The Real Sim

Well that is a little odd. I mean, if it was the fake sim then it would be a sim - ulator....just saying.

Lucky me. I have this music blog which allows me to share my musical journeys and opinions with the world. All with the hopes of someone reading about a band and then going to a show. I have also been running a livestream for a year (as of the writing of this blog). The show is called Three Beers and a Whiskey available on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/threebeersandawhiskey , check it out. Besides the shameless self promotion, it has a point in this blog post about the music and performance of Sim Ross.

Our second episode of the show was with Sim Ross and his band The Laughing Heart. I was introduced to the man, band, and music by then guitarist and friend of mine, Sonny Bihl. Without ever seeing the band perform, and only on the recommendation of my friend and a downloaded copy of the album 'Mothers DayBlues', I enthusiastically had them sit with me and chat. Besides being great, down to earth, and very humble men, their acoustic rendition of several of their songs from the album were stunning. Here is 'Winding Rivers' ( https://youtu.be/ydBlbzBg0Kk ). It was not to long after that where I had the pleasure of catching them twice. Once at a venue that will remain nameless - because of the shitty sound production that evening - and the second time at one of my all time favorites, the One2One (http://www.one2onebar.com/).


Sim Ross (https://www.simrossmusic.net) is originally from Ohio. Lucky us here in Austin, he made the journey and cut his record, Mothers Day Blues, here. His Americana sound has just enough edge on it to be rock and roll, and enough soul in the music to be blues. Of course I think all great American music is based on the blues, I just think Sim Ross elevates it to another level, and makes it REAL personal. His voice has that great raspy sound. Between gargling with glass and drinking sandpaper, you might be able to imitate Sims unique voice and sound. It is amazing and perfect with the originals he does.



The One2One was really the perfect spot to check out Sim Ross and The Laughing Heart, an intimate setting with a great sound system. The band was fantastic. Kicking off with the first track from the disc, 'At the rate I'm going', it proved to be a nonstop tour of storytelling through music. As much at the title song is my favorite, the live rendition of the song 'Paradise' is killer.





It was a stunning set of music that was non stop, top to bottom. No question and doubt I will go to many more Sim Ross shows. You should too. Check out his website, look him up on FB. It is without question that is a great way to start a high energy evening. An even better way to top off the night. Do the live music scene and yourself a favor, go see Sim Ross and The Laughing Heart. Tell him I sent you, and have a water on me.



















Laters

Hidden Empires

Well... don't know if I could make any kind of pun out of that or if you read the title and wonder what the fuvk I am hinting about.


So, I know this guy. He plays guitar. He lives in Austin. He's in a band. Stop me if you know this one...

Actually my wife and I have known David Smith for about 10 years. David has a mind like a steal trap and a memory like an elephant so I am pretty confident he could tell you the day, date, AND time he met me. It was at a large insurance companies call center her in Austin for sure though.
David found out I like to go out and check out bands and take pictures. He even told me he has some friends in a band...(we all live in Austin and I though we all had friends in bands). David proceeds to tell me about this awesome band his friends have and I should go see them. Move forward a year or so and I am at a show at The Dirty Dog at the behest of the great MC Overlord (R.I.H.). While checking out his show there is this cool local band opening - Fremen. As I am listening and watching them David comes out of the crowd yelling at me - it was loud - "DUDE! This is the band I was telling you about. These guys are great. I know them." It was true, he knew them, they were great and I wrote a pretty cool blog post about the Fremen. The will always be my favorite Sunday morning hangover music.

Enough of the back story. Move forward in time ~~~~~~~ I am at my second home and the best damn sounding small venue in Austin, The One 2 One. There is someone I know on stage - seems like this is a recurring theme, and as I am enjoying the band finishing up their set (a blog about the live performance of Sim Ross to come shortly) who comes up to me out of the crowd...yeah! David Smith. "Dude! Will! Good to see you. What are you doing here? Are you gonna stay and watch my band?" It happened just about as fast as you read that too. Of course I will stay and watch your band. I would be a shitty blogger and lover of the Austin music scene if I didn't.

