Damien Jurado Brings His Beautiful Sounds to Red 7 Tomorrow
I love Damien Jurado’s new album. This week is packed with great shows. Perhaps you already know about The National, Thee Silver Mt. Zion Orchestra, Phantogram, and Vampire Weekend, and we’ll definitely be…
Show Preview: Ume, Megafauna, Black Books, & Young Tongue 101X Homegrown at Mohawk
Tomorrow night is going to rock. 101X Homegrown Live, under the direction of tastemaker Deidre Gott, has been putting together some amazing bills as of late. We had a blast at their recent…
The National Comes to Austin for Three Nights at ACL Live
While I highly doubt anyone reading this blog is being informed for the first time that The National will be in Austin for three nights next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at ACL Live,…
Post Rock Band Chipper Jones Video Premiere: “amarillo/headrush”
Although Austin is not a city known for its experimental pop and instrumental post-rock, such as that created by duo Chipper Jones, the genre does have a presence and a precedent in this…
Electronic Musician Flume Plays Emo’s Tonight
EDM continues to grow in popularity both within mainstream culture as well as in the world of independent music. Australian electronic music producer Flume is a name at the top of the pack…
Show Preview: Mac DeMarco Brings Laid-Back Psych Pop to Mohawk
I’m pumped about this Mac DeMarco show. The last two times I’ve seen the lackadaisical psych pop guitarist have been at a SXSW event and at Fun Fun Fun Fest. Don’t get me…
Arcade Fire’s Sarah Neufeld Plays Lambert’s Friday April 11th
If you’re even slightly a fan of music, you’re probably aware that Arcade Fire will pass through Austin for a show this Thursday April 10th. However, you may not know that one of…
Equals Celebrates Album Release April 11th at Empire Control Room, Hear “Glistener” Now
Instrumental rock band Equals will celebrate the release of their new album Tracts with a show on April 11th at Empire Control Room. The album is full of multi-layered, finely textured instrumental pop tunes…
Arcade Fire Plays Austin 360 Circuit of the Americas This Thursday
With the bands we cover on Pop Press International, it’s rare that we have any incentive to make a trip to Austin’s enormous new amphitheater venue at the Circuit of the Americas racetrack….
Local Natives Cover Johnny Cash, Play Stubb’s in Austin Tomorrow Night
The last time I saw Local Natives was at the Moody Theater for their Austin City Limits taping. It was the fourth time I had seen the band, and easily the best. The…
Show Preview: S. Carey, White Hinterland, & Dana Falconberry at Holy Mountain April 7th
Listen, you’re going to need a nap Monday after work, because on Monday night, you’re going to have to be at Holy Mountain. The bill is simply too damned good. Headlining the evening…
Contest: Win Tickets to Cloud Nothings and The Men at Mohawk April 26th
Cloud Nothings and The Men on the same stage. Who says wishes don’t come true. And I’ll be many of you are feeling the same way. Both bands create powerful and gritty punk-leaning…
Contest: Win Tickets to Thee Silver Mt. Zion Orchestra at Mohawk April 22nd
When I discovered A Silver Mt. Zion circa 2002, I was immediately hooked. Off kilter orchestral music that simultaneously embraced beauty and sorrow while challenging the paradigm of rock music—the band was definitely…
MARYANN Shares Video for “Shifting Ground,” Celebrates CD Release April 16th at CUC
Austin band MARYANN has played a slew of shows over the past year, gaining notoriety in the local music community. This month, they will unveil Wylie, the full-length album they’ve been hard at work…
Show Preview: White Denim and Cass McCombs at Stubb’s
Writing about Cass McCombs is always hard for me. I feel like I can’t ever contain in a post or even in words how much I love McCombs’ contribution to music over the…
Show Preview: The Tontons Headline 101X Homegrown Live Saturday 3/29 at Scoot Inn
We’ve done everything we can to display our love for the Tontons over the last couple of years as the band has risen steadily in popularity and matured musically. However, that’s not going…
Show Preview: ODESZA at Stubb’s Saturday 3/29
Increasingly, the world of EDM merges with the world of independent rock as festivals readily welcome both genres of musicians and electronic producers remix songs by respected indie artists. A fine line exists…
Show Preview: The Districts Play Stubb’s Tonight
The Districts released their debut EP on Fat Possum in January; the self-titled effort featured rootsy rock that moved from somber to frenetic as evidenced on the track “Funeral Beds.” Steady kick drum…
