Category → Previews
SnowMont Music Fest + you
Brrr…. it’s chilly! Well, not here in Austin, Texas but DEFINITELY in Killington, Vermont where the 1st annual SnowMont Music Festival is going down in just a little over a month (March 30 – April 1)!
Imagine it: fresh powder on a clear sunny day, endless hills to ski at your leisure, a lineup of kickass bands and artists to provide the soundtrack to your chilly endeavors. And you can have this, and more at SnowMont this year!
Just to give you a teaser of the greatness, check out this lineup:
Snoop Dogg
DJ Shadow
The Flaming Lips
Big Boi
Chromeo
Diplo
Lotus
Z-Trip
Kid Sister… and loads more!
Don’t miss out on this snowy music-laden winter wonderland experience… Killington, VT… March 30th to April 1st. BE THERE.
Jack Ingram & Hayes Carll play for the kids
Texas country mainstay Jack Ingram and rising star Hayes Carll, an emerging south Texas singer/songwriter, are putting their sultry Texas twangs to good use this February. They will both perform at Grounded in Music‘s annual Gala Fundraiser and Silent Auction on 
Wednesday, February 15th at the Gibson Guitar Showroom.
Grounded in Music is a nonprofit organization committed to inspiring under-privileged children to turn to music as a career, hobby or alternative to life on the streets. All proceeds from the gala event will go towards purchasing musical instruments for under-privileged youth, provide education in musicianship, teach music theory, develop educational scholarships and more.
There are a limited number of pre-party package tickets, which include food and drinks, so nab those tickets while they’re still available! More information about Grounded in Music can be found at www.groundedinmusic.org.
Free Week in Austin
Hey showgoers, party people and live music gurus… Free Week is about to begin! Free Week is a fabulous Austin tradition that runs the first week of January each year. A big handful of participating venues put on rad nightly shows featuring local Austin mainstays. It’s like a mini music festival, but FREE.
Austin Free Week is the perfect opportunity to scope some local bands and talent that you’ve been meaning to check out. Some highlights of the upcoming Free Week are: The Rocketboys, Bad Sports, Whiskey Shivers, Mike Wiebe, Mike and the Moonpies, Guns of Navarone, Frank Smith, Daniel Francis Doyle, Grand Champeen, The Nouns, Golden Boys, Octopus Project, Markov, Brownout and more!
After you stuff your face with holiday fixin’s, leave Grandma at home to snooze and come out to the Free Week party!
Spotify Playlist: Upcoming Shows 11/10
AND here we go… our next installment of the Shows This Week Preview 11/14 Spotify Playlist is up and rockin’. Some of these tracks you may have heard of and already love, and some may be new tasty finds. Take a listen, explore a little… pass it on for more ears to consume!
We’re featuring artists that are performing in the coming week or two (that Front Gate Tickets is ticketing). For more information on when and where these artists are playing simply click the artist name. To listen to the playlist on Spotify, click any of the numerous links in this blog post and it will shoot you right over to the Spotify playlist. It’s a gem, this playlist.
LISTEN > SHARE > REPEAT.
White Ghost Shivers – “Too Damn Old”
Deer Tick – “Let’s All Go to the Bar”
Boris – “Party Boy”
Holy Ghost! – “Some Children”
Black Lips – “Modern Art”
Heartless Bastards – “Sway”
The Jayhawks – “Waiting for the Sun”
Little Scream – “Cannons”
Rebirth Brass Band – “The Dilemma”
The Octopus Project – “Truck”
The Joy Formidable – “Whirring”
The Knux – “I See Stars”
Yip Deceiver – “Obnoxia”
Plaid – “Unbank”
MUST-SEES: Fun Fun Fun Fest 2011
As I drove by Auditorium Shores on this beautiful day, I cursed out my former self for forsaking long-term coolness for the short-term. I thought to myself, if only I went to band camp 11 years ago, I would be opening up FFFFest with a solid 15 minute set, cut short by technical difficulties in front of indifferent crowd hardly acknowledging my sounds and quietly pow-wowing in front of the stage awaiting Lykke Li’s set.
