5 Steps To Becoming A Successful Commercial Country Singer

5 Steps To Becoming
A Successful Commercial Country Singer

By Sean Claes

If you follow the following 5 steps, you too can become another of those pretty-boy country singing stars that would make Hank Williams, Sr. want to come back from the dead and punch you in the chin.

Step 1:

Logo:

You need something bold that stands out. Incorporate an acoustic guitar, highway sign, Texas flag, Star or filigree… or all of the above. Don’t worry.. this is just an attention getter before the label throws all that out and uses that “Bleeding Cowboy” font and renames you something that has more universal appeal.

Step 2:

Dress Code:
$150 jeans and $100 plaid shirt, or classic rock & roll shirts, or Southern Thread apparel…if you feel really bold… why not an Affliction shirt. Add a handkerchief sticking out of back pocket and a wallet chain… basically try and look like a more douche-y version of 1990s grunge and add a cowboy hat or John Deere-themed baseball cap. Facial hair is not recommended, but it doesn’t hurt early on… when you’re looking hungry. It’ll give the record company something to stick a feather in their hat saying they “improved upon your look” when they sent you to the stylist and they shave you.

Step 3:

Music:
Write your songs about trucks, Saturday night, Dirt Roads, Drinking too much and driving, yesteryear, fields, tractors, barns, blondes and tailgates. Make sure you have a chorus that is easy to remember and is repeated often… Don’t worry… your stuff will never actually make it on the radio… if you have a decent voice and look good you’ll get “label support” which means a team of writers will be penning the song everyone will assume is about your youth.

Example?

Step 4:

Band:
Oh.. Just hire some session musicians to play on the album… it’ll save you from firing your best friend when the record company decides they are only interested in “carrying” one person.

Anyways…all you need is your acoustic guitar to play the radio stations and tour until the record company buys you a backing band.

Step 5:

Money:
 Oh.. I guess I should have mentioned that before… you need the deep pockets of a record company to make it… you know.. so your amazingly polished sound (that has the same sound as 4 other bands with songs in the top 10 this week)  can make its way to corporate radio (cha-ching) and begin a serious rotation (palm greased). Or maybe you can go on some music-based reality TV show. That might work.. if you can get on there... Oooh... or just marry a music exec’s daughter.

So there you have it. Follow these easy steps and you too might just get yourself a duet with the next American Idol winner. All it takes is style, money, a little talent, and a total lack of self-worth.

(Note: If you’re a commercial country singer and you read this… don’t worry, I’m talking about the other ones.. not you. You got it honestly… we can all see that. Love you… have all of your albums).

Good luck out there.

Sean Claes has been a music journalist for about 20 years and he doesn't actually believe the above story to be true… but writing it made him chuckle. I hope it does for you as well. It's humor...OK? Breathe. 

Thanks for reading. 

If you're ACTAULLY looking for advice on being a successful musician... I did a 52-week series of advice for DIY musicians here - link

Simply Charming Mo's - 2nd Annual Party Results/photos

The Simply Charming Mo's of Kyle Texas want to thank you for making the 2nd Annual Simply Charming Movember Fundraiser  at Milt's Pit BBQ in Kyle, Texas such a fun success. We raised a lot of awareness and $756.41 in cash (via donations and silent auction) for the cause.

Here are some photos from the night. You can see more here - link
If you'd like to donate to the team, there's still time.

Visit: http://moteam.co/the-simply-charming-mo-s

2nd year MoBros Greg Walters & Sean Claes

The 2013 Simply Charming Mo's: (L-R) Paul Mojica, Jenni Johnson, Brad Johnson, Sean Claes, Marty Foye,
Meesh Seigwalt, Jeff Davis, Jodie Claes, Juan Guerra, and Greg Walters

Piqued Jacks

Mo Supporters!

Miss and Mr. Movember Kyle - Jodie Claes & Paul Mojica

Lucas Cook Trio

Our Silent Auction

Week 30 - Brandon Rhyder - Head Above Water

(Week 30 of my 52 Austin CD Reviews in 52 Weeks)

“What good is a man in my kind of shape / I’m a dollar short and you’re 10 days late.” – “You Can Count On Me”

Brandon Rhyder

Head Above Water

It’s been a while since I’ve seen Brandon Rhyder live but his  Conviction got worn out in my truck’s CD player a few years back (my review on Conviction) . So, I was pretty pumped when Head Above Water got to my hands.  His sound is lumped in with the Red Dirt and Americana scene. His music is what turns a lot of folks on to him, but the hidden gem of this singer is he’s a phenomenal songwriter, and he continues to impress with this release.

I have to admit, I wasn’t thrilled with the first single, “Rock Angel” when I heard it on the radio. It sounded too commercial for the Rhyder I was familiar with. But… it’s grown on me (and apparently I’m one of the few that it bothered as it hit #1 on the Texas Music Charts in February and it’s still in the top 30).

The title track is a beautiful ballad about being saved. I don’t know if it’s what he intended, but to me it’s a very spiritual song about finding God and trusting Him with the essence of your very being.

