Austin's White Denim are touring in support of their new album D out on May 24th, but not before visiting Waterloo Records for a free instore performance and signing on the 20th at 5pm. more ›

Esteemed Californian stoner-metal outfit Fu Manchu is scheduled to rock our town later this week (Thursday at Emo’s), but more significantly pressingly, our very own metal gods The Sword will commemorate the release of a third full-length Warp Riders with a performance in the Waterloo Records parking lot this evening at 7. The Sword embarks on a tour of Australia and New Zealand (in support of Metallica) next month, returns for a quick U.S. jaunt in October, and then heads to Europe through the end of the year. Wish the band bon voyage, crack a couple of Heavy Metal Parking Lot jokes, and of course, enjoy the technically adroit, conceptually genius, and unerringly brilliant metal magic we’ve come to expect from these talented local lads. more ›

Tokyo Police Club and Passion Pit perform both a Waterloo Records in-store and at Stubb's BBQ in Austin, Friday June 18, 2010. more ›

For Dead Friends (Tompkins Square), third release for Austin-based guitarist and sound collagist Shawn David McMillen, a mixture of celebration and seance-like atmospheres are created, drawing on steel-string Americana, found sounds and dirges from cultures and environments half-dreamed and pulled from direct reality. more ›

Though Jónsi is best known for his work with the dramatic and heart-stopping tunes he wrote with Iceland's Sigur Ros, his solo work shines with equal brightness. Comprised primarily of tunes that he's written but that haven't quite fit into the Sigur Ros landscape, Go finds Jónsi ecstatic, pop-smitten and larger than life. It also features the artist singing primarily in English, a first for the Icelandic lad. more ›

After contributing music to a whole slew of television shows in L.A. for a good part of her career early on, Amy Cook moved to Texas in 2005. She spent time in Marfa but now calls Austin home, and our city’s musical landscape is all the more richer for it. This week, she released her latest album, the Alejandro Escovedo produced Let The Light In. Chock-full of beautiful folk-pop songs marked by personal tales and intimate lyrics, Let The Light In is bookended by two introspective, turn-things-around gems that point to a place in life we’ve all been to. Opener “Get It Right” and the amazing title track which closes out the record offer hope and encouragement, and will undoubtedly strike a chord with most listeners. more ›

Girls at Waterloo Records, Times New Viking and Yo La Tengo at Antones, Friday January 29, 2010. Photos by Steve Hopson. more ›

Photos by Steve Hopson. more ›

As we mentioned earlier this week, Spoon definitely have their Springtime plates full with Transference media duties. The band will headline Stubb's during SXSW, but before that, they'll be doing a smattering of Austin performances that you'll have to plan in advance to attend. The Waterloo instore (which is rumored to be taking place in the parking lot) happens on January 25 at 4 p.m. Before that, they'll be at KGSR's studios to do a lounge performance for a live audience at noon. Tune in to KGSR next week at 8:20 a.m., 12:20 p.m. and 4:20 p.m. to get details on that -- or just register at KGSR.com to register. more ›

Everyone knows Waterloo Records as a great independent record store, but the list of musicians performing in-store shows is proof that Waterloo is also a great music venue. In just the last year, bands appearing on Waterloo's stage include Andrew Bird, Rosanne Cash, Daniel Johnston, Los Lonely Boys, Lykke Li, Paolo Nutini, and Wolfmother. Adding to the experience, these shows are always free and most always supply free beer. Here is our photographic proof of Waterloo's live music greatness. more ›

Legendary NYC band Sonic Youth dropped The Eternal (their 16th studio album) on Matador Records today. We’re guessing that you’re not going to make it to the band’s official release event in California but fear not because Matador, Waterloo Records, and yours truly are proud to present The Eternal - Austin: A Sonic Youth Release Party here in town at The Mohawk. Join us from 5 to 8 p.m. this evening to listen to the new record while taking advantage of some recession-friendly drink specials at the bar. We’ll be giving away a couple of copies of The Eternal; a DJ set by Gerard Cosloy (Air Traffic Controllers) is also on the schedule. And since you’re going to love the album oh so much, Waterloo Records will be on hand to allow you to purchase the CD and LP instantly. more ›

Austinist is hosting a listening party and happy hour in the Mohawk's green room on June 9 to celebrate the release of Sonic Youth's The Eternal. Gerard Cosloy will DJ and Waterloo Records will be on-hand selling copies of the album. more ›