Mother Falcon Performs Ok Computer Tonight & Tomorrow Night at Spiderhouse Ballroom
Orchestral, chamber rock outfit Mother Falcon’s covers of Radiohead’s classic album Ok Computer have become staples in their transcendent live performances. Tonight and tomorrow night, the 20-piece band is giving fans two more chances…
RF Shannon Releases Hunting Songs, Plays Cheer Up Charlies Thursday
Last week, we brought you coverage of RF Shannon’s excellent album release show at Mohawk. Today is the official release date for the band’s album Hunting Songs, available for purchase now at Punctum Records’…
La Snacks Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary with Album Release Show
Austin band La Snacks are something of a mainstay in the independent music scene. Tomorrow night, they’ll celebrate 10 years of being a band as well as the release of a new record, Le…
Damien Jurado Expands Tour, Shares Video for “Magic Number”
We’re completely in love with Damien Jurado’s newest effort Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son. So, it understandable how excited we are to share the news today that not only has Jurado shared…
Austin Music Blogger Awards Tonight
The 2014 Austin Music Blogger Awards are tonight, I am excited to celebrate some of our favorite music of 2013 with the public as well as this strong community of artists! If you…
Aisha Burns Plays at Holy Mountain Tonight
We’ve written a few times about Aisha Burns, who is a member of the celebrated Austin band Balmorhea and whose debut solo record Life in the Midwater piqued enough interest to be nominated for an…
Show Preview: Cian Nugent with Ralph White, Jonathan Horne, & Randy Reynolds
Tonight, Irish musician Cian Nugent will open for Angel Olsen at Holy Mountain tonight, and you should definitely go to that show, but we want to tell you about another opportunity to see…
Pop Press INTL. Announces You’re Here: Music + Interactive Showcase March 12th & 13th
Pop Press International is incredibly proud to announce that this year we will partner with Punctum Records, Attendance Records, Mama Bird Recording Co., Accrue Cassettes, Western Dynamo, and Estuary Recording Studio to present a music and interactive showcase…
6 Great Shows in Austin This Saturday Night
People always talk about how Austin is the “Live Music Capital of the World.” While I love and embrace our city’s moniker, I still feel like we could do more to support our…
Stream New EP From Whiite Walls Now; Release Show Friday
Whiite Walls is 1979. The band’s new EP embodies that musical era when the lines between dance and punk began to blur. There’s a little bit of disco, lots of hi-hat, twinkling guitar…
Show Preview: Young Girls, Reservations, Shivery Shakes at Lambert’s
So you came out of hibernation for Neutral Milk Hotel and realized how great live music is. You love that you live in the “Live Music Capital of the World,” but secretly harbor…
The Tontons Play Stubb’s Tonight, Opening for Bright Light Social Hour
We’ve written about The Tontons quite a bit here at Pop Press International and are huge fans of the band, which has seen increasingly widespread acclaim in recent months. Tonight, the group will…
Show Preview: Lord Huron with Superhumanoids at Emo’s
Next Monday and Tuesday night, Lord Huron and Superhumanoids will take over Emo’s for a two night stint. Monday night is already SOLD OUT, but if you’re going to Neutral Milk Hotel that…
Show Preview: The Oblivians with Spray Paint & Hex Dispensers at Mohawk
In the 90s, the gritty, powerful garage rock created by The Oblivians pouring out of Memphis made them one of the foremost groups in the scene. The band’s sound drew on 60’s groups…
Austin Psych Fest Makes Incredible Lineup Even More Incredible
Remember when we posted Austin Psych Fest’s initial 2014 lineup and were so flabbergasted at its greatness we almost couldn’t communicate it? Remember when Austin Psych Fest announced a second wave of performing…
The 2014 Austin Music Blogger Awards
The Austin Music Blogger Awards is a partnership between Austin’s music blogger community and the nonprofit organization Austin Music People. The event will take place on Thursday, February 27th at Spider House Ballroom and…
Show Preview: Superchunk with Waxahatchee at Mohawk Thursday, February 6th
Superchunk and Waxahatchee make something of an unexpected touring combination, but that only means you’ll get to see two great yet divergent bands on Thursday night at the Mohawk. 90’s power pop legends…
Show Preview: Mutual Benefit Plays The Mohawk Friday with Poppy Red
