This is completely subjective, but it's good to see that The Parish is once again hosting some halfway compelling indie-rockers. After some changes in management, resulting in some rather bizarre talent decisons, perhaps our old stomping grounds is returning to form? One can only hope. That's neither here nor there this evening as we are blessed by a visit from Portland trailblazers (har har) Menomena in all their precocious glory. Riding high on the... more ›

Monday, June 18musicHairy Apes BMX, Gabby La LA, Jetpaq Shakur at Stubb’s musicMenomena at Waterloo Records musicArt Brut Karaoke Party and "Caddyshack" at Beauty Bar filmThird Coast Night: "Leila Khaled, Hijacker" at Alamo Downtown filmMusic Monday: "Here We Come" at Alamo Downtown food/booksDr. BBQs Big-Time Barbeque Road Trip at BookPeople, 603 N Lamar Blvd (7pm)foodCentral Market Cooking Class: The Perfect Scoop with Chef David Lebovitz at Central Market Cooking School, 4001 N Lamar ($65, 6:30-9pm)... more ›

Let's be honest: everyone loves SXSW week, but when it ends, you are secretly very ready to move on. Before we do, let's take a look at some of the isolated, crazy, and wonderful moments that make SXSW such an over-the-top sensory experience. – The dude at Girl Talk dancing with a broken pinata on his head. Then passing said pinata to someone else to dance with. – Isaac Hayes talking in his famous... more ›

Over the past six weeks, Austinist's music writers have spoken with dozens of bands playing this year's SXSW festival. In case you're just now joining us, here's a link-filled list of all Austinist SX07 band interviews: Albert Hammond, Jr. Alexi Murdoch Annuals Aqueduct Architecture in Helsinki Car Stereo (Wars) Evangelicals Girl In A Coma Girl Talk I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter Ladyhawk Lions in the Street... more ›

Our interviews with SXSW bands have been appearing fast and furious on the site lately. From Girl Talk to My Latest Novel, we’ve been blessed with some great responses. Justin Harris, bass and sax player for Portland’s Menomena might now be our favorite interviewee. Menomena specializes in experimental pop-rock, with no clear formula, but plenty of invigorating innovation (thanks to band member Brent Knopf’s Deeler, short for Digital Looping Recorder). We caught up with Harris recently, and found him a bit obsessed with harmful insects, be it the Vespula Vulagaris, W.A.S.P., or simply Sting. more ›

Seattle's Aqueduct have been doggedly honing an indie/laptop pop sound for several years. Essentially a one-man studio band, David Terry channels influences ranging from a suburban Oklahoma upbringing to fandom of Guns 'N' Roses and The Princess Bride into his catchy, lo-fi home studio creations. Live, the band is a very different animal: at SXSW two years ago, they simply demolished the crowd with a blend of original tunes, rap covers, an Aqueduct theme... more ›

We'd heard rumors of a big blogger bonanza taking place during SXSW Music, and today finally got a glimpse of their awesome setup: two days, three stages, and 32 bands divided between Club Deville and The Mohawk. But then again, what else would you expect from music bloggers like Chromewaves, Gorilla vs Bear, Largehearted Boy, My Old Kentucky Blog, rock insider, and You Ain't No Picasso? Friday Catfish Haven, Thunderbirds Are Now!, Apostle of... more ›

Welcome back kiddos, the year is kicking off with a shotgun bang. Head over to Waterloo or End of an Ear and ask for these albums: as far as we can tell, it's hard to go wrong this week. The Shins Wincing the Night Away (Sub Pop) Well, they're definitely stretching, and they're definitely getting more and more familiar with the studio, as "Phantom Limb" demonstrates: James Mercer is still having trouble falling asleep,... more ›