What’s the deal with labels? It seems like people can’t enjoy a piece of music until they’ve micro-analyzed and compartmentalized it. This makes it all the more satisfying when an artist comes along and completely defies all conventional genres.
Corpus Christi-based band Microphonic brought their unique alt-rock style to South by Southwest, and they continue to immerse themselves in the Austin music scene. ORANGE sat down with the members before their performance at the New Guild co-op to catch up with the band and talk about their upcoming EPs.
Texas Independence Fest took up residency at the Empire Control Room & Garage this weekend, boasting an impressive lineup of metal bands that ran the gamut from thrash legends Death Angel to modern deathcore forerunners like Oceano and Whitechapel.
Bands are like supernovas. They swell, they explode, and just like that, they’re over. As ludicrous as it may sound, a group of people that we don’t know personally deciding to part ways can have a profound effect on us.
“Dude, I swear they were better live.” We’ve all given that excuse before, in an effort to defend the bands whose brilliance we’ve seen firsthand, but who failed to deliver when confined to a studio.
The Forty Acres Fest, hosted by University of Texas Campus Events + Entertainment Texas Traditions and Headliners Committees, gave many students an escape from RoundUp and the heat on March 28. The all-day event took place at the Main Mall with organizations from around campus providing cheap food and activities until 7 p.m. Alternative rock bands Smallpools and Ra Ra Riot then closed out the evening with killer performances.
Yes, it’s over. It’s been over for a while now. We’re talking about South By Southwest, and we totally feel your withdrawal symptoms. Real life doesn’t seem quite as fun. At the very least, the weeklong festival left us with some fantastic new musical discoveries, and they’ll make the perfect soundtrack to our rainy afternoons spent brooding and planning for next year’s festivities.
Not every up-and-coming rapper gets the chance to perform at Houston’s Warehouse Live, let alone open up for American rapper Chris Webby. But that chance became a reality for 17-year-old Charles Chaiemezuo O’Kehie, also known by his stage name Mezuo.
As broke college students, it seems there are never enough funds for the endless concerts we want to attend in Austin. But for those who live for shows and have a barren bank account to prove it, there may be hope for your wallet.
For Austin natives Chris and Paul Grant, music isn’t just a pastime — it’s a lifestyle. After watching their father book gig after gig when they were children, the Grant brothers aren’t too surprised to find themselves co-running Junocat, a show promoting company that hosts local music events.
