‘The live music capital of the world’. That’s Austin’s trademark and it certainly doesn’t disappoint as a destination for music enthusiasts. Cities around the world can only be envious of Austin and its incredible music culture.
For many tourists their visit to Austin is undoubtedly either inspired by or for the week long South By South West Music, Interactive and Film conference which is one event that is sure to top bucket lists for many a music fan.
But the capital of the state of Texas is a live music force all year round. With over 200 music venues and an estimated 1,900 musicians situated in the city, an off season for live music is seemingly unheard of.
Then of course, the city’s excessive amount of record stores should comes as little surprise with the easy to attain ‘Vinyl Around Austin’ guide becoming a necessary tool for visitors to begin the daunting task of finding a place to start.
But how did Austin become the music mecca that it is? Country singing legend Willie Nelson is often believed to be the man responsible for accelerating the heartbeat of city’s music culture.
His show at the Armadillo Headquarters in 1972 kick-started Austin’s sixth street scene. The seven blocks between Congress and IH-35 are at the centre of the city’s live music buzz, where there are more venues in that one area, than what most can even boast in one entire city.
If that touristy area doesn’t hit the spot, the lesser known Warehouse District and Red River Street areas might be more up your alley.
The city which is home to vibrant jazz, blues, country, rock, hip-hop, progressive, metal and punk scene’s has obviously allowed for a diverse culture in a state which isn’t necessarily for having such a reputation.
Austinites swear by another motto other than ‘live music capital of the world’ and that is ‘keep Austin weird’. The city has welcomed not just students to one of the country’s biggest colleges in The University of Texas, but also any eccentrics or misfits into Austin’s fold.
A motto which has only helped attract artists from varying backgrounds to the city to help sustain Austin’s thriving music culture.
Another lesser known slogan that has come from what is widely regarded as the most liveable city in America is ‘keep Austin nice’. Championed from film director Quentin Tarantino’s glowing assessment of Austinites, where he said it’s one of those cool towns where everyone is friendly”, it is a fact that is likely to only encourage potential travellers to the city.
While tourists in Austin are likely to have their nights already planned, with multiple stops at any music venue in sight, the daytime could easily be spent soaking up the city’s music history, either at the Austin Music Memorial or the Texas Music Museum.
Austin can be a intimidating music city to discover for anyone, with a plethora of attractions to visit and a culture that is impossible to fully experience within your first visit.
But undoubtedly Austin is top of the list as a must visit music city. There is no other city in the world with such a single minded focus on this particular area of the arts. This is why y’all had better start saving as this is a music lovers dream destination.
Please wipe the drool from your face before you continue reading.
Austin Festivals/Conferences
SXSW: Well, duh. It should come as no surprise to see that South By South West is at the top of the list of music gatherings to experience in Austin. It is also the world’s most famous music conference, attracting thousands of visitors to the city each year. With more than 2,500 acts across 100 venues, SXSW is the place to catch upcoming artists as well as acts with new albums to promote in the coming year. This music conference is undoubtedly the place where many new acts generate the buzz that has music press the world over talking. Even if you can’t afford the official ticketed events, fear not, there are plenty of free ‘unofficial’ parties which host great live music and also gives away lots of freebies. This mammoth event is at the pinnacle of live music conferences and festivals.
Austin City Limits Music Festival: Under the C3 Presents banner which also organises Chicago’s Lollapalooza, this festival brings over 150 acts to the city over three days each year in October. Named after the PBS television series, the event which takes place at Zilker Park was capped at 75,000 punters a day. Last year’s lineup was headlined by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Keys, Florence & The Machine and Jack White just to name a few. While the 2013 event, which will be the festivals 12th year, has taken Coachella’s lead in running over two consecutive weekends.
Fun Fun Fun Fest: Both music and comedy collide in America’s only genre based festival. Each stage is dedicated to the music stylings of hip-hop/electronica, indie rock and punk/metal. Started in 2006 the festival has continued to expand running over three days and moving to the much larger Auditorium Shores in 2011. Focusing on Austin’s own culture, Fun Fun Fun features food from local eateries. Ticket holders also have access to a set of free shows in the city’s live music venues each night of the festival. Past headliners have included The National, M83, MGMT, Public Enemy and Spoon.
