Misra Records to Reissue Music from Adam Torres
Misra Records represents just one of the many hard-working, under appreciated independent music labels toiling away to bring outstanding music to a small but attentive fraction of the world. The label has released…
All-Female Fronted Music Fest Takes Over Cheer Up Charlie’s on Saturday
Appropriately dubbed Siren Sound Temple, an all-female fronted day of music will occupy the afternoon, evening, and night at Cheer Up Charlie’s this Saturday. As they continue to book Austin’s exciting up-and-coming acts…
New Scenarios with Yonatan Gat at Hotel Vegas
After being converted by the gospel of Yonatan Gat last summer, I’ve been telling everyone I know that they’re the best band touring. There might be some caveats for bands with huge, entertaining…
Watch a Short Documentary About Austin Producer Danny Reisch
On Friday night, Austin-based print journal True Sincerity (founded by Pop Press International Editor-in-Chief Bryan C. Parker — me, I admit), released its second issue featuring interviews with Dana Falconberry, Danny Reisch, Thor Harris,…
Dark Pop Band Bouquet Shares “Stacks on Stacks” From Upcoming EP
We’ve followed the career of California band Bouquet since before the existed. After her project The Finches came to a halt, Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs took some time gathering her thoughts and forging a…
Jousting with Death at Young Tongue’s Album Release Show
Saturday night at Cheer Up Charlie’s served as the launchpad for Austin rockers Young Tongue to share their debut full-length with the world. The band recently released Death Rattle through Punctum Records, who…
Young Tongue Celebrates Death Rattle Saturday at Cheer Up Charlie’s
With the help of label Punctum Records and arts collective Raw Paw, Austin band Young Tongue will celebrate the release of their new album Death Rattle Saturday night at Cheer Up Charlie’s. Once known…
Mesmerized by Dana Falconberry & Adam Torres at Cactus Cafe: Live Review
I’ve said it so many times before, I’m running of ways to explain Dana Falconberry’s transcendent shows. Saturday night at the Cactus Cafe yielded yet another phenomenal performance from this experimental folk act….
Song Premiere: The Lonesome Heroes – “Long Time Coming”
Cosmic folk band The Lonesome Heroes are an Austin institution. Though they’ve made plenty of appearances alongside popular indie-rock bands on some of Austin’s most distinguished stages, their real claims to fame have…
Elisa Ambrogio Plays Beerland on Sunday in Support of New Album
You might recognize the name Elisa Ambrogio as a member of the Magik Markers, a prolific Connecticut-based band that toured with Sonic Youth and later released material on Thurston Moore’s label, Ecstatic Peace….
Light In the Attic Shares Debut Album from Arthur
Like all of the label’s releases, Light in the Attic’s newest release has an incredible story. Dreams and Images, the debut album from an unassuming artist called Arthur, was released by Lee Hazelwood’s LHI label…
The Day Sufjan Stevens and Mount Eerie Both Shared New Music and We Thought We’d Died
I’ve had an ongoing conversation with a few friends during which I attempt to convince them that some value lies in identifying contemporary music’s (still active) most creative voices. Often, this results in some…
Track Premiere: Francine Thirteen – “Queen Mary”
Skittering percussive clicks, periodic echoing handclap effects, and the occasional pulsing beat comprise the minimalistic soundscape on Francine Thirteen’s newest track, “Queen Mary.” Over these sounds, Francine sings in a high yet brooding…
No Digging Required to Find Local Gold at Empire Control Room
Seriously, no need for digging or camping out in makeshift shanties or hopping a train to a West Coast mining town–we’ve got local gold right here in our own backyard. Raw Paw has…
The Cost of Efficiency: Reflecting on Seeing The Blow
Without a doubt, computers have made our lives easier, more efficient, and more productive. The hours and effort saved by technological advances when quantified and totaled would surely yield staggering numbers. But does…
Ryley Walker’s Primrose Green Promises Vibrant, Blooming Songs