So up onstage I witness Hidden Empires (https://www.facebook.com/HiddenEmpires/). Two lead guitars trading off rhythm licks, lead singer and bandleader doing keyboard duties, bass and drums. with what seems like the guitars and keyboards all trading off vocal duties, Hidden Empires is a hidden gem in Austin music. Time and again I have used the term "that Austin sound". It's true, it does exist. You can hear it squarely in every chord and note played and sung.

Hidden Empires was bodies grooving on the dance floor, people swaying to the music good rock, Americana good. I am sure you could come up with some more descriptors on them, but it is so much easier if you get to experience all that Hidden Empires has to offer live.

I will happily say that I was not only taken back by the surprising expertise my friend David had on the guitar, but the bands whole performance sound and vibe. With one performance I knew I had to invite them on to come sit down and do an interview with me on my video blog Three Beers and a Whiskey. About an hour after I requested them come sit with me I got the enthusiastic HELL YEAH from the band












I will leave you with this glowing endorsement of the band.

My wife trusted me to book a band on the video show for an interview after one performance. After they did our video blog she was so blown away and impressed my wife had us out the door from a downtown venue we were hanging at a month later and there we were, in front of Hidden Empires for her first experience seeing them live. It was even better than the performance on our show. Don't be foolish, put Hidden Empires on your list of good, fun Austin music to go see and experience.

Laters

It was Rigged

Right from the start I knew this was a Rigged event. I have been hearing about this guy for a year. "You gotta go! He puts on a great show. He even blew the power at the venue where I saw him last."

So on a warm spring night me and my buddy head out to The Old Coupland Inn & Dancehall. Let me tell you something...it is the OLD Coupland Dancehall for a reason. Not Kidding. Walking around the place with the creaking plywood floors and the dangling insulation from the ceiling it is old and rustic. The bartenders were great, no lines for the bathroom, and plenty of room to scoot around the dance floor. On this night, with this artist performing the dance floor was cut in about half with all the screaming girls down in front....It looked like an old video clip of the Beatles arriving in the U.S.

WHO IS THIS? You say out loud to the little screen in your hands as you read this. WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!

Sam Riggs (https://www.samriggsmusic.com). Yeah! it was a pretty spectacular performance. I will say between the enthusiasm of his fans...no joking it was pretty intense down in front... and his light show, Sam Riggs made it worth every dollar at the door. From his first song lighting up the stage with the whole band, to his last moment on stage with just him and his guitar, it was a great and fun performance.

If you know who Sam Riggs is and you haven't seen a performance you are doing yourself wrong.

If you don't know who Sam Riggs is, do your self a favor. Take a listen to 'When the lights go out'. My personal favorite. If you don't dig Country music, Outlaw Country music, or better yet, if you don't dig Texas Country music...just move on. But I dare you to take a listen.








It is great music performed well, with amazing enthusiasm, and a light show to make the stadiums jealous. Look up Sam Riggs and go enjoy Another Great Performance!

Laters

Who is this guy

is what I heard several times during the evening during the Paul Cauthen performance.

I was at Emos Austin. Located on Riverside Dr, about 3 minutes from downtown Austin. It has been a while since I was last here. Although the room itself hasn't changed, the aesthetics have. A fresh coat of paint, some new decorating around the perimeter of the venue, the addition of another bar, and it is still Emos. Don't take this statement the wrong way. Emos is a great place to go see a show. You walk in the door and only a few feet from the main entrance and you are standing in the giant room that is the venue. The sound has never left me wanting, always fast service at any of the bars, and big stage that can be seen from pretty much any spot inside those four walls.

This night was special for me. On the recommendation of my cousin, and some Divine intervention, I picked up a copy of Paul Cauthens debut CD release "My Gospel". After listening to this disc several times, I grew to really appreciate the song writing, the tunes, and overall vibe of the album. It is definitely a masterful piece of work.