Waterloo Records has just announced a last-minute booking for an in-store performance by Austin resident Bill Callahan. Callahan is doing appearances in support of his new Drag City album Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle, which has won rave reviews from Pitchfork, Paste, The Onion, and pretty much every other music critic out there. If you decide to attend, go early, as we suspect this will be packed. Those who can't attend Callahan's gig tomorrow can still purchase tickets for his July 5th show at The Parish Room here. more ›

Phase two of SXSW wristband sales will be happening - right now. Beginning at 10am, Waterloo Records will sell a limited number of $165 wristbands on a first-come, first-serve basis. They can accept cash, checks, or credit card payments. Waterloo's press release also notes that it's one per person and that no proof of residency is needed (so, interactive conference folks - grab one and call in sick the second half of next week!) To prevent scalping, all wristbands will be attached at the time of purchase. more ›

…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead is back in business. The Austin band had been somewhat dormant since 2006’s So Divided but returned in full force last October with the Festival Thyme EP (and a performance at Fun Fest 2008 in November). Today, the band drops its 6th full-length The Century of Self complete with an in-store performance at Waterloo Records. Both the EP and the LP are on the band’s own Richter Scale Records label (in conjunction with Justice Records). To celebrate the new release, Justice Records threw a cozy little Listening Party (and Open House) at its location in South Austin last Friday where media and fans were treated to a sneak peak of The Century of Self along with posters depicting the album cover (designed by Conrad Keely) and some swanky …Trail of Dead bandanas. You can stream the new record via Spinner.com. more ›

Born in San Francisco, Ben Kweller moved to Texas in the early 80’s and was somewhat of a childhood prodigy, penning songs and learning to play the guitar and drums at a very early age. In 1993, Kweller formed and spearheaded Radish, a pop band out of Dallas that helped showcase his talent to a larger audience (including yours truly at a Liberty Lunch gig in the mid 90’s). By the end of the decade, Kweller had relocated to New York and launched his solo career. His full-length debut Sha Sha arrived soon after, complete with catchy ditties such as “Commerce, TX” and “Wasted & Ready.” 2004’s On My Way and 2006’s self-titled release further revealed Kweller’s penchant for earnest lyricism and astute melodies. more ›

More Wristbands Available Wednesday: At least a few of the coveted SXSW wristbands will be sold via the conventional route this year. The Austin Chronicle reports that 400+ wristbands priced at $165 will be on sale from 9:30am on Wednesday 3/12 at Waterloo Records. These wristbands do not require an local ID, so out-of-towners can finally get their show at wristbands not obtained through nefarious means. They also report that a second batch may be made available next week, so stay tuned for more information. more ›

This Thursday through Sunday, improvised music is going to grab a foothold in both Austin and San Antonio. Featuring thirteen artists from all over the world – from the close confines of Houston and Austin to the far-off reaches of Tokyo and Boston – the No Idea Festival is poised to showcase a diverse array of acts you likely won’t see anywhere else, anytime soon. more ›

Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco’s two albums are anomalies on the rap racks: winding, wordy projects with few A-list cameos, recognizable producers, or sure-fire singles. That he’s managed to build himself into a successful international brand is not a little bit attributable to a unique set of circumstances. There’s the trap-hop backlash, a dirge in the straight-up New York sound resulting from Atlanta’s ascent, the Kanye Effect, the Jay-Z Effect, that music blogging thing... more ›

The Black Lips impressed us immensely during their various SxSW performances this year. Their fusion of garage, punk, blues, and pyschedelia packaged in an extremely energetic live show was one of the more memorable moments of the festival. The Atlanta based act returns to Austin this Friday for multiple performances yet again. The Black Lips released their fifth album (and their first studio full-length for Vice Records), Good Bad Not Evil in 2007. The... more ›

The Health Alliance For Austin Musicians (or HAAM) provides local artists with low-cost health care and other related services. This year’s HAAM Benefit Day is here (today), and the organization is presenting numerous shows all over town this evening, along with a Telethon on ME Television. One can offer their assistance in funds by donating online as well. The HAAM Benefit Day is presented with support from a number of entities, including Whole Foods... more ›

