Week 1: Gig Promo Posters

Posters and Handbills ARE Important

(This is Week 1 of my Fifty-Two Weeks of Music Do-It-Yourself advice)

By Sean Claes

The Set Up: Let’s assume you have booked a show… since you are a band. So… next step is promoting said show. We’re going to call this one “Old School” promotion.

A 1990 Poster designed by Christa Nelson
promoting a high school band Nelson was in.

Poster – Get one done

Even if it’s a 8.5” x 11” pencil drawn flier on college-ruled notebook paper ripped carelessly out of the wire binder that says who you are and where you’re playing… that’s more than 80% of the bands out there are doing.

Now… I don’t recommend doing your promotional poster that way.

There are many poster designers in the Austin area (or online) that would be happy to design your poster for a nominal fee. I think the going rate is about $50 for a decent artist. Of course if you want to go with a poster artist who wins awards… you’re going to pay more. Money buys quality. Here's a couple of October shows that have professional graphics.

But, if you’re like most bands you’ve got a slim budget. DIY design is pretty easy as long as you get someone with a computer and a little bit of knowledge.  Like I said, it doesn’t have to be beautiful or amazing… but it SHOULD inform someone about your show and perhaps even get them to consider going (Look at the end of this entry to see some posters I've done in the past).

Information to make sure you put on your poster:

-       Name of bands playing (make sure the headliner stands out)

-       Date of show (Include FRIDAY or TUESDAY)

-       Time of show (doors open at … each band goes on at…)

-       Name AND address of venue

-       Price to get in.

-       18+ or 21+ venue?

Information to think about for poster:

-       Discount for mentioning poster

-       Group discount ($5 a person, groups of 5 or more are $3)

-       Providing a really striking image for poster

-       Website to visit

-       Free download/album for visiting site

Remember… this is a poster that people are going to look at in passing. Most people who look at it wont spend more than a few seconds on it… so please make sure the most important things STAND OUT. Namely the date, venue, and bands.

Printing and Distributing

OK.. you’ve created a poster. It does the job and it’s sitting on your computer. Next step.. find a printer and make copies for distribution.

1.    What to get:

a.     Posters for the venue (usually a venue will take 5-6 posters. If it’s an out-of-town venue, you can mail them the posters and as a bonus send them a roll of tape. That will  pretty much guarantee 2 things.. they will hang your posters and once you arrive they’ll remember you fondly. I say print 50-100 posters for your show.

b.     Handbills will be for every member of the band to hand out anytime they go out (handbills are pretty much printed 4-per letter-sized page. The bonus with handbills is you’ve got 2 sides… so you can put MORE information on it… or a promotion (bring this handbill in for $2 of cover).  Print 100 pages (which is 400 handbills).

2.    What to do with them:

a.     Posters: as many as you print… that's as many as you should hang up. There is a service in Austin that I’ve used the past to hang up posters for me (Motorblade) and they have a method for hanging up your poster to the 100+ places in Austin they have distinguished as legal to place posters.If you've got the cash to spend... I'd recommend them.

With some work and time you can find these places yourself if you don’t care to hire a company to do it for you. With about 4 bands on a bill that gives you about 12-20 people who should be promoting. Split the city up and let each person/band take care of a section.

b.     Handbills: Get these done about 3 weeks before a show and every time you go out.. you should be dropping a few off or handing these out. In Austin walk down 6th Street or Red River and give ‘em away. If you go to touring show that is in a similar genre as yours.. hand them out as people walk in or out. Note: Unless your show is also at that venue it’s not good taste to hand them out inside (if your show is at Red Eyed Fly don’t hand out fliers at Stubb’s and vice versa).

3.    Need a little help?

This could be a good place to employ some of your fans as a “street team.” I’m personally not big into street teams because it’s just making people who are your fans work for you for free.  BUT.. there are plenty of willing folks to serve as a street team member… so if you feel OK doing it.. go ahead. It is a cheap way to get the word out for your band / show.

Next week I’ll talk about some of the online options for promotion. But I want to stress… physical posters and face-to-face handing out of handbills to fans is HUGE.

