Category Archives: Spotlight

Artists of all varieties that I know and work with.

Lost Time :: HELP ME Nears Release, Trailer Arrives

Earlier this year, I released my first true short film, the suspenseful REPOSSESSION.  It was a wonderful personal achievement, in the sense that I went from talking about ‘making films one day’ to having a film under my belt.  The experience of making REPOSSESSION taught me quite a bit about myself and the creative process.  So much, in fact, that less than a year later (within the same year, as a matter of fact), I am releasing my second short film.  HELP ME centers around a crew of abandoned location explorers that stumble upon a phenomenon they cannot comprehend.  The trailer is above, and keep an eye on the Upcoming Shows page of the website for information on screenings.

-chief

Artistic Visions :: Protextor And Brother Bear’s ‘American Neon’ Now Available

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After much anticipation and a top notch single/video rollout, Protextor and Brother Bear have dropped American Neon on us lucky listeners.  I have not yet had a chance to listen, but when it’s getting props like this via the Bandcamp listenership, I can trust that it will be well worth the time it takes to give it the listen(s) it will deserve:

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-chief

Mental Imagery :: HOMEROOM And Friends Connect For ‘Mind Masters’

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For anyone under the impression that HOMEROOM may be on an indefinite hiatus, those thoughts have been struck down with the release of mind masters, one banger of a surprise single.  Heir Max and Jayoin jump on the track to make the lyrical onslaught double the potency, and John Tunstle comes through with another wonderfully produced beat for all of the chaos to collide on.  If this is an indication of an upcoming HOMEROOM album, I’ll be right here, ready and waiting to listen.

-chief

Stolen Moments :: The Deer’s Intimate Live Performance Of ‘Acid Wash’

Back in February of this year, The Deer were on the road (as they usually are).  While in Colorado, they set aside some time to perform Acid Wash live from Mountain Star Studio (located in Black Hawk).  With instruments ready, and a single light bulb to illuminate them and set the mood, the group poured themselves into this beautiful song, and the performance is one for the ages.  Take some time to immerse yourself, give it a like and a share, and maybe even a comment if the song moves you enough.

-chief

Local Hero :: Jim Govea Releases ‘Vinsky’ On The Masses

Like a shot of adrenaline from out of nowhere, San Marcos-based director Jim Govea has upped the stakes for any budding action director with the release of Vinsky, a cyber-punk 80’s action flick based around the titular detective.  Everything about the aesthetic of this project is shot on, and some of the stunts are downright crazy.  This is truly an entertaining piece of DIY art that is certainly worth your time.  Give it a like, give it a share, and who knows… maybe with enough subscribers, we may see the return of Vinsky at some point in the future…

-chief

Bitforce Fever :: Bitforce Release ‘Nerdcore And Beyond’

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I know.. I know.. I’m late to the party on this one.  I promised to keep all of you in the loop of Bitforce‘s sophomore release when I first mentioned the album art.  Quiet as kept, things have been busy in my world, which is good for me, but sometimes bad for my blog.  I certainly had no intent on forgetting to post about the release of Nerdcore and Beyond, seeing as how Bitforce has upgraded in terms of notoriety, costuming and skill.  There are tons of wonderful and familiar video game, anime and other nerd culture songs on this release, so do yourself a favor and deep dive.  These cats aim to please, and they rarely miss.

-chief

Productive Procrastination :: Scuare Resurfaces ‘Off Days Vol. I’

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During the days that Soundcloud was cool, Austin-based MC Scuare took it upon himself to go 18 weeks, one song a week.  Like most, he has moved on from Soundcloud, but that did not make those creations any less relevant.  After realizing that most people had no access to the lion’s share of that material, a decision was made to compile all of the songs into the project Off Days Vol. I.  It’s a free download, so why would you not cop it?  Your only obligation would be to tell a friend to do the same, and believe me, your ears will thank you for it.

-chief

Placebo Effect :: Sugar Pill Debuts With ‘Monsters’

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Quite often, the best introduction is a direct one.  Let folks know what you’re about, speak with confidence, keep it short and sweet.  If that’s the case, then consider yourselves introduced to Sugar Pill.  A four-piece rock outfit based out of Austin, the group finds themselves preparing for the release of their debut EP Out of the Gate with the release of the single Monsters.  Are they talking symbolic or literal monsters?  I guess that’s for them to know, and us to decipher.  Here’s to more music from Sugar Pill, and hopefully in the near future.

-chief

Calm Maturation :: Branden Rex Drops ‘B&W Hipster’

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From the digital desk of Branden Rex :

‘Originally from Milwaukee, WI Branden Rex moved to Austin, TX to pursue his musical career 7 years ago.  While in the past 3 he has rerouted himself into the direction of fashion and business after co-founding an art/music company, Calm Child Lifestyles, the last year of his life has been spent producing his next endeavor.  A music/visual project entitled B&W Hipster has been the result.  With an array of audio tracks accompanied by cinematic visuals, Rex has mastered a way to brighten up the inevitably dark reality of his world.  Not only has he given you something to listen to and see, but you’ve been given something to feel.’

I am looking forward to more of the visuals for sure, as 50¢ Wings was a top notch music video in a year full of stellar Austin-based music videos.  Show some support, share, like the work, and stay tuned for more.

-chief

Emotional Depths :: Anastasia Releases ‘Born To Love You’

The anticipation for Born To Love You‘s release has been real.  Ever since Anastasia started dropping the initial promo material, music videos and singles, there has been a building crowd of new fans and old supporters awaiting to hear where her journeys have led her.  The project finds Anastasia facing her feelings on love, romance and support in a completely bold and up front fashion.  From the familiar opening title track Born To Love You to the stellar finisher Murder Business, the collaboration between Anastasia and producer Thomas Crager sits with you and pulls on all the right emotions.  This one is a standout 2017 project, hands down.  Show some support, and not just on Soundcloud, as this project is on all major digital outlets.  As always, support local!

-chief