There is no shortage of musical talent in Austin and Oak is Keeping is the latest local outfit to grab our attention. This past April, the band dropped Animal Style, an impressive collection of pummeling rock songs, chock-full of irresistible melodies, layered vocals, and standout guitar wizardry. Per founding member Shay Isdale, “We have a very unique writing dynamic. I generate riff and melody ideas and present them to the band. At that time we literally pick apart the whole song idea and analyze it until everyone agrees on the finished product and puts their own touch on their respective part. It’s amazing how democratic we are, and we somehow never get into any arguments about writing. I think that sets us apart from most bands. We truly enjoy the whole process, even as collaborative as it is.” Comparisons to Queens of the Stone Age are inevitable, for even Isdale’s vocals harbor a hint of Josh Homme. Oak is Keeping nurtures a similar bludgeoning sound powered by ingenious licks. Sizzling six-strings mark “Tempt” and “Tell Me These Things” while our favorite “Burn It All Down” chugs along at a steady pace before blazing into a memorable chorus. Even gentler fare like “Book Of Matches” and “So Sweet” are not sans moments of eruption. Recommended for fans of modern day hard-rock, the album ends with the thunderous “What We Live.” more ›

This weekend culminates on April 20th, 4:20 even, and it’s no surprise than many of Austin’s inhabitants aim to celebrate this cultural holiday in fine fashion come Sunday. But before we get to that lofty milestone, local lawyer and musician Charlie Roadman hosts the Third Annual Marijuana Law for Musicians seminar on Friday at The Mohawk. The presentation is free and starts at 7 p.m. Come find out what you can get away with in Travis County and also sign up for a chance to win two free Radiohead tickets for their show in Dallas on May 18th. more ›

This year's SXSW Music lineup seems to be taking shape a bit more quickly than last year, as bands have taken it upon themselves to announce showcases publicly before the official list release by SX organizers. This is a departure from prior years, but since festival officials aren't complaining, we assume they're happy to let the hype build as the acts trickle in. This week's top twelve additions: more ›

Besides the wonderful events highlighted by the flyers above, there are a few other shows on New Year's Eve in Austin worth noting: more ›

THURSDAY [12] music • The Carrots, The Interest Kills (LAST SHOW) at The Mohawk music • ME TV's monthly Austin Music Foundation benefit series, "Emerging Artists," with The Dedringers, Nakia and His at Antone's (8pm, $5) music • Alex Dupree and the Trapdoor Band, Jeff Klein, The Normans at Emo's music • Twilight Broadcast CD Release Show with Loss Rayne, Goldcure at Stubb's music • DJ Omari's Soul Party, with the Rock and Roll... more ›

MONDAY [9] books • Jillian Robinson presents Change Your Life Through Travel at BookPeople (7:00pm) comedy • 22nd Annual Funniest Person in Austin Contest, hosted by John Ramsey at Cap City Comedy Club dance • Spank Dance's "4Red Lines" at Secret Location, Check Austinist's Clues (5:30pm) film • "Harold and Kumar" with All-You-Can-Eat Mini-Burgers at Alamo Downtown film • Music Mondays: "Times Square" at Alamo Downtown film • Jim Jarmusch Film Series: "Dead Man"... 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 ›

FRIDAY [8] music • Centro-Matic, Those Peabodys, Pink Nasty at Emo's (Inside) music • Anagen, Two Guy Trio at Stubb's music • The Midgetmen, The Boxing Lesson, Sounds Under Radio, Label Me This at Red Eyed Fly music • Fireside Creative Showcase with Shrapnel, Lone Star Porn Star, Nooner, Hundred Year Storm, Bayta Darell, and a chance to win a Gibson guitar autographed by (huh?) Chuck Norris at The Parish Room music • Rescue... more ›

Tonight KROX presents the latest installment of Homegrown Live, a weekly concert series showcasing up-and-coming Austin bands for the obscenely low and unnecessarily complex price of $1.01 (please note that despite the gimmicky price, paying entirely in pennies or in Canadian change is not considered funny). Tonight's show features indie-dance sensation Clap! Clap!, who've built a solid reputation around their dancetastic, clap-filled live shows (including a dedicated "clap choir") over the course of the last... more ›

The following is a weekly column by guest contributor Laurie Gallardo. Hear her Friday evenings on KUT 90.5FM, from 11pm-3am. -- The Editors Hello again, kids! I’m not sure how you’ve been feeling as of late, but it seems time is flying by faster than I can read the clock. Must be all the shows that keep popping up, one right after the other. That spells goldmine for me.  First things first, ladies and... more ›

