You owe Fun Fun Fun Fest a solid, because these dudes have totally hooked you up. In addition to their killer lineup, they’ve brought in a slew of artists to play shows only as part of the Nites programming. Most of the shows below are on Saturday, so you’ll have some tough choices to make. And don’t forget that there are some incredible acts playing both making festival appearances and playing a Nites showcase — Majical Cloudz at at Cheer Up Charlie’s and Iceage at Holy Mountain, both on Friday, to name a couple. These are artists playing only Nites shows, and every single one of them is worth your time an energy. Sleep when you’re dead. The fest is almost upon us!
1. Jess Williamson – Saturday at 11:30PM – The Parish
Jess Williamson continues to be one of Austin’s most talked about and respected acts. Haunting experimental songwriting built around electric guitar and banjo, these songs will reverberate in your subconscious for weeks. The Parish’s pristine sound will make an ideal setting.
2. Cass McCombs – Saturday at 9:45PM – ACL Live
This is so huge! One of the biggest names to be playing only a Nites show, Cass McCombs brings with him a repertoire of some of contemporary songwriting’s most accomplished works. Check out our review of his most recent album here.
3. ((sounder)) – Saturday at 10:00PM – The Parish
The work of Mike Aho, ((sounder)) creates plaintive, Americana-leaning ramblers and has collaborated with Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy. ((sounder)) always seems to be moseying slowly down its own wandering path, playing far fewer shows that most Austin-based bands, so when the project makes an appearance, you should make an effort to be there.
4. Eternal Summers – Saturday at 9:15PM – Mohawk Outside
Here’s some excellent psych-tinged indie pop for your Saturday night. The band shares sensibilities with so many FFF faves, it’s no wonder they got the call for a Nites show.
5. Octopus Project – Saturday at 11:00PM – Cheer Up Charlie’s
Do we really need to make a case for this? The incredible visual spectacle that is Octopus Project will be playing Cheer Up Charlie’s intimate outdoor courtyard. Be there, dude.
6. The Pizza Underground – Saturday at 12:00AM – The Belmont
Macaulay Culkin. Pizza. Velvet Underground covers. Put them together. Can you go wrong with this? We’ll see you there.
7. Single Mothers – Friday at 10:00PM – The Parish
Blistering post-punk rockers who are fresh off a couple of well-received CMJ shows. These guys will melt your face.
8. Ted Leo – Friday at 12:45AM – Mohawk Inside
Ted Leo is playing a show inside Mohawk… inside. If you’re a fan we know you’ll be there, and you’d better be there early. This is such a cool chance to see an indie rock legend in a small club setting. Aren’t you glad the Nites are free?
