soul

AlbumCase CockrellReview

Album review: White Denim record 12 out today is a passionate return to form

Case Cockrell 470 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

Since the release of 2023’s Raze Regal & White Denim Inc. in collaboration with guitarist Regal, who also plays in Austin staple Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band, fans have been eagerly awaiting the newly California-based musician’s next entry in the long-running indie rock song machine. Fortunately for White Denim loyalists, the time has arrived for the Austin to Los Angeles band to release their 12th full-length album, fittingly titled 12. This newest batch, engineered by the singer and guitarist himself and mixed by former drummer Josh Block and mastered by Dallas-Fort Worth musician Jordan “Jorts” Richardson, is Petralli’s first in his new SoCal studio, and feels like a passionate return to form. 

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Grupo Fantasma-BeenThere-150
Greg AckermanLive MusicPreview

Live music preview: Been There 3 for The Other Ones Foundation levels up at Radio East November 2

Greg Ackerman 633 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

The Other Ones Foundation is entering year three of their annual event, Been There which launched with performances by Grupo Fantasma and the once red-hot Nané (whose incendiary bandleader tragically passed away not long after) played the inaugural event at Camp Esperanza which is also where The Other Ones Foundation is located, providing housing, job training, meal service and more to unhoused individuals. Many staffers are musicians which makes this organization particularly beloved amid the sea of NPOs with Austin’s music community. This year’s event, Been There 3 moves to Radio East’s more accessible outdoor venue space on Nov 2, while the lineup upgrades to something worthy of an annual event fans may opt to travel to Austin for with headliners Galactic and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe along some of Austin’s best musical acts on the bill; Carolyn Wonderland, Chali 2Na, Deadeye, Grandmaster and Riders Against the Storm. It’s a full day of amazing live music programming versus an evening event like the previous events. 

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Park City Song Summit 2024 Brian Lima
Greg AckermanLive MusicReview

A Different Kind of Music Fest: Park City Song Summit Labs featured Jim James with Danny Clinch and Steve Poltz with Jay Blakesberg

Greg Ackerman 790 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

Last weekend musicians, music industry members and fans gathered at Canyons Village in Park City for the fifth edition of the Park City Song Summit which took place August 15-17. The small capacity festival provided an intimate and gorgeous setting for fans to engage in Summit Labs sessions that included performing artists discussing various aspects of music as it relates to mental health and wellness. Programming included a presentation by Canadian singer-songwriter, Steve Poltz and photographer Jay Blakesburg as well as a session that included, My Morning Jacket band leader, Jim James and longtime MMJ photographer, Danny Clinch. The festival offered daytime performances by various acts with headlining shows in the amphitheater situated on the adjacent Canyons Village ski slope which provided top-tier sound and lighting throughout the weekend. It was evident that this was a different kind of music fest than most fans are accustomed to. 

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Empire Garage Hot Summer Nights
Brian HillsmanLive MusicReview

Live music review: Hot Summer Nights Thursday lineup with Moody Banks, David Shabani and Daniel Fears at Empire Garage

Brian Hillsman 841 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

Empire Garage is one of the many participating venues, and their opening-night Hip Hop, R&B, and Soul showcase Austin Chronicle party on Thursday evening did not disappoint with performances by Moody Banks, Daniel Fears and hip-hop artist, David Shabani.

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The Cuckoos hi how are you
Case CockrellReviewSong

Song Review: The Cuckoos reveal eclectic new track Dirty Pictures

Case Cockrell 1155 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

Kenneth Frost has proven to be a hometown prolific mastermind. Since performing as a part of Grandmaster, Sexpop, and his brainchild band, The Cuckoos, it’s mind-boggling to wonder how the Austin musician manages his time. On new track “Dirty Pictures,” Frost shows that his musical staying power is here to stay in the Austin scene. The band’s sound takes an eclectic route, showing touches of funk, soul, psychedelic rock, and the roots of classic rock. 

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Grandmaster Holy Star art
Case CockrellPremiereReview

Song premiere: Austin act Grandmaster has released their latest single Holy Star today

Case Cockrell 1646 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

Austin act Grandmaster has released their latest single, “Holy Star” today. The single will be featured on their upcoming full-length studio release produced by Nolan Potter, due out May 3 to coincide with the Grandmaster Gala, scheduled to take place on May 4 at State Theatre at the Paramount in downtown Austin.

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The Selfless Lovers
Greg AckermanPreview

Album review and show preview: The Selfless Lovers return to Antone’s

Greg Ackerman 672 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

Austin’s The Selfless Lovers return to Antone’s stage Friday (tomorrow) for a sold out performance with local family band, The Watters. While Selfless Lovers’ bandleader, Nik Parr has been performing a smattering of solo gigs during the pandemic slow-down, his band has been busy making their new full-length, When The Bars Close.

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Nora Jones
ReviewScott Rollins

Album review: Norah Jones is breathtaking on Pick Me Up Off the Floor

Scott Rollins 1445 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

It was a perfect mix of country and jazz, and personally I felt couldn’t ever be topped. While all Norah Jones subsequent albums were good, I never felt she achieved the humble originality of that first record. Now, after hearing “Pick Me Up Off the Floor”, I realize just how stupid I was

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Frederico 7
Brian HillsmanInterviews

Interview: Pan-American Soul band Frederico7 and their amazing live act

Brian Hillsman 546 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

Last month at Stubb’s hosted Press Junkie PR’s 10-year Anniversary party. Frederico 7, the mesmerizing Austin Pan-American, soul musical group, performing in Portuguese, English, and Spanish graced the stage with a gleaming set featuring Guitarist Sergio Yazbek, formerly of the popular Brazilian reggae-fusion act, Cidade Negra.

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