Author Archives: ChiefDoomsday

Being There :: Kydd Jones Releases ‘Revenge’ Single

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It’s another one from Kydd Jones, and it’s just further evidence that he is on a path towards growth, depth and expansion.  This go round covers a topic I know a bit too well… dedication in the face of a situation that does not turn out as expected.  Revenge is an oath that, despite you not being there for your reasons, Kydd will be there for you when it counts.  The track is a wonderfully slow burn, and I found myself giving it repeat listens with each visit.  At this point, I’m definitely curious to hear what his next full length will sound like.

-chief

Deep Rooted :: AMEA’s Latest, ‘The Learning Tree Pt. 1’, Demands Attention

All of this Texas-based R&B has been good for the soul.  We are getting a very wide cross section of what this realm can be, and we don’t even have to leave the central Texas corridor to experience it.  I’ve covered AMEA (who currently reps San Antonio) a couple of times before on this blog, but the release of The Learning Tree Pt. 1 is opening my eyes to aspects of her style that I am happy to find present.  Shades of Georgia Anne MuldrowRaphael SaadiqStacey Epps and Me’Shell NdegéOcello are all present, and yet AMEA still has a unique presence that cuts right through and sits comfortably within the sound surrounding her.  This is wonderful music, and it should hopefully lead to bigger and better things.  You can find it on all of the services, so I suggest doing so.

-chief

Collected Works :: Mystic Prism Drops ‘Electronic Mix – Fall 2017’

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Here’s to hoping that Bandcamp isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.  Sometimes, I’m unsure of where my next post will come from… I’ve received notifications in the email, I’ve stacked up saved links from my online searches, but am feeling the need to step outside of my comfort realm, and boom… a simple search for Austin TX always yields wonderful results.  Today’s find was Austin-based electronic producer Mystic Prism and his mixed collection of work that spans the last few years up to this past fall.  Electronic Mix – 2017 is complete escapist music… the sounds and textures play around with one another, leaving you wrapped up and lost in the musical chase.  Bolstered by an amazingly dense and intriguing album cover, I can definitely say I am happy with today’s discovery.  Hopefully, I’m not the only one who ends up enjoying this today.

-chief

Renaissance Sounds :: Marcelandrie Releases ‘Fix Gon’ Be’ Project

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When Marcelandrie recently dropped a video recently for his Fix Gon’ Be single, I was immediately intrigued.  R&B in Austin is not new by any means, but it was nice to hear someone who was a true singer/songwriter/instrumentalist in the genre with roots in my city.  Now, Fix Gon’ Be has hit the digital airwaves as a project, and the rest is equally impressive.  Marcelandrie has a back catalog that I will definitely dig deeper into, but Fix Gon’ Be is a good introduction and a wonderful starting point for this journey.

-chief

Heavy Souls :: Jonathan Brown Expresses Loss With ‘For Tavis’

Jonathan Brown has become a good friend over the years.  I’ve always appreciated his ability to leave it all on the tape… on the stage… his brutal honesty and ability to be completely open are unparalleled.  As someone who has recently lost a great number of people close to me to that other side of living, I can completely understand what he is going through in For Tavis, a tribute to his recently deceased friend and comrade Tavis Brunson.  This is for all of those… all of us… who have lost someone close to them, and lost a piece of themselves.

-chief

Smart Money :: OMS Sunglasses Hit The Streets

Old Man Skateboards is back at it again with the merch, and this time it’s in the form of sunshades.  You know how OMS does it with the DIY, and this commercial is proof of both the creativity and hilarity found within the OMS YouTube channel.  You can cop a pair for 10 bones by reaching out to oldmanskateboards@yahoo.com, or you can cop them via the Bandcamp page.

-chief

Keep Rising :: Exploded Drawing Celebrates 7 Years In Style

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After 7 years of hard work and endless dedication, the Exploded Drawing family is reaping the recognition they rightfully deserve.  2017 has found the crew expanding into the festival circuit, playing the legendary Low End Theory in Los Angeles, bringing the very same Low End Theory to Austin, receiving recognition in the Austin Chronicle and Texas Monthly within weeks of one another, and releasing vinyl and cassettes via the legendary Fat Beats distribution to commemorate 7 years.  Exploded Drawing: “7 Years” Compilation features all of the producers you’ve come to know and love from the crew, an introduction featuring KUTX‘s Art Levy, and it’s all come together on a beautiful full-color gatefold (designed by Michael Scheel) with color vinyl pressings in 2 options.  I am so happy for the crew, and forever honored to be among its ranks.  Here’s to countless more years of continued fun and hopeful success.

-chief

Insane Creations :: Astrokeyy Drops Gripping Visual For ‘The Hated Freestyle’

As usual, I found myself combing through the I Support ATX Hip Hop. Do You? group on Facebook, because I can always rely on finding something new and interesting to share, and today, as usual, it did not let me down.  I came across a YouTube video for Austin-based Astrokeyy with an ill thumbnail of his eyes whited out.  I’ve always been a sucker for a stark and arresting visual, so I clicked the link, and what I got was straightforward bars from the heart over a no-nonsense lowkey performance video that is enhanced by some subtle but wonderful AfterEffects work.  These definitely are not new or unique tricks used in the video, but they are definitely used well by Newhighfilmz for The Hated Freestyle.  Throw the video a like and a share, maybe even a comment, and keep your eyes open for more dopeness from all camps involved.

-chief

Real Talk :: Crew54 Drops ‘Wyld Gents Podcast’

Sophisticated tomfoolery… that’s what Crew54 calls it.  After successful forays into music, visual and YouTube, the crew is now breaking new ground in the podcast realm with The Wyld Gents Podcast.  M.O.S. and GChrist have always had personality and charisma, as well as undeniable chemistry, and the podcast is a chance to gain a deeper insight into that chemistry.  The two bring their natural rapport to the podcast, and the topics (which range widely in variety) are all addressed earnestly and honestly.  I’m looking forward to seeing what the two talk about in the future, and who knows… maybe ya boy will show up in the mix if they start inviting guests…

-chief

Darkest Sunshine :: More Eaze And Rat Tail Tapes Release ‘unnatural_light.’

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In the words of more eaze, this is ‘good rainy/gray day music. lo-fi folk songs and a side long dreamy electronic track’.  That description pretty much hits the nail on the head for this one… it’s a beautiful trip through a low-key landscape that drops you off in the middle of an electronic playground.  unnatural_light. is distributed by San Antonio-based Rat Tail Tapes, a distribution house that specializes in releases that push the boundaries of sound exploration.  The limited edition cassette tape is available for order, and the tunes are available to listen to online as well, so do yourself a favor and do so.

-chief