Daily Dose of Vitamin-B by way of BASSNECTAR
By April on Jun 3 Filed In Austin, Texas, Celebrities, Live Music 6 Comments
During ACL 2009, I fell head over heels in love with Bassnectar, so when I heard they were stopping by Stubb’s here in Austin 5/29, I knew that it was a show not to be missed!
Me and Lorin heshing!
I have been working hard to start a conversation with Lorin on Twitter to see if I could bring some tea to share, and after asking the awesome folks that help run the Bassnectar Facebook page whether or not Lorin runs his own Twitter profile or not. (he does!) Not long after my FB question, I was followed by the AWESOME Miss, Lia Holland! Lia is Lorin’s hard-working, bass-lovin’ assistant who sent this tweet to me:
Does a bottle of Sweet Leaf Tea have a picture of Granny on it?!! Heck yes, I want to bring tea to the sound guy, Trevor! I already had tickets, so swinging by before the show to drop off a case of Original for Trevor and a mix case of Citrus Green and Mint & Honey for Lorin (he’s a green tea fan, but turns out he’s like me and digs unsweetened tea much more) would be no problem. Not only did I make the tea drop, I was invited to stick around for the sound check and was gifted a VIP pass for the show!! Have you ever attended a sound check before? I hadn’t either and it was literally like sitting in on my own private concert. It was absolute bass-bliss!
Granny chillin' w/Patron and other buddies!
Trevor Bone, keepin' the sound crisp & bassalicious!
After watching Lorin and the crew work on the sound and visuals (Michael-your lights and video RULED!), I met up with some friends to have a bite to eat over at Parkside before coming back to the show and missed the opening acts (DJ Manny and DJ Haj & band). I got settled into my little spot up above the insanely-dense crowd and got ready to dance. Ohmyheavens, the bass was easier to deal with than at ACL (my eyes were not rattling around in my head this time) and the view over the crowd was awesome! I was able to see, take some video (might get posted at a later date) and absolutely GET DOWN! Have you listened to Bassnectar before? For me it conjures up images and feelings that I associate with Halloween. It’s heavy yet fun, and has some really dark, scary stuff weaved in under the surface, sometimes it’s absolutely beautiful, and other times it’s sick and twisted. Almost spooky-sounding. If you’re really paying attention to all of the musical nuances, you will be blown away by just how much work and production must go into the music he creates. He has his own jams as well as remixes of some really great songs. Two of my favorites that he just recently put out AND played live in Austin is the Pixies “Where is My Mind” and Metallica’s “Seek and Destroy“. (Please LISTEN/DANCE/THROW STUFF AROUND YOUR ROOM!!) WOW-ZERS! Lorin got down and entertained the huge crowd for OVER 2 hours without a break. Did you just read what I typed?!!? Over 2 straight hours of bass-bending music without a break!!! I watched him crouch down behind his decks to drink 2 bottles of water at a time. It made him even more endearing.
"WHATTT???" Lorin during sound check
Happy’s Post un-SXSW 2010 Thoughts
By Happy on Mar 25 Filed In Activities, Austin, Texas, Celebrities, Events, Food & Beverage, Intern, Live Music, SXSW, Social Media, Sweet Bikes, Uncategorized 3 Comments
Yowza. What. A. Week.
It’s been 4 days, and I think I’m fully recovered at this point after lots of rest and TLC. I’m starting to think that the human body wasn’t meant for that kind of action, but would I do it again? A resounding ‘hell yes’. This being my third chance to experience SXSW, it never ceases to amaze me how exhausting this particular festival can be. I’d like to consider myself an expert on surviving it, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t catch me by surprise, yet again. Do all you want to prepare yourself for a week of intense music and sensory overload, but rest-assured that an overwhelming feeling will eventually take over. I, too, was overwhelmed. And I’d do it again, and again.
Amidst all the events we sponsored, I did get a few chances to go explore a bit and catch some shows and events. Here are my highlights:
Bike Hugger Mobile Social (3/13)
What a fun ride. Hundreds of cyclists biked around town and ended with a day party at Mellow Johnny’s, complete with freebies, booze, and music. Great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Massive Black / ConceptArt.org / The Art Department Present VISIONS at The Mohawk (3/12)
This was probably the coolest party I’ve ever seen at The Mohawk. The entire place was completely transformed, with giant screens all over the place projecting live art being created by artists on-site using Adobe Photoshop, goth-y models and burlesque dancers as subjects, and intense music. Best way to describe what was going on is through this video I found on YouTube. Good times.
Zilker Kite Fest
Not a SXSW event, but it was rescheduled to this weekend due to inclement weather. Ended up being a great way to spend a beautiful afternoon before heading back out into the SXmasses. Thousands of kites above the Austin skyline (and subsequently in trees). Awesome.