Sean Claes is the owner of Austin's INsite Magazine and has been a freelance entertainment writer since 1996. For an introduction to his "52 Weeks of DIY Music Advice" visit this link - http://www.tinyurl.com/Claes52DIY. If you like what you read... please share. To visit Claes' homepage, go here - http://www.seanclaes.com/.

Here's a few examples of posters I did myself.

My 35th Birthday Bash
Yes.. I took my own photo.

A 2007 INsite Night Ad I created.
The rock can be found on the corner of
FM1626 & FM967 at a gas station in Buda.

Fifty-Two Weeks of Music Do-It-Yourself advice

52 Weeks of Music DIY Advice

The link to each week is below. To learn about the project read under the sexy photo of me.

Week 1: Posters and Handbills (9/24/10)

Week 2: Social Media (10/1/10)
Week 3: Merchandise (10/8/10)
Week 4: Publicity (10/14/10)
Week 5: How To Write a Press Release (10/21/10)
Week 6: How To Release Your Music: Part 1 of 3 (10/28/10)
Week 7: How To Release Your Music: Part 2 of 3 (11/4/10)
Week 8: How To Release Your Music: Part 3 of 3 (11/11/10)
Week 9: The Rock Star Treatment (11/18/10)
Week 10: What's The Point? (11/25/10)
Week 11: Keep It In Your Pants (12/2/10)
Week 12: Where's Your Glass Ceiling? (12/9/10)
Week 13: Basic Ground Rules (12/16/10)
Week 14: It's Christmas - Comic Time (12/25/10)
Week 15: Steps to Advertise on Radio (12/30/10)
Week 16: Who's Talking? (1/6/11)
Week 17: Be A Gracious Host (1/13/11)
Week 18: Who's Voting? (1/20/11)
Week 19: Come To My Show... Please? (1/27/11)
Week 20: Entertain or Perish (2/3/11)
Week 21: DIY Poster Child: One Eyed Doll (2/10/11)
Week 22: Promotions One Oh One (2/17/11)
Week 23: Check Your Music (2/24/11)
Week 24: The Hustle (3/4/11)
Week 25: Reviewing the Role of a Reviewer (3/10/11)
Week 26: The Banter (3/17/11)
Week 27: Keep It Real (3/24/11)
Week 28: Interviewing 101 (3/31/11)
Week 29: Notes From The Cubicle (4/8/11)
Week 30: Standing Out (4/14/11)
Week 31: Playing Festivals (4/26/11)
Week 32: What Are You Wearing? (5/4/11)
Week 33: Tell The Truth (5/17/11)
Week 34: The Average Lifespan of a Band (5/24/11)
Week 35: What's The Big Idea? (6/6/11)
Week 36: How NOT to Treat Fans (6/16/11)
Week 37: It's A Job (6/23/11)
Week 38: Five Ways to Brand Your Band (6/30/11)
Week 39: What Goes Around... (7/8/11)
Week 40: Wasted Potential (7/14/11)
Week 41: Standing Out or Outstanding? (7/21/11)
Week 42: Know Where You're Headed (7/28/11)
Week 43: What's In A Name? (8/4/11)
Week 44: Treat People Right (8/12/11)
Week 45: Promote From Your Phone (8/19/11)
Week 46: The Plan (8/29/11)
Week 47: Ian Moore (9/6/11)
Week 48: Which Comes First? (9/23/11)
Week 49: Your Stage Self (10/13/11)
Week 50: Are YOU in THEIR Life? (12/2/11)
Week 51: To Play Free or Not To Play Free (12/29/11)
Week 52: Bands As Retail Stores (1/5/12)

----



Sean Claes



Earlier this month I completed my first personal weekly challenge, I reviewed 52 Austin-Based CDs in 52 Weeks. When I finished that, I took a little time-out. Then I thought about my next challenge. What if I do a weekly blog for a year that gives advice to do-it-yourself bands out there? I've been on both sides of this one.

As a magazine editor and owner I have been on the receiving end of promotional attempts by indie bands who don't have a label or publicity firm driving their promotions. There are a few out there that do it really well. They promote themselves online, via e-mail, they call, I see their promo out there, and I see the results at their shows. On the other hand there is a vast majority that don't. They either don't know what to do, who to reach out to, or just flat don't care to promote themselves... and I see the results at their shows as well.

