Marcus is NOT an idot

My son and I were eating lunch one day and he said "Dad, you've got to hear this! This guy, his name is Hopsin. He is amazing, like, his style, how he raps, and the shit he talks about. It is awesome!" So I listened and I liked. I recognized Hopsin's ability to go out of the box - the box you watch, the box you're told you have to live within, the box you are reading this on, with his words and themes. Some very high level stuff, brought down to a level the masses can appreciate. I am not saying everyone will get it. Get the inside joke, get the point, understand the message. Some will just laugh and exclaim "OH MY GOD DID YOU HEAR WHAT HE SAID ABOUT...?"

Then I get the text from my son some time later letting me know that Hopsin was going to be in Austin, Texas on the Funk Volume Tour. He would be performing at EMOS with DJ Hoppa, Dizzy Wright, and Jarren Benton. My thought is  - 'Let's do this!'

Emos (http://www.emosaustin.com/) is located on Riverside Dr, just south of downtown and the popular entertainment district. It is not far enough outside the area to make it inconvenient if you want to be downtown before or after a show here. The parking sucks, but the venue is worth it.

As you walk in the entrance there are a row of ticket windows in front of you. If you have already got your paper, then simply proceed to your right into the venue. The stage stands against the wall to your right. It is a very large stage. This set up could house just about any touring act from small to large. The sound board is in the middle of the floor and there are bleacher style seats against the back wall, to the left as you stand there, to your back if you are looking at the stage.

There are 3 bars, two to the left and right side at the back of the venue, and one to the left of the stage as you look at the stage. The bathrooms are next to the back left bar and there is an outdoor smoking area. In all, it is set up perfectly for any general admission show that would roll through town. In this night there was a large black curtain that cut the venue in half. Hanging from the high ceiling to the floor directly behind the sound booth. I later found out this is done when a show does not sell past a certain number of tickets.

There was a local DJ on stage doing his thing and two local acts performed prior to the touring part of the show made it out onstage. I couldn't tell you about the first group, but the second guy was
Kenny G (also referred to as KG). This guy was legit for a local. Don't know how he got on this tour, but his originals were good, you could understand him (he wasn't trying to deep throat the mic) and the music was definitely the perfect set of beats to hype the crowd.








Each of the main acts all had some very amusing  video to introduce them as they came out onstage. It was hilarious, but it was also brilliant. Not just the introduction for the act and entertainment for 5 minutes, it built the anticipation and made the crowd go crazy when each performer stepped out.

Jarren Benton (https://www.facebook.com/JarrenBenton/) from the FUNK Volume Tour, was the first act up. There is no doubt the crowd loved this man and his performance. It was energetic. He had a live drummer that was every bit a part of the performance as Jarren's rhymes. Jarren Benton did more than his part in pumping up the crowd, he turned up the heat and left or ears pounding. I can't say anything about Jarren Benton before this night or performance, but I can tell you after the fact...he was smart, funny, and wicked cool for all his weight in weed. Jarren Benton is the cement foundation for FUNK Volume like an 808.

Next out was DJ Hoppa (https://www.facebook.com/deejayhoppa/) as an intro for Dizzy Wright. My son spoke very highly of DJ Hoppa and it seemed like the reaction from the crowd, when he came out after his video, they all agreed. DJ Hoppa did some mixing and scratching for just a couple of minutes before Dizzy Wright had his intro and came out.

Dizzy Wright (https://www.facebook.com/DizzyWright) came out onstage with his partner in rhyme and carried on, and took us even farther than Jarren did. As a true MC, Dizzy commanded the crowd with his hands and his words. The audience jumped, bounced, and moved at his words and commands. At one point in the middle of his set the crowd seemed to lull, but Dizzy had everyone break out their lighters, and within moments he set off the crowd once again. Dizzy knew his spot on the roster. He was the hype man in the 'get the crowd going' spot for Hopsin. Dizzy Wright could've ended the performance there (memories of Fort Collins) and the crowd would've left breathless and excited.

But it didn't end there...

Hopsin (https://www.facebook.com/hellohopsin/) made his appearance after a hysterical video, of which words can not describe the gross hilarity that was the intro for Hopsin. With the crowd screaming at my back (as I was in the photo pit) it was not hard to tell all of the build up and hype had just paid off. Hopsin smiled and glared into the crowd as he tore into his first two songs...and then he spotted "HER" in the crowd. After calling out the young man for his beautiful date being a fake, Hopsin launched into 'Ramona'. Not even skipping a beat, Hopsin just rolled through his set, with little talk, but lots of performing, he moved across the stage. Edge to edge he made everyone in the crowd feel like it was their performance.