“You Can Count On Me” is a great underdog love story. In contrast “Ultimate Deceiver” is about the end of a relationship. “I’ll Take You” seems like a nice follow up to 2005’s “Back Roads” off Conviction. And “Battery” is about visiting the old stomping ground.

My favorite track on Head Above Water is “You Burn Me.” The lyrical genius on this song is worth the price of the CD alone. It’s a bit of a rocker about a former love. “You can burn me with a simple single touch / I get confused and think I’ve never loved this much / and without warning, you come rolling in like gasoline. / That’s why there’s never nothing left of me. ‘Cause you burn me.”

The bonus track, “Queen Of My Roost” sounds like something that Guy Forsyth would release. It’s a ragtime-charged love song that rocks like a “flapper in a 1920s dress.”

Head Above Water was produced by Walt Wilkins. It boasts twelve tracks (and an awesome bonus track), beautiful CD packaging and a “Making of” DVD.  I appreciate the lengths bands go through these days to get someone to actually buy a physical CD.

Check out Rhyder and band live at Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos on April 8, or visit http://www.brandonrhyder.com to see where he’s playing and how to grab a copy for yourself.

Week 1 - Mike Truth and the Relacement Killers - timimnotamachine

Mike Truth and the Replacement Killers
timimnotamachine

The initial release from Austin’s Mike Truth and the Replacement Killers may only be 18 minutes long, but there’s more good music packed into this five song EP than most bands full length discs.

How is this possible? Well, consider the band. You’ve got former Rubberhed frontman Mike Truth, Muppletone guitarist Aaryn Russell, bassist Kevin Knight from W.O.R.M., the horns of saxophonist James Brinkley, along with Jason White and Mike Ded bringing in the percussion. These guys are all professionals and when they play together it’s tight.

If you’ve had a chance to see these guys live, you know the funk and jazz infused with rap sound well. The horns are hot, percussion is spot on and Mike Truth spits Public Enemy-style lyrics with ease. And unlike a lot of local bands, they were able to capture the energy of the live show on this release.

timimnotamachine, named after a meltdown between during the recording process with producer Tim Gerron, kicks off with the fitting “Anthem” where Truth introduces the sound and his intention of rocking the microphone like a “real go getter.” It continues with a shout-out to the hardcore hustlers in the “Southside Swing,” and a tribute to the folks who hit the bottle a little hard in “Cheers.”

Probably my favorite song to catch live is the love song for everyone’s favorite bird, “Fried Chicken.” The guitarwork of Russell on this track is fantastic as he makes the guitar cackle to the beat as Truth demands you “Clap your hands and stomp your feet / Southern Fried Chicken is good to eat.”

The final track, “I Rock The Beat” is lyrically, the classic self-defining rap song. Want to know the Replacement Killers? This song is their bio.

At 18 minutes, timimnotamachine ends too soon, but if you listen to it like I do, you can repeat early and often and when you get to one of their shows you can sing lyric for lyric with the crowd.

Check Mike Truth and the Replacement Killers online at myspace.com/miketruthandthereplacementkillers. – Sean Claes

52 Austin CD Reviews in 52 Weeks

9/9/10 - This project has been completed. Thanks to all of the bands who submitted such amazing Austin music. I technically reviewed 55 CDs in 53 weeks (I took a week off for a spiritual retreat at what would have been week 50). I'm very proud of this collection and I hope you have discovered some of the amazing music Austin has to offer by reading these reviews.

I'm still reviewing CDs so please reach out if you'd like me to take a listen to yours. Contact information is at the bottom of the page.  - Sean Claes