As a freelance writer and promoter I've also been on the "sending end" of the table. I realize how hard it is to promote a band, project, show, or music release. I've learned something along the way there as well.

So, take a deep breath and let's see how this goes. Welcome to my new challenge, Fifty-Two Weeks of Music Do-It-Yourself advice. Admittedly this is a challenge that will likely help DIY bands more than the average reader... but I think you may be entertained even if you aren't in a band. Let's see.

As I did with my last one, I'll post a link to each week via this page so they'll all be in one nice tidy spot. I hope you enjoy the journey and learn a little bit in the process.

This is a hand's on blog... your comments are appreciated.

Let's go for a ride together.

Thanks to Austin's Annie Ray for taking this shot of me at ACL 2009.

September 21 is HAAM Benefit Day in Austin

Next Tuesday, September 21 many Austin restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds and musicians will donate their time and talent for the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians. It's the annual HAAM Benefit Day. 

"HAAM Benefit Day is a uniquely Austin event where businesses donate 5% of the day's proceeds to HAAM to support musicians' health. Musicians, most of whom are HAAM members, perform throughout the day at retail stores, outside stages, City Hall and more. The event runs from 6am to well past midnight and community members are invited to shop, eat out, listen to great live music and enjoy! See this year's music schedule." - (From myhaam.org)

I attempt to make it out and support this every year. The first year I was able to sit on the Gibson bus as it stopped at several great restaurants to see some awesome bands. Last year I hit up several live performances and eat at one of the supporting businesses.  This year I'm planning on spending my lunch hour watching either Dave Madden at Romeo's at 12:30 or Reckless Kelley at Whole Foods (12:00). If you're a one location person.. the morning seems to be hoppin' at Whole Foods and the evening shows are going to be awesome at both Threadgill's and Headhunters (depending on your chosen style of music).

If you're looking for a few "to sees" don't worry... I've waded through the 141 live performances and listed some of the ones I'd recommend. I've even put links to some of the CD Reviews/Interviews/Video I've taken of some of these artists. 

To see a full schedule click here.

8:00a - Dan Dyer - Whole Foods (525 N. Lamar)

9:00a - Sara Hickman - Whole Foods

11:30a - Paul Finley - Time Warner Cable (730 W. Stassney) (YouTube Video)

12:00n - Reckless Kelly - Whole Foods

12:30p - Dave Madden - Romeo's (1500 Barton Springs Rd) (CD Review)

1:00p - Bruce James - Neiman Marcus (The Domain)

or

1:00p - Ray Wylie Hubbard - Whole Foods (2010 Interview / CD Review)

4:30p - Guy Forsyth - GSD&M Idea City (828 W. 6th) (2004 Interview / CD Review)

4:45p - Colin Gilmore - Phil's Icehouse (5620 Burnet Road) (CD Review)

5:00p - Deadman - Waterloo Records (600 N. Lamar) (CD Review)

or

5:00p - Slim Richey - Lambert's Downtown Barbeque (401 W. 2nd)

5:30p - Malford Milligan & Jeff Plankenhorn - Whole Foods

5:45p - Nakia - Romeo's - 1500 Barton Springs Road

6:00p - Billy Dee - 26 Doors Shopping Center (1206 W. 38th) (Video)

or

6:00p - Shapes Have Fangs - Antone's Record Shop (2928 Guadalupe)

or

6:00p - Brennen Leigh - Evangeline Café (8106 Brodie)

7:00p - David Garza, Ruby Jane, and Arum Rae - Hotel San Jose (1300 S. Congress)

or

7:00p - Rosie Flores, Bob Livingston, Greezy Wheels and more - Threadgill's South (301 Riverside)

7:15 - Michael Fracasso - Romeo's (video)

7:30 - Nathan Hamilton - Gueros (1412 S. Congress)

7:45 - Redd Volkaert - Romeo's

8:00 - Subrosa Union - Encore Records (1745 W. Anderson)

8:30 - Adrian and the Sickness - Headhunters (720 Red River) (CD Review)

9:00 - Honky - Headhunters

10:00p - Killa Maul - Headhunters

11:00p - Milkdrive - Continental Club (1315 S. Congress)

12:30 - Street Light Suzie - Headhunters

Here are some photos I took at last year's event:

Billy Dee at the Time Warner Cable office

Uncle Lucius at GSD&M Idea City

Patricia Vonne at Whole Foods

A "HAAMbassador" poses with Graham Weber at Thundercloud Subs

Here's Patricia Vonne performing "Guitars and Castanets" at Whole Foods during the 2009 HAAM Benefit Day.