FRIDAY [13] music/art • Austin Museum of Digital Art (AMODA) presents their latest Digital Showcase with Drop The Lime, MVSCLZ, HAPPYSUCKY, Wonder Jam Twins, Yatsuzaki, DJ Who's Jealous and DJ Radicon, plus visual artists including Ben Aqua, Ben Hibon, Bleep Labs, Cari Palazzolo, David Salinas, DEFASTEN, Eli Welbourne, Friedrich Kirschner, Johnny Cisneros, Lanneau White aka Karl Sapien, Lonja, Mike Ruiz, and Yuki Kawamura at The Mohawk (9pm-2am, $7/$4 general/members, 18+) ® music • Faceless... more ›

MONDAY [9] books • Ted Bishop presents Riding With Rilke: Reflections on Motorcycles and Books at BookPeople (7:30pm) film • The Agronomist at Texas Union (7:30pm) ® film • Imagine - The John Lennon Sing-along at Alamo Drafthouse (7pm, $10) ® film • Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown at Arbor (2:45pm, 7:30pm) ® film • Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers at Café Mundi (8pm, Free) film • Run Lola Run... more ›

It's entirely possible that you aren't at all interested in wandering around Zilker dehydrated and lost all weekend, but there's no reason to worry: there are plenty of things to do and shows to see this weekend that have nothing to do with wristbands or sunscreen. Most notable is the Filter Party at Beauty Bar featuring The Presets, I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness and The Secret Machines. In addition to the MSTRKRFT... more ›

WEDNESDAY [6] film • The Stunt Man with Richard Rush Live in Person at Alamo Downtown (6:45pm, $10) food • Angel Valley Organic Farm Farmstand at Asian American Cultural Center, 11713 Jollyville Road (10am-2pm) film • TerrorStorm with Alex Jones Live at Alamo South (7pm) film • Before Sunrise at Rounders Pizzeria (8pm, Free) film • Zatoichi: 7 & 8 at Spider House (8pm, Free) film • Quai Des Ofevres at Paramount Theatre (7:15pm)... more ›

Drummer James Hill of This Escape, who played August 12 at the Red Eyed Fly in Austin. Expand to see a few more shots of the show.... more ›

[music] Asleep at the Wheel at Antone’s (8pm, $10) link [music] Paris ‘49 at Continental Club (6:30pm) link [music] Dale Watson at Continental Club (10pm, $6) link [music] Michael Mordecai’s Jazz Jam at Elephant Room (9:30pm, Free) link [music] The Silence Kills, Here Comes Trouble, Iron Age and Righteous Jams at Emo’s (10:00pm) link [music] Brilliant Red Lights, Cocker Spaniels and The Dimes at Flamingo Cantina (9:00pm, $7) link [music] Cheryl Bliss at Flipnotics (10:00pm)... more ›

Columbus' Miranda Sound have been warming the hearts of post-punk loving Midwesterners for years, and Austinites finally get a chance to take in their live performance tonight at Red Eyed Fly. They've been heralded as a "Fugazi for the next generation" (Playback St. Louis), and their latest album, Western Reserve, has been given accolades all over the music world. Produced by J Robbins (Promise Ring, Shiner) and engineered by Neal Schmitt and Jon Chinn, it's... more ›

TUESDAY [25] [music] Launch Party for KAART Marketing with Peel and Pong, "hosted beverages," food, and good friends of Austinist at Velvet Spade (10pm, Free) LINK [film] AFS Essential: Irreversible at Alamo Downtown (7pm) LINK [film] The Women at Paramount Theatre (7pm) LINK [film] Lost Boys at Rounders Pizzeria (8pm, Free) LINK [film] Adam's Rib at Paramount Theatre (9:40pm) LINK [film] Harold & Maude at Alamo Downtown (9:45pm) LINK [music] Tosca String Quartet and Glover... more ›

MONDAY [24] [film] The Pop Films of Peter Whitehead Series at Alamo Downtown (7pm) LINK [film] The Pink Panther at Paramount Theatre (7pm) LINK [film] Nightwatch at Rounders Pizzeria (8pm, Free) LINK [film] Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind at Austin Java (8pm, Free) LINK [film] KOOP Monthly Benefit Screening: Granito de Arena at Monkeywrench Books (8pm, $5) LINK [film] The Big Lebowski at Café Mundi (8:30pm, Free) LINK [film] The Party at Paramount Theatre... more ›

TUESDAY [30] [music] "German with a laptop" Jan Jelinek does a solo show at Flamingo Cantina -- check out what Tiny Mix Tapes has to say! (Thanks, Margaret!) (link) [music] Scion returns to Austin with Tony Touch, DJ Hier, DJ Kwestion and DJ Mel at The Parish Room (Free, RSVP required) (link) [music] Youngmond Grand and Solace Bros at Club DeVille (link) [books] Mark Falkin presents Days of Grace at BookPeople (7pm) (link) [film] Out... more ›

