True Widow to Tour with Trail of Dead & Surfer Blood This Summer

Back in May 09' we threw our first sponsored show (photos) and we had a lot of fun doing it. One of the bands performing on the bill was True Widow, an up-and-coming band from the Dallas area.

Fast forward to this year, the band has signed with Kemado and is set to release a new album entitled As High As The Highest Heavens And From The Center To Circumference Of The Earth on March 29th. In addition to dropping a new album, the trio will embark on a tour with Trail of Dead and Surfer Blood after a few dates here in Austin during SXSW. Not bad, not bad at all...

See all the dates below and check out a new song entitled "Skull Eyes".



[True Widow Myspace]
[True Widow Twitter]
[True Widow Facebook]
[True Widow Official Site]

True Widow 2011 Tour Dates:
04/29 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
04/30 - Boston, MA @ Middle East
05/01 - Montreal, QC @ La Tulipe
05/03 - Toronto, ON @ Lee's Place
05/04 - Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick
05/05 - Columbus, OH @ The Basement
05/06 - Lansing, MI @ Loft
05/07 - Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
05/08 - Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
05/10 - Washington, DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel
05/11 - Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
05/12 - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church
05/13 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

Spoon to Play Stubbs Back to Back...to Back

That's right. The band will be playing here for three nights in a row in July. We have opted for the Thursday night show because we love Trail of Dead and Black Joe Lewis. Each night has a different opener that I am sure will appeal to a different crowd. This should make deciding which night you want to go that much easier. You can purchase tickets ($28) now on presale using this code :: SPOONX3

Night One :: 7/9 with Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears and Quasi [Tickets]
Night Two :: 7/10 with Low and Dale Watson [Tickets]
Night Three :: 7/11 with Atlas Sound [Tickets]

You can even purchase tickets to all three shows for $75 (saving $9 in the process) if you just can't get enough Spoon.

Spoon played at Scoot Inn last night, check it out...

Update: Check out our pics and videos from Spoon's first night at Stubb's. We even snagged a setlist and recorded a new song.

February Instores at Waterloo Records

Waterloo Records has some great instores coming up in the month of February.  Ben Kweller stops by February 4th, Andrew Bird makes an appearance on February 11th, and Trail of Dead perform a set on February 17th.  Best of all these are all FREE.  They do start at 5 pm, so you might want to get there early to get a good spot.

Update:  Lykke Li was just added to play an instore on February 19th.

[Waterloo Records Official Site]

It appears Ben Kweller has gone a little country on his new album, Changing Horses.  He recently recorded a Daytrotter session, which has three songs from the new disc you can hear. Changing Horses drops on February 3rd via ATO.

Also, Kweller just played Letterman on Monday night. You can check out the video of him playing "Fight" here.

Kweller on the new record:

"I grew up bass-fishing, playing in creeks, and shooting BB guns," Kweller says. "Country music was the soundtrack to my life. It's still a big part of who I am. When Garth Brooks or Alan Jackson come on the radio, somethin' happens inside. Brings me back to the trees, back to pushin' cars out of the mud. Reminds me of my hometown."

On releasing a country album:

"I've been working on Horses for years." he says. "I wrote the first song for it when I was 16. Over time, I've collected these songs that fit together and wanted to release them together. I didn't want to try and fit them on my other albums one or two at a time."

On producing the record himself:

"I've learned so much from all the great producers I've worked with, from Ethan Johns to Gil Norton, and I just felt it was time for me to go in there and make the album the way I knew I could," he says. "I wanted it to feel really pure and direct. I wanted each instrument to sound exactly like that instrument, with very little treatment or alteration, to give it that natural, warm beauty that I love." [Via Paste]

[Ben Kweller Myspace]

[Ben Kweller Tour Dates]

Just yesterday, Andrew Bird released his newest album Noble Beast on Fat Possum Records.  The self-produced album consists of 14 songs recorded primarily at the Beech House, in Nashville, with additional recording taking place at various Chicago and Minneapolis locations over a five month period.  As usual, Bird handles violin, vocals, whistling and guitar, with back-up from live cohorts Martin Dosh (percussion, looping, keys), Jeremy Ylvisaker (guitar, bass, organ, shortwave) and more recently Mike Lewis, plus a supporting cast including Kelly Hogan, Todd Sickafoose, and the band Lonely Dear.

The NY Times has a great piece you should read about him.

Andrew Bird also plays the Paramount the very next evening (2/12).  His concert is just about SOLD OUT, but they do have obstructed view seats still available.  If you really want those seats, call Gettix.net at (866) 443-8849.  

