Julandrew, aka indie pop duo Julie and Andrew, has captivated me. I would listen to Julie Handy sing anything. Her voice alone is enough to hold my awe. Her other half, Andrew Phillip provides the instrumental everything to this dream set. Electric guitar, drums, what have you, he lays out the perfect wave of sound to carry Julie's lovely voice from lyric to lyric.
I fell in love with Julandrew's music from the first song, "Black Hole", where Julie's dreamy "ooh's" lull me into the mood of Songs to Dream By. When I reached "World Keeps Turning", I was officially a fan. The lyrics, the vocals, the instrumentals are all of fantastical quality. This is the type of music you listen to with your eyes closed, taking in every drop of sound. Download Songs to Dream By today and keep a look out for upcoming shows! —Written by Katy Glass
The only disappointing thing about The Harms is that after streaming their two songs, as with anything great, I needed more. Their psychedelic sound mixed with Chase Frank’s hypnotizing, melodic voice redefines the standard of (mostly) girl bands. Even a modern day Odysseus wouldn't stand a chance against these self-proclaimed “Femme Fatale Siren Songs”. Not only will their music entrance you, it'll make you dance. While awaiting the release of The Harms first full-length album, we can all get our fix with their first music video, “Take the Elevator” released June 3 and their next show June 27 at The Annex. —Written by Courtney Pierce
Lonely Child's Bryan Ray churns out another collage of musical wonder with his most recent release, "Dead Life". The song reaches into dark dimensions of emotion both lyrically and instrumentally. Cacophonous middle measure illustrate a "dead life" with fleeting meaning as drums, piano, vocals, and more compete to be heard, to be felt. Despite the confusion, I find myself clinging to the piano as it laces around the phrase "everything's alright", which resounds through the song as the anthem of a lying subconscious. Listen to Lonely Child's "Dead Life" today and feel the song for yourself! —Written by Katy Glass
Besides being stuck in my head in a good way, Exit's music evoked many musical memories in me. Listening to "Looking Glass", I think of the dark, breathy lyrics of Smile Empty Soul. Then, in their song "Alicia Marie", the perfectly harmonized guy/girl duo reminds me of Lydia's music. Whether it's a demonstration of darkwave, alternative, or indie rock influences, they come together to form Exit's glorious gothic sound that, as I said, gets stuck in your head in a good way. Check out Exit June 15 at Frank with Love Hate Affair and Shiny Empire! —Written by Katy Glass
After completing their first US tour in 2012, Little Radar is ready to release their debut full-length album, Souvenirs, this August. Little Radar has channeled the energy and harmonic stylings of indie bands such as Band of Horses and My Morning Jacket. Recorded at Sputnik Sound in Nashville, TN with the help of Grammy-Award winning producer, Mitch Dane, on staff, and the addition of some tasteful bells and whistles; Souvenirs is sure to excite Little Radar's heavily bearded fans as well as the rest of the music loving world. Check them out this Friday at Stubb’s with Boyfrndz and Driver Friendly. —Written by Jodi Lang
Misay Day is a straight-up folk band. In their video for 91.7's Local Live in-Studio, they perform "Wetlands" and of the three instruments they play, one is indeed a saw. And you know what? It works! It really works. In some instances folk music can seem too traditional, almost stagnant, but Misay Day's alternative folk music is alive and kicking.
The first time I heard "Imaginary Blues" and Kate Robberson came in, my mind went right to Regina Spektor's "Consequence of Sounds". The songs radiate with Robberson and Spektor's classic voices and cute inflections. This uncanny likeness was reaffirmed when I watched "Wetlands" where the vocals are rich and decadent and seconds later light.
The song as a whole acts to teleport your mind to a calmer place. I felt undertones of ambient influences in the calm atmosphere it held. Check out "Wetlands" and "Imaginary Blues" today and feel the cool vibes of alternative folk. -- Written by Katy Glass
“When it’s all said and done, did we really say anything at all?” What a simple question with such a rich emotional response that we can all relate to. That is the beauty of the power of song. It sparks a common ground inside all of us and singer/songwriter Taylor Baker has nailed it on the head. She recently released a self-titled debut EP with 4 tracks including the soulful song “Gold Dust” which contains the above lyric.
Influences such as Joni Mitchell, Bon Iver, Frank Sinatra and Marvin Gaye are what give her not only a folk flair but that deep soul flavor as well. Get in touch with your feelings and watch her video for "Gold Dust" recorded live at The Sessions. If you can't catch her show tonight at Austin Ale House, she'll be playing June 14th at Frank's. -- Written by Courtney Pierce
Hollywood Cole is a burgeoning side project from local singer/soul writer, Ray Prim. With grimy guitar riffs a la Gary Clark Jr. and edgier vocals than Ray's previous work, this album is an exciting new Austin sound. From bluesy rock ballads to smooth pop grooves, I can already hear this album on the radio waves. Check out the sneak peek of the EP at the link below. First show, TBA. -- Written by Charise Sowells
Ricky Stein and his handsome voice are hard to resist. He has the swag of a young Elvis, the pained lyrics of an old Johnny Cash and a strong voice like Doug Sahm. Having a voice that carries him through genres with such an expansive range and raspy sex appeal, it's like a man in a fine suit with a five o'clock shadow.
"Oh" and "In the Red", two of his older songs, hold a softer indie feel both vocally and instrumentally. In his newest song, "Shreveport Blues", Ricky really breaks into a new realm as he belts out lyrics about drug induced homesickness like a classic blues singer. With such variance in his music already, I can't wait to see how much further his songs will evolve in the years to come. You can watch the video here or check him out for yourself tonight at the Gypsy Lounge! -- Written by Katy Glass