Mutual Benefit’s Love’s Crushing Diamond came out late last year, and despite the categorical praise, I never even heard it until early in 2014. As such, it got left off of my year-end, best-of…
New Orleans’ Buku Festival Adds Nas, Sleigh Bells, and More to Lineup
We’re pumped about New Orleans’ relatively young music and arts festival, Buku, and told you as much late last year when the incredible lineup was announced, including The Flaming Lips, Explosions in the…
Jess Williamson Album Release Party Tonight at Hotel Vegas
Yesterday, I published my review of Jess Williamson’s stark and arresting new album Native State. Tonight, Williamson will celebrate the release with a show at Hotel Vegas that also features performances by outstanding acts…
Show Preview: Cate Le Bon with Kevin Morby (of Woods) & Love Inks at Mohawk
We fell in love with Cate Le Bon’s newest album Mug Musuem late last year. The record received widespread acclaim, but in some senses flew under the radar. Tomorrow night Le Bon will play…
Loop to Play Austin Psych Fest Among First US Dates in 24 Years
British band Loop took the psychedelic onset of the 1960s and created their own sound that made them one of the premier UK bands of the 1980s, sharing sensibilities with like-minded psych, shoegaze,…
Show Preview: Pure Bathing Culture & La Luz at Red 7
The last time I saw La Luz, the four girls demanded that the crowd part to create a row down which concertgoers could dance a la Soul Train. Yes. These ladies are awesome….
Buku Music + Art Project Announces Great Lineup with Flaming Lips, Phantogram, Generationals, and More
Buku Music + Art Project is a two day event taking place in New Orleans. This year will mark the festivals third installment and will take place March 21-22 at New Orleans’ Blaine Kern’s…
Show Preview: Brazos at Holy Mountain on Wednesday, December 11th
We just included Brazos in our post of the most played tracks and albums of 2013. We’ve seen them play a number of times and even hosted them at our SXSW day party…
Austin Psych Fest Announces Killer Lineup
You know how sometimes a festival announces a lineup and there are a couple of good bands and you want to see them and then some of the other bands aren’t as interesting…
Show Preview: Octopus Project, Tele Novella, and Borrisokane play Mohawk Friday December 7th
You need more reasons? I just gave you five excellent ones in the headline! The epic dance party that will undoubtedly ensue anytime Austin faves The Octopus Project plays is a damn good…
Show Preview: Juliana Barwick Brings Gorgeous Sounds to The Parish Thursday, December 5th
Tomorrow night, Juliana Barwick will bring her beautiful music to the Parish, and you should be there. Part of the trouble with trying to describe the transcendently beautiful quality of Juliana Barwick’s music…
The Tontons Headline Red Bull Sound Select Show Tonight at Empire Control Room
The Tontons are a name you must have heard by now. Red Bull’s Sound Select concert series has previously featured the Houston indie-pop band, who has also been landing spots on festival bills…
Show Peview: Nightlands at Mohawk Tonight, December 3rd
Nightlands is the recording project of Dave Hartley, who creates serene and understated, glowing pop tracks. Tonight, Nightlands will bring all of that carefully constructed pop beauty to Austin for a show at…
Show Preview: Built to Spill and Genders Play Stubb’s Saturday November 23rd
You’d have to be completely out of touch with alternative music to not know indie-rock legends Built to Spill. Doug Martsch and his band seem to be increasingly active these days, and their…
Chvrches Play Sold Out Stubb’s Show Friday November 22nd
This summer, Chvrches sold out the Mohawk, and it took almost no time for them to get back to Austin. This time, the band has sold out the much larger Stubb’s and will…
Show Preview: Moon Honey at Red 7 Thursday November 21st
Recently, we brought you a video from Louisiana based band Moon Honey. The video and song, which is culled from the bands forthcoming album Hand-Painted Dream Photographs, features lush, ambling, psychedelic arrangement. On Thursday…
Show Preview: Cass McCombs Plays The Belmont Friday November 22nd
Cass McCombs is one of independent musics most underrated songwriters. Furthering his catalogue of reflective, somber pop that channels rock and Americana through diverse production styles, McCombs issued the expansive and excellent 22-track…
Julianna Barwick Shares Video, Launches Tour
Ghostly, serene, beautiful, and fluid are all words that might be used to describe Julianna Barwick’s new video for “The Harbinger,” and in fact, her entire newest effort Nepenthe, out now on Dead Oceans….
