Weekend Music Preview: Flosstradamus @ Black & Tan and Toko-Ri Get High @ Beerland

Flosstradamus brought the dance party to Austin on a Tuesday recently and judging by the impressive collage of beats they bestowed upon us that evening at The Mohawk, Black & Tan best be prepared for a Friday night to remember. J2K (Josh Young) and Autobot (Curt Cameruci) started spinning as Flosstradamus in Chicago in 2005, and over the years, have gained prominence with their scintillating mixes. The duo flawlessly blends electronica, hip hop, and rock ‘n’ roll, and their collaboration has yielded some killer remixes -- check out Flosstradamus’ interpretation of Matt & Kim’s “Yeah Yeah” on their MySpace page. Flosstradamus’ star has risen from the early days of spinning at house parties and Town Hall Pub in Chicago, to gigs at major festivals like SXSW and Coachella. The Cool Kids, Amanda Blank (Amanda Mallory), and Young’s older sibling Melisa Young (better known as Kid Sister) are all expected to play a role in Flosstradamus’ much anticipated full-length. Should be quite the pseudonym fest. King Louie and Doneski support this evening at Black & Tan.

Set aside some time on Sunday to take a step back from the urgency of life and enjoy the grooving, easy-on-the-ears breeze generated by Toko-Ri Get High at Beerland. Toko-Ri Get High’s novel compositions would be ideal for sifting through the array of emotions experienced on that worry-free road trip with the windows rolled down, where the promise of unending adventures is a guarantee, and miles and miles of languid countryside is your backdrop. But where exactly did this gust of wind blow into Austin from? We chatted with Toko-Ri Get High’s David Smith (a.k.a David Somolon and/or Jud Speck) earlier this week at Quack’s in Hyde Park, and learned that El Paso was the origin. On moving to Austin three years ago, Smith immediately immersed himself in music, teaming up with his friend from El Paso, Tony Scandalizer -- the duo recruited like-minded musicians and so began the Toko-Ri Get High journey.

Image from Toko-Ri Get High’s MySpace

Toko-Ri Get High has two releases under its belt already (a self-titled album and Inside of these Days) -- Smith confirmed that work on a third “heavier” record has begun. As for the band’s recipe in the studio, Smith and Scandalizer usually initiate the recording process by nailing down the rhythm section on tape. After further brainstorming, Smith works on the guitars before getting “really high” and adding the vocals. Smith takes care of the recording process from start to finish. Hardly a one-trick pony, Smith is inspired by a plethora of genres, and spearheads another band in town, The Dazzling King Solomon Band. He is also currently working on a hip hop project. And what are Smith’s thoughts on the city of Austin? He likes “all the bars,” the peaceful environment, and the opportunity to play with bands like Horse+Donkey and Cry Blood Apache but is quick to point out that he doesn’t necessarily want his bands to be associated with the “psychedelic scene” here in town. Regardless, Smith’s contributions to Austin’s music community are a boon and to be appreciated.