I’ve trusted Dead Oceans’ label owner Phil Waldorf’s music recommendations since he first sold me records in the early aughts from behind the counter at 33 Degrees, a since departed record store in…
12XU’s Punk Rock Values Demand Recognition
As a local music fan, I probably haven’t spent enough time at Beerland. As a music writer, I definitely haven’t spent enough time at Beerland. Luckily, 12XU exists as a shining beacon to…
Free Week is Upon Us: Our Recommendations
Free Week in Austin serves to underscore the major problem with loving independent music and living here. If you’re a casual fan of music or a normal person capable of recognizing that one simply…
Andrew Fest at Red 7 Supports Local Musician’s Medical Bills
Transmission Events and friends of Andrew Collins (a member of bands At All Cost, LAX, and Vegatron) have put together a benefit for the Austin musician who was in a motorcycle accident in…
Show Preview: Motopony, Gold Beach, & Cross Record Tonight at Mohawk
Motopony comes from the rich music history of the Pacific Northwest. While the band’s instrumentation and production sensibilities embrace polished tendencies less associated with that region’s sounds, rough edges can be found in the…
Ruby Fray and Indian Jewelry Kickoff Psychedelic Night at Mohawk
Friday night at Mohawk featured an epic six-band bill that occupied both the venue’s indoor and outdoor stages. Sometimes, live music reports feature the headliners and all but ignore opening acts. Since this…
Stone Jack Jones Shares “Circumstance” Ahead of New LP
Stone Jack Jone, like his stalwart label Western Vinyl, flies under the radar. He’s a guy who should be getting a lot more talk than he does currently. His newest track “Circumstance,” released in…
Attendance Records Hosts Holiday Party, Plans Membership Program Launch
Last weekend at the Mohawk, non-profit educational program Attendance Records, which works in schools to teach students about the music industry, held their annual holiday party. The night featured a photo booth stocked…
Matthew Squires Takes Us Where the Music Goes to Die
Matthew Squires is a truth-teller. Or he’s trying to be. Telling the truth is hard–next to impossible, really. All we can do is work tirelessly, fearlessly to try to tell the truth, attempting to…
Worshiping with Prayher’s Minimalist Experimental Pop at Whip In
Phoebe Rayher was graced not only with an excellent voice but also with a first initial and last name that, when combined, work as a moniker that seems shockingly sensible in the current indie-rock…
Kiss My Grits at the J. Lorraine Ghost Town
The J. Lorraine Ghost Town in Manor is a little bit hokey. A fact apparent at once when we arrived for Kiss My Grits, an evening featuring a slew of folk-centered bands. Even…
Live Review & Photos: 101X Homegrown & Vagabond Collective Showcase at Holy Mountain
Two stalwart entities, 101X Homegrown Live and Vagabond Collective, both of which book great bills that support local acts and get Austin’s music-loving public out to some of the city’s best venues, teamed up for…
Night Drive & Ishi’s Dark Dance Party at Cheer Up Charlie’s
Two outstanding synth-pop bands performed on Cheer Up Charlie’s outdoor stage this weekend. Dallas based Ishi brought jubilant and shimmering pop that demands dancing. John Mudd certainly feels the call to get down,…
Premiere: Grapes & Friends Prepare for X-mas Bash with New Track
If you’re looking to get in the X-mas mood early in December, Grapes & Friends have got the show for you. On December 6th, this band, comprised of members of Genuine Leather, The…
Quarterbacks Share Sincere, Wobbly Punk Tune “Center”
Coming from a guy who’s deeply in love with Beat Happening, that I’m enamored with “Center,” the new track from NY band Quarterbacks should’t be a surprise. When I say NY, I don’t mean…
The New Movement Hosts Epic Night with Comedy Underground
The popularity of comedy seems to have risen in tandem with independent music. It’s odd to think about something so broad as music or comedy as “popular” or “unpopular,” but it does make…
Dear Someone: No ‘Poo For You
Walker Lukens is a musician living and working in Austin, Texas. His latest album is called Devoted. His advice column Dear Someone runs semimonthly on Pop Press International. You can send in your own inquiries by emailing…