Alas, I didn’t go to band camp. And I’m not playing Fun Fun Fun Fest. But there are a ton of FABULOUS artists who are! Check my must-sees for this weekend’s festivities:
Friday’s headliner should get pretty weird (that’s a good thing). While the electro-pop ensemble straight outta Cambridge haven’t released a full-length since 2009, they have remained relevant with several synth-happy remixes. Be forewarned, although it might be considered a cold night in the eyes of the typical Austinite, leave the coat at home because grooving will be had by all.
What I like:
To Kingdom Come
Undercover Martyn (Passion Pit Remix)
Like Hansel, M83 is so hot right now (insert clever Zoolander quote). Even though they might have sold-out in the eyes of hipsters everywhere with their recent commercial, I’d have to say they took the high road at least in this instance (Victoria’s Secret is not a corporation, right?). Nevertheless, the French band will undoubtedly hold their own Saturday, with their 80s style beats and trance-inducing synthesizers.
What I like:
Run Into Flowers
Year One, One UFO
Merrill Garbus is a boss. How do I know? Well last year at SXSW she put on a show at the French Legation Museum that left me wanting more. Hearing her voice on a track is one thing; in person, she’ll move your very soul. Something so fierce has never sounded so mesmerizing. Know this: the erratic and rhythmic sounds of tUnE-yArDs are here to stay. Don’t be the last one to jump on this bandwagon.
What I like:
Powa
Doorstep
While my appetite for rap music wasn’t what it once was, there’s something about Odd Future that takes me back to genre where getting by didn’t not involve a good hook or beat. Even though I usually stray from something this grotesque, their ludicrous lyrics accented by subtle beats prompt me to climb down the rabbit hole. Maybe I finally understand why those busybodies in horror flicks seek out danger. It’s electrifying! I only hope it’s not deadly.
What I Like:
Orange Juice
Yonkers
- By Richard R., the intern
Live Music Comin’ Up – San Antonio
At Front Gate Tickets we’re all about seeing bands, going to shows and experience live music right smack dab in front of you. If you’ve been hankering to see a new band, we may have the answer… we’ve put together a few live music picks (playing in San Antonio soon!) that we think would be stellar concerts to attend. So don’t be shy, get your dancing pants on and hit up some shows!
SCOTT H. BIRAM, October 27 – Sam’s Burger Joint | BUY TICKETS
Scott H. Biram is the self-proclaimed “Dirty Man Band” and one listen to his music confirms that label. He haphazardly mashes blues, hillbilly, country and gritty punk together into one not-so-neat (and gloriously wonderful because of it) musical package. Accompanied by some crusty amps, even crustier microphones and a mess of intertwining cables he wields his voice and cavalcade of broken-down instruments with abandon. The result is an amalgamation of Southern preacher, dusty Texas cowboy and raucous break-the-rules punkster.
VOXHAUL BROADCAST, October 29 – White Rabbit | BUY TICKETS
This four piece from Orange County, California works hard. Not satisified with the formulaic ho-hum nature of the indie rock industry these days, they ventured to record and mix their debut EP “Rotten Apples” LIVE. In one day. Ambitious to be sure, but it just illustrates their passion for what they do and the experimental nature of their work. Soaring buildups, loose garage-style jams and a driving intensity all culminate to create Voxhaul Broadcast’s large lush sound. Super rockin’ show to be sure!
RA RA RIOT w/Delicate Steve & Yellow Ostrich, November 4 – Backstage Live | BUY TICKETS
Indie rock leanings, and a decidedly sweet string section lofting chamber pop flourishes with abandon, make up the easygoing sound of Syracuse-born (NYC-based) five piece. Earnest and wistful, Ra Ra Riot isn’t exactly as “riotous” as you’d expect. Their songs are pleasing though (reminiscent of Sufjan Stevens calm charm), sentimental at times but intricate in their instrumentation. Sweet AND smart… that’s Ra Ra Riot.
MELT BANANA, November 20 – Jack’s Bar | BUY TICKETS
Melt Banana is not a band for the faint of heart. They’re brutal, immensely fun and surprisingly powerful. Tiny Yasuko O.’s piercing shriek, ripping guitars and their intensely short songs have garnered them a cult following among punk fans in the U.S. and U.K. They’re frenzied and put on a mind-blowing live show. Do not miss their radness!
