Indie Sounds NY & Austin

Goodbye from Indie Sounds and Harris Radio

This is the final post on Indie Sounds, to tell you that Harris Radio just released its final podcast - #25.  Check it out - and listen to the very end for an awesome track from Austin's David Ramirez.



It's been a lot of fun putting out Harris Radio since 2002, and Indie Sounds (in print and online) since 2005.  See the highlights from past years below - then check out the entire site for all the great music I missed out.

Special thanks to Kendall Nash for her weekly Kendall's Hit List contribution.  She's a truly wondrous person, but that's not news to the regulars at the Rockwood in NYC, my musical home in that city.

But don't fret: something has come to succeed Indie Sounds and Harris Radio, and it's called Harris-on-Music. Also, ViolinFemmes.com continues.

Cheers,

Pete Harris

Indie Sounds - Highlights of 2012

And so to 2012, and the final highlights shoutouts ...



Emily Wolfe sent me an email out of the blue a few months ago, to say she had released her debut CD and I might like to check it out.  It's actually one of the best CDs of the year, a true indie effort, with Emily playing most of the instruments.  Her songs, her voice, her musicianship are all top notch.  She's gonna go far.



David Pulkingham was Alejandro Escovedo's right hand man for many years, but recently decided to do the solo thing again.  He is one of the best guitarists out there, and also writes a damn good song.  A true gent too.



Grace London is excited about her recent move to Los Angeles, where she's already organizing music showcases for teenagers.  Though I think she's still 12.  Grace will be coming back to Austin to play from time to time, and it will be a delight to check in on her progress.  She's a prodigy indeed.

Indie Sounds - Highlights of 2011

The penultimate highlight post - for 2011 ...



I first saw Greg Holden - a Scot who has a Northern English accent - perform in Austin, when he was opening for Ingrid Michaelson, and he did a great job at it.  Since then, he's put out an album, penned a hit for an American Idol winner, and is now about to head back to Europe, where he's going down big time.


Photo by MakiFotos

I've been a fan of the Kardashes - Maygen and S.J. - since seeing their former band, The Bloodlines.  Now, as Violent Kin, the siblings are putting on some killer shows, and already have 2 superb albums released.



I caught up with David Garza - a member of the Austin royal family - as he was celebrating his 40th birthday with shows in Austin and NYC.  As well as his own projects - including Crybear - David is often seen supporting others, and always he adds much to their show.

Indie Sounds - Highlights of 2010

Nearly there ... today it's all about 2010 ...



Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds have outgrown Rockwood 1 - even Rockwood 2 - these days, playing the festival circuit and opening for the the likes of Dr. John and The Black Keys.  Definitely a live act not to be missed.



I covered Jazz Mills just as she was getting going with Cowboy & Indian - the Indie Sounds Day Party at SXSW in 2010 was the first show the band played, even before they adopted that name.  Now, Jazz is combining C&I with a solo project, and motherhood.



I also managed to catch up with Mother Falcon when they were still pretty new, with a debut EP just released.  Now they're one of the most popular acts on the Austin scene, adding polish with every performance.

Indie Sounds - Highlights of 2009

Onwards to 2009 ...


Photo by Jeremy Lebled

The Kennedys were one of the first indie acts that I embraced, at a time when all I knew was mainstream music.  Theirs is a true love story, with music and with each other.  And the latest manifestation of that is their latest album, released just days ago, called Closer Than You Know.


Photo by Ed Verosky

Eleanor Whitmore has come a fair way since she was manually painting her CD packages.  She became a Masterson, and a member of The Mastersons, toured with Steve Earle, and put out a record on New West Records.  I just wished the red hair would make a comeback.



I first saw Ruby Jane perform when she was just 14, and even at that age she projected a maturity not seen in musicians a decade older.  Now, knocking on 18, she has a recently released album that's showcasing her considerable and diverse talent, and taking her in new musical directions.  And there's clearly a lot more to come.

Pete's Weekend Picks: Mother Falcon, Jon Dee Graham & Mike June

For Austin:



Mother Falcon is at The Parish tonight, at 11pm.  Les RAV at 10pm, Shakey Graves at 9pm.  That's more information than you'll find on the venue's website!

For NYC:



Austin's own Jon Dee Graham and Mike June are at The Living Room on Sunday at 7pm for a 2-hour show.

Emily Wolfe Video for "Born Blind" from The Sessions

Born Blind will appear on Emily's upcoming sophomore album.  This video was created by The Sessions, who are the biz.  More here.

Pete's Weekend Picks: Anam Mila, Il Abanico

For Austin:

Anam Mila play The Hole In The Wall tonight at 10pm.

For NYC:



Il Abanico are at Rockwood 1 on Saturday at 10pm.

Help Befriend The Bears Go To The Bahamas

Never thought I'd be promoting Bud Light, but it seems they are running a Battle of the Bands, and Austin's own Befriend The Bears are in the thick of it.  Help them out by voting again, and again - every day!


Photo by Mimi Daugherty

The top 3 bands on August 27th get to go on a cruise to The Bahamas, and then to open at Bud Light's Music Festival.  Voters might also win a trip on the cruise too!  All the info is here.

Missy Higgins Video for "Everyone's Waiting"

Aussie Missy Higgins is in Austin at La Zona Rosa on September 11th, with Butterfly Boucher (co-producer of her album The Ol' Razzle Dazzle) and Kate Herzig.