The Hole Story is a new series from KUTX. Taped live on the front stage of Hole in the Wall – we’ve invited artists to not just perform, but also share the inspiration, meaning, or backstory behind each one.
Opened in 1974, Hole in the Wall is one of Austin’s most legendary dive bars. It’s a launchpad for generations of Texas songwriters. It also happens to be right across the street from the KUTX Studios.
Season one features stories and sets from Shinyribs, Paige Renée Berry (Half Dream), Jonathan Terrell, Grace Sorensen, Hayes Carll, Carrie Fussell (BRUCE, Calliope Musicals), and Alex Maas (The Black Angels). Watch more episodes on the KUTX YouTube Channel here.
For the final episode of this season’s The Hole Story, we welcome Alex Maas – the voice behind The Black Angels, and one of the original founders of Austin Psych Fest (alongside Rob Fitzpatrick, and Oswald James, and Black Angels guitarist – Christian Bland).
In this set from Hole in the Wall, Alex shares the personal stories behind the songs he brought to our stage – including a new piece written with help from his young son and the presence of his newborn daughter. It’s a glimpse into how becoming a parent has influenced his songwriting in unexpected and tender ways.
With The Black Angels preparing to celebrate 20 years of their debut album Passover by performing it front-to-back at Austin Psych Fest on May 9, this episode arrives at the perfect moment to revisit the roots, inspirations, and evolution of Alex’s songwriting.
- Do you want to submit a song for a Song of the Day feature? Email sotd@kutx.org with the phrase “KUTX Song of the Day” included in the subject line.
- Support for Song of the Day comes from The Werd Company


