Scene & Heard: Austin, TX

posted in: Features • Reviews & Playlists • Rock

We’ve explored a lot of music scenes over the past few weeks. Having visited the clubs of Miami, the country rock bars in Nashville and the hip hop lounges of Atlanta, it’s time we stopped by the “Live Music Capital of the World.” No, this isn’t a nickname. Rather, it is Austin, TX’s official slogan (Austin boasts more live music venues per capita than LA, Nashville and NYC afterall).

City officials didn’t stop with the slogan however. Right on the city’s Web site, there is a full page of programs, initiatives and promotions concerning entertainment and live music. And yes, they are all run by the City of Austin. Of all the cities I’ve covered, I don’t think there’s been one that has as much government interest in music and the arts as Austin.

The city funds a music memorial that honors deceased Austin natives that have made major contributions to the local music scene. Austin funds a weekly concert series called “Live from the Plaza” which features Austin-based acts that perform at the plaza in front of city hall. Town officials even invite Austin artists to play before their city council meetings. While this may seem odd, it’s all just part of the culture down in Austin. The city even went as far as creating a Live Music Task Force back in 2008. The goal of this government-funded committee? To discuss, plan and represent the interests of performing musicians within the Austin music scene. The council was even made up of several performing musicians. You can’t even escape the city’s support of local music when you call city hall. Instead of cheesy, saxophone-driven hold music, Austin is proud to feature the music of local artists. Read more about their programs here.

I haven’t even gotten into the private sector yet. Any artist, music fan or industry professional recognizes the importance of the SXSW music festival held in Austin every year. This music, film and interactive media festival pretty much takes over downtown Austin every March. With thousands of artists performing over the week-long event, SXSW is a substantial economic driver for the city of Austin.

In order to talk about some of the live venues that have made their mark, we’ll head over to 6^th St. This downtown, 7-block area has long been hailed the center for music and entertainment in Austin, TX, and for good reason. Located on 6^th St. or off one of its neighboring streets, you’ll find Emo’s Alternative Lounge, Republic Live and Antone’s. All three venues are known for their great live music every week. Antone’s is the first club on 6^th St. and has hosted legendary performers including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Billy Gibbons, Eric Clapton and Elvis Costello. The venue even won Nightclub of the Year by USA Today. A couple blocks over lies Emo’s, a legendary rock club that is a frequent stop by artists coming through Austin. It’s also a staple at SXSW.

The Red-Eyed Fly however is OurStage act Distant Lights‘ favorite Austin venue to play. There’s just something about the vibe of the place, including the great staff and the professionalism with which they handle the musicians, said frontman Gabriel Fry.

While the wealth of resources that Austin bands seem to have at their fingertips sounds like an awesome opportunity, DL pointed out an important consideration. With an overflowing and competitive music scene, Austin is overwhelming. They went on to mention, however, that it can create some great opportunities for the right band at the right time. After all, with so many bands in the same place, in addition to all the touring bands stopping in, there will obviously be a healthy dose of competition.

The band went on to say that the scene hasn’t succumbed to the pay to play mentality like many other markets. While the scene can be difficult to break into for an artist, fans will find a wealth of live music to enjoy. Just take a walk down 6^th St¦and you will pass dozens of great bars and great bands, most with free entry, said the band. It’s certainly a listeners market here!

Distant Lights is a powerful alt rock band that combines hard rock songs with awe-inspiring cello lines and physics. Yes, I said physics. While the band does boast a great sound with a club-tested live show, they are currently working on the latest addition to their act: a new, innovative visualizer to add interesting lighting to their show. Much like the popular iTunes visualizer, many bands choose to project colorful moving shapes and designs that match up to the music behind them while they play. DL is taking a fresh approach. They have developed their own visualizer by passing light through a pool of water and filming it. The surface of the water moves and swirls with their music that vibrates through it. The band has used it with success at several of their recent shows. Check it out:

Our music visualizer, unlike a digital computerized effect, uses water to show geometrics, commented the band. We hope this work gets noticed at the 2010 NACA convention this coming October in Arlington, TX. The band is using this supplement to their show in addition to a means of providing alternate physics topics to high schools and colleges during their performance at these locations.

Of course the band isn’t all physics. They’ve shared the stage with Trust Company and many regional acts in the Austin market as well as having frequented countless local/college radio stations. They’re music has been featured on MTV and in several indie films. Keep an eye out for their show in August where they will open for Marcy Playground. In the meantime, head down to Austin to enjoy the listeners’ market. You’re sure to find some gems.