Times are challenging, to put it mildly, for Austin’s creative classes. With higher rent rates, a higher cost of living, gentrification, and no real way for a musician to make a living through her craft, the resulting frustration and negativity weigh one down. But Nathan Lankford of Austin Town Hall Records and Big Bill front man Eric Braden came up with a brilliant project that not only puts the spotlight on a multitude of bands you may just be hearing about, but also raises funds for a local non-profit bringing music to underserved youth.
Slack Capital is a 20-track compilation of eclectic tunes running the gamut in styles, while giving the “Live Music Capital” a damn good jolt to say, “Nothing will stop the music.” Proceeds from the comp go to Anthropos Arts, which provides music lessons and musical instruments to at-risk youth.
Lankford came by the KUTX studios yesterday for a chat with Laurie Gallardo about Slack Capital, and the release show happening tonight at Barracuda, 611 E. 7th St. The show features sets by Critical Dad, Pataphysics, Que Pasa, Sailor Poon and Annabelle Chairlegs on the outside stage; and Tough Age, Pollen Rx, Basketball Shorts, Big Bill, and David Liebe Hart (Tim and Eric Awesome Show) on the inside stage. Admission at the door includes a free Slack Capital CD. Doors open at 8:30 p.m.
Now go on out there and represent.
-Cover artwork by Eric Braden.
