Austin Q&A: The Frontier Brothers

Red River Noise presents: Tornahdo, The Paper Shapes & They Mean Us at Beauty Bar

My crew and I at Red River Noise are big fans of the Red River music scene. We all have our own individual favorites. We disagree on who is good locally and who sucks. One thing we all agree on is that the local scene must be supported either way. I know that not all bands here are "there" yet, but some are and aren't being talked about enough or at all. I know because I am out and about and see first hand for myself. Plus I do have all the "buzz" blogs in my reader and do listen to who is being talked about, eventually that is.

So one way to help promote good Austin based bands on our site which is nationally focused is we have a "Made In Austin" feature we are expanding on currently, so I'll keep you posted for that.  In this case, we are helping local promoters with good shows get the word out. After all, we kicked off our site's (delayed) launch with a bad ass showcase during the week of South by Southwest at The Parlor. We want to continue to do so, and are open minded about genres unlike other indie leaning blogs around town.

Tomorrow we are presenting a cool show at Beauty Bar which features three good bands with a different enough sound to be entertaining but not boring. I say boring because I personally don't like shows where are the bands on the bill sound like the same band. You know what I mean right? Tonight though, this isn't the case. Now I will be the first to admit these bands are the most popular or the big local buzz bands, but all are of top quality in their respected realms and worth checking out.

First there is They Mean Us from McAllen, Texas. They are an instrumental indie band that sound decent on MySpace, but that is honestly all I can tell you as I have never seen them live. I look forward to it though and am very interested in checking them out. I have a thing for instrumental indie and post-rock music for some weird reason. Bands like Mono and even Calm Blue Sea locally are the bees-knees. This is a video for They Mean us I found on their MySpace that kind of gives you an idea of what they sound like, but keep in mind it is a tour blog and not a professional video so please mind that when you hear it.


Untitled from THEYMEANUS on Vimeo.

The locally known favorite on this bill are The Paper Shapes. I've seen them live once, but it was only for a short bit. My friends and Red River Noise peeps Ajay Miranda and Sarah Vasquez talk about them. They basically told me I need to check them out so I'll do that tonight. I just downloaded a free mp3 of their song "Bed Bugs"they were giving away on their website. Check it out:



The other band on the bill is a semi-new band on the scene and one that came highly recommended to me by one of the guys I know in The Sword, my favorite band not named Rage Against The Machine by the way. I'll show you my tattoo one day when it's done. Anyway, so I got word of Tornahdo when I interviewed Bryan Ritchie of The Sword last fall at Fun Fun Fun Fest. That's all I needed to hear. He said "They are totally worthy of some praise" and "they have this little Zach Hill on drums". It's totally different from what else I've seen or heard locally lately. Check out this clip of them performing on the steps of the Capital.



So there you have it. Three bands, all different but good. This show is 21+ and only $5 cover. Come out and have a good time doing something different. Keep checking in with me here on occasion as I keep you up to date with more happenings with both Austin Vida and Red River Noise. Thanks as always for reading. Feel free to RSVP for the event on Facebook since you're other tab is on Facebook anyway:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=134552089891397&ref=mf

'Electric Toys' by The Dig out today

I saw first saw The Dig this past spring with Portugal The Man at The Parish. They are great live. Their new full length album, Electric Toys, is finally out today so check it out and give it some consideration.If you like what you hear on the video posted above, head over to Red River Noise to read my review of Electric Toys and read an interview with The Dig also. Here are the links:

Album Review: Electric Toys

Q&A: The Dig by Sarah Vasquez

New Interview with Violent Soho on Red River Noise

I interviewed Aussie grunge rockers, Violent Soho, recently for Red River Noise. These dudes remind of me bands like The Pixies, Nirvana and even early Weezer a little bit. I love this band. It is nice to see young twenty somethings do something other than samesy indie rock. These dudes were elementary when the music that influenced them was big. Hopefully this trend continues to keep bands doing something different. It will be interesting to see what kind of buzz they get after this summer's Lollapalooza Fest in Chicago. Read the interview here on Red River Noise:

Q&A Interview: Violent Soho

New Interview with Jeffree Star on Red River Noise

Me with Jeffree Star at Emo's

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:

Q&A Interview: Jeffree Star

New video and interview from The Minutes

So during SXSW, I try and check out as many international bands as I can. I don't get caught in the all the hype of the free booze hipster parties. I look for music or bands that I will only get a chance to see at SXSW. Everyone else as far as popular bands always make their way back around to Austin at some point so I don't sweat missing them at South By.

Well this past March during SXSW, my favorite new discovery, meaning a band even I hadn't yet learned about or heard of, was The Minutes from Dublin, Ireland. They are three piece Irish rock machine that resurrects the spirit of the 60s when rock and roll was raw. They took me by complete surprise by how good they were live and I can't wait for them to stamp a vinyl for me to add o my High Fidelity collection. Check out The Minutes here. Turn it up and listen loud!


The Minutes - Secret History from Krank Music Videos on Vimeo.

What did I tell you? Not bad huh? Learn more about these cool Irish fellows from this interview I did for Red River Noise:

The Minutes Q&A

Friday Night Show Pick: Krum Bums at Emo's

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.


RRN-TV: Krum Bums live at Red 7 from Red River Noise on Vimeo.

 To learn more about the Krum Bums, my good friend Alysha Hernandez from Austin Vida interviewed the guys last year. Read the article here:

http://tinyurl.com/yacbkt3

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.

New video and interview with Local Natives

One of the few "blogger" bands I really dig is a Los Angeles based indie rockers, Local Natives.They debuted their new video for their single "World News" today on Pitchfork TV. It's beachy. Also, a couple of my Red River Noise colleagues, Brett Thorne and Sara Strick, caught Local Natives when they were here in Austin last month. Brett interviewed one of the guys from the band while Sara captured some cool photos. Take a look at the links below when you get a chance:

Q&A Interview with Local Natives

Photo Gallery by Sara Strick

New interview with Jason DeVore of Authority Zero on Red River Noise

I recently sat down with Jason Devore, lead singer of punk rock out Authority Zero. He's a great interview and totally approachable. After over ten years of doing Authority Zero, it was nice to see he hasn't lost his passion despite all the changes with the band and record industry over the years. We talked a little about that and the new upcoming album from Authority Zero coming out in June called Stories Of Survival. Read the full interview here:

Q&A Interview: Authority Zero

New interview with Tony Sly on Red River Noise

No Use For A Name is a punk band I've been a fan of since I was in high school, waayyyy back in the '90s. I saw them on Warped Tour and actually got to meet Tony Sly this year. In February, he came out with his first solo acoustic album called 12 Song Program. We talked about that amongst many other things. Check out the interview on our new website, Red River Noise here:

http://www.redrivernoise.com/2010/05/q-interview-tony-sly.html