Category Archives: Underground Me Now

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Big Pictures :: Tone Royal’s Amazing ‘Late’ Music Video Now Streaming

If it’s not common knowledge by now that movie references are my soft spot, it should be apparently so in the wake of this share.  Tone Royal, based out of San Antonio, decided to go ahead and blow my mind with the release of his music video for Late.  The first single from the upcoming EP of the same name, Tone‘s video goes out of it’s way to immerse us up to our eyeballs in both famous and obscure movie reference interactions.  The animation hearkens back to the transition period between Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, and the choices are pitch perfect.  It goes without question that the song is a banger as well, making all of the elements hold one another up in a beautiful bit of harmony.  This one comes highly recommended, so definitely hit those like, share and subscribe buttons!

-chief

Permanent Vacation :: ChurchCough And Nathan Bailey Combine Forces For ‘Off’

When ConductHer and NonsenseSpence first joined up to form ChurchCough, I was immediately interested in their approach and aesthetic… it reminded me of the most free spirited aspects of bands like Yacht and Hot Chip.  The beats are tight and driving, but the vocals are sparse and stream of consciousness.    Their debut video, Creek, was a nice thunderclap in the distance… a sense that a storm was coming.  For Off, the crew reconnected with Nathan Bailey, and this time you’re dropped right into the eye of the hurricane of creativity.  The video is driven by a handful of strong images, immaculate lighting and a sense of purpose that comes off as a statement piece.  If this is an indication of what’s to come for ChurchCough, I’m doubling down on my seat for this ride.

-chief

Self Respect :: Cha’Keeta B And Nubia Emmon Show ‘2 Can Play That Game’

Sometimes, moving on is about holding on to the good while separating yourself from the bad.  Other times, moving on is about taking a stand for yourself, setting a bar for where your standards will lie, and displaying integrity.  Cha’Keeta B and Nubia Emmon, with the help of Robgfilm.com, bring the second circumstance to life perfectly in the music video for Cha’Keeta B‘s latest single, 2 Can Play That Game.  The video is full of wonderful touches, such as the Petty Squad title card and the ever-looming presence of NBA 2k in the room where relationship drama is played out at the maximum level.  Complete productions like this definitely show that the Texas music scene is legitimate on the independent level.  Here’s to hoping more good comes from Cha’Keeta B and her camp, because I will definitely continue to pay attention.

-chief

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

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

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