Waxing Vaudeville with Luna Tart

A Recap of The Parlor Show (Friday, July 11th) - Part One

I arrived a little late with my date, but just in time to catch most of cabaret-style crooner Luna Tart's opening performance for another diy revolution bi-monthly music party. Friday night's theme was Cabaret Meets Carnival, and the first act of the night lived up to the former with a
performance that would make a vaudeville veteran smile.

Luna Tart sang mostly saucy, mid-tempo to fast numbers like the modernly inconvenient "What's The Point". But the audience tried to keep the tears from falling into their beers when she sang another rhetorical tune, the slower tempo "Why Cry". And we all sang along to the wickedly delightful "We Like Bush", after Luna Tart's quick popularity poll. (Not to be confused with the popularity of George W.)

Created by Laura Freeman for the musical Luna Tart Died (of A Broken Heart), Luna Tart has a life of her own, going beyond channeling tin pan alley songbirds. Her live performance was a vibrant work of musical art, with strong vocals only aided by ukelele, and marching french horn.

I'm not sure when and where Luna Tart is playing next, but in the meantime, we can check out her debut release at local records stores (like End of an Ear) and online (CDBaby), and put "Life's A Party" on repeat until it becomes less ironic.

~ diy danna

Tomorrow: Doing The Attic Ted Shuffle

Summer Music Carnival: Attic Ted, NanoBangBang, and Luna Tart @ The Parlor - Tonight!

I've already reminded a few folks on MySpace since Wednesday's blog, "Cabaret Meets Carnival", but what can a little more shameless plugging do?

~ diy danna

Say It Three Times, Fast: Charles Potts' Magic Windmill Band Opens for Silver Jews @ Emo's September 19, 2008

It's official, according to a recent MySpace bulletin: My favorite New York style experimental country band named after a Pacific Northwest poet is playing at Emo's again, this time opening for one of the few Nashville, Tennessee acts this blogger truly respects and enjoys hearing - Silver Jews. (See Tanglewood Numbers.) Geographically, Silver Jews are based in East Nashville, so I'm assuming that's east of all the slick country pop fodder played on Clear Channel radio stations. Anyway, the homespun country/folk/rock charmers are touring to support their latest release, Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea (Drag City)

Charles Potts' Magic Windmill Band co-founders/co-songwriters Dirk Michener and Travis Catsull are still cranking up the stoner country satire way past 10, with a rotating ensemble of talented musicians - Reed Posey (Light by Fire, New York), Tim Bond (a.k.a. T.W. Bond), Ishmael Archbold (Coma in Algiers), Erik Bradford, and sometimes Preston Dukes (Jam Engine). I predict the Silver Jews crowd will either be amused and perplexed, or entertained and vexed. Perhaps simultaneously. Or Windmill Band may be ignored, like most opening local bands. (Shame, shame, Austin!)

But Windmill Band has more than a few fans and some of them happen to be music critics. last month their well received second full-length release, The Golden Calves (Business Deal) received 3 glowing stars from The Austin Chronicle. I haven't heard it yet, but I'm so familiar with the songs I can sing along. I already know it's a cool follow-up to the delicious vinyl 7" Wyoming, and you can pick up both at the merch table at the next show - Saturday, August 2nd at Scoot Inn w/ Shapes Have Fangs, Followed by Static, and May 2008 diy artists of the month Monkeytown. Or save your gas money and wait till Friday, September 19th.

Get your advanced tickets here.

~ diy danna

Listen to and download "Run, Johnny, Run" (Wyoming 7") - Charles Potts' Magic Windmill Band. It's free and legal.

Bonus: diy contraband mp3 "Muskrat Love" (Becky) - Windmill Band. (To be removed 13/07/08.)

"Cabaret Meets Carnival" @ The Parlor - Friday, July 11th

Vote for our event @ Do 512!

It's all about cross-marketing and flexibility. Soon we'll have a do512.com calendar posted of weekly picks, and you'll get to check out some of the events our MySpace group/blog sponsors and promotes. In the meantime, click on our link and express how much you like our latest event: Cabaret Meets Carnival with Attic Ted, NanoBangBang, and Luna Tart - another all ages, all local musical night at The Parlor (North Loop). And it's free. (Musician and bartender tips are always appreciated.)

The unofficial press release, sent in the form of a mass email:

Dear Friends & Music Lovers:

DIY Revolution (that music blog and MySpace group that supports and promotes independent, do-it-yourself artists), presents another musical event you don't want to miss. The crazy carnival sounds of Attic Ted, the spacey pop/noise maker vocals of Nano Bang Bang, and the cheeky cabaret of Luna Tart highlight a surreal night of local music. It's another all ages, free show at The Parlor on North Loop in Austin, TX. The fun starts at 9:00 pm. Hope to see you there - and tell your friends!