52 AUSTIN CD REVIEWS IN 52 WEEKS 

9/11/09 - 9/9/10

By Sean Claes

Week 1 - Mike Truth and the Replacement Killers (9/11/09)
Week 2 - Uncle Lucius (9/17/09)
Week 3 - Oak Is Keeping (9/24/09)
Week 4 - porterdavis (10/1/09)
Week 5 - Del Castillo (10/8/09)
Week 6 - Love At War (10/15/09)
Week 7 - David Ducharme-Jones (10/22/09)
Week 8 - Darling New Neighbors (10/29/09)
Week 9 - Jeff Lofton Quartet (11/5/09)
Week 10 - john Arthur martinez (11/12/09)
Week 11 - Dertybird (11/19/09)
Week 12 - Sam Baker (11/26/09)
Week 13 - Butcherwhite (12/3/09)
Week 14 - Flatcar Rattlers (12/10/09)
Week 15 - The Soldier Thread (12/17/09)
Week 16 - The Jeremy Miller Band (12/24/09)
Week 17 - The Belleville Outfit (12/31/09)
Week 18 - Adrian and the Sickness (1/7/10)
Week 19 - George Palmer Macias (1/14/10)
Week 20 - Tom Gillam (1/21/10)
Week 21 - Ratarue (1/28/10)
Week 22a - A Good Rogering - EP (2/4/10)
Week 22b - Fulton Read EP (2/4/10)
Week 23 - Powderburn (2/11/10)
Week 24 - Ray Wylie Hubbard (2/18/10)
Week 25 - Twang Twang Shock-A-Boom (2/25/10)
Week 26 - Eleven Fingered Charlie (3/4/10)
Week 27 - The Clouds Are Ghosts (3/11/10)
Week 28 - Reckless Kelly (3/18/10)
Week 29 - Broken Teeth (3/26/10)
Week 30 - Brandon Rhyder (4/1/10)
Week 31 - One-Eyed Doll (4/8/10)
Week 32 - Shelli Coe (4/15/10)
Week 33 - Lennon's Song (4/22/10)
Week 34 - SuperLiteBike (4/29/10)
Week 35a - Kyle Park (EP) (5/6/10)
Week 35b - DC Bloom (EP) (5/6/10)
Week 36 - The Banner Year (5/13/10)
Week 37 - Righteous Brisket (5/20/10)
Week 38 - Terri Hendrix (5/27/10)
Week 39 - Allison Thrash (6/3/10)
Week 40 - The Standouts (6/10/10)
Week 41 - Dave Madden (6/17/10)
Week 42 - Indofin (6/24/10)
Week 43 - Paula Held (7/1/10)
Week 44 - The Mother Truckers (7/9/10)
Week 45 - Trashy and the Kid (7/15/10)
Week 46 - Alejandro Escovedo (7/22/10)
Week 47 - Ugly Elephant (7/30/10)
Week 48 - 3 Kisses (8/5/10)
Week 49 - Bobby Bookout (8/11/10)
Week 50a - Woolgather (8/25/10)
Week 50b - Emily Shirley (8/25/10)
Week 51 - Tin Can Phone (9/1/10)
Week 52 - Deadman (9/9/10)




The Project:
I've been writing CD reviews for over 10 years. I've written for INsite Magazine, Texas Music, Southwest Blues, Austin Daze, and a host of other magazines and sites.

I was told by someone that I like every band in the world. This isn't true. There's a ton of music I've heard that I'll never write about. I don't believe in writing negative press. I prefer to only talk about and write about bands that have a sound I can get into.

Well, it's now September 2009 and I think I'm going to issue myself a little challenge. From September 2009 to September 2010, I am going to review an Austin-based band's CD a week. I will publish it here on my blog and at month's end will run it in INsite Magazine. If any other website is interested in publishing my reviews online, please let me know.

What I need:
- A plethora of Austin bands to send me their music.
It must be:
1. Released after March 2009
2. Professionally done (no burns, no electronic mp3s)
3. Accompanied by a bio
4. By an Austin band

Send it to:
INsite Magazine
c/o Sean Claes
5401 S FM 1626 STE 170-436
Kyle, Texas 78640

- Any kind words about bands I review in my blog will be great. Please let bands know you're reading about them. Any negative posts will be deleted. You are entitled to your opinion... and I won't argue with you...but I run this blog.

(The CDs I don't review will go into a box that I'll offer other INsite CD reviewers and/or give away at INsite-hosted events.

Why am I doing this?
1. I want to see if I can do it. A CD review a week is a tall order, if you take into consideration that I only review CDs I like. It'll likely take me 3-4 CDs to find one I deem reviewable.

2. Austin is always in the fight for their title as the "Live Music Capital of the World" and I want to help prove it right. There is A LOT of good music in Austin, a lot that people aren't hearing about. I want to help the scene. I am a writer. So, I'll write.

3. My personal motto is "It's all about the free stuff." But my mission in life is to help good people become better known. So, personally, I'm hoping to get a lot of free music, and as a writer, I'm going to do my duty to let everyone I can know about some of the great folks who play great music in and from Austin. It's like the best of both worlds (not the Hannah version.. more like the Van Hagar version).

So... I've gotten the first one written. I will post it tomorrow, then I'll post a new CD review each Thursday until September 2010.

Feel free to follow me to track my progress.
E-mail me at sean@insiteaustin.com with any questions.

Thanks for reading. I hope you discover a few new bands this way. I know I will.
- Sean Claes

My Top 5 Los Lobos Songs

So I just got the newest "Saucido Slant" from Paul Saucido in my e-mail box and he runs down his favorite 5 tracks from Los Angeles legends Los Lobos, who are playing two shows at One World Theatre tomorrow. You may have seen his interview with Steve Berlin from Los Lobos in the April issue of INsite. (If not.. go to http://www.insiteaustin.com right now, download the issue, or see the "photo" below.)

He inspired me to write about by own personal top 5. I'll be at the 7:00 show. Woot!

So... here goes:

My personal top 5 from Los Lobos:
1. "Kiko and the Lavender Moon" - The one that started everything for me. Such a multi-layered sound. So complex and entrancing. Opened the door for me to begin to look outside Top40 radio for my music fix



Off - Kiko (1992) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiko_(album)

2. "One Time One Night" - Reminds me of my "hometown" of Laredo, Texas. I had a few "wise men" who helped me learn about life. "A wise man was telling stories to me / About the places he had been to / And the things that he had seen." Yeah.. memories.