Week 52: Deadman - Live At The Saxon Pub

(This is week 52 of my 52 Austin CD Reviews in 52 Weeks Project)   

“I hear that train a'comin' down the line
She's carrying music and some old friends of mine.
And when they get here, we're a'gonna let loose

Gonna play about midnight, you can come if you choose.” – Don’t Do This To Me

Deadman

Live At The Saxon Pub

Gonzolandia Records

It is no mistake that the Deadman CD Release celebration for their Live At The Saxon Pub this past August 20-22 was called a “revival,” as the band comes off like an alt-country choir with Steven Collins fronting the 6-piece praise band.

As the title suggests, this album was recorded while performing at Austin’s Saxon Pub, where the band seems to have a solid Tuesday night residency. The dozen Collins-penned tracks that are captured on this album are beautifully performed.

The songs contained within this release are a collection of tracks from previous albums 2001’s Cuatro Canciones  and Paramour, 2005’s Our Eternal Ghosts, and 2008’s Severe Mercy. It also includes a few tracks from the soon-to-be-released Take Up Your Mat And Walk.

Gospels like “If I Lay Down By The River” and “Mankind” play nicely with the whiskey-soaked lost love grooves of “Adios Mi Corazon” and “Ain’t No Music.” Meanwhile the storytelling of “Brother John” and “Oh Delilah” add another layer to the tunes.

My favorite song on this album is the ballad “When The Music’s Not Forgotten.” It hit me deeply in a personal way. You see, recently I went on a spiritual retreat called a “Walk To Emmaus” and I finally understood that is meant by God’s grace. So, the following lyrics really hit home. “If we stand on a hill and do not touch / How can we do good? / If we wash our hands of all our friends / What change can really come? / If we hide our fears and don't draw near / Have we really lived? / Or are we all just standing here / Hoping there is grace?” As a small bit of trivia, I learned this track was actually used on Seasons 1 and 3 of the hit  CBS show Criminal Minds.

I believe there was a little divine hand in the fact that this CD is my last one of my 52 Austin CD Reviews in 52 Weeks project. It really typifies the journey I’ve gone through personally, socially, and spiritually in these last 12 months. But putting me aside, Deadman Live At The Saxon Pub is a must-listen to music lovers of any kind. 

The album is available for purchase at shows and online at Gonzolandia Records. They play Austin tonight 9/9 at the Continental Club, 9/14 at Saxon Pub and have an in-store at Waterloo Records on 9/21 at 5:00p and play a H.A.A.M. benefit shot at Saxon Pub that evening.

Also, there’s a free studio version of “Don’t Do This To Me” on the band’s Bandcamp. So… there’s many options for you to catch Deadman live or, for those who don’t happen to live within touring distance, online.

Deadman is: Collins (vocal/guitar), Kevin McCollough (guitar), Jacob Hindebrand (guitar), Kyle Schneider (drums), Matthew Mollica (Hammond B3 organ), and Lonnie Treviño Jr (bass). Find them online at http://www.deadmanonline.com/

Week 51: Tin Can Phone - Tin Can Phone EP

(This is week 51 of my 52 Austin CD Reviews in 52 Weeks Project)  

“But as we walk along the path of life

Each experience is significant and that is why

I’m dying to tell you the things I’ve learned” - Zero

Tin Can Phone

Tin Can Phone

Thanks to Greg “Phive” Cooper, I’ve been introduced to some really good local reggae bands in the last year. One of those is Austin’s Tin Can Phone (TCP).  The released an EP in October 2009 that finally made it into my hands last month.

