Austin – I immediately recognized Julian Ducatenzeiler as the lively tambourinist I saw perform with Mr. Elevator & the Brain Hotel during the Burger Records SXSW showcase. On Sunday, May 18th I watched him fill the role he was meant to–that of front man for the Los Angeles based Mystic Braves. It’s a true feat
Los Angeles — The curtains of Los Angeles’ The El Rey Theatre were drawn and a face-painted and cloaked woman took the spotlight at The Ghost Of A Saber Tooth Tiger show. With a gold lamé-clad performer flying silver streamers on either side, the unidentifiable woman began to rant. “They will never stop f**king. Eat
Austin – On a humid and suffocating Friday night in Austin, refuge was found as the UK alt/pop/rock band Wolf Gang took the stage at the Parish. Dazzling us with their pop melodies and British accents, the group was a refreshing breeze blowing through an otherwise still and sticky summer evening. In the midst of
New York – Nestled on a deserted stretch of The West Side Highway, it would be palpably improbable to happen on The Westway by chance. Yet, Manhattan’s Lower West Side venue called forth a cadre of Sylvan Esso supporters on Thursday night. Pooled against the club’s doors, the crowd seemingly materialized out of thin air. A quiet
Chicago – I recently was sitting in traffic, blasting the radio to drown out the honking horns, when a hypnotizing song started to play. It started off with an eerie melody, followed by a ghostly voice and a killer beat. The chorus seemed strangely ironic as I sat in gridlock: “Locked in a cage for
Austin – The sun has set on another Austin Psych Fest. I’ve had less than 24 hours to reflect but I wonder if the kid who was sitting there, watching the cars exit the festival through his Future Eyes glasses is still tripping. I had the opportunity to interview new bands both before and during
Austin - Day two was a day to highlight newcomers and they were displayed prominently on the main stage. Temples made a big impact since their stint at SXSW earlier this year, and the massive crowd gathered to catch a glimpse. Slotted at 8:15, they were one of the headliners and this viewing experience was very
Chicago – When South Carolina native Nick Bays ran into fellow musician Chris Hershman, it surely must have been fate. The two instantly clicked and began collaborating, hashing out strong, beautiful songs, even when miles away. Knowing they were on to something, Bays decided to just roll with the punches and move to Chicago. They
Austin – The crowds were visibly larger this year, which unfortunately was displayed in the hour it took to park. With any festival you have attended and loved in the past, it’s a little nerve-wracking to see the crowds grow, in fear the ease and calm vibes you once felt will be tainted. I’ve been
Chicago – Caleb and Georgia Nott quietly and humbly walked onto the tiny stage in dimly lit Schubas on Saturday night to booming applause and cheers. By the looks on their faces, it was clear that the New Zealand siblings are still adjusting to their growing popularity. The electronic pop duo has been receiving more