Off By the Light of the Moon (1987) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/By_the_Light_of_the_Moon_(album)

3. "Sabor A Mi" - I know.. it's a cover.. but it's a beautiful ballad and I sang it to my wife on our wedding night.



Off Just Another Band from East L.A. - A Collection (1993)- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_Another_Band_From_East_L.A._-_A_Collection

4. "Manny's Bones" - One of those stripped down songs that I envision sitting around a fire and singing with a bunch of people con cervesa.



Off Colossal Head (1996) (http://www.amazon.com/Colossal-Head-Los-Lobos/dp/B000002N51)

5. "Good Morning Aztlán" - Sadly, this is the newest Los Lobos CD I own. This is one of those songs that I listen to that centers me. Los Lobos has always made storytelling an art form, and this song is one of the best examples of this mastery. "A red rooster crows / A little Mexican tune / On the chain link fence by the gate / Somebody's daddy's out there / Honkin' on the horn / Hurry up, we're gonna make him late"



Off Good Morning Aztlán (2002) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Morning_Aztl%C3%A1n_(album)

I Like Free... I like Benefits

I LIKE FREE
I don't like to spend money. I like to try new things.
Hence... I'm going to Kevin's Cookies for 6 Free cookies.
(This is the ad that ran in the April issue of INsite. Won't you pick up your free cookies too?)





I LIKE BENEFITS

My co-worker has a band. Adam Donmoyer and the Naughty Bits. The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians has a benefit show - The 2nd Annual Corporate Battle of the Bands at Antone's. Adam entered through our office (The Wizard of Ads) and was chosen. He plays tonight at 8:15p.m. at Antones. $5 at the door. Doors open at 6:00p.m. Don't be late...but if you are, be there by 8:00p.m. You don't want to miss Adam and the gang are going to rock like Slayer (if Slayer played warped cabaret-esque piano driven songs) Check them out - http://www.rockslikeslayer.com



THE NAUGHTY BITS: (L-R) Dave Love, Scott Wade, Adam Donmoyer, Lonny Burgos, Dave Nevland


Here's some press on the HAMM Battle of the Bands:
http://www.keyetv.com/
http://www.kxan.com/
http://do512.com/

Texas Rockfest -Friday, March 20th Schedule

Texas Rockfest -

March 20 Schedule

Remember... it's all free..because your music shouldn't cost you a dime to hear live.... thanks to INsite and Texas Rockfest.

Addresses of all Rockfest Venues:

Stage	Venue	Address
TRF Outdoor 1	Texas Rock Fest	7th & Neches, Austin, TX
TRF Outdoor 2	Texas Rock Fest	7th & Neches, Austin, TX
Treasure Island	RockFest Club Stage 1	413 E 6th St, Austin, TX
Mugshots	RockFest Club Stage 2	407 E 7th St., Austin, TX
Pure - Songwriter Stage	Singer / Songwriter Stage	409 E 6th St, Austin, TX
Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	Hip-Hop/R&B Stage	607 Trinity St, Austin, TX
HML Outdoor	Texas Rock Fest	7th & Trinity, Austin, TX
Malaia	Malaia	300 E 6th st, Austin, TX

CLUB STAGES:

Roc Box	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	5:00:00 PM
T-Solo	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	5:30:00 PM
Born	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	6:00:00 PM
BDS	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	7:00:00 PM
Durrty Boi	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	7:30:00 PM
Block Head EnT.	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	8:00:00 PM
Cliqued Up	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	8:15:00 PM
M-One	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	8:30:00 PM
Big Herb	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	9:00:00 PM
J-Stavo	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	9:30:00 PM
Lilian Borunda	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	10:00:00 PM
Wise Guy	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	10:30:00 PM
Hellraza	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	11:00:00 PM
Daka Youngin	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	11:15:00 PM
Knucke Up Click	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	11:30:00 PM
Jarvis	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	12:00:00 AM
Steve Victory	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	12:30:00 AM
Country Boy	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	1:00:00 AM
Mark Twang	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	1:15:00 AM
Yung Mavrick	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	1:30:00 AM

Faded	Malaia	2:45:00 PM
Ragsy	Malaia	3:30:00 PM
Quartershackle	Malaia	4:15:00 PM
Hazard of the Industry	Malaia	5:00:00 PM
Kreisor	Malaia	5:45:00 PM
State and Madison	Malaia	6:30:00 PM
Adrenaline Factor	Malaia	7:15:00 PM
Cantina Flys	Malaia	8:00:00 PM
Dead Men Dreaming	Malaia	8:45:00 PM
Exit 380	Malaia	9:30:00 PM
Butcherwhite	Malaia	10:15:00 PM
Marashino	Malaia	11:00:00 PM
Dirty Heads	Malaia	11:45:00 PM
The Luchagors	Malaia	12:30:00 AM
The New Up	Malaia	1:15:00 AM

..