Even better than the CD is finding out Paul Cauthen (http://www.paulcauthenmusic.com/) is coming to town. Without a hesitation I jumped on the chance to shoot photo for this lost sons return to Austin. NO, there was not a large, glamorous stage show. It was 5 guys on stage doing what they love, and doing it very well. It was exceptionally fulfilling for me to enjoy this performance from behind the lens for 3 songs - no flash. It was so much more when I stepped from behind the barricade and melted into the crowd. With Paul Cauthens big, booming voice carrying through the venue and the great time you could see him having on stage, it was glorious to be in the house.

Even more exciting was roaming through the crowd and seeing the faces lit up by the stage lights. The whispers of excitement from here and there in the crowd. I didn't hesitate to interrupt the conversations I overhead. When there was someone who would lean over to their friend, and just above the sound of Paul singing, I could hear them ask "Wow! do you know who this guy is?" I happily jumped on that moment and would exclaim "That's Paul, Paul Cauthen!" It was not sad for me to hear so many voices asking who this Johnny Cash sounding fellow was, it was thrilling to hear Paul Cauthen making fans as I stood there and witnessed.




Thanks to my cousin James Tompkins for anointing me.


Appreciate my photographer friends I rarely see, because my head is jammed up the local scenes ass so much I don't do the touring shows. Scott Moore and Katrina Barber are always two of the three best to bump into, always.



And thanks to the City of Austin for being Austin. I love doing what I do for nothing. I love giving respect and my time to the musicians that give their souls to the city for so little.




Laters

in the garden of good music

The Oak Garden at Guero's Taco Bar (http://gueros.com/) on South Congress is a must do on any one's list. On a nice Saturday in downtown Austin, Texas you will always find some great local music starting at around noon. The Oak Garden is located right next door to the restaurant. With plenty of parking street side or in the parking garage behind the garden, there are only good times to be had. Under the beautiful oaks with plenty of seating, people watching with a nice cold beverage and great music is the back drop to a perfect Austin weekend and life!

On two separate occasions I have had the joy of taking in amazing local music with family and friends. Nothing but love and joy in my heart because this is what it should be like all the time.

At one point in the recent past I caught The Brew (http://www.brewmusic.com/) here at the Oak Garden. Nothing but masters at their craft, The Brew can do nothing but inspire your feet to move with their Latin infused rhythms and sounds. Whether it is acoustic, unplugged, a jazz set, or with guest singers, The Brew never cease to amaze and put smiles on the faces in the crowd. This particular Saturday afternoon was no different as it was again the stellar guitar work of Michael Rodriguez making pulses pound and feet move. Young and old, The Brew will always be a must see. Whether you are an Austin resident or visiting from out of town, with their many residencies around the city your are sure to find The Brew... and have a great time!

Yet on another occasion, I found myself purposefully and willfully at the Oak Garden on a gorgeous Saturday for Jelly (http://www.jellyellington.com/). Fronted by rock guitar virtuoso and vocalist Jonathan Ellington and backed with a stellar crew, Jelly always knocks it out of the park with his brand of bad boy blues and rock! Having seen many Jelly performances, it never gets old. Taking your father to a Jelly performance and watching the excitement grow on his face as Jelly just owns every piece of every song. Covers and originals, watching someone else enjoy this young rockstar is even better than seeing him a dozen times. Here is another faithful and wonderful performer you can gaze upon, evenings in Austin, just about anywhere. Look Jelly up and enjoy the jams!



Laters

The WHOLE band is here

What I like about checking out the music scene in Austin is not just how plentiful it is, but the successes you see for some artists over time. Those success are not necessarily gold albums and world  tours, but in a smaller scale... The release of a video, a new album, or... In the case of Carter Hilltop Band... the addition of members to complete the project into becoming a full band.