I like Hopsin. I can appreciate what he does. The tongue in cheek manner at which he educates the masses. The smile on his face as he knows and understands...he is an entertainer.

Laters









special thanks to scoremoreshows.com and C3

An evening with the Ghost

...And who was the band that inspired me and several others to crawl out of the woodwork? None other than the inimitable and wonderfully diabolical Ghost B.C. aka Ghost (http://ghost-official.com/), hailing from Sweden.

I approached Emo’s (http://www.emosaustin.com/) on East Riverside in Austin and I was early to arrive and surprised at the numbers of people that had already shown. Glancing at the faded, green walls of the outside, I remembered all the good times I had here when this building used to be the old Back Room club until it closed in the mid-2000’s. It seems fitting that another pillar of Austin’s live music scene, Emo’s, chose to make this their prime location after closing their longtime stronghold downtown on 6th street. Now, expanded and renovated, this venue is serving to bring bands like Ghost and many more to our happy little hamlet for the enjoyment of those of us with a taste for the darker and heavier sides of music.

Inside, I was greeted to the familiar sights, sounds, and smells (yes, always the smells) of a crowded club waiting with anticipation for the show to begin. I decided to make my way to a spot close to the front of the stage, where a cluster of people were already staking their claims for a good view of the festivities to come.

For those not familiar with them, Ghost B.C.(more popularly known as simply “Ghost” but, for legal reasons, unable to use that name in North America) play a style of primitive heavy metal mixed with psychedelic rock’n’roll. Ghost have crafted a highly theatrical, almost absurdly over-the-top Satanic image, complete with cultist robes, scary masks, candles, incense, and stage back-drops of stained-glass windows. Despite the lack of contemporary “heaviness”, Ghost’s subtly catchy songs are rife with dark themes and sinister harmonies that more than make up for any lost aggression.

The stage decor was already set up: a huge wall-to-ceiling tapestry designed to make it appear like you were looking out three enormous stained glass windows in an ancient, medieval church. The stained glass on the windows each depicted scenes of gruesome death, occult imagery, and other diabolical fare. In front of that, there was an American flag, torn and blackened as if by some apocalyptic fire, propped up between two wooden posts. Finally, at the front of the stage stood two angular wooden crosses.  At the time, I had thought the flag and the crosses were part of Ghost’s stage set, but soon came to understand that these belonged to the opening band, King Dude.

King Dude (https://www.facebook.com/kingdudemusic), How to describe them? The three of them sauntered slowly onto the stage as the fog machines rolled out mist and the ‘90’s metal hits that had been playing over the intercom were gradually turned down. I noted there was only a drummer and two guitarists (one of which seemed to also be the singer), but no bass player. I was curious as to what they’d sound like. Then, the singer picked up his semi-hollow electric guitar (which should have been a clue) and begin strumming some melancholy-sounding open chords with a semi-clean, slightly reverbed tone. To be honest, the feel of that first song came quite unexpected, considering the general “metal” atmosphere. It was a sad, dark country/folk tune with a slow, lumbering beat that made you feel like you were trudging across the desert at night with only the moon to light your way.

I could tell by their reactions that many of the others in the audience were just as taken aback by this entrance. Their set continued, with songs that ranged from more dark and somber country/folk rock, to furious rockabilly stomps. I was particularly impressed by their final song, which saw the drummer rattling a long, linked chain in time with the bass drum to create a true “walking to the gallows” feel. It was a great way to end a set! In all, I actually felt that King Dude, with their “haunted country” or “southern goth” styling, made an interesting contrast to Ghost. Well done, gentlemen! I’ll be listening for more things from you.

The metal that had blared over the intercom was replaced by a somber, echoing Gregorian chant. Combined with the sweet smell of the incense, and with the fog machines continuing to roll the mist out across the stage and into the audience, the atmosphere truly felt like the beginning preparation for an old-fashioned Catholic mass. Unlike that holy ceremony, however, we were shaping up for a most decidedly unholy affair, indeed.  

And, we were not disappointed.