Update:  The Paramount show is now SOLD OUT!!

Better yet just go see him at Waterloo instead.

Be sure to also check out a solo performance of Bird performing "Sectionate City" (off the Soldier On EP) on Nigel Godrich's "From The Basement" series.

Bird was also on Letterman last night performing "Fitz and Dizzyspells" from the new album.

[Andrew Bird Myspace]

[Andrew Bird Official Site]

[Andrew Bird Tour Dates]

(Photo by Sebastian Gabsch)

Trail of Dead's newest endeavor, The Century of Self will be released via their Justice Records imprint Richter Scale on February 17th, the same day as their Waterloo instore.  The cover for the new album was hand-drawn by frontman Conrad Keeley, and was done entirely with blue ballpoint pen.  The songs, "Bells of Creation" (which is amazing!) and "Inland Sea" were previewed on last year's Festival Thyme EP and hearken back to the Trail of Dead of old.  The forthcoming album was produced by Chris Coady (TV on the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs) and features backing vocals from members of Yeasayer and Dragons of Zynth.

“The new songs are very personal,”says Keely. “Some of them are autobiographical. We’re building on everything we’ve ever done, looking back on our whole career and taking a lot inspiration from our early music. We continue to evolve the concept and try to incorporate new ideas. And there was no point on the record where we were trying to write songs you’d hear on commercial radio. We know that singles are driving the market, and we don’t care.” [Via Altsounds]

As we mentioned earlier this month, Trail of Dead will be performing at show during SXSW at Emo's on March 21st.

Stream "Bells of Creation" via RCRD LBL

[Trail of Dead Myspace]

[Trail of Dead Tour Dates]

...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead Announce North American Tour Dates

We thought Trail of Dead absolutely killed it at Fun Fun Fun Fest last year! On February 17th, the band will release their sixth album, The Century of Self, on their own Justice Records imprint Richter Scale.  It features guest vocal appearances from members of Yeasayer and Dragons of Zynth.  The album artwork was done entirely in blue ballpoint pen by singer Conrad Keeley and looks really amazing!

In support of The Century of Self, Conrad and company will be going out on the road and, although, no Austin dates are planned, the tour ends right before the start of SXSW.  We're just saying.  Tour dates are down below.

Update:  Trail of Dead have announced an Austin date for SXSW at Emo's on Saturday, March 21st.  We're not sure yet if it's a free show or a showcase or even what time.  More details TBA...  

In addition to the Austin date, they've added an Oklahoma City date for March 24 at the Conservatory as well.

[Trail of Dead Myspace]
[Trail of Dead Official Site]

...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead Tour Dates:
02/19 - Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater [Buy Tickets] $12
02/20 - Houston, TX @ Walter's on Washington
02/21 - New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jack's
02/23 - Orlando, FL @ The Social
02/24 - Atlanta, GA @ The EARL
02/25 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle
02/26 - Washington, DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel
02/27 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
02/28 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
03/01 - Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs

03/03 - Montreal, Quebec @ La Sala
03/04 - Toronto, Ontario @ Lee's Palace
03/05 - Pontiac, MI @ Pike's Room at the Crofoot
03/06 - Chicago, IL @ Logan Square Auditorium
03/07 - Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
03/09 - Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
03/10 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
03/12 - Seattle, WA @ Neumo's
03/13 - Vancouver, British Columbia @ Richard's on Richards
03/14 - Portland, OR @ Berbati's Pan
03/16 - San Francisco, CA @ Slim's
03/17 - Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex

03/21 - Austin, TX @ Emo's

03/24 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Conservatory

... And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead To Play Red 7

Check it out:

...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead will take the outside stage at Red 7 on December 13 (Saturday).  They will be playing as a 3-piece with founding members Conrad Keely, Jason Reece, and Kevin Allen.  Joining them on the bill will be Glorium and Those Peabodys.  Playing on the inside stage will be Ume, The Black, and Diagonals.

Tickets will be sold at the door, so get there early!

[... Trail of Dead Myspace]

[... Trail of Dead Official Site]

New Music Release Tuesday: October 28, 2008

This weeks new releases has us finally getting a hard copy of Bloc Party's latest "Intimacy". If you downloaded the album a few months back you will find some subtle changes if you choose to pick up the hard copy. Fans of vinyl can get first listen to Trail of Dead's latest "Festival Thyme" a week before the full release and just in time for the upcoming appearance at Fun Fun Fun Fest. Omar Rodriguez-Lopez releases two (more) solo albums! And Fans of Dr. Hunter S Thompson should pick up The Gonzo Tapes for 5 CD's worth of the archives. Here is the full list....