Live Music Comin’ Up – DFW
Feeling adventurous? Like seeing live music? We’ve put together a few live music picks (playing soon at a venue near you!) that we think will be totally rad showgoing experiences. All from the diverse and uber fun Dallas/Forth Worth, TX area, here are a few of our pics for live entertainment coming up soon. See some live music… have some fun… go out!
BEARFOOT, October 14 – Poor David’s Pub | BUY TICKETS
Bearfoot started one fateful day at summer camp where they all met while wrangling wily out-of-schoolers. A mere two years later the group won the prestigious Telluride Bluegrass Band Champions, joining ranks with the likes of the Dixie Chicks and Nickel Creek. Like most successful musical groups these days, they mesh many genre influences into their own distinct sound. A little Appalachian Mountain interlude, a sprinkle of American jazz sass and a sparse, yet rich, cool northern air blow through each of their songs, creating rhythmic, sophisticated bluegrass for modern times.
BIG D and the KIDS TABLE, October 14 – Prophet Bar | BUY TICKETS
All brass and hoopla, Big D and the Kids Table are the medicine for your ska fever! Their upbeat multi-instrumental leanings are a direct product of their punk ska influences, like the Voodoo Glow Skulls, Mustard Plug, Less Than Jake, Anti-Flag and more. They’ve done the Warp Tour and opened for the biggest punk and ska masters of our time since 1995. They will descend upon Prophet Bar with their Boston attitudes and funky stylee… don’t miss them!
THE WAR ON DRUGS w/Purling Hiss, October 17 – Bryan St. Tavern | BUY TICKETS
The War on Drugs, once helmed by Kurt Vile, hail from Philadelphia, PA. They’ve gone through many roster changes, but their aesthetic remains the same: sweeping atmospheric breakdowns, meandering melodies, spacey drowsiness and a spot-on Americana backbone. Conjuring opposites Bob Dylan and My Bloody Valentine in shockingly equal amounts, The War On Drugs are an ideal accompaniment to rainy gray drives and crafty nights in. They exude a sprawling vintage vibe, modern-seeming yet rooted in something so dusty and old. Lo-fi Psych Philly natives Purling Hiss start the night off right.
A.A. Bondy, November 12 – Prophet Bar | BUY TICKETS
A.A. Bondy (Auguste Arthur Bondy) used to front grunge darlings Verbena, but after several years of musical rethinking and some songwriting/recording in an old barn outside his house in upstate New York, A.A. Bondy was born. His signature is less aggressive, and WAY more relaxed these days, most closely labeled as indie folk (but so much more, really). On his new release, “Believers”, you hear the stripped-down and weary sound he encompasses. Sometimes ethereal and wistful, often earthy and bittersweet, A.A. Bondy’s words are a shot straight to the soul.
Live Music Comin’ Up – Austin
Sure, we can all go check show lists and concert listings online… but maybe there are some bands or artists you’ve never heard of. Just MAYBE you want to try out someone new. Take a peeksy at a few rad bands you may have never heard of below. All from the raucous Austin, TX area, here are a few of our pics for live entertainment coming up soon. Mark your calendars, and go see some live music!
FRIENDLY FIRES w/Theophilus London, October 11 – La Zona Rosa | BUY TICKETS
Friendly Fires have been together since the wee age of 14, when they started a post-hardcore band called First Day Back. Fast forward to 2011… they’ve released their second full-length (entitled “Pala”) of inspired dance-punk. Their sound encompasses classic pop songwriting but is laden with a hint of freewheeling glitz and glee-filled vocal melodies. Preceded by Theophilus London, Brooklyn based electro-hip hop artist, this show will be full of jumping energy and smart, smart beats.
ASTRONAUTALIS w/ Playdough, October 20 – Mohawk | BUY TICKETS
One part indie/experimental hip hop and one part lush shoegazer indie rock, Astronautalis, is one talented musician. He’s a award-winning rapper (kicking ass at Scribble Jam for one) and witty free-styling genius, his gravelly voice propelling the grittiness of his craft. He’s got a quick tongue and an ear for fabulous production. Premier emcee Playdough, a Deepspace5 Collective mainstay, opens the show.
