Austinist Show Giveaway: Tacks, The Boy Disaster, Golden Bear, The Mercers, & Wiretree @ Antone's
Thursday, June 5
Antones (213 W 5th St)
Doors: 8 p.m. | Show: 9 p.m.
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With all the changes brewing in Austin lately, we decided to catch up with all four acts to get their views on the state of affairs in town.
What is your band's take on the digital revolution in music and what, if anything, has changed in this new era in terms of your band's marketing and distribution?
Evan Jacobs (Tacks, The Boy Disaster): Well, be it digital or analog, it's all pretty new to us. I suppose it's nice to not have to describe what one's band sounds like, it's rather easy to point someone to a website and have them hear for themselves.
Chris Gregory (Golden Bear): I think it is great that it makes it easier to hear music. I think everyone probably feels that way. I do think it has the potential to kill the album though. And that is kind of sad. I know I love to go to the store and buy albums. I personally have not done digital music since Napster's glory days but I know most people do. As far as Golden Bear is concerned, we will probably push hard for the next release to online media outlets with streaming, linking, etc. capabilities. But I know I always want GB to make real, tangible, physical full length albums.
Kevin Peroni (Wiretree): The digital revolution has made selling worldwide doable. If we were doing this in the '80s, the likelihood of us getting heard would be near impossible unless we were signed by a decent label. There would be less competition in the '80s, one positive point.
What are your thoughts on the recent city-wide drama regarding a) lowering decibel levels at venues, and b) increasing number of condominiums in town?
Jacobs: I'm not up on the drama, as such, but there sure do seem to be a lot of condos popping up. The city has definitely changed in the 6 years or so I've been here. It does seem logical that if downtown has been loud for years, people moving into the area should take that into account before moving there.
Gregory: I do think that even the big people at the top realize that it would be very bad PR, etc. to do anything that would really hurt Austin's music. I could be very, very wrong about that though. As far as the condos, at least they are nice looking and at least Austin is not a sprawling pit of filth like Houston or Dallas. I have lived in this area for all but one of my 26 years, and I can say people will always say 'Austin was better in the old days,' but I think it's nice people want to live here by the lake, rather than some fancy condo in NYC. But I do think what is happening on the east side is a little freaky. I know gentrification is a trendy buzzword these days, but we do need to be cautious.
Ethan Herr (The Mercers): How about this? City Hall becomes mired in controversy after the Mayor's mistress turns up dead in her Red River Flats condo. Her ears are bloodied and a Mercers' CD is found in her purse.
Peroni: Ordinances should be in harmony with the city's known character – ie. you cannot be "the live music capital of the world" if regulations are continuously made against that idea. Also, when one buys a condo off 6th St., they should know better.
How is playing a show west of Congress, for example, this one at Antone's, different from a gig over on the Red River District?
Jacobs: It's Warehousier?
Gregory: I'd say the only difference may be the type of people who happen to wander in. But I think it's all about the same. Lots of fun and lettin’ the good times roll.
Herr: None of the clubs on Red River sell panties with logo emblazoned crotches.
Peroni: I believe the vibe of a venue changes based on the typical audience, which in turn is reflected by the booker of the venue. Club de Ville, The Mohawk, or Emo's Lounge are known by the kinds of bands booked (typically indie, alt, electronica, etc.) Places like Antone's, Saxon Pub and Momo's book more traditional roots music (blues, soul, funk etc.) -- all dictated by the booker. Antone's is using a different booker for some shows, and you're now seeing the likes of Iron & Wine, Tapes 'n Tapes or Bobby Bare Jr. play and audiences follow.
Do you consider Austin to be “The Live Music Capital of the World”?
Jacobs: I have no idea where the live music capital of the world is, but I can't imagine it to be here. There are many other places in the world with a lot more music in parks and on the streets than Austin, but that hardly means I'm ungrateful for what does go on here. I think it's a pretty swell place for music.
Gregory: I used to not think so, but after touring, I would say at least the live music capital of the U.S. We are spoiled as far as our being able to see people play anywhere, any night, and any type of music, etc. Maybe there is some city hidden under water out there that I'm not aware of that has us beat, but I'd say it's hard to beat Austin as far as being a music fan goes.
What is the band currently up to? Any new recordings in the works?
Jacobs: We're working hard on recording an album at present, trying to get it finished before Nathan (Stein) goes to Harvard in the fall.
Gregory: Finishing an EP for late summer/early fall release and touring in late July/early August.
Herr: We are putting the finishing touches on our own recording studio that Peter (Wagner) built in his back yard. Actually it's a recording studio/outdoor ping pong arena. It's a great place for our friends to hang out, although Pete's place was kind of social central already. But it gives us a great atmosphere to be creative and gives us sort of a built in audience. We have already started some preliminary recordings for our next album and we are really excited about the whole thing. Also, "Use for Abuse" off our first album Pretty Things Walk was featured in a movie by Texas independent film maker Rowdy Stovall. The movie is called Mexican Sunrise and "Abuse" is the opening track. The movie played in Cannes last week -- also pretty exciting.
Peroni: We're about to cut a new album with Lars Goransson -- more rocking, less folk.
This contest is now closed.
[Tacks, The Boy Disaster MySpace]
[Golden Bear MySpace]
[The Mercers MySpace]
[Wiretree MySpace]