Why Studium Is Important
Studium, a new record store and retail space for designer and handmade goods, is open now on Austin’s East 5th Street. The space is a collaboration between Byron & Blue boutique and Punctum Records…
Gold Beach Celebrates Single Release at Studium: Live Review
Gold Beach makes sense as a moniker. These songs shine with the glint of gold, but they’re also surprisingly soft and malleable, shifting from one moment to the next. Imagine an entire beach…
Gold Beach Plays New Material at Studium Tonight
I started Pop Press International in early 2012. Years before that, in 2005, I started a blog called Urban Pollution, back when few blogs were online at all. One of the first albums…
Stories of Three Portraits at Fun Fun Fun Fest
After watching Dana Falconberry’s transcendent early afternoon set on the first day of Fun Fun Fun Fest, I found myself hanging around with her and her publicist, both of whom I consider friends,…
A Nite with Majical Cloudz at Cheer Up Charlie’s
I love Majical Cloudz for all the reasons I’ve outlined before. And the band is just getting better. Fresh off a string of tour dates with Lorde, the duo appeared more confident than ever…
Fun Fun Fun Fest Day Two Recap with Courtney Barnett, Gary Numan, and Modest Mouse
With the long lines sorted and better weather than anyone could’ve hoped for, the second day of Fun Fun Fun Fest unfolded beautifully with a lineup of artists that spanned garage rock, punk,…
Fun Fun Fun Fest Day One Recap with Yelle, Run the Jewels, and Dana Falconberry
We’ve been looking forward to this weekend for months. Fun Fun Fun Fest outdid themselves this year with a no-filler lineup that featured stellar artists across genres. There were some strange bumps and…
Six Bands You Can’t Miss at FFF + All Our Festival Previews Linked in This Post
We’re killing all the birds with one stone. Today, the fest is upon us. To celebrate and send you off with the knowledge you need, we’re bringing you a list of six bands you…
Album Review: Iceage – Plowing Into the Field of Love (Pop Press Pick)
Danish punk band Iceage’s new album Plowing Into the Field of Love moves the band into more structured sonic terrain and showcases increasingly complex arrangements while holding onto a sense of chaos and raw energy….
Stream LNS Crew’s New Track “Pot Luck” feat. Cory Kendrix, ST 2 Lettaz, Kydd Jones, Dee-1, and Pacboi Tank
LNS Crew are mainstays in Austin’s hip-hop scene. They’ve cut enough tracks that there’s bound to be something that works for everyone. But their new track “Pot Luck” might be my favorite thing…
Live Review: A. Sinclair Celebrates New Vinyl at Mohawk
A. Sinclair rocks. And by that I mean that Aaron Sinclair has always rocked. He rocked when his band was called Frank Smith, and he rocks now. It helps that Sinclair is backed…
Tennis & Pure Bathing Culture at Red 7: Live Review
I’ve always liked Tennis, but their show at Red 7 on Saturday night convinced me that they’re receiving significantly less credit than they deserve. Built around the creative forces of husband and wife…
Nightblooms Celebrate Album Inside Inflatable Planetarium
Cosmic consciousness expanding, I am transcending physical existence. Last Thursday night at Museum of Human Achievement, Karla Manzur celebrated the release of Star-Taker, the first album from her project Nightblooms, which also includes help…
Eight Reasons You’re Lucky the Nites are Free: FFF Fest Preview
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…
Seven You Might Miss at Fun Fun Fun Fest
One of the benefits of music festivals is getting to see a bunch of bands you’ve never seen in such a short time frame. Which is why I’m always shocked by the fact…
KLRU Arts In Context: Rebirth Premieres Tonight
This Tuesday, we hit up studio 6A, the former home of Austin City Limits, to get an advance look at the first episode for the 5th season of KLRU program Arts In Context. The episode…
Stream Our Fun Fun Fun Fest Playlist Featuring Must-see Artists
Fun Fun Fun Fest starts a week from today! Rest assured, we’ll have plenty of previews for you in the coming days spotlighting the aspects of the festival we’re most looking forward to. Until…
Show Preview: Tennis Comes to Red 7 on Saturday Nov. 1st Behind New Album