Show Preview: Destroyer Plays The Belmont Tuesday November 19th
I don’t know why I never realized how influential Television is on the music of Dan Bejar until I saw Television live at Fun Fun Fun Fest. Anyway, if you saw Television at…
Folk Rock Outfit Quiet Life Opens for Head and The Heart in Austin
You may already know that The Head and the Heart will play back to back nights in Austin at Stubb’s this Saturday and Sunday evenings. It’s always nice to see a larger act…
Show Preview: Poliça at Emo’s w/ Marijuana Deathsquads
We’ve brought you a couple posts about Poliça leading up the release of their sophomore album Shulamith, which dropped last month to favorable reviews. The synth-pop group will be in Austin tonight for a show…
Show Preview: Kate Nash, La Sera, and Galpals at Mohawk Saturday November 16th
Saturday night will be popstastic. And perhaps even more importantly, completely fueled by amazingly talented female musicians. British indie-pop songstress Kate Nash will take over the outdoor stage at the Mohawk and will…
Show Preview: of Montreal at The Mohawk Friday November 15th
You really can’t beat an of Montreal show. Kevin Barnes and co. make most other live acts seem like emphatic yawners. From insane costumes of skeletons and creatures to sexually explicit cartoonish enactments…
11 Bands You Should Not Miss at Fun Fun Fun Fest
Okay, so you just couldn’t handle the realness of our exhaustive chronological preview of artists we recommend seeing at Fun Fun Fun Fest. You’re looking for the bottom line. Something a little more…
Fun Fun Fun Fest Preview: Who To See, Where, and When
So you never got around to planning your schedule for Fun Fun Fun Fest. We get it! You’ve got a lot going on. Don’t worry. Just sit back and relax–that’s what we’re here…
Fun Fun Fun Fest Spotlight: Merchandise
See Merchandise. You’re going to see Merchandise. Why are you going to see Merchandise? They absolutely slay. Seriously. We saw them at NXNE this summer at one of the best shows of the festival. Tons of…
Show Preview: Tristen at Mohawk Wednesday, Feb 6th
Is total honesty a winning quality? No one asked me to write this show preview–no publicist reached out, no promoter (no offense intended!). I hasn’t necessarily planned to write it. I knew that…
Fun Fun Fun Fest Spotlight: Cayucas
You need a reason to go to Fun Fun Fun Fest? You need more than the best weather imaginable? You need more than the beautiful scenery of Auditorium Shores? The lineup itself affords…
Show Preview: Cults with Mood Rings at Emo’s Monday, Nov. 4th
Often, the mind numbing bore of Monday can put you in a bad mood, but luckily, this Monday Emo’s is providing an easy fix by hosting Cults with openers Mood Rings. Cults create…
Show Preview: CocoRosie at The Belmont Saturday, Nov. 2nd
CocoRosie’s most recent opus, Tales of a GrassWidow, was cinematic, narrative, and imaginative. Their live shows hold the same allure, featuring costumes, extravagant staging, and of course, CocoRosie’s haunting and peculiar songs. The band…
The Breeders to Play Only Texas Show at Mohawk on New Year’s Eve
The Mohawk dropped a splash of announcement today regarding their plans for New Year’s Eve. Okay, so the pun is terrible, but the news was great! The reunited Breeders will play the final…
Show Preview: The Blow with Love Inks Plus Those Darlins at Red 7, Saturday Nov. 2nd
Let me tell you how much we like The Blow. I once flew The Blow from Seattle to Austin to perform for a New Year’s Eve party sponsored by my blog in 2007….
