Songwriter and musician Chris Brecht knows firsthand the struggle of musicians promoting their work. Oftentimes, it may not even happen. At all. (To be perfectly blunt, some of them are dreadful at self-promotion, but that’s your feisty Austin Music Minute maven griping.) Brecht resolved to help his fellow artists with the launch of Austin Independent Radio (AIR), an online program featuring music by Austin artists. Its reputation grew, and in no time Brecht was organizing AIR showcases for SXSW.
It was during one of those South-By gigs that Brecht met a representative from SXSW’s sister fest, NXNE, from Toronto. He asked whether they’d ever had an Austin showcase at their festival, and was somewhat floored that the answer was no. So, he took it upon himself to organize one. Project ATX6 was born.
Six local artists – Dana Falconberry, Aisha Burns, Carson McHone, Leo Rondeau, Mrs. Glass, and Jesse Moore of East Cameron Folkcore – representing a cross-section of Austin talent were selected for the trip to Toronto, which was filmed by Brecht for a documentary series. The experiences were incredible, and the musicians made new fans.
The next goal of Project ATX6: A trip to Germany for performances at the Reeperbahn Music Festival. And to help fund the trip, five of the ATX6 are performing at a benefit show tonight at the Cactus Cafe. Falconberry, Burns, McHone, Moore and Mrs. Glass are on the bill, and it’s a very reasonable donation at the door for all of this phenomenal music. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the music begins at 8:30 p.m. Please show your support. Recommended.
– Photo courtesy of Chris Brecht.