SHONEN KNIFE w/ Shannon and the Clams, October 29 – Red 7 | BUY TICKETS
Shonen Knife, translated into Japanese meaning “Boy Knife”, are an all-female Japanese power punk trio who thrive on machine-gun snare snaps and quick flicking guitars. A melding of 60s girl groups, complete with a breezy attitude not usually associated with punk rock, and punchy punksters like The Ramones and Sonic Youth serve as their main influences. Over their lengthy career they’ve assimilated quite the collection of cult fans and continue to gain strength. Their pop effervescence and big girl attitudes are hard to resists! Beach rock revivalists Shannon and the Clams open.
WALE, November 12 – La Zona Rosa | BUY TICKETS
Wale, birth name Olubowale Victor Akintimehin Folarin, has only been on the hip hope scene for a few years, but is making mega music waves. A rapper and producer from the DC area, Wale has incredible musical dexterity, lyrically and production-wise. His influences and inspirations vary widely, yet he seems to be able to play a proverbial musical chameleon, mashing the far-slung genres into one smooth hip hop effort. Catchy and easy, Wale’s own brand of hip hop is super accessible, and SUPER intelligent.
Spotify Playlist feat. Passion Pit, Dodos, Milk Carton Kids and more
Round two of our Upcoming Shows Preview Spotify Playlist is up and ready to wow ya! If you aren’t digging the Spotify yet and want to, let us know! We’ve got a few invites to spread around.
The tracks on this playlist feature artists that are performing this week (that Front Gate Tickets is ticketing). For more information on when and where these artists are playing, go to our Front Gate Tickets home page and search for the specific artist. Enjoy, disburse, give feedback! We want to know if you love (or hate) this list, and what YOUR suggestions would be.
LISTEN > SHARE > REPEAT.
“Hanging On” – Active Child
“Don’t You Want Me” – Human League
“The Reeling” – Passion Pit
“I’m Afraid I’m Gonna Die Here” – Tim Kasher
“Shake It Out” – Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
“Iso-Residue” – Centro-matic
“Good” – The Dodos
“Your Rocky Spine” – Great Lake Swimmers
“Eyes on the Prize” – Carrie Rodriguez
“Undress the World” – The Milk Carton Kids
“Laredo” – Band of Horses
“Darkness On the Edge of Gastown” – Japandroids
“Want Some Mo’” – Turbo Fruits
NEW Spotify playlists of upcoming shows
We wanted to introduce you to one of our newest, semi-regular features at Front Gate Tickets: the Spotify playlist. Spotify is blowing up in the music industry, and for good reason. It allows streaming of thousands of albums and a way to easily share those playlists that you so lovingly create. Now don’t lie… we know you spend hours babying your music playlists, making sure each track is in its right place and that it’s segwaying into the next track pleasantly, waffling about the supposed “theme” of your list and the clarity of said theme to your audience upon first listen. Or maybe that’s just me.
{ click on the image above to directly to the playlist }
So behold… a Spotify playlist, “Shows This Week Preview”. If you’re already a Spotify-er then just click the link to subscribe to the playlist. If you aren’t digging the Spotify yet and want to, let us know! We’ve got a few invites to spread around.
The tracks on this playlist feature artists that are performing this week (that Front Gate Tickets is ticketing). For more information on when and where these artists are playing, go to our Front Gate Tickets home page and search for the specific artist. Enjoy, disburse, give feedback! We want to know if you love (or hate) this list, and what YOUR suggestions would be.
“The World (is going up in flames)” – Charles Bradley
“Our Hearts Are Wrong” – Jessica Lea Mayfield
“Be My Thrill” – The Weepies
“Magic” – Leagues
“When I Get Back” – Handsome Furs
“We Want Our Things” – Nite Jewel
“Will Do” – TV On the Radio
“Shift Operator” – Obits
“My Only Swerving” – El Ten Eleven
“Song 3Three Blues” – Alberta Cross
“Freak Out” – Tapes ‘n Tapes
“Born With a Broken Heart” – David Wax Museum
“Cartooon Gold” – Drive-By Truckers