FRIDAY [19] [music] Cross Canadian Ragweed w/ Micky & the Motorcars at Stubb's (link) [music] Clint Small Jr. Middle School's Phat Cats Jazz Ensemble at Waterloo Records (Free, 6pm) (link) [music] Moth Fight! at End of an Ear (Free, 7pm) (link) [music] Faceless Werewolves, Hotrails, Tokyo Nites at Beerland (link) [music] Dynah CD release at Red Eyed Fly (link) [music] Wilco Hoot Night with "many, many Austin bands" at Trophy's (link) [music] Pudge Zeppelin with... more ›

MONDAY [15] [music] The Wood Brothers Featuring Chris Wood of Medeski Martin & Wood at Stubb's (link) [music] Wood Brothers at Waterloo Records (Free, 5pm) (link) [music] El Ten Eleven at Cactus Café (Free, 8:30pm) (link) [film] Taxi Driver at Austin Java (8pm, FREE) (link) [film] Soma at Café Mundi (8pm, FREE) (link) [film] Anime Monday at Ventana del Sol (7:30pm) (link) [film] American Beer with Amazing Beer Sampling (Sold Out) at Alamo Downtown (7pm)... more ›

* The IST List will be updated this afternoon to reflect additional events -- The Editors F R I D A Y [3] » [music] Quien es, Boom!, Brothers and Sisters CD release, Lomita, and David Longoria (of the Black) at Beerland » [music] The Early Tapes, Peel and The Happy Familes at Stubb's » [music] Driver Friendly and The Arm at Red Eyed Fly » [music] Rockland Eagles, Yuppie Pricks, Pink Swords, and The... more ›

T U E S D A Y [31] » [music] Ghetto Princess, Secular End, The Total Foxes, Tomorrow's Too Late at Emo's » [comedy] Live Comedy Happy Hour at Beerland (8pm) » [karaoke] Karaoke Explosion at The Peacock » [books] Galt Niederhoffer presents Taxonomy of Barnacles at Bookpeople (7pm) » [politics] Austin League of Women Voters puts on the State of the City dinner with Mayor Will Wynn as the evening's speaker at the Austin... more ›

M O N D A Y [12] [music] UT Ethnomusicology Dept Ensembles at Momo's (8pm) [music] David Newbould at Flipnotics (8pm) [music] Singer-Songwriter Night at Longbranch Inn [music] Elizabeth McQueen at Theadgill's (8pm) [music] Listening party for Ludacris' new album, Disturbing Tha Peace at Nasty's (8pm) [music/shopping] Armadillo Christmas Bazaar with the Eggmen at Austin Music Hall (Check website for dates/hours) [party] Friends of the Spade Christmas Party at Velvet Spade (11pm) [film/food] "Narnia"... more ›

When we were kids, "A Night on Bald Mountain" from Disney's Fantasia scared the bejeezus out of us. Yeah, we know, we're total pansies. But there is no more appropriate day to be scared than Halloween, which is why we're passing on the following information to you. From a press release sent to us by Austin’s own Invincible Czars: AUSTIN'S INVINCIBLE CZARS DEBUT ROCK VERSION OF "A NIGHT ON BALD MOUNTAIN" HALLOWEEN WEEKEND. Austin's... more ›

: : FRIDAY : : [film] New Movies! @ your local theater [award] The Writers' League of Texas honors Ann Patchett @ Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum [music] Beta Valentine Instore, 7pm @ End of an Ear [film] aGLIFF kick-offf - films, 7pm party, 10pm @ Great Hills Arbor Theater [music] Hurts to Purr, Sarah Glynn, and 54 Seconds, 10pm @ Stubb's [music] Octopus Project, Voxtrot, Prince Klassen and Treewave @ Emo's [music]... more ›

(Austin) -- An unnamed reader leaked an Austinist.com article to the Myspace.com bulletin wires early this week, leading to mixed reactions from the social networking site's large hipster population. The article in question, "A Guy's Guide to Snaggin an Austin Hipster" was reportedly copied and pasted early Sunday night. Through a phenomenon known on the internets as "reposts," by Tuesday, the text had been exposed to more hipsters than Brit Daniel's manhood. Reactions varied... more ›

Starting at 9PM tonight, The Whiskey Decision and The Transit War are playing at Red Eyed Fly. The Whiskey Decision will be touring most of the Summer, so catch them at one of their last shows before they head out on the road. You can check out the rest of this month's Red Eyed Fly schedule at their calender page. Rock & Roll.... more ›