Friday, August 25, 2006

Cry Blood Apache Become The Searchers


Wanted: New Bass Player - and Master Tapes*?


I spotted Kaspar Glass and Hans Hinrich of Cry Blood Apache before a Zom Zom's performance at Emo's last Wednesday, I even spoke with them briefly, and all seemed well with my favorite new band of 2005.

But then I read a blog this week, announcing the departure of Endal Louis Passou, the hot wig-wearing bass player.
The news left me in shock, and disappointed that yet another band was struggling with creative differences and the direction of the music. And I looked at the roster of CBA shows yet to come, and became disheartened.

Read the official news at Cry Blood Apache's MySpace Blog.

Yes, the band is going in a new direction, with less new age elements (i.e., flute) in the mix. I could hear the change before the last show I attended - two months ago at an east side warehouse converted into an art space. Kaspar Glass' eerie flute was one of the things that captured my attention when I heard them live and listened to CBA's first full-length album, Performing Diversion Acrobatics. It was noticeably missing during this art space performance.


Performing Diversion Acrobatics
Cry Blood Apache
2006 Ghetto Pagoda, Awthum, Blackk Wainbow

Available through the band's official web site, or at your favorite local record shop.

But the flute isn't the most interesting thing about listening to CBA; I enjoyed the meditative noise of the title track, and the "schizo" dance rhythms throughout the album.

Oh, yeah - and I loved the bass lines.

There was an almost funky element to the bass guitar, and Passou was the only bassist I thought of when it came to filling out the annual AC Readers Poll for Best Bass Player. It saddens me that he's no longer with CBA, but if they could no longer agree on how the band should sound, then it's best to move on.

I wish them all the best, and can't wait to hear what the new bassist (or bass synth player) sounds like. They are currently looking for a replacement one who fits into their "IBM" sound - "Intelligent Body Music".

Read my interview with Cry Blood Apache (Feb. 2006 Whoopsy!) - go to listen.to/crybloodapache and click on the "Interview" link. It's longer than this blog, but there are some good quotes from the band.

*Addendum: While typing this blog I was fact checking at the band's MySpace blog and it saddens me to have just read that Endal Passou has allegedly stolen the master tapes before his former band's upcoming live album release.

~diy-danna

Cry Blood Apache Links:
myspace.com/crybloodapache
listen.to/crybloodapache (the official web site)


The Before Pic:



Foto: Mark Mulligan for DT Week

Addendum: The new bass player looks a lot like Passou, oui?

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Cavedweller and Ryan Anderson at The Parlor


Cavedweller circa 2004 at Trophy's. Ever wish you had a time machine?

Friday 9:00 pm
August 25, 2006

The Parlor
100-B E. North Loop
Austin, TX


After deciding to write a preview for Cavedweller's next show in Austin, I thought, "What can I write about one of my favorite local performers, Cavedweller? That he has spoiled me for other guests after his performance on KOOP's "ATX Live"?"

It was a solo performance, because the tiny studio couldn't fit his live band. We started off playing one of my favorites from Cavedweller's latest album, The Best Version of Gloria Ever There Was, "Can't Cook Down". Although I had witnessed an electric CD release party with his band the weekend before, I didn't know what to expect when he picked up his acoustic guitar that afternoon in that cramped space, then removed his keys to avoid the additional percussion.

It felt like a private concert.


Cavedweller. No, he's not in a gang.

There's something about his voice that is soft but strong, sexy even... He's got a way with a phrase that reminds me of Jeff Buckley. Forget that comparison. And scratch the obvious similarities to Syd Barrett and Devendra Banhart - Cavedweller simply has an almost indescribable, understated yet surprisingly powerful voice that delivers imaginative songs. (And you should hear him whistle!)

Cavedweller's love of rock 'n' roll is evident in his latest release, The Best Version... with indirect tributes to the history and myth of a Bob Dylan song (It's All Over Now David Blue") and cleverly worded references to bands like Steppenwolfe ("Steppingwolfe").

Read more about how wonderful the album in the August issue of INsite.
But it's better to buy the album at stores like End of an Ear and surprise yourself. Then experience Cavedweller live tomorrow, or next Thursday - August 31st at Room 710. (See Music Recommended in this week's Austin Chronicle.)


Ryan Anderson

I'm also excited to hear Ryan Anderson live for the first time. I'll admit to never having heard about him until an off-the-air conversation with Cavedweller. He seemed so excited about his show with Anderson, telling me I should come. I could tell he really meant it; and when I heard Anderson courtesy of MySpace.com, I was impressed. After doing a little digging, I learned that Trains Take Away Old Friends, released last month, is full of thoughtful tracks that may just be irresistable enough for me to ask for a copy to review.