Dheepa Chari	Mugshots	2:00:00 PM
Nimesh Gandhi	Mugshots	2:30:00 PM
Lance	Mugshots	3:00:00 PM
Have Gun Will Travel	Mugshots	3:30:00 PM
Alana Amram	Mugshots	4:00:00 PM
Chris from Moxxy	Mugshots	4:30:00 PM
Ledaswan	Mugshots	5:00:00 PM
Ryan Holley	Mugshots	5:30:00 PM
Isaac form heroine	Mugshots	6:00:00 PM
Nipsey	Mugshots	6:30:00 PM
Avi Wisnia	Mugshots	7:15:00 PM
Spoiled Royals	Mugshots	8:00:00 PM
The Upper Echelon	Mugshots	8:45:00 PM
Writer	Mugshots	9:30:00 PM
The Urbanites	Mugshots	10:15:00 PM
Atomic Alive	Mugshots	11:00:00 PM
James Speer	Mugshots	11:45:00 PM
Ragsy	Mugshots	12:30:00 AM
Jonathan Stark	Mugshots	1:15:00 AM

..

Michael Blas	Treasure Island	2:00:00 PM
Country Willie	Treasure Island	2:45:00 PM
Courier	Treasure Island	3:30:00 PM
Man Automatic	Treasure Island	4:15:00 PM
Paris Green	Treasure Island	5:00:00 PM
Kieran Ridge Band	Treasure Island	5:45:00 PM
Dented	Treasure Island	6:30:00 PM
Kanude	Treasure Island	7:15:00 PM
Cast of Kings	Treasure Island	8:00:00 PM
Fortress of Attitude	Treasure Island	8:45:00 PM
The Boy Bathing	Treasure Island	9:30:00 PM
Rude Rachel	Treasure Island	10:15:00 PM
Sixes and Eights	Treasure Island	11:00:00 PM
the Banner Year	Treasure Island	11:45:00 PM
TrebucheT	Treasure Island	12:30:00 AM
Squint	Treasure Island	1:15:00 AM

OUTDOOR STAGES:

Special Guest	TRF Outdoor 1	2:00:00 PM
Me Talk Pretty	TRF Outdoor 1	3:00:00 PM
Rosemarys Garden	TRF Outdoor 1	4:00:00 PM
Cockvandyke	TRF Outdoor 1	5:00:00 PM
White Witch Canyon	TRF Outdoor 1	6:00:00 PM
Cold December	TRF Outdoor 1	7:00:00 PM
CTRL	TRF Outdoor 1	8:00:00 PM
Ashbury	TRF Outdoor 1	9:00:00 PM
Oh Juliet	TRF Outdoor 1	10:00:00 PM
Dremnt The End	TRF Outdoor 1	11:00:00 PM
DC4	TRF Outdoor 1	12:00:00 AM
Broken Teeth	TRF Outdoor 1	1:00:00 AM

Dirty Heads	TRF Outdoor 2	2:30:00 PM
Powderburn	TRF Outdoor 2	3:30:00 PM
Ragsy	TRF Outdoor 2	4:30:00 PM
The Culprit	TRF Outdoor 2	5:30:00 PM
Lavish Green	TRF Outdoor 2	6:30:00 PM
Folio	TRF Outdoor 2	7:30:00 PM
Vinyl Dharma	TRF Outdoor 2	8:30:00 PM
Shorelines End	TRF Outdoor 2	9:30:00 PM
Meriwether	TRF Outdoor 2	10:30:00 PM
Ember	TRF Outdoor 2	11:30:00 PM
Eddie Fingers Ojeda	TRF Outdoor 2	12:30:00 AM
Crank Country Daredevils	TRF Outdoor 2	1:30:00 AM

Seasons After	HML Outdoor	2:00:00 PM
Divide The Day	HML Outdoor	2:45:00 PM
Dirtfoot	HML Outdoor	3:30:00 PM
James Speer	HML Outdoor	4:15:00 PM
The Luchagors	HML Outdoor	5:00:00 PM
Inward Eye	HML Outdoor	5:45:00 PM
For Every Day	HML Outdoor	6:30:00 PM
The Last Place You Look	HML Outdoor	7:15:00 PM
Nothing More	HML Outdoor	8:00:00 PM
Broadmoore	HML Outdoor	8:45:00 PM
Monte Montgomery	HML Outdoor	9:30:00 PM
Monte Montgomery	HML Outdoor	10:15:00 PM
Arc Attack	HML Outdoor	11:15:00 PM
Initstring	HML Outdoor	12:00:00 AM
Arc Attack	HML Outdoor	12:45:00 AM
Arc Attack	HML Outdoor	1:30:00 AM

Schedule provided by TexasRockfest.com, visit there for updated information.

Texas Rockfest -Wednesday, March 18th Schedule

Texas Rockfest -

March 18 Schedule

Remember... it's all free..because your music shouldn't cost you a dime to hear live.... thanks to INsite and Texas Rockfest.