Fun Fun Fun Fest Spotlight: Interview with Audacity
Fun Fun Fun Fest’s Nites programming has become increasingly substantial over the years and this year will feature artists as notable as Twin Shadow as well as up and coming bands such as…
Show Preview: Grape St., John Wesley Coleman, Booher, and Twinsmith at Hotel Vegas
If you’re looking for the best local music on Halloween, we already told you about Tele Novella’s show at The Owl tomorrow night. But if you’re in search of a weekend endeavor, we…
Show Preview: Cumulus Plays with Lonely Forest Tonight at Holy Mountain
I can’t put into words all of the personal reasons I have to be excited about this show. Cumulus is from Seattle and recorded their new album in The Unknown–the same venue that…
Nine Inch Nails to Perform for ACL Taping
Austin City Limits continues to display their commitment to a wide variety of artists and musical styles as well as up and coming performers. However, the announcement that Nine Inch Nails will perform…
Show Preview: Tele Novella Follows New Video with Special Halloween Show at The Owl
If you, like us, were a fan of Agent Ribbons, then you’re undoubtedly already a fan of Natalie Ribbons’ new pop outfit Tele Novella that features members of Voxtrot, Jason Chronis and Matt…
Show Preview: Ashley Eriksson at The Owl Thursday Oct 30th
This is the best show you don’t know about in a good while. The Owl is formerly Baby Blue Studios, and while the venue may be slightly off the beaten path, it has…
Fun Fun Fun Fest Spotlight: Q and A with Mark Perro of The Men
The lineup for Fun Fun Fun Fest this year is impeccable. It’s hard to even know which band to be most excited about, but for us, The Men certainly rise to the top…
Fun Fun Fun Fest Spotlight: Interview with The Tontons
We really adore The Tontons. The Houston quartet creates vocally centered indie pop that feels a bit like The Cardigans with more edge and a lot more soul. At the forefront of the…
Show Preview: Father John Misty at Emo’s, Tuesday, October 29th
Father John Misty, aka Joshua Tillman, formerly of Fleet Foxes fame, created one of the best albums of 2012. Blending the styles of great songwriters such as Leonard Cohen, John Lennon, and Harry…
Lake Shares “Do You Recall?” Video, Plays The Owl October 30th
Lake’s video for “Do You Recall?” opens up with bright colors and slowly rotating camera shots. The video’s imagery feels like 70s documentary footage, and the music serves as an apt soundtrack. We…
Crystal Antlers Play Mohawk Saturday 10/19 w/ The Zoltars & Hundred Visions
We told you in our Weekly Rundown to make plans for this, so did you? Well, if not, there’s still time to rectify your mistake and buy tickets to Crystal Antlers at Mohawk…
Fun Fun Fun Fest Announces Nites Schedule
Did you miss an artist you wanted to see at ACL and then consider paying even more money to see them at a night show? Fun Fun Fun Fest always has their patrons’…
SXSW Announces Sampling of 2014 Musical Artists
SXSW is the greatest music festival on the planet. And I don’t care what anybody says. While it presents some overcrowding in small venues, it also affords the ability to see artists in…
Win Tickets to Fun Fun Fun Fest with M.I.A., MGMT, Television, and Descendents
To be honest, the team over at Buzzfeed beat us to the punch with this incredible post they put up earlier this month highlighting the best parts of Fun Fun Fun Fest. So,…
Top 11 Picks for ACL Weekend Two
So, you bought tickets for the second weekend of ACL in its inaugural year. You suffered through the pictures and excitement of half your friends going to the first weekend. But look on…
Fun Fun Fun Fest Offers to Buy Your Next Record
As if the deal weren’t sweet enough already, Fun Fun Fun Fest has offered to buy your next album. It seem almost unfathomable to me. These are the same people that will bring…
Show Preview: Ty Segall’s Fuzz at Red 7 on Friday, October 4th
In the last couple of years, few have been as prolific as celebrated garage rocker Ty Segall. We’ve seen a pair of albums and almost half a dozen shows here in Austin. As…
