Category Archives: Spotlight

Artists of all varieties that I know and work with.

Direct Action :: Blastfamous USA Takes To The Streets With ‘Out Here’ Video

Blasfamous USA, in their short existence, has not been a group to shy away from issues and topics that matter.  The video for their latest single, Out Here, drives that fact home by taking place in the midst of an anti-Trump rally held in Austin.  The crew looks right at home among the throngs of demonstrators upset with the current political direction, and the lyrics of the song seem to almost directly reflect what you are seeing.  Hopefully, the dissidence settles in due time, and Blastfamous USA continues to make bold statements in their banging music.

-chief

Dirty Work :: Kinder Hits The Internet With A New Tape Mix

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When it comes to production and electronic music in the central Texas realm, not many are doing it to the skill level of Exploded Drawing OG member Kinder.  Even his demos are an event, as the recent Soundcloud upload of 2.24 (tapemix) demonstrated.  6 minutes of Kinder exploring the ideas and pathways of a new song is more entertaining than some so-called producer’s finished products.  For a genre of music that can be formulaic and pattern based, Kinder manages to capture an incredibly hands on feel.  As always, be on the lookout for releases from Kinder, because the man is always working on something dope.

-chief

Styles Clash :: The PNTHN Release ‘POTLUCK’

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As much as I dig individual skill in hip-hop, I’m more so a fan of a crew that can get down.  The PNTHN seem primed to be the crew to watch for in the central Texas scene these days, taking all of the necessary steps to blaze a trail.  After a handful of memorable videos and some time on the road, the crew has released POTLUCK on all of the streaming sources.  The project, while only 6 tracks deep, does a great job of showcasing each member’s skill and personality without being disorienting.  Those familiar with the live shows should easily be able to identify who is who, which will certainly amplify reaction at the live shows.  Plain and simple, I’m excited to watch the trajectory of The PNTHN, because it feels like success will be as attainable as they want it to be… staying focused and driven will be the key to making it a reality, and the crew has already shown they are ready to make moves.

-chief

Spotlight Time :: The PNTHN Visits KTSW 89.9 For ‘Studio C Sessions’

In the information age, everything happens at an accelerated pace.  The process of forming a band, writing a catalog of songs and developing a rapport and chemistry with one another used to take years, but those days are over.  Take The PNTHN, based out of San MarcosTexas.  In what seems like a matter of months, they’ve dropped a couple of projects, a handful of music videos, have played shows throughout Texas, and recently stopped by KTSW for a Studio C Session.  Check it out, give it a like and a share, and definitely support these cats because they’ll be doing bigger things sooner than later.

-chief

Joyful Noise :: Fucking Awesome Drops ‘Interim’ On The Digital Spectrum

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Fucking Awesome, the foundation band of Frownland Records, is always pushing the boundaries of creative sound.  The songs are always expansive, rhythmic and driven, while maintaining an avant-garde air.  2018 finds the band releasing Interim, their latest collection of mind (and genre) bending music.  This one is available on all streaming and digital storefront outlets, so definitely consider giving it a deep listen.

-chief

Moving Pictures :: The ‘Against Shadows’ Trailer Intrigues

While combing through my timeline (as ususal), I stumbled across a trailer for an upcoming dance-based film, Against Shadows.  What immediately caught my eye was the backdrop for the thumbnail : the soon to be relocated Hope Outdoor Gallery in Austin.  Upon further research, I discovered that Stephanie Patrick and team’s vision was to do 5 scenes involving 10 dancers that takes place in both Austin and San Francisco.  A second video provided a bit more insight into the project…

I will definitely be on the lookout for this one.

-chief

Warning Signs :: L.Dot And Menace Talk ‘Savage’ On New Music Video

Emcee L.Dot, representing Killeen by way of D.C., is here to make it plain and simple what he’s all about.  On the video for the latest single, SavageL.Dot and collaborator Menace trade bars about what qualifies them as savage, as well as what sets them apart from others making similar claims.  All of this is done over a banger of a beat from TroubleOnTheTrack and Dubb-Z.  CoolyFilms stepped in with the visual assist, and the final product is definitely something that stands up against the competition.  Definitely give this one a like, share and comment if you’re missing hip-hop with substance and heart from the local level.

-chief

Multiple Connections :: Evolve Drops ‘Stash #19’

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Evolve has never been shy about putting in collaborative work.  From working with a plethora of producers to having a wide range of guest vocals on his projects, you can always count on Evolve to bring in the energy of others to his work.  stash #19 is the chance to drop some of his unreleased and favorite collaborative efforts in one collection.  You can always count on quality work from Evolve and company, so definitely be sure to check this one out, share it, and support your indie visionaries.

-chief

Deep Concentration :: Lady Valore Drops Knowledge On ‘IRL’

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In my quest to become the Superman of indie blogs, I think that Virgil Wolfe has become my Jimmy Olsen.  One trip through his timeline, and I manage to keep finding dopeness.  This go-round, it’s SavannahGeorgia-based Lady Valore that caught my attention.  Her latest release, IRL, did all the right things to catch my attention… dope cover, interesting song titles, and a guest appearance by another recent Virgil Wolfe discovery, cunabear.  Naturally, I decided to dive in, and I was certainly not disappointed.

Lady Valore has a very conversational style and delivery, making her come off as the underground hip-hop version of The Ancient One from Doctor Strange.  Her lines of rationale and observation are interesting and thought-provoking, and the production (the lion’s share of which is done by 5AM, with contributions by DRMAMatty MeatloafSunglow and (‘i’s’)) is abstract enough to stand out, but strong enough to support the unique flow.  For a name your price purchase, you really can’t go wrong with this one.

-chief

Staying Fly :: Flyhorses Keeps It Going With ‘Flyhorses Radio’ Episode 2

Flyhorses are back at it, and will be at it forever.  Norman Ba$e and DDotElles dropped episode 2, featuring KUTX‘s The Breaks (Fresh Prince of the ATX and Confucius Jones) and as always, the range of topics is vast and diverse.  Period point blank, these cats are entertaining as all hell, and so far the 2 sets of guests they’ve presented are equally engaging.  I plan on sticking to this podcast for the long haul as a listener, and maybe one day I’ll be lucky enough to grab some time as a guest on the podcast.  Check it out, share it, leave a comment, and support your local creatives.

-chief