Author Archives: ChiefDoomsday

Brutal Honesty :: JSoulja Stops By Lit Up AV For ‘Talk About It’

Lit Up AV recently welcomed Austin MC and move-maker JSoulja to their studio for a live impromptu performance of his latest single, Talk About It.  The clip is short but powerful, as JSoulja raps and sings about the hurdles one most overcome when hyperfocused on being real with yourself and dedicate to your rise.  His confidence beams through his calm and calculated performance, and his words have impact, as evidenced by the head nods in the adjacent room that are caught on camera.  I’ve heard the name JSoulja on the scene recently, and this little snippet of the talent definitely has me interested in digging deeper… perhaps you should do the same.  Don’t forget to drop a like and a comment on the video, share it if you know others who might dig it too, and always support your local creatives.

-chief

Rise Above :: Cal Wayne Drops Knowledge On The Struggle With ‘Lord Knows’ Video

Houston-based rapper Cal Wayne, along with guest artist Mr. Ogletree, recently dropped a gem in the form of Lord Knows, a very personal and confessional style video about the crabs in the rap bucket that make it hard to elevate your position.  With a dope location, a solid track from producer J.T., and hard hitting (but honest) bars, the video is economic in its simplicity, making it all hit that much harder… the whole thing is reminiscent of kicking it with someone who’s been through a thing or two, and is taking the time to be honest about the journey for anyone willing to listen.  Definitely a solid video for a solid track, so be sure to like it, comment and share it around.

-chief

Lab Work :: Chief and TheDoomsdayDevice Initiates ‘Escapism’ Mix Series With 2 Releases

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Chief and TheDoomsdayDevice stays busy with a diverse range of talents and exploits, but a key part of that business is making sure that none of the disciplines suffer as the palette expands.  Recently, in celebration of the steady growth that the Escapism Plan Friday night residency at Tantra Coffeehouse has seen, Chief and TheDoomsdayDevice took to the lab to start curating small mixes for promotional use and listener enjoyment.  Dubbed the Escapism series, each mix will feature a unique focus on top of Chief and TheDoomsdayDevice‘s signature DJ skill and execution.  The covers will also feature the photography of Chief and TheDoomsdayDevice.

Late Night Drive is a down-tempo collection of pop songs, electronic songs, R&B songs and instrumentals meant to put miles on the road for you.  Sonic Enlightenment features the works of independent (and largely Texas-based) producers such as Unusuals, members of the (in)Sect Records and Exploded Drawing family), Yppah, edison and poolboi blu.

If you dig what you hear, then make sure to keep your eyes and ears open for follow-up releases to the series, and don’t be afraid to request or recommend a mix you’d like to hear.

-chief

Make Tracks :: Riders Against The Storm (RAS) Present ‘UPLIFTED’ Pilot

Austin-based hip-hop outfit Riders Against the Storm (RAS) are truly an inspiration in regards to how you can take your passion and let it lead you to new opportunities.  The latest of these opportunities includes the recent filming and release of a pilot series titled UPLIFTED where (RAS) travel around the country (and eventually the globe) interviewing people of note.  The pilot showcases an interview and birthday party for East Austin resident Richard Overton, who recently turned 112, making him the oldest living man in America and the third oldest in the world.  WIth such a strong episode ride out of the gate, I am looking forward to seeing what else the crew can cook up.

-chief

More Momentum :: PNTHN Keeps Making Moves, Drops ‘RICO’

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PNTHN has been making all the right moves the last couple of years on their path to success.  The collective, who started with a handful of songs and solid videos, found themselves getting blog placements, opening for touring acts, and winning contests, including placement at this year’s A3C convention in Atlanta.  With that trip coming up, it makes sense that the crew would drop a new EP to keep listeners happy and potential new fans intrigued.  RICO is a seven track collaboration with producer Romby that allows folks more insight into the lives and inner-workings of the crew, and a snapshot of their growth.  At this rate, I’m definitely looking forward to the next full length and the subsequent music video outpout that RICO will inevitably lead to.  As always, check out the EP, give it a like, a comment and a share, and keep supporting your local creatives!

-chief

Award Tour :: Attic Ted Performs ‘Take Me Back To Tulsa’ At Galerie Kirschey For Raw Gigs

Over the past couple of years, Attic Ted has found himself exploring the clubs, pubs, museums and DIY spaces of Europe via several tours of different countries.  His eccentric and exhilarating performance has always been appreciated stateside, but he’s really been making waves to the point the trips overseas have become somewhat frequent.  Recently, while stopping by Galerie Kirschey in GermanyAttic Ted hooked up with Raw Gigs to perform Take Me Back To Tulsa for their YouTube channel.  The result is a unique presentation of an Attic Ted standard, fit and ready for you to watch, like, comment and share.  Seeing Attic Ted relishing in his opportunities is inspiring, so definitely take a moment to check him out!

-chief

Personal Reflection :: ConductHer And Token Connect For ‘Female Masturbation’ Collaboration

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ConductHer, one half of ChurchCough, has been doubling down on the workload in the midst of producing the group’s upcoming new release.  The second workload has involved a handful of San Marcos-based female musicians collaborating to examine the feminine mystique and sexuality in the Information Age.  Female Masturbation, co-curated by Token, features contributions from Lemur & FranksBrandix and Rachel Williams.  After a recent successful album release show, the duo is looking to spread the word about the project, so definitely give it a listen and a share.

-chief

Around Town :: Ben Buck’s ‘Raunch Dressing’ Music Video

Ben Buck is a young man on a come up in the Austin hip-hop scene.  Recently, he connected with FOCI Productions to create a music video for Raunch Dressing, the lead single off of Ben Buck‘s instrumental project McNasty21.  The video captures a day in the life of Ben Buck as he goes around town with his musician friends to rehearse and perform (both on the streets and on the stage).  This one is definitely entertaining, and it does a good job of letting you in on the personality of the ever entertaining Ben Buck.  Definitely spread this one around, give it a like, and leave a comment.

-chief

Taking Action :: BlackLight And Ricki Savage Connect For ‘Crying AF’ Music Video

These days, it seems that the simple act of existing as a minority in a tension-filled society is one filled with paranoia… fear of systematic oppression, fear of violence at the hands of those meant to serve and protect, and fear of being judged unjustly are all very real concerns that have always been around, and that continue to be relevant as the times supposedly change.  Austin-based MC BlackLight, along with collaborator and fellow MC Ricki Savage, dove into this reality musically via BlackLight‘s track Crying AF, and with human rights rallies popping up in Austin, it only seemed right that footage from those rallies should be used in conjunction with their story for a music video.  The pair manage to show how art and reality often intertwine and imitate one another, as large numbers of people are shown uniting for the very same things that the pair are rapping about.  Definitely help these guys spread this much needed message via a like, comment and a share to their video, and never forget to support your local creators.

-chief

Stepping Up :: Alesia Lani Aims To Wow TRCoA With ‘Pay Me No Mind’ Performance

The journey of Alesia Lani from striving R&B performer to a force on the scene continues to gain momentum as time moves forward.  This summer, she made an attempt at a huge step forward by taking part in an opportunity for a sizable grant from The Recording Conservatory of Austin.  Part of this attempt included an in-studio performance of Pay Me No Mind, a strong composition about how important respect is when it comes to love.  With the help of her band and backing singers (plus a little bit of narrative footage edited in), Alesia Lani blew the roof off of TRCoA‘s sound stage.  The performance is a fun one, and the confidence running throughout is truly inspiring.  Check it out, leave a like, share and comment, and be sure to keep supporting your local creatives!

-chief