The Gowalla Tiki Room featuring Diplo
Gowalla made some incredible strides this year, being the leader in location-based social networking. Amongst their antics throughout the week (including giving away free OneTacos via the service’s platform and swag from their Gowalla-branded mini Cooper), they also threw a pretty sweet shindig at The Belmont. Despite the cold rain, it was probably my favorite SXSWinteractive event. Great music, great people, good times all around. Diplo was pretty amazing on the ones and twos. Yet another reason to get these shoes hoppin’.
ACVB’s Media Reception
The folks over at the Austin Convention & Visitor’s Bureau know how to throw a party. It’s one of my favorite events because it officially kicks off SXSWmusic. They always have it on the mayor’s balcony of Austin City Hall overlooking Lady Bird Lake in all its glory, and invite a few local musicians to gently wave us into the craziness.
Eastbound & Found presented by ZiegenBock, Dos Lunas Tequila, and Sweet Leaf Tea
I’m not featuring this party simply because we sponsored it but more so because our blogger friends (My Old Kentucky Blog, You Aint No Picasso, Ultra8201, Yours Truly, Chromewaves) did an incredible job procuring the lineup. Some of my faves include:
- Freelance Whales: great sound… looking forward to spending more time with their music.
- Ume: a long-time local favorite, gotta love a rocker chick
- Kid Sister: Damn this show was fun. Nice slice of hip hop.
- Here We Go Magic: Another band I’m looking forward to exploring more.
- Danielson: Reminds me of Polyphonic Spree, quirky as hell. I’ll take it.
- Delorean: So what if we’re dancing our asses off in broad daylight? These guys make it happen.
- White Denim: I can’t get enough of these guys. Sure, their album is impeccable, but their studio work doesn’t do their live sets justice. You just have to experience it.
- GZA: Bill Murray made his way over to our party for this. Enough said.
Converse ‘Get Out Of The Garage’ Party at The Levi’s Fader Fort
The folks at Fader have (yet again) done a great job at creating an amazing party space out of nothing. This party gave me the chance to see a few shows, notably:
- Mayer Hawthorne & The County. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him, but I’m glad he got a little more soul with his newer stuff. Kinda has a big brass feel to it. Well played, gentlemen.
- Passion Pit DJ set: You can’t go wrong. Let’s dance. Okay, go.
The Rumbler Lounge (3/17 – 21)
The folks at Knuckle Rumbler don’t only know how to put together a great showcase, but they really know how to throw FOUR DAYS of showcases. I stopped by for the following sets:
- Glitch Mob (My Old Kentucky Blog’s Bumps & A Pump Party): Seeing these guys do their thing is pretty fascinating. They record samples in the studio of various instruments and sounds, then use touch-screen computers and other gizmos to make music live. It’s hard to explain, but they blow my mind. Every time.
- Dominique Young Unique (Rhapsody.com Party)
This was unexpected for me, but this little lady from Tampa has got talent. And she’s young. And unique. Keep an eye on her. - Woodhands (Rhapsody.com Party)
I have to admit that I’ve been pretty obsessed with their sound ever since I got my hands on it. I missed my chance to see them at Monolith 2009 (poor logistics including thousands of people trying to cram into a 200 person room), so I was glad to finally catch them up close and personal. Two guys, and one plays a keytar. Sold. - Casxio (Rhapsody.com Party)
My friends from Austin Eavesdropper told me I shouldn’t miss them, and I’m glad I didn’t. Easily my favorite ‘new’ band of the whole week. They have a fresh sound that’s bound to raise some eyebrows. You can check out Austin Eavesdropper’s coverage here.
Hexdecagon at Whole Foods (3/19)
The Octopus Project was at it again, but this time equipped with a huge tent, speakers surrounding the space in surround-sound fashion, 8 projectors shining choreographed video clips on the ceiling, a mini-arena style stage (set up in the middle of the crowd), and brand new tunes produced just for this event. It was a multi-sensory experience that is pretty tough to describe, but I was in some serious awe. Another toughie to explain — I think they do it best themselves on their site.
Perez Hilton’s One Night in Austin (3/20)
Despite some logistical woes (mostly the porta-potty situation… seriously), they brought some great talent to an exclusive crowd. It was great to see V.V. Brown, Snoop, Alphabeat, Marina & The Diamonds, and Hole. You better believe we was shaking some things. Something tells me all the complimentary Tito’s Vodka might be to blame.
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I do want to thank a few folks for making my experience all that it was: Knuckle Rumbler, Brown Distributing (Ziegenbock & Dos Lunas Tequila), PureVolume, Gowalla, the #HTM, GARY! for voluntarily helping sling some tea, WOXY.com, Transmission Entertainment, Giant Noise, my Sweet Leaf Tea’m and interns, and a whole bunch of other folks (this list could go on for days)… so, THANK YOU. THANK. YOU.