Addresses of all Rockfest Venues:

Stage	Venue	Address
TRF Outdoor 1	Texas Rock Fest	7th & Neches, Austin, TX
TRF Outdoor 2	Texas Rock Fest	7th & Neches, Austin, TX
Treasure Island	RockFest Club Stage 1	413 E 6th St, Austin, TX
Mugshots	RockFest Club Stage 2	407 E 7th St., Austin, TX
Pure - Songwriter Stage	Singer / Songwriter Stage	409 E 6th St, Austin, TX
Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	Hip-Hop/R&B Stage	607 Trinity St, Austin, TX
HML Outdoor	Texas Rock Fest	7th & Trinity, Austin, TX
Malaia	Malaia	300 E 6th st, Austin, TX

Wednesday's Line-up:

Club Stages:

Special Guest	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	4:30:00 PM
Rize	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	5:30:00 PM
PMT Clik	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	6:30:00 PM
Slimm-ez	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	7:00:00 PM
Fokiss	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	7:30:00 PM
Mike	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	8:00:00 PM
Tre Dubb	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	8:30:00 PM
Skrappy	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	9:00:00 PM
Adykted Sol	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	9:30:00 PM
Evan Chambers	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	10:00:00 PM
Kokomoe	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	10:30:00 PM
Reign	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	11:00:00 PM
Mr Midas	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	11:30:00 PM
Sticthy	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	12:00:00 AM
UG Kings Showcase	Fuel - Hip Hop Stage	12:30:00 AM

Event Date 3/18/2009
Asphalt Valentine	Treasure Island	5:00:00 PM
Syztem7	Treasure Island	5:45:00 PM
Critical Assembly	Treasure Island	6:30:00 PM
Hazard of the Industry	Treasure Island	7:15:00 PM
Fracture Point	Treasure Island	8:00:00 PM
Squid Bucket	Treasure Island	8:45:00 PM
Strike The Sun	Treasure Island	9:30:00 PM
YAYO	Treasure Island	10:15:00 PM
Clinched Fist	Treasure Island	11:00:00 PM
Street Light Suzie	Treasure Island	11:45:00 PM
Stage of Existence	Treasure Island	12:30:00 AM
Curbcheck	Treasure Island	1:15:00 AM

Outdoor Stages

Event Date 3/18/2009
Special Guest	HML Outdoor	5:00:00 PM
Super Pancho	HML Outdoor	5:45:00 PM
The Brimmers	HML Outdoor	6:30:00 PM
The Culprit	HML Outdoor	7:15:00 PM
Moxxy	HML Outdoor	8:00:00 PM
Rap Rock	HML Outdoor	8:45:00 PM
Arc Attack	HML Outdoor	9:30:00 PM
Arc Attack	HML Outdoor	10:15:00 PM
Arc Attack	HML Outdoor	11:15:00 PM
Panjoma	HML Outdoor	12:00:00 AM
Arc Attack	HML Outdoor	12:45:00 AM
Arc Attack	HML Outdoor	1:30:00 AM

Dead Earth Politics	TRF Outdoor 1	4:00:00 PM
Clinched Fist	TRF Outdoor 1	5:00:00 PM
The Spines	TRF Outdoor 1	6:00:00 PM
Snake Skin Prison	TRF Outdoor 1	7:00:00 PM
Quartershackle	TRF Outdoor 1	8:00:00 PM
Kritickill	TRF Outdoor 1	9:00:00 PM
The Luchagors	TRF Outdoor 1	10:00:00 PM
Powderburn	TRF Outdoor 1	11:00:00 PM
Pimpadelic	TRF Outdoor 1	12:00:00 AM
Krash Karma	TRF Outdoor 1	1:00:00 AM

Dead Earth Politics	TRF Outdoor 2	4:30:00 PM
Five Dollar Friend	TRF Outdoor 2	5:30:00 PM
The Noise FM	TRF Outdoor 2	6:30:00 PM
Dawn Over Zero	TRF Outdoor 2	7:30:00 PM
Seventh From Adam	TRF Outdoor 2	8:30:00 PM
Carbide	TRF Outdoor 2	9:30:00 PM
Mike Truth and the Replacement Killers	TRF Outdoor 2	10:30:00 PM
One Seed	TRF Outdoor 2	11:30:00 PM
Ignitor	TRF Outdoor 2	12:30:00 AM
The New Professionals	TRF Outdoor 2	1:30:00 AM

Schedule provided by TexasRockfest.com, visit us for updated information.

Save Austin Music Launches PSA - Party

Do you know about Save Austin Music?
It's a pretty interesting group.

Click on one of these photos to read more.






(Press Release)
Save Austin Music launches Public Service Announcement Campaign with movie-style Premiere Gala Fundraiser

DATE: Friday October 17th 7-11pm (doors at 6pm)
LOCATION: One World Theatre
(7701 Bee Caves Rd Austin, TX 78746 512-330-9500)
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: SaveAustinMusic.com


Austin, TX
Save Austin Music, the grassroots Austin music organization will launch its Austin Music: You’re Invited Public Service Announcement Campaign by hosting a Hollywood-style movie premiere on Friday October 17th at the One World Theatre, just 10 minutes from downtown Austin.

The PSA spots will urge Austinites to “see one Austin band each month” and will be highly visible in Central Texas media outlets from television and radio to print, as well as on the internet. The premiere gala’s audience will get the first look at the PSA on video screens placed throughout the venue between performances by the night’s 6 musical acts.