Bloc Party: Intimacy
caUSE co-MOTION!: It's Time!
The Cure: Dream 4.13
Deerhunter: Microcastle
Hunter S. Thompson: The Gonzo Tapes:The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson
Kaiser Chiefs: Off With Their Heads
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez: Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fungus
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez: Calibration (Is Pushing Luck and Key Too Far)
Rodrigo y Gabriela: Live in Japan
Ryan Adams and The Cardinals: Cardinology
Snow Patrol: A Hundred Million Suns
Squarepusher: Just a Souvenir
Trail of Dead: Festival Thyme (vinyl)

Fun Fun Fun Fest 2008 - The Line Up

This year's FFF Fest has a little bit for everyone. It all goes down November 8th and 9th at Austin's Waterloo Park. It doesn't pack the "big name" punch the ACL line up does but I feel they are really carving a niche for themselves by offering a much more diverse "indie" festival. You get two jam packed days of music for on $60, which is a great deal . We will be covering the festival and doing out "Spotlights" on all of the artists we think everyone should make time to check out. You can click on the Fun Fun Fest section on the right. Check out a video highlighting some of the artists that played last year.

Here is the line up according to the Austinist...

Stage One:
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
The National
Atmosphere
Minus The Bear
St Vincent
Trail of Dead
Deerhoof
Rival Schools
Islands
The Annuals
Bishop Allen
Centromatic
Sleepercar
Frightened Rabbit
Spinto Band
Parts and Labor
Colourmusic
Expiremental Dental School
27
Till We’re Blue or Destroy
Paul Green’s School of Rock

Stage 2:
Shearwater
Tim Fite
Magnetic Morning (Adam Franklin of Swervedriver/ Sam Fogarino of Interpol)
Kevin Seconds
the Cynics
Ugly Beats
Walter Schreifels (Quicksand, Rival Schools)
Pepi Ginsberg
Frank Smith
Spot
The Revival Tour [w/ Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music), Tom Gabel (Against Me!), Ben Nichols (Lucero), and Tim Barry (of Avail)]
Tim and Eric’s Awesome Show
Coldtowne Comedy Hr
Altercation Punk Rock Comedy Hour
Matt Beardan
Chris Fairbanks

Stage 3:
Bad Brains
ALL
Dead Milkmen
Flipper
Adolescents
Integrity
Bouncing Souls
Swingin Utters
DOA
Killdozer
Cromags
Scared of Chaka
Young Widows
Leftover Crack
Trash Talk
World Burns to Death
Krumbums
Mammoth Grinder
Cute Lepers
Bitter End
High Tension Wires
Born to Lose

Stage 4:
Clipse
Z-trip
Dan Deacon
Grupo Fantasma
Kool Keith/Dr. Octagon
Dengue Fever
Brownout!
Franki Chan
Toxic Avenger
Hawnay Troof
Starlynx and Bigface
Richard Henry
Yacht

...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead To Headline 2008 Fun Fun Fun Fest

According to TrailofDead.org (Trail of Dead's fansite), ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead will be headlining one of the days for this year's Fun Fun Fun Fest. Austin's third annual Fun Fun Fest will take place on the weekend of November 8-9 at Waterloo Park.

Singer Conrad Keeley had this to say about this year's Fun Fun Fun Fest.

"We co-headlined the Siren Festival with Death Cab for Cutie a few years ago, but other than that we haven't had many real oppurtunites to top a high-profile bill like this before. It's a bit comforting to know we can be out of the limelight for such an extended period of time and still have a certain amount of pull in the industry, especially away from Interscope. Obviously we'll be up for it. It's an oppurtunity to re-introduce ourselves to a larger, more open-minded audience. Who knows, this could turn out to be the catalyst for a new era in our careers."

"I mean, our friends Spoon headlined the festival in 2006 and then had a top 10 record. So how hard could it be?"

Trail of Dead are currently in the studio and looking to release a new album later this year. It's set to be the first release on the band's own, Justice Records imprint, Richter Scale Records.

As we informed you earlier in the month and also this past Friday, a few of the other artists announced so far include: Minus The Bear, Dan Deacon, Magnetic Morning, DOA, The Dead Milkmen, DJ Z-Trip, and Deerhoof. The final lineup should be announced sometime around mid-August. Tickets go onsale September 1 @ ticketweb.com.

[Official Fun Fun Fun Fest Site]
[...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead Official Site]