When two longtime friends define their own sound independently and eventually collaborate after years of individual popularity – quite simply, magic happens. Austin hip-hop heads are likely to recognize lyricist/emcee/events coordinator Adam Protextor either through his impressive catalogue dating back to his days as “p-Tek” or as the founder of the now-defunct Weird City Hip Hop Fest and Austin Mic Exchange. On the other side of the coin, indie aficionados will remember Grammy-winning producer Matt Puckett‘s name as one of the fronting members of Mother Falcon, who know resides in New York, performing and producing as “Brother Bear”. While the two had already collaborated on Protextor’s previous album Shift, Puckett used this past year as an opportunity to go all-in on a new full-length album.
That album is American Neon. Nine full-bodied tracks that feature guest performers and incorporate multi-genre soundscapes, complete with intricate pop-leaning arrangements. Incredible production and performance aside, the record also features artwork from Matt Furie and is accompanied by a music video filmed at Spiderhouse Ballroom. American Neon enjoys a release party this Thursday at the Sidewinder and Protextor & Brother Bear will be stopping by Studio 1A for KUTX After Hours tomorrow night, live at 8PM. In the meantime check out “I Don’t Mind” – an R&B-funk-infused single that appears halfway through American Neon.
–Jack Anderson (Host Monday-Wednesday 8-11pm, Saturday 6-10am)
