Tag Archives: san marcos

Rapid Expansion :: Bobcat Nation Focuses On UFL And The Feral Hogs

The Unicycle Football League (UFL), based out of San Marcos, has become more than just a local novelty… it is a cultural phenomenon that has gained statewide and national recognition, as well as respect from the NFL.  This year, a new team has taken shape in the form of the Feral Hogs.  The team is made up of mostly rookies and new prospects, with quarterback and veteran Erica Jane Meyer attempting to be the glue that can hold the team together.  Check out the piece, share it around, and be sure to support UFL every Sunday at the San Marcos Activity Center, 2:00 PM.

-chief

Doubling Down :: MANNERS Celebrates Second Release Day By Dropping Two Projects

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After releasing a project earlier this year, then dealing with a band member relocation that probably would have disbanded most groups, it’s good to know that MANNERS is still alive and kicking.  To celebrate that fact, the group put out a planned release in the form of Pulp, a six song collection (five of which are seeing an official release for the first time) that showcases their continued tradition of writing intriguing, biting and honest love/break-up songs in the vein of PJ Harvey or Cat Power‘s older material.  Then, as if a new album wasn’t enough, the group released a live show at Beerland that they themselves did not know was being recorded at the time.  Thanks to Maximiamo Deems, the group was handed a fully recorded and mixed live project that not only sounds great, but it gives you a glimpse into how funny the between-song banter of MANNERS can be.  If you’re a fan of the group, definitely spread the word around about these releases.

-chief

True Stories :: SymmaTree Talks Life And Experience On ‘RaRa Room Radio’ With O.G. Willikers

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My main man SymmaTree of Grid Squid Entertainment stays making tracks by touring and playing shows all over the midwest, southwest and southeast regions of the United States.  During a recent road stint in Santa FeNew Mexico, he made a stop by the RaRaRoom Radio podcast, hosted by O.G. Willikers, where he and guests talk shop about the creative process and experience.  Having know SymmaTree for so long, it’s eye-opening to hear him talk so personally and openly about the time he’s invested in the game, the strides he’s made as an artist and leader of a crew, and his reflections on his songwriting and performance process.  If you’ve ever found yourself intrigued by one of his performances or songs, this is the podcast for you, as it is sure to enrich your future encounters and experiences with SymmaTree.  Give the podcast a like, a comment and a share, and never forget to support your local creatives.

-chief

Diverse Vibes :: Kinder Drops Mega-Mix With ‘Kinder Medleys Vol. 1’

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One listen to the original production of Exploded Drawing standout kinder lets you know that his musical palette is diverse and expansive.  His compositions easily touch the bases of electronic, hip-hop, folk and rock sensibilities without over-indulging in any specific genre for too long.  With the recent rainy spell that San Marcos has weathered (no pun intended), kinder took it as an opportunity to dig through his vinyl collection and put together a feature-length mix in the form of kinder medleys vol. 1.  Take a peek at the track listing, or just throw on some headphones and dive in… and be sure to share this one around, give it a like, and leave a comment on your favorite song!

-chief

Melodic Motivation :: ChurchCough Collaborates With Token On ‘Billie Jean’

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The theme of this week seems to be positive affirmations.  The latest to broadcast the importance of them is the dynamic duo ChurchCough, located in San Marcos.  With the help of Token, the trio gets down to some core insight on the cyclical nature of nature via observations, allusions to positive affirmations that already exist in the sphere of pop culture, and straight-forward testimonials of personal experience in their day to day walks.  Billie Jean is a strong lead single for the upcoming album, which will feature collaborations with a wide range of artists (including yours truly).  Add that bit of wonderful cover art from Candid (Eddie Baty), and it really will have you wondering…

Is this real or all a dream…?

-chief

Heavy Hearts :: Conwaythewhale Stops By KTSW 89.9 Studio C Sessions

Evolution is a natural part of dedicated creation.  Take Conwaythewhale, for example.  Upon their inception, the band was just a duo, albeit a powerful one.  Due to life circumstances and other creative obligations, what started as a raw musical confessional turned into a full-fledged power packed sonic testimonial, backed by a traditional full band.  What has not changed, however, is the cutting honesty and pure emotion of singer/songwriter Justin Conway.  The band stopped by KTSW 89.9‘s acclaimed Studio C Sessions recently, and their performance of John Locke was extremely touching, especially for those of us that have spent any time over the last 5 years or so in the San Marcos area.  Check it out, share it around, and be sure to give it a like and/or leave a comment.  Support college radio and local artists!

-chief

Air Time :: Manners Stops By KTSW 89.9 For Studio C Sessions

If there’s one thing that San Marcos will never run out of, it’s bands.  You can barely throw a rock without hitting someone that contains enough talent and personality to hold a crowd’s attention.  Manners is one of the groups that, over the past year or so, has stayed vigilant and managed to make a name for themselves.  Because KTSW 89.9 understands the importance of giving props where props are due, the band was recently invited to bless Studio C Sessions with a performance of their song Creeps.  Check it out, stay in tune to KTSW 89.9 and in line with what Manners are keeping up to, and always support local.

-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

Talking Shop :: Chief And TheDoomsdayDevice Visits The Trial By Error Variety Show Podcast

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New Year’s Eve 2017 was one for the books.  I found myself with 3 shows that evening, all in the square of San Marcos Texas.  My first stop was Valentino’s Pizza, courtesy of the homeboy and crew ConwayTheWhale, for a early evening showcase.  While there, I was lucky enough to meet Chaznik Raab of the Trial By Error Variety Show podcast.  We jumped out in his ‘mobile studio’ for a few minutes to talk shop, and it recently hit the airwaves.  Definitely take the time to listen, as many cool bands were interviewed that day.  Here’s to everyone achieving their 2018 dreams!

-chief

Curating Culture :: Faylita Hicks, Arrondi Creative Productions, Ripple Market And Much More

Poet, songwriter and photographer Faylita Hicks has always had vision.  Over the past year or two, I have watched her become inspired, crystallize her vision into the formation of Arrondi Creative Productions, and slowly make headway towards unification of the artists and businesspeople of San Marcos.  With events like The Ripple Market and more becoming regular installations in the scene, the hope for artists to be able to make a living wage in this creative oasis is slowly turning from dream to reality.  Be sure to support Faylita HicksSplash Coworkings, and all of the creative endeavors that exist and are sure to come.

-chief