Little known fact: an interview with indie pop duo Tennis is one of the first posts we ever did here at Pop Press International. The 10th in fact. 10th out of what is,…
A. Sinclair Celebrates New Vinyl Release Tomorrow at Mohawk
Before there was A. Sinclair, there was Frank Smith. Under the leadership of Aaron Sinclair, the band Frank Smith released a slew of quality albums and rallied a steady following of live-music loving…
Nightblooms Plot Theatrical Album Release Show
Nightblooms is the project of Karla Manzur. You may know Manzur as the keys player and backup vocalist for Dana Falconberry, or you may have recognized her lending her incredible talents to Alejandro…
Track Premiere: Smokey Brights – “Monster House”
We heard about Smokey Brights ages ago now from our good friends who share with them the city of Seattle. However, we first saw the band for ourselves this summer at Timber Fest,…
Lo-Fi Pop Purveyors Memory Boys & Electrician at Cheer Up Charlie’s Wednesday, Oct 29th
If you frequent the pages of Pop Press International, you know we have the deepest love for two of the nation’s music communities. One is of course Austin, where we live and see…
Stream Hungry Cloud Darkening’s Glossy Recall
Pacific Northwest label Off Tempo recently released a new album, Glossy Recall, from Anacortes based band Hungry Cloud Darkening, and we’re bringing you the whole thing in all its glory for your streaming pleasure….
RF Shannon & Feverbones Return from Tour
Austin gave RF Shannon and Feverbones to the American West, and the West graciously returned them to us unharmed and road-sharpened for their triumphant arrival back in our fair city. The double bill…
of Montreal’s Never-ending Dance Party at Mohawk: Live Review
Of Montreal has the right to make the claim that they’re Mohawk’s house band, having played the venue three times in the last year. What’s more amazing is that their frequent trips to…
The Debut of Dark West
There’s something indescribably miraculous about seeing a band perform their first show. Most of our days are filled with jobs and trips to the grocery store, car rides in traffic and “to do”…
Austin Artists Dominate Initial Wave of SXSW Announcements
SXSW’s first announcement always comes as a huge shock to me. It’s hard to believe that almost a year has passed since the last installment of the ever-growing festival. This year, the initial…
Show Preview: Of Montreal and Pillar Point Play Mohawk Thursday, Oct. 23rd
Do we really need to explain why you should be at this show? It really doesn’t matter how many times you’ve seen of Montreal (and it’s probably a lot since they come to…
Mutual Benefit’s Gorgeous Set at Red 7: Live Review
Last night, Mutual Benefit, the project of musician Jordan Lee, made a stop in Austin for a set at Red 7. Lee’s music consists of dreamy soundscapes that wander from loose structures teeming…
Nicholas Krgovich Shares “City of Night” Video featuring Dirty Projectors’ Amber Coffman
The Pacific Northwest has a habit of doing things their own way. Whether it was the weirdo punk of Beat Happening or the riot grrrl rock of Sleater-Kinney, the region has been a…
Mutual Benefit Plays Red 7 Tonight
Mutual Benefit, the multi-textured, dreamy pop project of Jordan Lee, will play Red 7 tonight. Mutual Benefit draws comparisons to artists like Sufjan Stevens by virtue of his sprawling, lush, crystalline song structures…
Sleater-Kinney Reunites for New Album & Tour
What can one say? Hallelujah!, perhaps? Even Sub Pop Records, who release the new album from reunited riot grrrl fixtures Sleater-Kinney seem appropriately giddy in the news post announcing the reunion, new album,…
Midnight Masses, BLXPLTN, Tennis System at Cheer Up: Live Review
Autry Fulbright, the creative force behind Midnight Masses and member of Trail of Dead, exuded raw energy at the group’s final U.S. show before departing on a European tour. As the band plays…
Run the Jewels Runs the Crowd at Red 7: Live Review
Last night, tastemakers and purveyors of music of all varieties Red Bull Sound Select (in conjunction with Fun Fun Fun Fest) brought hip-hop heavyweights Killer Mike and El-P, known collectively as Run the…
Tennis Shares David Lynchian Video for “I’m Callin'”