Show Preview: New Order Bassist Peter Hook and the Light Perform Tonight at The Belmont
Recent touring by both the outfit still retaining the moniker New Order as well as original New Order bassist Peter Hook with his band The Light has sparked some controversy as well as…
Show Preview: Austra and DIANA Play Mohawk Tomorrow Night Sept. 13
Tomorrow night, two great bands will perform outdoors at the Mohawk, offering the opportunity to kick off your weekend with dreamy and powerful pop music. You may have caught Austra opening for The…
Fun Fun Fun Fest Announces Bands by Day, Nites Performances, Student Discounts
Want to check out which of the three amazing Fun Fun Fun Fest days is going to be the most amazing? Now, you can, but heading over to their website and checking out which…
Doldrums Announces National Tour, Shares Tour-inspired Mixtape
I’ve always been fascinated by and appreciative of the interactions of musicians with fans in a way that transcends simply creating music. Certainly interviews can serve as one method of “getting to know”…
Show Preview: Broncho Plays Stubb’s Saturday September 14th
This Saturday, Broncho will perform a KUTX sponsored set inside Stubb’s. The band is a good bet for a high energy weekend night with songs that incorporate distorted guitars, uptempo riffs, and quick…
Chelsea Wolfe Plays Mohawk Tonight
Chelsea Wolfe released Pain is Beauty just this past Tuesday to immediate and widespread acclaim. Fittingly, Wolfe’s music embraces both the austere and the sublime. You can see what the hype is all…
Dana Falconberry, Brass Bed, and Reservations at Mohawk Show Preview
We love Dana Falconberry, Brass Bed, and Reservations. We’ve loved them on separate bills and have brought you coverage of their shows before, but we’ll all be graced tomorrow by a Friday night…
Ty Segall Performs New Album Sleeper at Mohawk Tuesday August 27th
Those of you who were at Ty Segall’s last sold out show at Mohawk along with us know what a blistering performance the psychedelic rocker can put on. So, we’re betting you’ll be…
Chelsea Wolf Shares New Track, Plays Mohawk September 6th
Chelsea Wolfe’s Pain is Beauty is less than two weeks from being released by Sargent House. Even so, this week we were given another new song from the forthcoming LP. “The Waves Have…
Check Out Sebadoh’s New Album at the Waterloo Listening Party Saturday August 17th
If you’re a fan of Sebadoh, and you should be, then you’re in luck. Although the band’s new album Defend Yourself doesn’t drop until September 17th via Joyful Noise Recordings, many cities will have…
Mohawk Hosts Balmorhea, Mirror Travel, and Jess Williamson Tonight!
If you frequent Pop Press International, you know we’re big fans of Mirror Travel. We interviewed them here, and we even got to host them at the New Year’s Eve party we co-hosted…
Don’t Miss Kurt Vile with Sonny and the Sunsets at Mohawk Tuesday August 20th
Sometimes, when you go to write a show preview, there are just so many good things you can say, it’s hard to know where to start. This one’s like that, but for you…
Why You Should Be at The Mohawk Tonight with Attendance Records and Belaire
In a book called Break Point and Beyond by George Land and Beth Jarman, they cite a study conducted by land in which he tested a group of students for their aptitude at divergent…
Fun Fun Fun Fest Announces Comedy Lineup and Skate Program
Earlier in the week, Fun Fun fun Fest announced its outstanding comedy lineup and expanding endeavors in the skate and ride departments. The comedy lineup will be headlined by Tenacious D and will…
Fun Fun Fun Fest Reveals Complete Lineup, Tickets On Sale Now
I never had any doubt. Fun Fun Fun Fest always boasts what is likely the best festival lineup of the year. But I also had no idea it would be this amazing. My…
Fun Fun Fun Fest Leaks More Performers for 2013 Festival
Fun Fun Fun Fest has leaked an additional six artists that will be performing at this year’s installment of the event, which takes place November 8-10 at Auditorium Shores in Austin. The list…
