PR Newman

When your humble Austin Music Minute host recently had a chat, via email, with PR Newman front man Spencer Garland, it triggered some pleasant Berkshire Hounds memories. Garland was part of that impressive BH crew a few years back, and got to play with the likes of Austin musicians Jordan Cook and Z Lynch; Garland also met Brendan Bond (A. Sinclair, Bond Twins, Golden Dawn Arkestra, RG Lowe) when Bond was performing with Grape St.

So, how on earth did the moniker “PR Newman” surface, in which the “PR” doesn’t even refer to someone’s name, or the fact that it might be a public relations business? Garland’s story is far more interesting than that; he earned the nickname “Punkrock Randy Newman” from a gent named Grimey, proprietor of The Basement in Nashville, when Garland was still playing keys for the Hounds. Spot on. Garland thought it’d be perfect name for a solo project. After making music under other assorted names, PR Newman became the one and only.

And that’s what Garland’s working on now, with Bond, Lynch and Cook on board. PR Newman’s official debut album, TURNOUT, is set for a January release, and will feature additional familiar faces making contributions on various tracks, including Mike St. Clair (White Denim, Okkervil River), Jim Campo, and Sweet Gary Newcomb. And a new video will be released for the track “Everything” next week.

Get a preview of what’s to come when you see PR Newman tonight at Hotel Vegas, 1500 E. 6th St. They’ll start off the night, followed by Austin-based bands Teevee, Sure, and Boston artist Julep. Get there around 9 p.m. Recommended.

-Photo courtesy of the artist.

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