Friday, July 6artB Scene - Too Darn Hot! at Blanton Museum of Art, MLK at Congress ($5-$10) booksAlan Porter presents Before They Were Beatles, with Beatles cover band Daytripper at BookPeople (7:00pm) comedyJohn O’Connell with Jesse Pangelinian at Cap City Comedy Club comedyPunchline, open mic stand up comedy at ColdTowne Theater (10pm) comedyLovey and Lovey at ColdTowne Theater (8pm) comedyWeekly Improv Cage Match! at ColdTowne Theater (11:30) film"Bonnie & Clyde" and "White Heat" at The... more ›

Monday, July 2film"Clash By Night" and "The Asphalt Jungle" at The Paramount Theatre filmLast day of "Labyrinth" at Dobie Theatre film/awesomeRobosaurus Live with "Transformers" at Alamo South Lamar foodCentral Market Cooking Class: Empanada Workshop at Central Market Cooking School, 4001 N Lamar ($65, 6:30-9:30pm)musicCanada, Our Solar System, Ryan Anderson at Emo’s musicBurning Brides, Strange Boys, Black Earth, Blackmarket at Emo’s musicBurning Brides at Waterloo Records (Free, 5pm)... 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 ›

MONDAY [4] film • "The Big Sleep" at The Paramount film • Eddie Muller Noir Night: "The Window" at Alamo Downtown film • Music Monday: "La Brune Et Moi" at Alamo Downtown food • Central Market Cooking Class: Knife Skills 101 with Chef Cindy Haenel at Central Market Cooking School, 4001 N Lamar ($60, 6:30-9:30pm) music • Lifesavas, Strange Fruit Project, DJ Marc Sense, Who M.I.?, Prawphit at Emo's music • Strange Fruit Project,... more ›

FRIDAY [25] party • The Onion's "Summer Fun Blast Blowout Extravaganza!" Party with Clap!Clap!, Crash Gallery, Devil in the Choir, DJ Rubix, Prince Klassen, and a chance to win a scooter from Scooter Revolution at Beauty Bar ($2, 9:30pm) theatre • Rubber Repertory presents A Thought in Three Parts at The Vortex (8pm) music • Emissions From the Monolith Fest at Emo's music • Voxtrot, Au Revoir Simone, The Black, Zykos at Emo's music... more ›

WEDNESDAY [23] film • The Onion A.V. Club Movie Night with "Network" at Rio Rita (9pm) music/film • Jo's Rock and Reel with Broke Beads and "Gleaming the Cube" at Jo's Coffee (Free, 7:30pm) music • Austin Discovery School Benefit with Quien es Boom, Foot Foot, The Lennings at Emo's music • Prom Nite, Boo and Boo Too, The Unbearables, Baby Birds Don't Drink Milk at Emo's music • Doo-Wah Riders, Merchants of Moonshine... more ›

TUESDAY [22] film • The Unnecessary Sequels Contest at Alamo Downtown music • The Boxing Lesson, Tussle, YACHT, Best Fwends at Emo's music • Ours, April Bauer at Stubb's music • Voxtrot at Waterloo Records (5pm, Free) music • Dialtones, Everyday J, Sanfu Kitties, The Seas at Beerland music • Clifford Antone 1 Year Anniversary at Antone's music • Mohawk Residency with White Denim, Cocker Spaniels at The Mohawk film • AFS Essential Series... more ›

WEDNESDAY [16] music • Locals at La Zona Rosa Showcase with Zookeeper, The Laughing, A Pocketful of Deng at La Zona Rosa (Free with RSVP at Do512) books • The Intimacies Group with Guest Rick Lannoye discuss "Sex Drive" at BookPeople (7:00pm) film • "Willy Wonka" Chocolate Feast at Alamo Downtown film • Open Screen Night at Alamo Downtown film • Weird Wednesday: "Daydream" at Alamo Downtown food • (The Original) Willy Wonka Chocolate... more ›

THURSDAY [10] music • Learning Secrets with Ramesh (Voxtrot), Ben Craven + Co at Whisky Bar music • Rock of Ages Cover Show with Preserve the Sound (50s), Consider the Source (60s), Seaflea (70s), Promisebreakers (80s), Say Hello to the Angels (90s) at Emo's music • The Postmarks, Shuttle Debris, Raleign at Stubb's music • Future Clouds & Radar at Waterloo Records (5pm, Free) music • Moonhangers, Love Gone Cold, Salvia Family Band, Shot Gun... more ›