This EP is equal parts rock and reggae. Songs like “Murder” and “Snake Eyes” bring the pop-rock offering to the table. “Fell Off,” “Hardly Care,” and “Zero” bring the Reggae feel. The sound TCP harnesses is a laid-back one that has a Sublime meets Jack Johnson feel to it.

“Murder” kicks the album off strong with a sweet Josh Nicholson supplied guitar-riff. Next up is the summeresque feel of “Fell Off.” Then the reggae-infused jam “Hardly Care” comes next with a creeping rhythm.

My favorite track, “Snake Eyes” is a rocker with a building groove that seems to layer as the song progresses. “They say that lightning won’t strike the same place twice / But don’t you know that every time I roll the dice I get snake eyes.”

“Zero” ends the EP on a high point. It’s got a feel that reminds me of “Smoke Two Joints,” the original version by The Toyes more than the Sublime cover).

Vocally, Matt Rusin commands the mic and delivers his message in a conversational style.. almost at a whisper at times. The rhythm is supplied nicely by Tyler Rusin (bass) and Bert Mesa (drums).

Tin Can Phone is playing this Monday (Labor Day) at 2:00p.m. in San Marcos, Texas at the San Marcos River Reggae Festival. Also on the bill for this show is The Original Wailers, The Movement, Full Service, Ashes of Babylon Carlton Pride & Zion, and Chris Boomer. For tickets (just $10).. visit http://riverreggae.eventbrite.com/

For more information about Tin Can Phone, visit http://www.tincanphone.net. You can also download an "unoffical album" called Fifteen Songs for free here.

Week 50b: Emily Shirley - Tiny Truths

(This is week 50b of my 52 Austin CD Reviews in 52 Weeks Project)  

“I have moments of brilliance / But they’re rare
Easier to shine / When you’re standing there.

Come on honey / Take me away
Let me show you / How I like to play.”
- Earnest

Emily Shirley

Tiny Truths

In the online bio that Emily Shirley has up on CD Baby she explains the reason she is a musician. “I write songs because I don't have a choice. It's a necessary form of creative expression that I'm passionate about - and it's brought about tremendous connection throughout the course of my life and career.”

Her Tiny Truths EP was released in July 2010 and thank God she has no choice to write songs, because the five songs she performs on this record is a wonderful addition to the great song of life.

She has passion. She writes with conviction. She delivers with a Meredith Brooks /Alanis Morissette / Nelly McKay vibe. On the initial track, “Flowers” she paints a picture about life using the analogy of a person who’s the anti-green thumb (I can relate).  She continues with the laid-back style of “Taking The Sun” and the brilliant “Earnest.”

My favorite track is the tongue-in-cheek “Blueberry Song” which is a crawlingly poppy song that almost sounds like a theatrical performance piece with a mandolin rhythm. She wrote the song for her daughter before she was much bigger than a blueberry. “I am a great sleeper / Oh how I wish it were a sport. Oh, Oh. I am a great sleeper / And my bed it is the court. Oh Oh.”

The echoing sounds of “Quiet Hours” completes Tiny Truths.

One thing of note that isn’t music related is the beautiful album art. For me it became even more impressive when I learned Shirley designed it herself. Apparently in addition to being a powerful singer and songwriter she is an accomplished graphic designer. 

I was not able to find out where she plays next, but I hope to check her out live at some point. Keep tabs on her at http://www.emilyshirley.com/.

Week 50a: Woolgather - Disenchantment EP

(This is week 50a of my 52 Austin CD Reviews in 52 Weeks Project) 

“Now I’ve said too much / You’re wearing your soul like a burden.” – Per Se

Woolgather

Disenchantment EP

What’s in a name? Woolgather. I had to see what that meant. After a bit of help from my friend “Mr. Google” I learned that the term refers to the act of idle daydreaming.

Not a bad name for a band who has a progressive rock sound akin to Evanescence and a vocalist that reminds me of Maynard James Keenan (Tool).  The band is much more raw than those examples, though.