I first saw the Carter Hilltop Band as a trio in Kyle, Texas as the opening act for another up and coming Texas country music act. Carter Hilltop Band was front woman Valerie and her brother on guitar and another guitarist who doubled as the bass player. Move forward more than a year and here I sit at the Rattle Inn.

With guitar, bass, and drums the core has been established. Vocals are spot on. With Valerie singing hi and sweet and her brother mellowing things out, it is a sweet trade off. Although their harmonies were pitched differently, it worked with the music. And the crowd loved it. From just me, myself, and I right before stage time to very full house by song #2, it was pleasant to see the support this young group is receiving so early on.

Where there may have been a song or two that would have worked for dancing, this is just good, sit back and relax music. It was country, but with something a bit deeper to it. My impression. The crowd loved it, every single song. I looked around at one point and saw phones up. The standard for how we judge what is liked in the current Internet, social media feed world. So if this is true, Carter Hilltop Band will do very well.

I must throw one bitch and gripping moan out there, it is the sound man. Good bless the band for kicking ass, cause the sound man was terrible. I think we listened to the stage monitors the whole time. Heads up Rattle Inn,... Vet your sound guy and make sure he gives a crap.

It was a Midnight Drive

Lucky Lounge (http://www.theluckylounge.com/) on a Thursday night in Austin, Texas. Like I have said and will continue to preach...there is always something to do, music to experience, and fun to be had in Austin ANY day of the week. Tourist or local, come join the fun in our great city.

Located on 5th St just off of Congress, the Lucky Lounge is just that...a lounge. A long shotgun style venue. You walk in the front door with a small seating area in the front and then a long hallway that leads to the main body of the club. As you walk down the hallway the bathrooms are on the right and a area for merch on the left. When you enter the main room it is a little over double the width of the hallway with a long bar on the right, a raised VIP seating area up, behind the bar on the far right. To the left are some small two seat, hi-top tables lining the left wall to the stage, which is at the very end of the long room. Right in front of the stage is a small area to stand/dance for a show, with a sofa and some more seating to the left. It is a lounge.

As I walked in I was hearing a very sweet voice and an acoustic guitar. Kayla Way

 (https://www.facebook.com/KaylaWay/) was onstage doing her thing. Kayla had a few folks in the crowd for an early Thursday evening, even a local guitar celebrity was taking in and enjoying her sound. Kayla's sound is ALMOST what you would expect from that singer/songwriter sound, BUT there was something a little different about her. A wonderful smile, a good stage presence and the interaction with the crowd. Kayla Way's originals are perfect and fun for an early evening and when she did a cover, she owned it she did'nt karaoke it! The crowd grew towards the end of her set and this is where her sound changed ever so slightly...more edgy. It seemed like she was ready to drop the current sound and timid girl demeanor for a just rock out moment on us with one of her newer songs. 

I did speak with her briefly after her set and am happy to say she has an EP coming out very soon (possible beginning of the new year). Kayla proudly told me that everyone can expect this to be a little more rock and roll then her previous venture. I look forward to it and you should look forward to seeing Kayla Way around town.

Next up was Todd Pate 

(https://soundcloud.com/todd-pate-1). Nothing like traveling with your own fan club. There were definitely a few more people here than with the prior performer and they were all cheering on Todd and his pretty cool guitar skills. This was another singer/songwriter performance. It was not that Todd was unique with his voice, his songs were original and his singing voice was strong. The crowd loved what he was doing. The previously mentioned local guitar hero and I where really stunned at what Todd did with his guitar. Not just playing acoustic, but using a whole damn peddle board for effcts. It sounded great, but different enough to garner our collective attention. I cant's say if this is just big balls doing this, or just genius, but it was impressive enough. Although I am not sure if Todd is local, look him up anyway.

