T Bird & The Breaks are one of the most sincerely funky outfits this side of New Orleans. Their latest release, Harmonizm, has a music video for the title track that shows you exactly what can be done with a little help from your friends. Dig it, and support these cats.
-chief
Posted in Audio-Visuals, General Information, ShuffleCast, Spotlight
Tagged chief, harmonizm, t bird & the breaks, the doomsday device
from the digital desk of Gergaz:
‘Here we are again, celebrating GERGAZ‘s 6th year with annual compilation from the BEAT GARDEN series. We kept things the way you like them and put together 17-track collection offering an array of efforts from across the beat and bass scene. As usually we have selected tracks we feel deserve your attention, tracks by artists we like, our residents and by those that we have discovered along the way.’
-chief
I don’t think I was fully prepared for how jazzy this track was going to be, first and foremost. Everything about this piece of work is striking… the strong visual styles, the perfectly balanced in its frantic qualities track, or the griot style with which Oliver Grimball weaves the story together in Exploitation Cantata. If you don’t share anything else with your friends today, share this.
-chief
It’s always interesting to see what kind of vibes are created when people from different parts of the map connect. In this particular project, Los Angeles creative spirit Coolzey is moving along the musical landscapes created by New Yorker Soce the Elemental Wizard. Along with a few guest appearances by Schaffer the Darklord, Belly Belt, Tyler Davis Parkford, Nelson Lugo, and Joelle Grabowski, a wonderful picture is painted sonically. Props on envoking Children’s Story.
-chief
Have you ever wished that Sergio Leone wrote music for a half Tom Waits – half Johnny Cash creation? Wish no more, because Dead Random out of Austin is that and much much more. They recently performed at Lost Well as part of the 2nd Annual Krampusfest, and this live rendition of Prison or a Rose Garden was captured in all of its glory. Check out this performance, and check out more of their music here.
-chief
Hometown Anthems is a fitting name to the latest project by Austin beatsmith :::tek(-_-)nik:::. It’s fitting due to the fact that Austin, just like this collection of beats, is known for it’s many textures. Whether it be the laid back attitude of the Keep Austin Weird culture, the soulful sounds of it’s black and latino residents, or even the tech saavy that’s coming from our industrial sector, this album captures all of it. Even if you aren’t from The Weird City, you can still enjoy the way these proceedings go… all it takes are open ears and an open mind.
-chief
Ceschi, after a couple of years facing unforseen turmoil, is back stronger than ever. If Elm City Ballad is any indication of what’s to come from Broken Bone Ballads, then we are about to get a level of truth unparalleled in the realms of hip-hop. Then again, Ceschi is closer to folk hero than hip-hop hero.
-chief
Posted in Audio-Visuals, General Information, Spotlight
Tagged broken bone ballads, ceschi, chief, elm city ballads, the doomsday device
San Marcos has been an endless wellspring of talent over the years that I have spent there. No matter what kind of musical styling you enjoy, someone (or a group of someones) generally has it nailed.. and they are more than willing to let you be a part of their journey. Here are two entries for NPRs Tiny Desk Contest from two sets of all star acts:
Rock Bottom String Band
Henry + the Invisibles
-chief
MF Doom is without a doubt one of the most influential MC/producers of the past 20 years. His influence is heard coast to coast in the sound of many hip-hop acts. Sometimes, direct credit has to be given, and Jamar Equality recently teamed up with Ruler Why to provide us listeners with some new verbal heat over some familiar tunes. Maybe if we make enough noise, there will be more to follow.
-chief
Here’s a little something on the smoother side from Austin’s R&B scene. This song is courtesy of soul singer Jake Lloyd, with an assist from songbird Alesia Lani. Love can be a tricky game, but watch how these two navigate themselves through a triangle many of us have been through, all to the tune of a 48 Laws sonic masterpiece of a track. Dig it, share it, and support your local singers.
-chief
Posted in Audio-Visuals, General Information, Spotlight
Tagged 48 laws, alesia lani, chief, i.b.u.w.m.g.f., jake lloyd, the doomsday device
Chief and TheDoomsdayDevice 