Live music review: Sweet Spirit and Walker Lukens led off year for Black Fret

Sweet Spirit and Walker Lukens at Black Fret 2016 opening

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Even if you are an Austin music fan that is 'in the loop" you may not be familiar with the non-profit organization Black Fret which donates $100,000 to 10 local bands each year. The funds come from annual dues collected from the group's members. The "Patrons of Local Music" charity was launched by Matt Ott and Colin Kendrick in 2013 as a way for Austin residents to support emerging musical acts. The majority of past recipients have used their $10K grant from Black Fret towards production costs to record new material.

Last week the group convened at The Parish in downtown Austin to introduce members to their first three grant candidates of the year; Sweet Spirit, Walker Lukens and Harvest Thieves. All three are... continue reading

Exclusive Interview: My Jerusalem's Jeff Klein speaks out on SXSW

Austin indie-rockers My Jerusalem have had a hell of a year. After releasing their second album, "Preachers" recorded at producer Jim Eno's Public Hi-Fi studio, they embarked on tours with Psychedelic Furs, Electric Six, played Austin City Limits Music Festival and toured Europe. Founder and lead singer, Jeff Klein was also featured in Forbes Magazine last week after local radio personality and music critic Andy Langer quoted the musician in a Facebook rant on the crass commecialization of South by Southwest (SXSW). The post and subsequent article re-ignited an ongoing debate regarding SXSW. Has the festival become too commercial and lost the original purpose of the festival (to get bands noticed and signed)? Who better to ask than the well-read Klein? Read why Klein might take sponsorship dollars from... Continue reading at Examiner.com