The five Nameless Ghouls (two guitarists, a bassist, drummer, and keyboard player) filed out on stage with their instruments, enshrouded in black, cultist robes and wearing grotesque, long-nosed masks. The two guitarists were distinguished by their choice of color for their custom Gibson Explorers, with the one on the left side of the stage holding a black one and the other on the right sporting one with a white finish. They all stood in silence for a moment, then, all at once, a choir of voices broke the silence as the band launched into the title track of their most recent album, Infestissumam. The track is a short one, building up the intensity each moment and serves as an intro leading right into the opening chords of “Per Aspera Ad Inferi”, the stomping, diabolical call of welcome that Ghost had prepared for us.

Papa Emeritus II, resplendent in flowing black robes with a sacrilegious pope’s mitre (the traditional Pope’s hat) atop his head and brandishing a tall staff with an inverted cross at the top entered the stage to the screaming delight of the devoted fans in the audience. He approached the mic, gracefully waving a greeting to the masses before him and began to sing the opening verse. From that moment on, he commanded the room like a grisly conductor, raising a hand towards each musician in turn as they featured on the song.

Ghost continued playing through song after song, showcasing the blasphemous harmonies that make them great. Throughout their set, Papa demonstrated that he is certainly one of the more charismatic front men in rock and metal today, all without needing to resort to the hyperactive antics typically espoused by singers in these genres. He also displayed a lighthearted, humorous side, as well, joking with the crowd between songs. “So, how are the women of Austin?” he asked, to a roar of female voices. Gesturing for quiet, he shrugged and clarified, “I was asking the men…” which brought on a chorus of laughter.

Now, up to this point, the audience had been fairly well behaved, nodding their heads and singing along to each song. But then, Ghost finally came to one my personal favorites (and a lot of other peoples’ as it stood) ”Stand By Him”. When Ghost came to the chorus, the fans near the front could no longer contain themselves and burst into a chaotic mosh pit. Ghost does not (strictly speaking) make the kind of music that normally invites moshing, but the fervor they’d built up in the crowd required a release of pressure, evidently. After the song finished, Papa shook his finger and admonished the crowd, “Now, now. Behave out there, you. I’ll tell you what, I’ll be back in a little while. You calm down, yes?” With that, he strode off stage.

The evening had been a grand one but, at last, Ghost came to their “final” song “If You Have Ghosts”, penned by Austin’s own Roky Erickson. It seemed an appropriate gesture of respect, here at Emo’s in Roky’s hometown, and this was not lost on the crowd, who cheered vigorously as the song came to its conclusion.

I stumbled into the parking lot in a daze, feeling that old tingling sensation I used to get back in my younger, concert-going days. With the ritual just experienced, I felt rejuvenated. And, damn it, it’s good to know I’ve still got that old enthusiasm for great, live music still going inside. It might be down to mostly embers these days, but the flame still burns brightly on occasions like this. For that I am thankful to Ghost B.C. for bringing their incredible showmanship and downright awesome music to my city. I certainly hope this isn’t the last we see of them here but, with their name on the rise, I have a feeling they’ll be back before too long. My suggestion: don’t hesitate to go check them out. Maybe I’ll see you there.

Jay Longoria

edited by William Tompkins

Laters

An introduction

My new writer is an old friend, Jay Longoria. He and I go back about 12 years. He lives a busy life, new wife, new baby (on the way at the writing of this). Jay is a guitarist and plays a mean bass as well. Where as I have no room to speak about the technical aspects of a performance, Jay can. To be more consistent, I have asked Jay to talk about the venue and the crowds reaction, but I am sure he will go places I won't, in describing a show.

So in his intro, that I am going to post, he gets all wordy and shit. As editor, I will do my dirty deeds and chop up his post appropriately.

I have a confession to make:  I don’t really get out to a lot of live shows anymore.  I know, it’s shameful, especially as a musician and former frequenter of the sprawling landscape of Austin’s live music scene.  But, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed a dimming of interest in several of the things that I used to find enjoyable.  Alas, a live, heavy metal concert is but one of many casualties on that list.

This evening however, and at the insistence of my lovely wife, I suspended the gradual buildup of ennui brought on by so-called “adulthood” to get out to see one of my current favorite bands take the stage at Emo’s East (http://www.emosaustin.com/)in Austin, TX on Thursday, May 1.

I approached Emo’s on East Riverside in Austin and arrived to a sight that I admit I’ve not seen in many a year--a long line of excited black-clad concert-goers winding around the side of the building.  I hurriedly parked and hastened to take my place at the back of the line, which went on much further than I’d anticipated.  Glancing at the faded, green walls of the outside, I remembered all the good times I’d had here when this building used to be the old Back Room club until that venue closed in the mid-2000’s.  It seems fitting that another pillar of Austin’s live music scene, Emo’s, chose to make this their prime location after closing their longtime stronghold downtown on 6th street. 