Tennis, the husband-and-wife duo of Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore, released their third full-length Ritual in Repeat, last month on Communion Records. Today, the band shared a new video for “I’m Callin’,” which features an…
Fun Fun Fun Fest Shares Full Set Times and Nites Schedule
If you’re a fan of independent label music or punk rock or weirdo pop or metal or parties or just dancing your ass off, it’s likely your favorite time of the year–the advent of…
KLRU Arts In Context Hosts Premiere Party for New Episode Featuring Les Rav
Although KLRU’s Austin City Limits series is undoubtedly their most well known contribution to music television, their Arts In Context program has brought us stories about some incredible artists, including The Octopus Project, Shakey…
Moonsicles, Borrisokane, and Van Allen Belt at Cheer Up Charlie’s: Live Review
With so many high profile events in Austin, it’s easy to forget that great music happens on a nightly basis. While much of the public can barely keep up with which festival is…
Midnight Masses, BLXPLTN Play Cheer Up Charlie’s Tomorrow
The music never stops. Forget the fact that you’re tired after two weekends of ACL. Tomorrow night brings you a must-see show. Midnight Masses, the project of …And You Will Know Us by…
Spoon Digs Out Old Material at Stubb’s: Live Review
I wasn’t surprised when Spoon’s set for their 4th ACL taping centered on their newest effort They Want My Soul. After all, they’ve recorded many of their old songs during past appearances on…
Childish Gambino Brings Deep Web Tour to ACL Live at the Moody Theater
Although the wait for Childish Gambino to emerge for his late night ACL show seemed interminable, the crowd had plenty to keep them occupied. As part of the Deep Web Tour, Childish Gambino had…
Hometown Heroes Spoon Play New Hits at ACL Taping
Playing songs primarily culled from their new album They Want My Soul, Austin indie rock heroes Spoon played their 4th ACL Taping last night. I recently wrote about just how much I love the…
Temples ACL Late Night Show: Live Review
Despite having seen Temples on four occasions, Saturday night was my first time to see the group in a small venue when they played a show at The Parish as part of ACL’s late night…
Full Photo Gallery: Three Days of ACL 2014
You didn’t ask for it, but we’re giving it to you anyway. Our full photo gallery from all three days of ACL 2014 featuring over 100 photos, including quite a few previously unpublished…
Everyone’s Invited: Day Three of ACL 2014
ACL is not the coolest festival on the planet. It’s not even the coolest festival in Austin. And it doesn’t need to be. After all, coolness often requires a certain element of exclusion….
Ladies On Top: Day Two of ACL 2014
I believe in my heart that every human being possesses the same intrinsic value and should have the same rights, access, and visibility as any other member of the human race. It’s why I was…
Between the Weekends: Borrisokane, Moonsicles, Van Allen Belt at Cheer Up Tomorrow
When the ACL weekends come along, it’s interesting to see how many coworkers are sluggish throughout the next week. But for some true believers, this is a constant way of life. We can’t get enough…
Worshiping at the Fest: Day One of ACL 2014
No one can be perfect all the time, but with repentance, we might be lucky enough to find forgiveness. After working hard on some final previews for the first of two busy ACL…
Five Shows to See If You’re Skipping ACL
So you’re skipping ACL? We don’t blame you. Sure we’ll be out there, and we like supporting this hometown festival, even if it has grown to epic, almost repulsive proportions. There’s still something…
Raw Paw Hosts Epic ACL Alternative Ditch the Fest at Empire Control Room
Local arts and music collective Raw Paw does things right. We hold a deep admiration for the collective’s commitment to up-and-coming, interesting artists and bands as well as their ability to throw a…
Lia Ices Plays Holy Mountain Monday, October 6th
After just releasing a new record on indie stalwart Jagjaguwar, Lia Ices has set out on a national tour that hits Austin Monday night at Holy Mountain. Lia Ices’ songs incorporate skittering synths, bombastic percussion,…
Eleven Bands You Shouldn’t Miss at Weekend One of ACL