The three tracks that make up the Disenchantment EP are a nice introduction to the band. Upon writing this I realized that this is actually a 2007 release and they have since released a full-length in Nov 2009 (Programmes, Vol. I - The Pleasure Principle) and plan on releasing a new album entitled Programmes: Vol. II - The Reality Principle at some point in the near future.

So… why am I reviewing this?  Well… a few months ago I was encountering another late night on Red River in Austin and I popped into the Red Eyed Fly for last call and to see how the night turned out. I met one of the members of Woolgather and he handed me this EP.

The EP is a sonic adventure that flows with a kind of ambient and haunting feel throughout. It’s a three-song 26-minute effort as the shortest song comes in close to nine minutes. “Kite” kicks things off with a Heart “Baracuda” baseline backing up a crawling Alice In Chains vocal delivery (think “Rooster”).  “Shuttle” keeps the rhythm going with a soft electric guitar flow.  The final track “Per Se” completes the three-song journey. 

Now that I do some research, I find their 2009 release Programmes, Vol. I - The Pleasure Principle is available as a free download at http://www.gimmesound.com/Woolgather/.  Find them online at http://woolgatherband.com/ or Facebook or MySpace.

HAAM & AAMP Founder, Aaron Williams Passes Away

(Press Release from Austin Art & Music Partnership)

HAAM & AAMP Founder, Aaron Williams Passes Away

Memorial Celebration, August 14^th, 2pm

AUSTIN, TX, August 10, 2010 ­— The Austin Art & Music Partnership (AAMP) is sad to report the death of Aaron S. Williams, co-founder and Director of the Austin Art and Music Partnership, who died last week at his home in South Austin.  A memorial celebration of his life is scheduled to be held on August 14^th, 2010 at 2:00p.m. at the Austin Art & Music Partnership (AAMP) Creative Space, 411 W. Monroe Street, downtown Austin, TX. 

For the past fifteen years, Aaron worked quietly behind the scenes to help untold numbers of artists and musicians secure support and services to make their lives and their community better.  As the founding architect of HAAM (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians), Aaron designed the organization structure that has since become one of the most successful and prominent non-profit organizations in Austin, including the SIMS foundation for mental health.  This ongoing dedication to the art and music community eventually became the mission of the Austin Art & Music Partnership (AAMP) —  a home for the creative class in Austin to come, work, heal and be. 

In other areas, Aaron was an inventor receiving a patent on a product that turns packaging waste into environmentally friendly building products.  He was a master at finding unused resources in areas where others never looked and using those newfound resources to build a better world.   He truly believed that if we worked together, and used our best talents, we could accomplish anything.  Family spokesperson, Truitt Ray, said of Aaron, “Generous and complex, Aaron was a vital man and singular individual.  We are stunned and fundamentally shaken by our loss.“

Aaron’s absence will be deeply felt throughout the community, and friends are asked to band together to ensure Aaron’s  “Vision” and the continued success of AAMP.  Donations to AAMP (www.austinamp.org) are encouraged.

About AAMP

Founded in 2008 by Peyton Wimmer and Aaron Williams of the SIMS Foundation, Austin Art + Music Partnership (AAM) is member of the great family of non-profits at the Austin Community foundation focused on supporting local artists.  Through a variety of programs, AAMP provide space and resources for artists to work (art space, workshop space for painting, sculpting, music and plays, etc.) in a comfortable, nurturing environment located in the South 1st Street area of Austin.  In addition, AAMP is in the process of raising funds for a free dental clinic for Austin residents and hopes to break ground in mid-late 2011.

Week 49: Bobby Bookout - Bobby Bookout

(This is week 49 of my 52 Austin CD Reviews in 52 Weeks Project)

“I can’t forget
And forgiveness has yet
to come to the forefront
of my thought process.” – Broken Promises

Bobby Bookout

Bobby Bookout

Let me get your first question out of the way. Yes. Bobby Bookout is his real name (well... it’s Robert). Bookout is a powerhouse of a singer. He’s got a Jason Mraz-meets-Maroon 5 voice that is easy to listen to. He’s also assembled some great players talent to perform on his self-titled debut release. Folks I’m familiar with like Jose Galeano (Grupo Fantasma), Brannen Temple, Chris Maresh, Keenan LeVick and Kasi Painter to name a few.