Leather Leaf (http://www.leatherleafrockband.com/) was the dramatic turn for the evening. Jumping from acoustic singer/songwriter to a metal band was pretty harsh. It was also pretty damn fun. Leather Leaf does the rock/metal thing with a female lead, Melissa Madnezz (https://www.facebook.com/melissaklopf). This woman barks out the songs like a champ, commanding every single song brilliantly. It's as if Ozzy and Grace Slick had a love child and lucky for us, she is the singer of Leather Leaf! Leather Leaf's performance was half and half covers and originals. Doing their originals like they were platinum hits and doing the covers like they were their own, it was definitely a pleasure to be in the crowd for this performance. Even more so watching some of the younger folks in the crowd taking it in, singing the choruses, and moving to the beats. It was definitely smile inducing.

The Midnight Drive  (https://www.facebook.com/themidnightdrive/) was up for the headline spot of the evening. This is where my invitation came from for this night of new music.

I have always told folks about the great thing about Austin music. The bands go out to see and support each other. You never know who you will see on stage, and you NEVER know who you are going to be sitting with and talking to in the crowd. More than once I have experienced and heard the story of others hanging out in a venue, talking with someone, and then they interrupt the conversation by saying "Hey! It was nice talking to you, but I have to go. My band is up next." Leaving me/you/the unsuspecting tourist to think "WTF!!! Who was I just sitting with and talking to?" Yes, I knew I was sitting with the absolutely beautiful, smiling, and newly married wife of The Midnight Drive's drummer, BUT I had NO idea who the dark, beautiful, mysteriously silent and shy young lady was that kept coming to our table. It was moments before show time when the drummer brought her to the table and introduced her as the lead singer of The Midnight Drive....palm to the forehead moment for me. 

The Midnight Drive is a band that does some amazingly fun music. Danceable, catchy songs, great melodic drifts with some interesting guitar work going on underneath it all. The crowd was totally on their feet for the entire performance. Having a good time and cheering along, even if they didn't know the words, like myself. Although I stay away from comparisons as a personal decision. I would rather you go and catch it and make up your own mind, but I am happy to give you a genre for a band. The Midnight Drive has done an amazing job of creating something all their own...PopPunk goes Surfer! 

The Midnight Drive does their sound well, the crowd is in on the secret, you should be too.

Laters  

Soul Giants

Battling it out with friends in Austin, Texas on any night, trying to figure out where to go listen to live music, is the greatest thing. I took my preferred route and Dave TV () took his. Nothing but love in watching, listening, writing about, and supporting live and local!

So off to my happy home away from home which never lets me down, The One2One Bar (). Tonight was a double feature for me. Two great local bands with whom I know the players, I know the game, but have never seen perform. BAM! Doing it right tonight.

But first quick nod of respect to The One2One. This is a GREAT venue for music located in South Austin. It is a brilliant design of a club. 4 walls, a great stage, and a bar. How about that? The thing is you don't get it unless you go experience it. This place was built for the performance! NO apologies here for short words on a great venue, I have written about this location before and will again. Look back at some of my previous posts if you really want to see the great things I have said about The One2One...otherwise read on.

The Jack Burton Trio () is fronted by Jack Burton and his beautiful wife. Jack plays the guitar and his wife does the co vocals duties, but his voice is the "WHOA". For that funky, soul, rock, type of music, Jack's James Brown-esque voice is right on the spot. His lively personality throughout the entire performance only begged for people to be dancing and having a great time. The interactions that Jack Burton has with the rest of the band and the high amount of respect he has for his bandmates just pours out into the crowd. It is a performance which overflows with excitement and enthusiasm.











Oh! "Bandmates?", you ask. There is Jack Burton and his wife...one more would be a trio. NO! This is Texas math and all you have to know is that it sounds great, it feels good, and it is fun! Quit counting members and count on a great time with The Jack Burton Trio. With residencies around town, there seems to be no reason or opportunity for you not to take of piece of this soul mans giant voice and personality home with you, weekday or weekend.