In the meantime, I'll have to settle for a live performance of songs from the new album.

Poor me.

Go early to get a good seat - and order pizza and beer for dinner!

~ diy-danna

I almost forgot to mention that Cavedweller will perform with a slightly different line-up since 2004: Matty Nichols on bass guitar and Preston Dukes on drums.

For The Record



Cavedweller
The Best Version of "Gloria" Ever There Was
Business Deal
Released July 2006


Soon available at most local, independent record stores; on sale now @ Business Deal.

Cavedweller Links:
cavedwellermusic.com
myspace.com/cavedweller
Business Deal


Ryan Anderson
Trains Take Away Old Friends
Bi-Fi Records
Released July 2006


Available online through the Bi-Fi store, and probably at your local record store.

More Links:
ryanandersonmusic.com
myspace.com/ryananderson
Ryan Anderson's Artist Page

Friday, August 18, 2006

Get Him Eat Him - Double The Pleasure This Saturday

Get Him Eat Him
Elevator music at Emo's?

This is a live music preview: Get Him Eat Him (Providence, RI) invades Austin, TX Saturday August 19, 2006 - first on your community radio station, KOOP 91.7 FM's "ATX Live" (co-hosted by yours truly), and then at Emo's with the Evangelicals of Norman, Oklahoma. Two hip Austin bands, The Lemurs, and Black Before Red, open the show.




Click on images for a full view.

The virtual posters I fashioned the other day were inspired by the bands' myspace sites, and I'm quite proud of my handiwork, considering the technical limitations of freeware and my own lack of graphic design skills.

The show at Emo's in Austin promises to be electric. Indie rock, new wave, soul, with electronic elements that won't overshadow the raw, organic power of guitar, bass, drums, and vocals.

Breaking Live Music News: I just heard on 101X that Emo's is expanding! There will be a branch of the club outside Las Vegas, Nevada. Half the booking will still be done from Austin. My fingers are crossed for my favorite local musicians who tour out west. It should be a treat for indie rock & hip hop fans over there.

Oh - get a sneak preview of the bands playing Emo's this Saturday:
Get Him Eat Him is from Providence, Rhode Island, which is also the home of Brown University, The Farrelly Brothers, and sandwiches...

The Evangelicals aren't preachers but they want to save our souls with rock 'n' roll.

The Lemurs are from right here in the 512. I've never heard them live, but have an inkling I'm gonna enjoy their performance...

Black Before Red is another awesome, locally based band.

~ diy-danna

What I'm Listening to now: New music from The Mars Volta on 101X baby! Further proof that sometimes local radio doesn't suck.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

About The La Snacks CD Giveaway That Never Happened, etc.


La Snacks' last New Orleans fling.

I owe that one listener an apology for not playing the La Snacks song and giving away a copy of Brown Orange Black Gray. It's a long, complicated story. But good news: I'll be giving away that same CD next month during the membership drive.

Moving on to other news: My next blog will show off my creative graphic design skills using freeware. (Why do I suddenly feel like Napoleon Dynamite showing off his latest drawing of a Liger?) The latest e-fliers I designed feature a band I'm interviewing on "ATX Live" this Saturday. It will be more like a listening party than an interview since I already talked with the band in January, which is alright with me. I won't mention who they are right now, but I'll give a hint: I'm "Not Not Nervous" about talking with them and plugging their show at Emo's. Google the phrase in quotation marks, and the club, and maybe you'll come up with the correct band name.

Whoa - while I'm thinking about the show this Saturday, I should mention that the DIY/ATX Events Calendar is up and running smoothly. If you're a musician or live music lover reading this, please submit your gig or show you're attending through next month. All you have to do is go to the calendar page, and click on the date to enter and post. It's that easy, and your show may get a plug on Saturdays at KOOP 91.7 FM from 4:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon (central standard time).
Feel free to pass info about the calendar to your musician or live music lover friends.

Let's keep each other informed and build a better music community here in Austin, TX.

~ diy-danna

Saturday, August 12, 2006

La Snacks CD Giveaway Today on KOOP 91.7 FM


Defacing your photo means I really love you.

Listen to Austin's community radio KOOP 91.7 FM after 4:00 pm (cst) today for a track from the La Snacks CD Brown Orange Black Gray. After I start playing "Roman Yell", be the first caller at 512-472-KOOP (5667) or toll free 888-917-5667, and the album is yours!
I had an extra copy laying around and will gladly mail it out of state if you like what you hear today.
(There's a cool fan story behind the still shrink wrapped extra copy that I may share with the winner...)