The PSA campaign, featuring prominent Austin musicians like Ray Benson, Marcia Ball, Gary Clark Jr, Ruben Ramos, and others, will be placed for free with most media outlets, but the organization is raising funds to increase the frequency of ads and duration of the campaign to one year. Save Austin Music plans to raise enough money over the next year to place $5-10k each month in advertising buys.

"This is an opportunity for Austin’s music, political, and business
communities to come together as we open the curtain on a new day for Austin
music," said Save Austin Music founder Troy Dillinger. "In just 9 months we’ve planted roots for a revival of Austin’s most precious local resource and our effort becomes official this night.” He added, “even though the economy is causing more difficulties outside of Austin than in, this event is an opportunity for us all to rally around a new period of creative and economic growth within our city."

The event, which will feature free food & beverages provided by local establishments, a silent auction featuring items from local businesses, and live music by some of Austin’s finest talent, will kick off at 6pm under the reception plaza tent, featuring live music from Austin’s own John Pointer.

More music will take place in the main room of the One World Theatre, and a video simulcast will show throughout the venue as well. SAM founder Troy Dillinger will take the stage with his band at 7pm, followed by Neckbone, Dan Dyer, and Nakia with His Southern Cousins hosting an all-star jam to close the night.

Celebrity guest presenters will include members of Austin’s Live Music Task Force, with more to be announced next week. The event’s sponsors so far include One World Theatre, Tito’s Vodka, Amplify Credit Union, Do512.com, Austin.com, Motorblade Postering and Threadgills. More sponsors will be announced later this week.

The Public Service Announcement was created by a team of volunteers which included director Lee Daniel (Slacker, Dazed and Confused, Fast Food Nation), Scott Conn (Dirt Road to Psychadelia), and collaborative efforts from Blitzkrieg Media and Wolfpack Film Group. Appearing in the PSA are Austin Mayor Will Wynn, Asleep At The Wheel’s Ray Benson, Ian MacLagan (The Faces, Rolling Stones), Tommy Shannon (Double Trouble), Rapid Ric the Mixtape Mechanic, Marcia Ball, Ruben Ramos, Carolyn Wonderland, Gary Clark Jr., James McMurtry, Cindy Cashdollar, Jason McMaster, Rosie Flores, John Pointer, and Ter’ell Shahid.
10% of all money raised by Save Austin Music will be donated to Austin music charities and the rest will be used to fund the PSA Campaign’s media buys. Ticket prices will be $35 for general admission, $20 for working musicians, and VIP packages for 4 will be $350 and will include a gift package. Tickets are available at SaveAustinMusic.com.

2008 Claiborne Kyle Log House Fried Chicken Dinner

It's time once again for the Claiborne Kyle Log House Fried Chicken Dinner!

FRIED CHICKEN AND ENTERTAINMENT



Entertainment:
Cliff Caskey
Del David

Where:
2400 S. Old Stagecoach Road
County Road 136, South of Kyle

When:
Saturday, September 27, 2008
11:00a.m. - 2:00p.m.

Cost (for the chicken dinner):
$7.00 Adults
Under 12 - $4.00




What is the Claiborne Kyle Log House?
"In 1844 Claiborne and Lucy Kyle moved to Texas where they built this house in 1850, a massive log home overlooking the Blanco River built of cedar logs. The four pen linear dog trot house has four rooms, each about 16 feet square. The home has been restored and refurnished, and is listed on the National Register." - http://www.ohwy.com/tx/c/clkyloho.htm

Inflamed Birthmark and The Flaming Lips

Yesterday was one of those days that reminded me I was a parent. Not that I forget that I have two amazing kiddos, but as things go... I like to concentrate on the positive things about parenting. Jamming with Marlee (4) to the Rockland Eagles, watching Harper (1) careen into people like one of the cars when we were at the Spicewood Demolition Derby, and the many kisses and hugs I receive each day.

But yesterday was one of those "hard" parenting days. Those who know Mar Mar are probably aware that she has had a bump on her leg since birth. We always referred to it as her "birthmark" and over the years we've had doctors look at it... and nobody seemed concerned about it. It would get bigger... and smaller... and sometimes hurt... but most times it wouldn't bother her at all.

We tried to have it removed about a year ago, but Mar Mar wasn't having any of it (the story goes that 3 nurses, 1 doctor and my wife couldn't hold her down), so it remained. Well, recently it grew to about the size of a nickle.. and became a shiny black/brown/gray. It was bothering her, so we decided it was time for it to be removed. The dermatologist that we'd visited before didn't have an immediate appointment available so my wife made an appointment at the new Vitalogy Skin Care in San Marcos for Mar Mar.

Very, Very impressed. We walked in and there was a really comfortable office space... big chairs, a table... only a couple magazines, and the best thing... FREE DRINKS AND SNACKS. OK... not the best thing.. but free stuff is way up there.

Actually... the best thing was the fact that the doctor, Dr. Eric Adelman was a goofy, goofy man. Which was extremely good for the 4 year old on the table who was amazingly afraid. He also did a fantastic job talking to me and Jodie outside the door when he explained what was going on.

