The opportunity for individuals to learn about musicians and bands that are producing original and groundbreaking music has never been so tangible. With technology shifting and shaping the way we access and discover new talent, music lovers have been given the gift of choice. Technology makes it possible for people to take back their musical palate and decide for themselves what is noteworthy and what is less than satisfying.
The birth of the Austin City Limits Festival has given many Texas musicians the chance to showcase their creativity to the masses. In addition to the exposure ACL has garnered for the Texas music scene, the festival has also generated an opportunity for local venues to organize top-notch after-shows for not only the festival goers, but also for music fans that weren’t able to make it out to the grounds for the festivities. In past years, Stubb’s, Emo’s, Antone’s and La Zona Rosa have housed some of ACL’s most memorable post- festival shindigs. Regardless of who was playing, the ACL after-show has grown into a special way for fans to connect with their favorite musicians.
This year’s post-ACL festival hurrah was unique in one truly noteworthy way; it really highlighted independent music and the writers and bloggers who have contributed profoundly in helping independent music flourish. Texas-based technology gurus Dell created Dell Lounge (http://www.delllounge.com) as a way to connect internet users to what’s going on with music, sports, and culture. Dell’s own David Clifton described their role in helping to keep ACL Fest and the indie music culture ahead of the curve, “ What we [Dell] love to see is this convergence between life and technology and how people use it to enjoy their lives.”
Dell Lounge also organized the Sound & the Jury contest that provided an opportunity for hundreds of independent musicians to compete for a coveted spot at the ACL Festival. Bands from all over the country competed and online voting gave listeners the opportunity to narrow down the top five bands set to compete live at Antone’s a couple of days before the festival. It was a one-of-a-kind experience for fans and artists alike and was a great illustration of the spirit of individuality and ownership. “Dell set the stage for this to happen, but we let the people organizing the event go crazy and do what they wanted. This event is really giving power to the people. It’s the democratization of music and that is what we love about it,” said Clifton.
Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys (pictured), the winners of the Sound & the Jury competition, were able to showcase their talent not only at the actual festival but also at the Dell Lounge-sponsored Hot Freaks! After-party. Hot Freaks is a collaboration amongst bloggers, musicians, local venues and other lovers of independent music. Bloggers from all over the world participated in the two-day after-party and hand-selected the bands that played at both Club Deville and The Mohawk.
Music blogging has really helped to shape and define the way people respond to independent music. MP3 Dallas-based blog Gorilla Vs. Bear (http://www.gorillavsbear.blogspot.com) was the brainchild of Chris Cantalini. Blogging was a way for Chris to tell others about the music his friends and their friends were making and listening to. Over the last three years Gorilla Vs. Bear has grown to be a leading authority on indie music and has helped to promote bands that people should be keeping tabs on. The guys even have their own radio show on SIRIUS through Blog Radio. Six different blogs participate with Blog Radio, which airs Monday through Saturday at noon EST on Left of Center. This exciting new medium is a chance for influential music bloggers to keep people up-to-date on the latest indie-inspired madness. GvsB contributor Garrison Reid recognized the impact that blogging has on individuals who don’t have college radio as a sounding board anymore. “College radio is limited to being on a college campus. Blogs are a way for people who age out of the college radio scene and still want to be involved with independent music to have that opportunity.”
One way various artists and venues were able to get involved was through “residencies.” Residencies were an opportunity for local Austin bands to get together, learn each other’s songs, and play at venues throughout the city. Gorilla vs. Bear collaborated with Hot Freaks! on many of these local residencies with sponsors like The Onion and the Austinist. White Denim and Brazos, both of who played phenomenal sets at the ACL Hot Freaks! after-show, were amongst the bands who were able to be a part of the residency experience. Brazos is a group of guys who play loud and poignant indie rock. They met in college while attending the University of Texas in Austin and it was through their individual experiences with the musical residencies that they came together as a more cohesive unit. They have recently come out with their first mass produced EP titled A City Just as Tall and are definitely one of those Austin bands to follow.
The Hot Freaks! after-party experience really speaks to the grassroots efforts of the music community that exists in Austin. These collaborations between local artists and corporate cultures allow the big and the small to share in creating a platform for the everyman. Their collective visions allow people to stay connected to different kinds of music and the heart and soul behind the talent.
--Brigitte B. Zabak