"Roman Yell" is featured in a new video, now available for your viewing pleasure @ myspace.com/lasnacks.
Check it out!

diy-danna

La Snacks photo (l-r):
Joe - Guitar
Jamey - Drums
Trey - Bass
Robert - Vocals

Friday, August 11, 2006

Save The Awesome Cool Dudes Tomorrow Night

Originally posted as a MySpace.com bulletin by diy-danna:


This isn't what happened...

A Beerland Benefit for Awesome Cool Dudes
Saturday, August 12, 2006


Music fans are temporarily deprived of one awesome band from Austin, TX. While on a U.S. summer tour Awesome Cool Dudes were victims of a robbery. On Tuesday July 25th their van was stolen outside a club in Charlotte, NC. The dudes were not physically harmed and got their van back, but valuable music equipment is gone. They were forced to cancel the remaining dates and return to Austin.

Fellow musicians are getting together to perform and raise money for Awesome Cool Dudes at Beerland. The line-up of performers will include: Ralph White, Best Fwends, Daniel Francis Doyle, Atarimatt, Oh, Beast!, and Friday After Dark.

Awesome Cool Dudes Stolen Gear Benefit
10:00 pm
Beerland (www.beerlandtexas.com)
711 Red River
Austin, TX
Saturday, August 12th


More show details TBA online and on KOOP 91.7 FM ("ATX Live" Saturday 4-5:00 pm cst), or go to www.savetheawesomecooldudes.com to help out now.

These musicians are really awesome. Check them out this
Saturday!


Awesome Cool Dudes are:
2 Nates
1 Cory
1 Jay
+
1 Brandon
The official web site: www.awesomecooldudes.com

~ diy-danna

What's New with DIY-Music, DIY Revolution and Me, DIY-Danna

Don't worry - real local music news, previews, and reviews are coming soon!






Find out why I posted these three pics in forthcoming blogs.

This is Danna Williams. a.k.a. diy-danna, and I want to apologize for not keeping this blog up to date. Due to personal and professional issues, I neglected this site, and it needs to be revived. A lot of great things have happened since January to me as a writer and music lover. My interview with Imogen Heap made the cover of Hyperactive Music Magazine's March/April issue, just in time for SxSW. Check it out at my new web site: Imogen Heap Speaks for Herself.
And I got to meet and talk with three talented young men from Sunderland, U.K., Field Music. They officially became my favorite new pop group from across the Atlantic during SxSW. I'm still interviewing musicians (everyone from Assacre to Zykos), writing articles and cd reviews, and of course hearing good music right here in Austin, TX.

DIY Revolution is still at MySpace.com, but will be limited to posting MySpace group member events only. The concept of the magazine, diy revolution, has made way for the birth of something new and different - the directory. Of course, the name is subject to change. There are a few people I need to consult with regarding operation and design. The online zine will be available in blog form no later than October through my official web site - diydanna.org - under the Quintessence Music link. Still under construction, Quintessence will be a directory itself, cataloguing mostly local artists and events.

I'm on the radio now, learning what it takes to be a host and dj on KOOP 91.7 FM's "ATX Live" (Saturdays 4-5 pm cst). To avoid becoming overwhelmed with writing, announcing, and attending local events, I devised a way to keep it all in check and provide a valuable service to local artists, musicians, and entertainers - an events calendar and message board!

This is the abbreviated music version of a bulletin and blog posted at MySpace this week:
Local Musicians, Promoters, Managers, Record Labels, Collectives, Organizations, and All DIY/Indie Music Lovers:

HELP!

Yeah - I'm calling for your help!



I'm a music journalist and radio dj-in-training based in Austin, TX overwhelmed by local music at MySpace.com. Visiting each and every local solo artist, band, label and collective (whew!) @ MySpace to get info for print, online and radio updates is very time-consuming...

Many of you know soloists or bands I don't, so I've started a calendar and message board for you to post shows, courtesy of diydanna.org.

Feel free to submit your upcoming music and music-related events or messages through the new site, or directly to

DIY/ATX EVENTS CALENDAR

or here if you want me to post it -

MUSIC MESSAGE BOARD/FORUM.

It's easy to use. Just click and submit!


You can also join diydanna's myspace group and post your events right here!
diy revolution

(By the way, the services I now provide through my web site and MySpace is free, with no spam or solicitation involved.)

The rules of the calendar and forum will be posted shortly (i.e. no spam, obscenity, etc.) but if you have any questions in the meantime please e-mail me - diydanna@yahoo.com.

Please re-post to spread the word to your friends!

Thanks for your support!

♥ & Music,

diy-danna
a.k.a.
Danna Williams
Local Music Lover & Writer


I'll be hitting on the art, film and theatre communities soon.

Some TV too!

Maybe I'm biting off more than I can chew at the moment, but I'm already seeing positive results with the DIY/ATX Calendar!

~ diy-danna