There you have it, folks. Until next time…
Gibson Guitar & New West Records Present Exclusive John Hiatt Performance
By April on Mar 18 Filed In Austin, Texas, Events, Live Music Add a Comment
Gibson artist and Grammy-nominated veteran songwriter John Hiatt will celebrate the release of his New West Records CD The Open Road and the launch of the 2010 Gibson John Hiatt Montana Signature Acoustic Guitar, performing an exclusive showcase/demo/listening party at the Gibson Austin Showroom.
Come and enjoy some complimentary Sweet Leaf Tea and Tito’s Vodka while celebrating the release of John’s new CD.
RSVP to codey.allen@gibson.com
Happy’s Fun³ Fest 2009 Picks
By Happy on Nov 5 Filed In Activities, Austin, Texas, Events, Live Music Add a Comment
Wow.
Is it really already November? Where did the year go? Seems like it was only yesterday that SXSW graced us with its madness. Nonetheless, beautiful fall weather with manageable temperatures means that it is, indeed, time for some Fun Fun Fun.
Fun Fun Fun Fest is inevitably one of my favorite festivals for several reasons — it’s conveniently held in Austin of which I call home, the lineup is always a splurge of goodness, and it rounds out my festival season for the year before a few months of ‘down time’ in the industry.
90+ bands on four stages packed into two days is a tough proposition for any music head. I’m not gonna lie when I say that I honestly don’t know 80% of the bands on the bill, but I think that’s what interests me the most. FFF offers an opportunity to discover new musical talent/obsessions, and that’s the primary reason I would recommend going. Plus, there’s always a good slew of local vendors to check out offering some atypical festival eats and souvenirs. They’re gonna have some comedians and a skate ramp, too. Rad. Fingers crossed for comedians on said skate ramp.
As for the bands that I do recognize, here’s some top picks from my personal schedule:
- L.A.X. The best way to describe them is as an Austin-based dance band, an interesting combo of House/R&B/Pop. Lead vocal Andrew Collin’s stage presence is intense, so bring your dancing shoes and be ready to be entertained.
- Black and White Years Their continuing success in Austin and beyond is no coincidence — their live set is just as good (if not better) than their studio work, and you better believe they know how to move a crowd. Their sound is addicting, and has been described by the Austinist as “genre-blurring, squiggly synth rock” “Difficult to classify” “The Black and White Years aren’t what you’ve heard before, evenly spiking their take on contemporary rock with enough surprises to keep their debut interesting for multiple listens.” For lack of better words, I concur wholeheartedly.
- Astronautalis The first time I saw Andy Bothwell perform was at the Bird’s Barbershop Grand Opening party for their SoCo location, and after seeing this guy get on the stage and set up for his set, I was completely flabbergasted. But it was a good surprise. Refreshing and addictive.
- Harlem Another local Austin band with a strong following. They’ve got a lo-fi punk garage rock feel that I looooove. They have a way of making my soul twitch.
- Yeasayer Self-described as “Middle Eastern-psych-snap-gospel”, I can’t get enough of these guys. Based in Brooklyn, they have a funky feel that just makes ya feel goooood. Still haven’t seen ‘em live, so I’m excited to see what they can bring to the stage — if it’s anything half as good as their studio stuff, I’m in love.
- Ratatat Their live set has some intense visuals, but their sound is almost identical to the album (as to be expected). Dance-y electronic Tetris-party kind of stuff. Regardless, still a fun time to cut some rugs.
- of Montreal This band is just plain bizarre, but that’s what makes their live set so much fun. Pure entertainment on stage.
July 4th Celebrations Austin-Style
By April on Jul 2 Filed In Austin, Texas, Events 2 Comments
Do you have your plans nailed down for any July 4th festivities yet?
Well, if you are anything like me, you tend to wait to see what comes at you that appears really fun and hassle-free. Well, you are in luck! If you live in the Austin-area check out the list below of super-duper fun things. So, grab a cold bottle of your favorite Sweet Leaf Tea and head on down.
Granny says, "Happy Independence Day Y'all!"
THE Austin-area July 4th Celebration List
1. The H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks
2. 4th of July Bash @ Trophy’s
5. Cedar Park
6. Lakeway
8. Round Rock and at the Dell Diamond
9. Kingsland, TX Aqua Boom (One of my faves since I grew up going almost annually!)
10. Rothbury Festival Not anywhere near Austin, TX, but will be an awesome event!
Don’t live in or around Austin, TX? That’s cool, we’d love for you the cool stuff going on in your area under the comments section. Sharing the love is always more fun, don’t you think?
Whatever you choose to do for the 4th, remember to be have fun and stay safe. Enjoy the colored lights in the sky!