Following up to a performance like was the properly placed Curtis Lee (). The man with the silky smooth voice and the bluesy sounding soul music which just pulls at your heart, your tears, and then makes you smile. His lead guitarist, here, is the talented and every moving Ady Hernandez. This duo is pretty damn potent. Curtis Lee probably doesn't need a PA for his voice as it carries and carries and carries. Curtis Lee music is a little more on the soulful side, but it is bursting with life and pulls your feet ahead of you onto the floor.



This was another performance where the crowd couldn't stand it and danced the night away. As the music of Curtis Lee and his band ebbed and flowed, the crowed moved on his vocal directions and his interpretation of life...through music. This was a seriously powerful and moving performance. Curtis Lee, like Jack Burton, knows his band and knew the crowd. Letting the power of his performers lead the crowd through the solos only left everyone breathless enough for Curtis Lee to wrap up his performance in stellar fashion. An uptempo tune about a girl, love, and the crowd singing along.

For the city of Austin and the music scene as it stands, it is diverse and attractive. It is fun, it is multi cultural, and it is always happening. And these guys are Soul Giants for what they do, how they do it, and what you feel like when they are done.

Laters


p.s. - Thanks Cari Hutson St. Marie for supplying me with the title on this one.

Steadfast and rattling it

Back at the Rattle Inn (http://rattleinnaustin.com) for this double header.

Located just off of 6th and Nieces, west of Congress Ave. The Rattle Inn is in a nice little corner that provides access to food and entertainment.

The double header this evening was the Brandon Steadman Band from Ft. Worth and the Cody Bryan Band.

The Brandon Steadman Band (http://brandonsteadmanband.com) had the early slot and a packed house. With his Texas Country sound, the crowd ate it up. I don't know how long these particular guys have been playing together, but they were tight and on point. It could be told in the crowds reaction as well. Pretty much from the first song to the last, the minimal dance floor was occupied. With folks twirling and two stepping it made the performance all that more fun to watch. Brandon is not one of those artists that regales you with tons of conversation. It was just straight country music and playing. And from the reaction of the crowd thought the performance and to the last song, it seems like it was a performance I am glad I got to capture.

Whether it is Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, or any point on the map, if you love that Texas Country sound and want to kick up your heels, The Brandon Steadman band will do rather nicely.

The Cody Bryan Band (http://www.codybryanmusic.com) was born and bread right here in Austin, but it seems like they are getting harder to see and catch in the area. Constantly evolving, and really never putting on the same show twice, The Cody Bryan Band is definitively that Texas country band to catch every time you get the chance. With new songs in their performance and even new additions to the band (the guitar player has now incorporated fiddle into his repertoire), there are plenty of reasons to catch this stellar group of guys.

For an early daytime show at a fair, to a late night performance, The Cody Bryan Band can fill your need and desire for four feet on the floor - that's you and your dance partner!

Laters

Crash into this

Spinners is located on the edge of Austin,  your last stop before you leave weird and land at the rock. The bar consists of two sides,  the bar side with an outside deck, and the lounge side - set up for private parties and live music performances.

The bar side does have a small stage as you walk in the door, immediately to your left. It opens into a large room with the bar to your left and the outdoor patio to your right. There are plenty of TVs around for your sports watching pleasure. If you walk all the way through, the bathrooms are to the back.

The 'live' performance this particular evening (and check the schedule because I believe he is here most Saturdays) was DJ Crash. Yes! THAT DJ CRASH of Dirty Wormz fame. It is live for what he does and how he does it. 

Crash has been a fixture and part of Austin music legend for damn straight on 2 decades. It isn't the length of time, but his ability. Not really untouchable, but he commands respect. Being good and in demand is one thing, but to cross music genres as a DJ that does more than rap, hip hop, but also metal.

Tonight he was straight entertainment. Impressive at keeping the beats and the music entertaining for the crowd. Skillful in not taking your conversation away from you and your friends, but bad ass enough every few minutes to make people in the crowd look up. Yes, I heard people say 'DAMN!'