Jay Longoria
Edited by William Tompkins

That's enough of that for now. Please welcome Jay to Live Music In Austin and look for an expanded view of the beautiful music scene that we all know and love! Because that's why you are here!

Laters

Your ass just left me a message!

Yes! Angel and I went to see All That Remains on Monday, as their roadshow passed thru Austin. Emos ( http://www.emosaustin.com/ ) outside has evolved into a pretty fucking decent area for seeing some live music. As the Texas nights get cooler, I am sure the acts will get hotter and I cant wait for the next opportunity to see another show out here. I will DEFINITELY look forward to being down in front, center stage, for any number of bands that could perform in this tight little area.

So Angelina has had this band on her list for quiet awhile. I was very happy to get a last minute opportunity to check out the show with her. All That Remains ( http://forwearemany.allthatremainsonline.com/ ) is what Angel affectionately labels a 'Screamo' band. Whatever the label, it was fucking kick ass. I loved the lead singers casualness with the audience (and the fact that being from Massachusetts he actually had an appreciation for football - the national religion of Texas!) and the bass player scared the hell outta me when she started busting out the gutturals!! WHOA!

The audience was totally in sync and harmony with the band and were right on top of the vocals the whole show through. Between the deafening beats of the drums and the battling guitar riffs I was actually able to over hear two guys behind me proclaim how 'bad-ass the drummer is!' Ahhhh lets hear it for drum triggers, none the less, there is NO DOUBT it was great, the crowd was great and Angel had a nice little spot to see the band. Without any questions this set should have been 45 minutes longer and would have been just as fantastic and been more kick ass in leaving the audience out of breath. But alas, I think the lead singer was gonna melt from the humidity.

P.S. - On a really odd side note, I am telling a friend of mine about the show and off he goes rattling information about All That Remains and their ties with Killswitch engage. "WAIT A DAMN MINUTE!" Now I remember the voice and the lead singer. This is Phil who me and Angel saw back in March as the fill in lead singer for Killswitch Engage when we saw them and Devil Wears Prada at Stubb's.....DUH!!!

OH this kid is good...check them out, buy the album brutalize your ears it's worth it!

BTW, The title of the blog comes from Angelina's phone. While she was changing clothes on the way to the show she kept butt dialing me. After the second time her phone actually stayed connected long enough to go to my voice mail.

Laters

Better late, than never again!!!

First of all, Fuck off, HA! Been a long time since I posted, Hope you missed me, hope you want something new and fun. If not...you're still here.

So this was an Emos ( http://www.emosaustin.com/) show May 14th.

Hot Trails To Hell, Women In Prison, World Burns To Death (my personal favorite), and The Krum Bums.

Hot Trails to Hell - These guys so kicked ass. I wouldn't classify them as Punk, so shot me. Had a Black Sabbath sound and a little something else. The tuned down chords were effing AWESOME, that great old school, Heavy, Dark sound especially with the vocals. Yes, the kids down in front were DEFINITELY enjoying the gig. You know, I think the "something else" in their music may be something akin to White Zombie. HEY! It's my blog dammit! I liked it, you'll dig it (could have been the hot chick on bass).

Women In Prison - what fun. They set up on the floor IN FRONT OF THE STAGE! Oh happiness and joy to all those in attendance, down in the fuckin trenches. this was just some good old fashioned punk...grind, static, yelling, and indistinguishable lyrics. AAAHHHHHHHH fuck yeah! Now EVERYBODY was alive and cheering. It was such a good set that some chicks started fighting, one even knocked of the others stripper heels, hehehehehe! Friday night at Emo's.

WBTD - Damn near a year. They destroyed us ALL, with the shit they cut their teeth on, (Turks, Flowers) the tracks we never thought we would hear them play again live! My God, how much can you miss intelligent punk. Chord changes, tempo changes, the powerful beat (D-Beat, Jon, hmmmm), and the greatest story telling punk lyrics in approx two minutes better than ANYONE can do!

Krum Bums - Bunch of dirty cochino bastards and having fun . The lead singer was wearing someone else's dirty underwear over his clothes to start the show, Oh Hell Yeah, what fun! This is what everybody showed up for. the whole audience was moving and thrashing right from the beginning. This is definitely some crazy punk shit, even the vocals were down in front thrashing around like the rest of us.

Awesome show! Next time take it, DON'T LEAVE IT!


LATER