"DIY" Danna

There are a lot of good shows around town, and this is one of them. I complain a lot about people missing good local music, or attending trendy, hipster shows instead of music that you won't forget after hearing it (for better or worse), but I've missed a few shows too. So there will be less preaching and more practicing from this blogger. I want this to be more than a scenester or mp3 blog. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.) But diy revolution is about changing the corporate, commercial drone and payola that's even effecting our independently owned local radio stations. It's just sad when you hear a white guy complain about the lack of a Tejano station. Damn. ¡Viva la revolución!

Send all comments, including complaints and death threats to adiyrevolt@gmail.com

~ diy danna


Addendum: Some crazy blogger completely redesigned this blog, but forgot to promote the blog's next show earlier this week. But don't worry - a local press employee told her off today for not including the date of the show in an email sent on Monday. Oh - and she also forgot to mention a successful night with Peel and MonkeyTown in May at The Beauty Bar (pictures coming soon). It has not been a good past two months, but this is what doesn't happen when your blogger is also the boss working on her own web site and feminist zine. Stuff doesn't happen. Forgive me? I remembered to include the date this time...

"Vote DIY, Dammit!"

Sorry, Archbold (Coma in Algiers). We couldn't resist the attractive advertising space.

Besides promoting Rock the Vote, we're promoting an "Artist of the Month" vote. Coming Soon: A poll with 3 to 5 talented, independent music artists/bands. You'll also get links to listen before you cast your vote, on the blog and on the MySpace group space. You must vote to increase the chance of your favorite being featured on the blog, the MySpace page, and maybe with a mp3 stream. Don't sleep through the summer - get out there and support your favorite musicians - and don't forget to vote for diy revolution artist of the month!

Fin.

Inaugural mp3 Blog: Austin - Take Five!

Get your free mp3 from the latest Foot Foot release!

Expectations... (A Prelude)

What was supposed to be two or three personal MySpace blogs about free downloads by d-i-y and indie label artists who have profiles on the popular social web site has become a new labor of music love by technical default. Due to technical difficulties this weekend, it will now be a regular blog about music we like right here. Before I go into expectations, I'd like to explain that the following mp3 web log has been divided into two equal parts, featuring music by Austin, TX artists that is available for free via MySpace - worldwide - and without a membership. Eat your heart out, iTunes, Rhapsody, and Zune...

Now about expectations...

What you should expect are honest, brief (but insightful) artist reviews, previews, as well as news and advice for independent musicians. What you shouldn't expect is a lot of hipster hype. This isn't a hottest band fanzine, although you won't read a lot of negative criticism that takes a punch at popular musicians - unless it is laced with wit and gentle sarcasm. Art is subjective, and just because I or other diy revolution bloggers don't listen to (or like) most of what's on commercial radio doesn't mean we're going to give it a lashing. Expect criticism without castigation or name calling.

About the mp3 blogs: I don't have artist permission to post mp3s here (for now), but I can provide links to their MySpace profiles, where you can download mp3s gratis. Enjoy!

~ DIY Danna
diy revolution Group Moderator @ MySpace


Austin - Take Five!




7 Inch Stitch

I've heard of the band, but have never had the pleasure (I'm certain) of hearing them live. Like most talented d-i-y bands in Austin with a day job, 7 Inch Stitch isn't so talented when it comes to self-promotion. On the anniversary of 9/11 the band aggravated a six-year war wound the trio released The Phosphorus Tarot of Matchbooks, and from the four free tracks I've heard so far, it's something worth buying and listening to on repeat. Just listen with open ears and an open mind.

Current Featured Tracks (as of 10/02/08):

"Empty Trumpet"
"Energy Draining Church Bazaar"
"I Eat Fog"
"The Pernoctalian"

listen, download, and listen again to (4) 7 Inch Stitch mp3s




Amplified Heat (Arc Light Records)

The young brothers Ortiz are absolutely amazing, with a blend of blues and hard rock that I can't help but not my head to whenever I hear it on my iTunes player in between blogs and writing assignments. Say what you will about the proliferation (some may say pollution) of Stevie Ray Vaughan wannabes and Texas Blues, but Amplified Heat is the real deal - a rockin' blues band with youthful zeal and appeal. But like the best of Austin's bands, nothing beats Amplified Heat's live energy. I'm only fortunate to possess the self-titled EP, but I plan to purchase a copy of their full length, local label release How Do You Like The Sound of That soon (I can't review every local CD); in the meantime I'm content with a free download of "Man on the Road". We can also listen to an unreleased tune called "Get Yer Hands off My Baby". Get 'em both while they're hot.

