Chicago based David Vandervelde plays Emo’s this evening in support of his debut full-length The Moonstation House Band, out now on Secretly Canadian. The album highlights Vandervelde’s versatility and multi-instrumental panache. His ability to tint pop songs with an orchestral emphasis, psychedelic strains, and worldly sounds results in an intriguing and enjoyable product. Vandervelde’s vocals bleed sincerity and the live show tonight should combine all his potential into one powerful performance. Blitzen Trapper from......

There's something about this unpredictable spring weather that's just so tiring. If you think it's going to rain, it's going to be sunny. If you want sun, you're getting clouds. If you plan an Easter barbecue, it will be freezing cold and sleeting. These are the days the names of playlists on your iTunes are called "Upbeat" and "Light-hearted" and "Even If It's Raining I Will Ride My Bicycle." On these lists are Motown favorites......

For those of you keeping up with casual SXSW events that don't require badges or (hopefully) redonkulous lines, we've got an update on local in-store events from End of an Ear record store on S. 1st. For more information on all of the artists scheduled to perform, head over to the Instore information page on End of an Ear's site and follow the links. All of the events are free, so mark your calendar.......

Hometown rock stars I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness have finished two quick jaunts to Europe, are working on a new album, put together a terrifyingly beautiful music video for "The Owl" with Emmanuel Ho, and will be playing at SXSW. If you aren't already familiar with their unique brand of Peter Murphy meets Nick Cave inspired minimalist (but fist-flinging urban) post-rock, change your ways: you don't want to miss them live. Recently......

Ask any mop-haired kid roaming the UT campus with clingy jeans and just a hint of bong water breath, and said youth will tell you By The End Of Tonight is the hottest thing since Malibu real estate. Lucky for him, and you, they're playing a post-extended-hiatus set at Emo's tonight. The Alvin, TX quartet render layers of messy, metallic instrumental post-rock into songs that meander towards catharsis like a lost baby deer wandering into......

Stay warm and prepare yourself for the shopping season by treating yourself to some new records. Here's what's new on the shelves at Waterloo and End of an Ear today: Gwen Stefani The Sweet Escape (Interscope) Somewhere in between her modern day interpretation of Elvira Hancock and her shoulder-groping self-adoration is Gwen Stefani's music, though it might rightly be as glossy and desirable as it is because of co-writers (Neptunes, Rice-Oxley of Keane). Commercial......

Seattle’s Damien Jurado has peddled his wares with different artists and on various record labels over the years. His latest, And Now That I’m In Your Shadow, released on Indiana-based Secretly Canadian, is his eighth solo full length. Jurado’s storied past includes collaborations with another WA favorite, David Bazan, and he brings his poignant lyrics and folk tinged pop to Austin for two shows, the latter with the afore-mentioned Bazan on the 15th at......

Hey, did you hear that Google bought YouTube? No? Well, then go buy some records. Damien Jurado And Now That I'm In Your Shadow (Secretly Canadian) October's releases seem to be in touch with the temperature drop (however small) and shift of mood. Damien Jurado's latest offering is the perfect example: dark, sparing treatments on the decline of romance in the Midwest, a disagreement between friends in the back of a pickup truck, and......

Danielson (formerly the Danielson Famile) is an indie pop/Christian gospel troupe band of brothers and sisters from suburban New Jersey. Formed as a result of elder Smith and frontman Daniel's senior thesis at Rutgers, entitled A Prayer for Every Hour, the band released a steady stream of albums starting the late 90s. Back in 2001 they signed to Secretly Canadian -- home to beloved indie acts like Antony and the Johnsons, Jens Lekman, Damien......

Sunday at one of our favorite watering holes, Club Deville, there shall be an after Sx party. And it will be good. Yeah, we know, everyone’s going to be busy pooping and crying after all the errant boozing of the week, but whatever. If there’s a good time to be had, then you should show your ass up, still drunk if need be. Fuck it? Fuck it! In order of prescribed appearance: Friday After......

The SXSW flood begins tomorrow with Interactive and Film, but Music is still a few more days away. But this is not the time to sit by idly in silence. Get those ear drums and dance moves up to par with some great shows this weekend. Friday night it is time for noise, glorious noise, at Emo’s. The Lord Henry’s raucous dance rock opens up the bill for The Real Heroes and Cruiserweight. Work......

Damien Jurado has called his 2005 album, On My Way To Absence, a “tribute to jealousy.” That may sound like a typical take from a tortured singer-songwriting sifting his way through love and morality, but Jurado’s dark lyrics and melancholy, haunting voice coalesce to create truly captivating music. He is the product of an indie darling background, living in Seattle, working first with Sub Pop and now Secretly Canadian, and collaborating with the likes of......