Austin Record Stores
Waterloo Records, 600 N Lamar Blvd, http://www.waterloorecords.com/
Vinyl lovers are encouraged to visit this record store first as it boasts the city’s best offerings of records from across the board, obscure or classic, Waterloo has a huge range. The store also hosts numerous in-store live performances for die-hard fans as well as CD release parties for local to mid-sized national bands.
Antone’s Record Shop, 2928 Guadalupe St., http://antonesrecordshop.com/
Clifford Antone’s empire of label, night club (read about below) and record store has long been an institution in Austin. While the man himself passed away in 2006, this record store has specialised predominantly in blues and roots, folk, rock and country since 1987. Fans of Willie Nelson will also be impressed by the stores’s row and a half of space dedicated to the country music singer. Antone’s also sells tickets for it’s sister venue’s gigs, as well as vintage tour posters, cassettes, magazines and t-shirts.
Friends Of Sound, 1704 S Congress Ave, http://www.friendsofsound.com/
Tucked away in a back alley-way this small but packed store has one of the city’s best selections of quality used records. With rare and obscure vinyl in abundance, those who love to peruse through a collection and make a great discovery will be at home here. What vinyl hunters might enjoy even more is the store’s back room where every record for sale is priced at between one and three dollars.
Austin Bars
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, 801 Red River St., http://stubbsaustin.com/
One of the city’s best loved venues has both a small indoor stage and a large outdoor stage. The latter is standing only, but a downward slope towards the front ensures that punters will be able to see the musicians in action. While Stubb’s allows for a variety of different bands to play at either of the venue’s stages, mainly indie and alternative rock is featured here. Notable past performances have included the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Cake, Ratatat and Imogen Heap.
Antone’s Night Club, 213 W 5th St., http://www.antones.net/
The famous night club at the centre of Antone’s empire still to this day provides live music of the blues, rock and country variety, with Antone’s Night Club helping launch local careers since 1975. While it claimed the title of the first venue to open in the city’s notorious 6th Street, it has since moved to the 5th and Lacava streets. This spacious venue allows for a relaxed vibe with all ages welcomed. The likes of B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello and U2 have all performed at Antone’s in the past.
The Carousel Lounge, 1110 E 52nd St., http://www.carousellounge.net/
This circus themed live music venue is one of Austin’s most eccentric establishments. Bands play with a pink papier mache elephant at their backs, while the walls feature acrobats and tigers. This venue certainly embodies the city’s ‘keep Austin Weird’ mantra, with The Carousel Lounge attracting a diverse crowd. But behind the circus motif, this venue supports grassroots acts with indie, rock and experimental musicians taking to the stage almost every night of the week.
Austin Acts You Should Check Out
Shakey Graves: Soundcloud
Alejandro Rose-Garcia is the man behind Shakey Graves, with the singer describing himself as a “Texas gentleman”. His music epitomises such a mantra with Rose-Garcia’s debut album Roll The Bones displaying tunes of the alt country and blues variety. While you can listen to an early recording, ‘Word Of Mouth’, below, you should also check out Shakey Graves’ live performance videos at The Good Music Club to see his electric stage presence.
Black Pistol Fire: Soundcloud
Splitting their time between their base in Austin and hometown of Toronto this duo play a potent mix of wild southern rock and raw garage punk music. Their second record Big Beat 59 was released last year and you can listen to their track ‘Trigger On My Fire’ below.
Love Inks: Soundcloud
This trio are made up of husband and wife Sherry LeBlanc (vocals) and Kevin Dehan (bass), with Adam Linnell (guitar) taking the third wheel position. Their debut album, E.S.P dropped in 2011 with a dream pop haze, while the follow up is planned for early 2013. Check out their track ‘Blackeye’ below.