If you have to, or want to hire a DJ, do you want Pandora or someone that can control the crowd. Bring them up, bring them down. If you want your money on a man who can entertain and be invisible, but be the center of attention on demand...DJ CRASH.

Just stop by Spinners, look him up, find him with the Wormz, and feel good.

Laters

Written with extreme prejudice and a challenge and a dare. I challenge you to be daring!

on the Cusp

So as I am temporarily relocated to the quaint little hamlet of Pflugerville, Texas i shall make the best of it. Pflugerville (the p is silent) is on the north side of Austin. So, where as I am not legitimately in the live music capital of the world, I am still surrounded by places to go and bands to see!

I have been to Hanovers (http://hanoversaustin.com/) before and taken you on the descriptive tour, but I will do it again for consistency. Located in what would affectionately be called downtown, Hanover's is just a block off of the main street. With plenty of parking,there is not much fear of having to walk to far and loss your way at 1 a.m. 

As you walk in the front door you see the building is a rectangle shape with yourself entering on the short side of the rectangle. The bar is immediately to your right and runs down the entire length, ending at the doors to go to their massive backyard area. As you stand and continue to survey, the stage is opposite the bar on your left and is of a very modest size. Easily accommodating most bands. From the small 3 piece to the funktified band with a full horn section, rhythm section, and everyone in between. There is a small dance area in front of the stage, seating at some hi top tables and along the bar. 

There is seating immediately to your left as you stand at the door and seating with pool tables farther back, past the stag on the far left back corner. All in all it is a very nice set up and great if you want to get down in front with your favorite local band or something new. 

This particular evening it was something new FOR SURE. 

I caught the last 5 songs from White Label Analog (http://www.whitelabelanalog.com/). Fresh off their new CD release, White Label Analog had the house P A C K E D! It was energetic and sharp. Even walking in on the tail end of their set had me a little sad. I wanted to be out of breath and jumping around like the rest of the crowd. It is know doubt these guys are not only a crowd pleaser, but their polished looks to keep them busy her in the Austin area and have them traveling to farther cities and pass the good jams on. It is never a bad ticket if you get to see this band, doesn't matter who's on the bill....worth it!

Speaking of worth it, thanks to my friend Dave Prewitt! He warned me about the sheer awesomeness of this next band more than a year or two ago. I have followed them on FB and even made plans to go to previous shows. My own lame ass self for not seeing them sooner and experiencing the wonderousness of SCORPIO RISING (http://scorpiorisingmusic.com/)!

What the hell was wrong with me and what the hell is wrong with you. Follow the bands link NOW and find out where they are playing next that is near and dear or far and funky, GO!!!!!!!!

Scorpio Rising is fronted by Madame Scorpio...of course! With their worker jumpsuits on, this 3 piece is so beyond comparison of most anything I have seen in Austin yet. Funky, rocking, fun, energetic, and surprising all do little justice to Scorpio Rising with what is their own brand and style of danceable rock! It was like watching a funky ass aerobics video to very, VERY good music. Madame Scorpio is the epitome of a charismatic lead singer and entertainer. It was kind of sexy, but in a naughty, is-she-really-doing-that-oh-my-god-this-is-so-cool kind of way!



I believe the bass players name is "Wonderbread", if I am to believe the back of his jumpsuit. This guy was on the stage all of less than 5 minutes for the entire performance. Moving through the crowd like a hellion robot, moving non stop, and yelling for the crowd to constantly cheer and make more noise. It was IMPOSSIBLE not to smile and scream for more with Madame Scorpio on stage and the Wonderbread peering into the crowd and moving amongst us. Just a fantastic performance.

To top it off, they even called for a dance contest among the patrons for prizes from their merch table. Yes, people danced, people won, and we all yelled for more. Although I have never been a tremendous fan of bands or people playing to looped or pre recorded tracks. Doing it right is way beyond the level of what Scorpio Rising did. It doesn't matter because it was ridiculously thrilling and fun!

Laters