listen and download (2) Amplified Heat mp3s




BASIC

Getting down to basics with rock that isn't afraid to roll is what this band is all about from a fan's p.o.v. Jason Pearson's voice rings like a bell tolling an homage the Texas rock great Buddy Holly, with the carefully laced doo-wop intonations - and occasional emotive yelps whenever the hell he feels like it. Nemir Naayem on bass has a classic rock stance and plucks wicked notes that live up to the evil bass player myth, and the Animal-esque meets "Theatre of the Absurd" quirks of percussionist Glenn Barovich (Baby Robots) brings the groove down to earth, and back to basics with live performances of BASIC's re-released debut LP Favorite Movie. I won't hide my disappointment about the title track not appearing on their MySpace player, but BASIC cleverly uploaded the first four tracks (as a teaser) of the album that was always on repeat at home (and in the car) in the summer of 2006 (and 2007).

Available Tracks:

01 "Tyco"
02 "It Isn't Wrong"
03 "Carolina"
04 "Come Home Soon"

listen and download (4) BASIC mp3s




Foot Foot (Bunkhaus Records)

Foot Foot is one of the longest and best kept secrets in Austin, TX, but hopefully not for another decade. After years of missing the psychedelic indie rockers live, I finally got a chance to hear them at Hole in the Wall. Well, most of their set. (Long story...) And I was impressed enough to remember them in my search for a short list of music artists who are making their art more accessible to the masses. Lucky masses... One of these accessible tracks is the scorching "The Quarters of Ole San Juan", which can also be heard on the recently released Everything Cool Has Been Canceled. Now I'm wondering when that other band called Foot Foot (L.A., CA) will cancel their account - or just get a new name. No offense (their music isn't bad), but they haven't had the name or been on MySpace as long as the original. Anyway... Check out Foot Foot (Austin, TX) and thank me later.

download (2) Foot Foot mp3s




Hit Space (Bunkhaus Records)

I'll keep this short and sweet: What happens when two members of the popular and critically decorated 1990s "noise pop" band Sixteen Deluxe* decide to make music together? Beautifully understated and mellow, but not hollow, indie pop. Carrie Clark and Jeff Copas join forces with Don Clark and Joel Ossar to record an EP released on Bunkhaus Records, label of fellow seasoned rockers Foot Foot and Baby Robots. I slept on (Verb) when it was released, but by some stroke of luck I'm making up for it now.

The Tracks:

"Dogs Dream" (demo)
"Winkiest Winks" (demo)
"Marbles Better Plus 2" (demo)

download and listen to these (3) Hit Space demos before the next release

*Hidden Bonus: Search "Sixteen Deluxe" on the MySpace Music page and find out what you may have missed in the gay old '90s.

Austin - Take Five! To be continued...


Label Links:

Arclight Records

Bunkhaus Records

DIY REVOLUTION EVOLVES!

Transmography - myspace.com/transmography

The official blog for the MySpace group has returned, and a network of do-it-yourself music blogs is on the way in 2008!

DIY REVOLUTION COMMUNICATIONS IS A NON-PROFIT PUBLICIST/PRESS AGENT/CONSULTANT FOR INDEPENDENT MUSIC ARTISTS, AND AN ONLINE ART, LITERATURE & ENTERTAINMENT PUBLISHER. FOR A LIST OF SERVICES OFFERED AND ONLINE PUBLICATIONS, PLEASE CONTACT THE MODERATOR @ ADIYREVOLT@GMAIL.COM.

Kill The Critic Returns!

Prodigal sister Kill The Critic returns with a preview/review of Charles Potts' Magic Windmill Band. Check it out!

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?

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

Get Him Eat Him - Double The Pleasure This Saturday

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.

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

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

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

SxSW Music Fest List Update by Angrybot.net

Whoa - check this out: A user friendly list of soloists and bands appearing at SxSW @ angrybot.net. The list at www.sxsw.com is a bit of a jumble compared to this neat html friendly list. Please note that this list is subject to change. I'm just happy I will see Zom Zoms @ SxSW after missing them last year. (OK, it's official - as of 5:25 PM I crossed the line from music blogger to bonafide groupie.)
There are more than a few bands I'm eager to see this year. Let's cross our fingers and hope all the V.I.P.'s don't freeze us commoners out of shows. On a positive note, there will be more unofficial showcases this year with bands you would expect to see and hear at SxSW. makes me wonder about a selection committee that chooses Peaches over my favorite band from Houston, TX - Bring Back The Guns. Someone sent me a link to her web site, and I was like, "Wow - Peaches is the German Lil' Kim - only she's really terrible!" I tried to listen to her duet with Iggy Pop, but couldn't get through the first minute without wondering if Iggy had lost his F@#!ing mind. And that seemed like the best song on the her web site. SxSW really has lowered its standards. And don;t let me get started on The Tuna Helpers. I really tried to like them when I first heard them at Room 710. I really tried. But I guess I'm not a real woman. Everyone I talk to loves them. But I just don't. I'd rather listen to Adrian & The Sickness or Ignitor. Now those chicks rock!