Do you really need to be told to see Outkast? Do we have to explain that Scotland’s Belle and Sebastian don’t make the trip across the pond much? Have you heard of Eminem?…
Ultimate Painting Shares New Track “Ten Street”
We’ve written before that UK duo Ultimate Painting are bringing all the glory of lo-fi 60s rock of the Velvet Underground to the current day with their own mellow indie pop tracks. After…
Phosphorescent Plays Two-Hour Set at C Boy’s Heart and Soul
Before kicking off a string of tour dates, Brooklyn-by-way-of-Athens band Phosphorescent booked a last minute show at the tiny C Boy’s Heart and Soul venue on South Congress. It seems that kicking off…
The War On Drugs, Psyched Out Americana at Stubb’s: Live Review
Although The War on Drugs’ show at Stubb’s in Austin was not sold out when the doors opened at 7:00 on Sunday night, an enormous line soon snaked around the block to purchase…
Alex Napping’s Album Release at Cheer Up Charlie’s: Live Review
To celebrate the release of their debut LP This Is Not A Bedroom, Alex Napping recruited a standout lineup of Austin bands–Big Bill, Soft Swells, and Löwin–to play alongside them on Friday night at…
Phosphorescent Plays Last Minute Show at C Boy’s Heart and Soul Tonight
The last time Austin had a visit from Phosphorescent was the 2013 installment of ACL Fest. Almost exactly a year later, the Brooklyn by way of Athens based project of primary creative force…
Future Islands Leave It All on the Floor at ACL Taping
After an ingratiating and soft-spoken greeting in which Future Islands frontman Samuel T. Herring tells a packed Moody Theater about how in North Carolina, where he’s from, sometimes the only way to see music…
Alex Napping Celebrates Album Release at Cheer Up Charlies Friday, September 26th
With namesake Alex Cohen at the helm, indie-pop four-piece Alex Napping will celebrate the release of their debut LP tomorrow night, September 25th at Cheer Up Charlies. This is Not a Bedroom dropped earlier…
Reflections on Conor Oberst’s Show at Stubb’s
In July, when news broke that Joan Faircloth, the woman who had accused Conor Oberst of rape, had retracted her claims and admitted that 100% of the story was fabricated, I was relieved…
Show Preview: The War on Drugs at Stubb’s w/ Genuine Leather After Show
The War on Drugs’ newest effort Lost in the Dream, is one of the year’s most lauded records. Full of Americana points of reference slathered in introspective, garage rock sensibilities, the songs are somewhere…
Yonatan Gat’s Incredible Cheer Up Charlie’s Show: Live Review
Watching Yonatan Gat and his band perform will blow your mind. The former Monotonix member’s live show leans heavily on improvisation and borders on performance art, incorporating signature lighting and expelling an incredible…
Ramesh at The Belmont: Live Review
Sometimes unexpected and less than desirable elements make for a more magical evening of music. Former Voxtrot member Ramesh, who recently released his first solo full-length The King, was supposed to play Belmont’s outside…
Song Premiere: Yuma – “Gone Before You Leave”
Yuma’s new single “Gone Before You Leave” explodes from the speakers at the onset, all squealing guitars and staccato snares. After a half minute of those early aughts guitar textures, the mix falls…
Utopian Living: Highlights from Utopiafest
Yesterday, Pop Press INTL. Assistant Editor Lukas Truckenbrod did a great job capturing the Utopiafest vibe and reported about some of the music from this year’s installment. 2014 marked the third time I’ve…
Yonatan Gat Brings Killer Live Show to Cheer Up Charlies Tonight
This summer, I stumbled into catching a set by ex-Monotonix member Yonatan Gat. Floored doesn’t quite cover how taken I was with the performance, which had me sputtering incomprehensible praises of the show for…
Indie Rock Legends Sebadoh Play Red 7 Tomorrow, September 19th
This is indie rock royalty. It seems crazy that this show isn’t yet sold out, but I’d call it a solid bet that Red 7 will be at capacity come tomorrow night when…
Spotlight: Voxtrot Member Ramesh’s Royal Ambitions with New LP The King
“Yeah, whatever happened to that band?” A common lament among music aficionados, especially those tuned into alternative label bands that might only make an album or two before succumbing to the enormous difficulty…
