Jenny Lewis – Just One of the Guys
Born in Las Vegas, 38-year-old Jenny Lewis has a lot under her belt, including just under 30 years of acting and 16 years of singing and songwriting. You may recognize her as the lead vocalist of Los Angeles-based indie rock band Rilo Kiley but following the group’s split in 2011, Lewis has been pursuing a sensational solo career.
Nikki Lane – Right Time
After leaving her home state of South Carolina, outlaw country singer-songwriter Nikki Lane traveled to New York City and Los Angeles before moving to Nashville to recover from a breakup. Lane’s second album titled All Or Nothin, released May 6th, features a stronger artist and raw music as a result of working with Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach.
The Preatures – Cruel
Even if they’re not a household name yet, the Preatures sound and look like it. In their recent Studio 1A performance, they strutted across the stage like rock stars (Manfredi even did hand-stands for the captive audience). “Cruel” is their spotlight moment, snapping into focus with an attitude that’s infectious.
Wood & Wire – Greener Grass
This Austin based group can show you some trick playing and make it look easy. Look to Wood & Wire for some of our favorite bluegrass out of ACL.
Shakey Graves – Only Son
An iconic suitcase has long been a part of Shakey’s well worn one man routine. Alone with a suitcase turned drum, or with the assistance of bass and drums, Shakey has impressed audiences with a raw emotive presence. This time he travels with Esmé Patterson, whose candid vocals make this one electrifying duo.
Old 97’s – Let’s Get Drunk and Get it On
We know we’ve heard a few songs about girls and drinking, but this one sticks. After 21 years of performing and writing, the Dallas based Old 97’s still put on a show that’s rough around the edges in all the right ways.
Aaron Behrens & and the Midnight Stroll – Rising Sea
Aaron Behrens (of Ghostland Observatory) has thrown himself into his solo project, and continues to be one of the most entertaining live performers.
OK Go – This Too Shall Pass
The internet knows OK Go- it’s seen their videos, each millions of times. There’s a certain magic found in these one-take videos produced by OK Go. It’s perfection, but with just a few quirky human wrinkles as most were shot all in one take. These videos have helped OK Go survive and even excel in the post-album world where music lives on YouTube.
Trail of Dead – Dragonfly
Formed in late 1994 by singers/guitarists/drummers Conrad Keely and Jason Reece, Trail of Dead has evolved over the years expanding their line-up while still being creatively driven by the core founding members.
White Ghost Shivers – White Ghost Shivers Ball
Austin’s own White Ghost Shivers are quite impossible to define, though their personal description on their site just about does it best: “Imagine a smorgasbord of Cab Calloway, circus sideshow, KISS, cabaret, Hee Haw and Robert Johnson served up at Andy Kaufman’s bat-mitzvah.”