Something that isn't the norm for doctors, it seems. Bedside manner. I understand it isn't something that you learn in med school. Well.. Dr. Adelman has it down. He's also a Mohs micrographic surgeon, for what that's worth (we certainly hope we never have to use that service...or you either).

He walked into the room, the conversation went something like this:

Dr. Adelman: Hey.. WHOA WHAT'S THAT?
Mar Mar: My birthmark
Dr. Adelman: DUDE... that's neat. I need to have that.
Mar Mar: I want to keep it.
Dr. Adelman: No way, I'm totally taking that.
Mar Mar: ...
Dr. Adelman: You know what? I'm going to draw on it.
Mar Mar: *laughs*

It went on like that for a few minutes. Mar Mar was really scared, but I'm so proud at how brave she was. The assistants were awesome too... talking about their kids and making sure Mar Mar was as comfortable as possible. She even got a doughnut and a lemonade (remember... free snacks). After the operation Mar Mar got to pick between pink or purple sticky-gauze stuff to put on her leg.

The "cutting" itself is another matter... there's about $.25 hole in her leg where the "birthmark" used to be.. and we've yet to unwrap the bandage to take a look. I guess we better call the office there to find out just how to treat it (something Jodie probably already has done... I write blogs.. she actually finds out information).

The time the doctor walked in and the operation was done was only about 30 minutes.

Oh...Another reason I decided to write this... well... when Dr. Adelman walked in, I thought it was Wayne Coyne, the lead singer of The Flaming Lips.

Let me give you a visual... The Flaming Lips photo is by

Flaming Lips Press Photo by J. Michelle Martin
This is a press photo of The Flaming Lips by J. Michelle Martin (linked from the Flaming Lips Website)

This is a photo I found on newstreamz.com of the grand opening of Vitalogy Skin Care from August 2008.
Can you find the Doctor I speak of?




Awesome... eh?

So... thanks Dr. Adelman and the fine folks at Vitalogy Skin Care in San Marcos for making a very scary experience... not so scary.

We will hear back soon what the results of the birthmark's biopsy... so if you could do us a solid and say a few words of prayer for Marlee and us... it'd be appreciated.

Milt's BBQ in Kyle - Friday's is for Live Music

You'll come for the music.. ang you'll stay for the BBQ....
OR.. if you've been there before... you'll come for the BBQ.. and stay for the music.

Milt's Pit BBQ
905 North Old Highway 81,
Kyle, TX 78640

Friday's in September Music Line-up
9-5-08 - Jay Yarbro and Friends, 7-10 pm

9-12-08 - Chris Brown and Friends, 7-10 pm

9-19-08 - Aces over Eights, 7-10 pm

9-26-08 - Cody Lawson Band, 7-10 pm

Kitchen is open until 9 pm. BYOB Call 512-268-4734 for more info.

Dr. Danny Rouch Medical Fund Benefit

Dr. Rouch is my doctor. On May 23, 2008 he sustained a head injury and has been hospitalized ever since. The community has gotten together and is holding a benefit to help pay for his Rehab. I received the below information in an e-mail. Thought I'd pass it along. You can read more about his accident and condition in this story from the Hays Free Press.
---
Dr. Danny Rouch sustained a severe head injury in May and remains hospitalized. This benefit is to raise funds needed to pay for the high cost of rehabilitation. All
funds raised will be used to defray medical/ rehab costs.

Sunday August 24, 2008
1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Painted Horse Pavilion
FM 1626 Buda, Texas

Please join us for BBQ, Music, Auction and Fellowship

BBQ plate tickets = $6.00
Music only tickets = $5.00
Combo tickets = $10.00

Monetary donations may also be made directly at any Wells Fargo Bank to the
Dr. Daniel R. Rouch Benefit Donation Fund or online at www.DrRouch.net

Auction tems may also be donated.

Auction item collection station:
Dr. Bob Rosebrock
Rosebrock Vet Clinic
2325 FM 967 Buda
Office: 312-0701
Cell: 771-4647

Vacation Bible School 8/11 - 15 in Kyle, TX

GOD'S BIG BACKYARD IN KYLE, TEXAS
KUMC VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Outdoor adventure, fun backyard games, crafts, snacks, and music are just outside your back door. GOD'S BIG BACKYARD is the theme for this year's Vacation Bible School at Kyle United Methodist Church (408 W Lockhart Street, Kyle, TX 78640). VBS will be held on August 11 - 15, 2008 from 9:00a.m. - 12noon.

Invited are all children (Kindergarten [potty trained] through the 5th grade) in the area. Parents, bring your children, bring their friends, and come ready for an amazing time as we explore God's Big Backyard! Call 512-268-2331 for more details.

Thank you and God Bless!

------


Kyle United Methodist Church
408 W Lockhart St
Kyle, TX 78640
(512) 268-2331

http://www.kyleumc.com/
kumc@austin.rr.com

Kyle United Methodist Church invites you to regular Sunday services at 8:30 and 11:00a.m. and holds dinner and a bible study Wednesdays at 6:00p.m. Pastor: Harold Dailey