Bookout is also no slouch at writing. He penned the bulk of the songs and they are as complex lyrically as the wonderful music each track features. And each of the 14 tracks on this release has a unique feel from ballad to blues from acoustic to electric. Perfect to showcase his vocals.

The first three tracks seem to set the pace for the album. Each is a big musical departure. The album kicks off with the U2esque “Never Say Goodnight” then kicks into “Remedy,” a song that reminds me of “Smooth” (the Santana/Rob Thomas song).  Third up is the stripped down acoustic heartbreak ballad “Meant To Be.”   

Bookout gives a shoutout to the town he’s called home since 2007 in “Austin.” He plays with loops and layers with the rocker “The Best Is Yet To Come.” “Tanjentz” is a mid-paced bluesy jam about love that strikes like a match. Songs like “Broken Promises” and “Last Words” are slow ballads that remind me of Austin’s The Will Evans Project.

Although each song seems to flow in a different direction, it is apparent that it all comes from the same source. Bookout has delivered a mighty good hour-long listen in this debut.

And this album has been a long time coming for Bookout. He spent about a decade in the military (listen to “Guns Drawn” for a bit on that), a few years getting a commercial music degree, and at least 3 years working on the recording of this album. His patience pays off here. This is a really good first effort.

He held his CD release party at The Dirty Dog in Austin on June 13. I have yet to catch him live, but I am checking my calendar to see when I’ll be able to do so.

Looks like the next opportunity to catch him live is on Friday August 20 at One-2-One Bar. For more information about Bobby Bookout, visit his Website - http://www.bobbybookout.com/

Week 48: 3 Kisses - Lethal Love Addiction

(This is week 48 of my 52 Austin CD Reviews in 52 Weeks Project) 

“Stop playing it safe.
Back down your guard.
Turn your labor of love
into a work of art.”
- Work of Art

3 Kisses

Lethal Love Addiction

Rat Pak Records

The tunes that Austin area band 3 Kisses produces has been billed as “Texas Party Punk.” That’s fairly accurate. The music has got the punk chugga-chugga beat, lead vocalist Tish Meeks has a sweet raspy-but-feminine rocker voice, and lyrics are simple and easy for everyman (or everywoman) to relate.

Those who are fans of ABC’s “Wife Swap” (where wives trade families who have polar-opposite lifestyles for an interesting experiment and television fun) may know the band and/or husband and wife Tish and Tony Meeks from being on the show in 2007.  After “Wife Swap” they released American Breakdown in 2009 (a great listen by the way). It included a great cover of Joan Jett’s “I Hate Myself For Loving You.”  Meeks has the perfect “Joan Jettesque” voice to pull it off too.

Lethal Love Addiction is the first release since Tony left the band and Tish became single again and many of the songs seem to reflect the emotional roller coaster she’s gone through in this time. I’ve got to say, a pissed-off emotional Meeks makes for some really good music.

The material-things-don’t-matter song “All That Matters Is Love” kicks the album off. The title track says it all when she belts out “I hate to love you just as much as you love to hate me.” She brings the slap down with a “POW POW” in “Feel The Hammer.” Anyone who’s experienced someone who just won’t leave them alone will appreciate “Psycho Stalker.” She strips all the anger away and shakes her hips a little in the fun feminanthem “Girls Night.” She slows things up with the hopeful “The Last Time.”

My personal favorite track is “Fly Away.” It’s one of the fed up with relationships songs. She belts out “I thought I loved you but I don’t need you. And I can’t stand you. I’m gonna leave you and fly away.”

The album ends on a somber note with “Work Of Art,” a keys-driven track that makes the case for the possibility of love becoming a reality again.

3 Kisses pounds through 16 tracks in an hour of music for Lethal Love Addiction and it’s a really fun listen. It really takes you full-circle on the relationship train.  I could see slamming a few beverages while watching their live show. Hopefully soon we’ll all get that chance. Meeks recently relocated to San Antonio and is putting life and the band back together and will be back on stage soon.

Until then, check 3 Kisses out on their label’s page or hit them up on Facebook or MySpace.