How to Celebrate Friday The 13th

Happy Friday The 13th! Aww - I didn't forget this special day. *faking tears of joy*

If you are feeling oppressed by this dry, sunny, gorgeous unholiday weather like me and are stuck indoors (due to the allergy known as cedar fever), I recommend renting a movie like "Freaky Friday" (both versions) and "Friday The 13th" - the first one. And listen to a cool radio show online from 8:30 to 9:30 PM (cst), hosted by a MySpace friend of mine, Marinho. He plays a great mix of indie rock, experimental and popular music in English and Spanish. Here's Marinho's blog: SONIDOS EN EL AIRE, and the show link: http://www.edomexico.gob.mx/portalgem/tvmex/

If you aren't a severe allergy sufferer and love good local music, check out Ivison tonight - they open for Dexter Freebish at Momo's in Austin, TX. If you live outside the live music capital and are able to enjoy the weather wherever you are, support your favorite local musician. And if you don't have one, adopt one - or an entire band!

That is all.
~ diy-danna
P.S. No, one more thing - read my "sister blog" Kill The Critic for weekend music previews.

Asamov - The Trailer Mix Tape (Part One)

My plans to do "battle" type reviews for Kill The Critic have been postponed. But in the meantime I will do a quick review of the cd that came before the now critical and popular acclaim.
Paraphrasing some of my own words from diy revolution the group @ MySpace.com (and future zine):
ASAMOV [Pronounced Az - em - mahv] is A powerhouse hip hop group from Jacksonville, FL with a new album out, And Now, featuring J-Live and Little Brother's 9th Wonder. But before the official debut, these dynamic MCs/DJs released a limited run of cds intended as an effort to appease impatient fans. It worked and won over new listeners like myself.
I first heard Asamov at MySpace, and was lucky enough to get a copy of The Trailer Mix Tape, a full-length teaser and pleaser. I'm now hooked on the dope beats and rhymes produced by these four MCs... Honestly, I haven't been this excited about a hip hop album since I first heard ATCQ's masterpiece Low End Theory.
At the moment I'm stressing over other music-related material, so I will continue this blog, possibly sometime tomorrow, with a complete review of Asamov's prelude to a hip hop masterpiece.
~ diy-danna

Psych! I'm ba-aa-aack!!!

Last night a totally d-i-y band inspired me to stop sitting on my rotund moneymaker and start blogging about music. Not for profit or to establish a writing career, but for fun! *you gasp in disbelief* So "stay tuned" for the 411 from this blog and the "sister station" www.killthecritic.blogspot.com

COMING VERY SOON:
Uncleared Samples - Online music only reviews of Paperwork Media Artists
The Mix Tape Battles - Cry Blood Apache vs. Asamov (Kill The Critic)
Listen to these artists first and make up your own mind.
Laters!

My Last CD Review @ DIY-Music!

The decision was made about a month ago - to split up CD and live show reviews, or rather, have a different p.o.v. in preparation for defining the look of my future zine (and eventual magazine). I thought it would be best to end blog reviews of CDs altogether since I'm doing reviews for other print and online magazines (for legal and personal reasons). So I'm pulling the plug on the CD blog reviews.

But on second thought, that's too extreme. There are a lot of CDs I wouldn't be reviewing in magazines or other web sites that would probably get ignored. So instead of killing the CD reviews I'm officially splitting one blog into two. DIY-Music will be dedicated to "objective" live shows and behind the scene reports of indie/underground/d-i-y music. And one "CD of the Month" review. Kill The Critic will be dedicated to honest and entertaining CD reviews, from brand new releases to classic reissues. Occasionally I'll put my two cents in about live shows. So Things That Go Pop is my last review on this blogger. (Check them out below! :-) I'd like to thank them and the other artists (you know who you are) for supporting this site. I've had a few loyal readers who encouraged me to make the move to print media and I thank them also. No thanks to the spammers who "cleverly" waste space in my comments sections. Ha-ha.

It has been fun, and I'll continue to blog about live shows and house parties I dare to attend from Austin, TX. This is supposedly the live music capital of the world, after all.

I will have at least 4 new music reviews posted at Kill The Critic this month. Check that out!

~ diy-danna