So Many Bands

I interviewed Casxio in the back alley of Barcelona after their SXSW showcase. Sitting on amps, the guys and gal gave me an insite on the recording process for the upcoming album and the story behind this band.

Click here to read more previous articles about Casxio.

First off, how is South by Southwest treating ya so far?

Lucas: It's been good so far. It's like a big party of course and it's all a blur so far to tell you the truth.

Eric: It's good. We're out of LA and we're playing music in Texas in front of a lot of Texans and people from all over the world. So that's the best part about it is that people that we've been talking to like yourself and some people from New York and even England are coming out and they can see the show in person. so that's the best part about it.

And I saw Perez Hilton in the audience. He was standing behind me so that was kind of cool.

Eric: Actually Andrea's been talking with him because we played a show last week in LA. We opened for Yelle. Perez came out and introduced Yelle so she emailed him and they've been talking about it. We're going to go to his party later and everything. Talk about celeb gossip.

How are people responding to your shows so far? The music is kind of different than what's out there.

Lucas: Yeah, it is. Sometimes it takes a second or a couple of songs for them to really give a response that we want, but eventually we get that response. It's been positive at this point.

Eric: It takes one drunk guy dancing on the floor to open it up for everyone.

Lucas: That's right.

All: Jordan.

And you mentioned Phil's producing your album.

Eric: Yeah, Phil's producing and helping us out with the sound while we're here in Austin. Then he's helping us record all our new tracks and everything.

Lucas: Yeah, we're recording in his studio, Hanger 1018, in downtown LA. Amazing studio.

So you're currently recording right now?

Lucas: Yeah. We're aiming for the end of this year for the release of the first Casxio album.

Eric: Christmas. It's actually going to be our first Hanukkah album.

Ok and how did this band come about? How did ya form?

Lucas: We formed about two years ago. I basically recruited these folks to my band. They were more than happy to do so, I guess, because they're still here.

Andrea: We were playing pool and then he came over. He saw my keyboard and that was it. That was the beginning.

Lucas: Yeah and Eric here came from New York. Came down here and didn't know exactly what to do with himself. He was slumming it. Slumming it. Living under a bridge somewhere.

Eric: And Lucas saved my life.

Lucas: And I saved his life. I did. Gave mouth to mouth.

Ok. I'm sure you get asked this a lot but the meaning behind the name.

Lucas: You know, that's a tough one. Because there is no meaning behind the name. It's just a cool sounding name.

Eric: It's a word that was kind of out there but the point is to put that music, that sound like you said you don't hear it too much and brand that name with that sound.

Andrea: I just think it sounds sexy.

Lucas: I think so too. I think it sounds sexy.

Andrea: It does. It really does.

Lucas: And I think that's why I like it.

It matches the music.

Eric: Exactly.

Lucas: Yeah, absolutely.

Now we're going to have fun. If you were a superhero and could have any superpower, what would it be?

Lucas: Did we talk about this?

Eric: I think we did? I think we did this once.

Andrea: I feel it's a question too.

Lucas: Wow, I think we've answered this before. I don't remember what I answered. If I could be a superhero, I would want to be able to fly one inch off of the ground. That's probably it.

Eric: Just hover?

Lucas: I'd just like to hover one inch off the ground but be able to control where I'd go. Not like I'm hovering and you push me and I float away, but I want to be able to control that. I think that'd be really kind of cool. It'll look like I had those skating shoes on all the time, but I wouldn't need to go out and buy them so I'll be saving money.

Eric: Teleportation.

Andrea: Ok my turn. I would like to change little things on a cellular level with my eyes so I can like shape shift things with my mind.

Eric: Dr. Manhattan?

Andrea: Yes. But you know what though, I could also cure cancer if I did that. Like I could look at it and would change the cells in my mind and be like “oh, your tumor is gone.”

Lucas: That's amazing.

Eric: I think you would be Jesus if you could do that. You could turn water into wine and shit.

Andrea: I'm choosing my super power.

All right, what's next for you after South by Southwest?

Lucas: We have a few shows lined up in LA. One in Spaceland. I dunno. We're working on it. The main priority right now is working on the album. Yeah, so just working hard with that.

Eric: Yeah, we'll be playing shows in LA. Just building on what we're building on in LA and getting ready for that album.

Andrea: Dance party Casxio. Dance party 2009.

Eric: We're looking for a pet DJ. Right?

Andrea: She said what are we going to do? That's what we're going to do.

Anything you wanna add?

Lucas: Work hard. Study. Graduate. Go on to bigger and better things.

Andrea: And don't do drugs.

Lucas: Oh yeah and don't do drugs. Drugs are bad. Yeah, that's about it.

It is no joke. Murdocks will be releasing a new album "Roar" on April 1, 2008, three years after the previous release "Surrenderender". Murdocks, consisting of vocalist/guitarist Franklin Morris and two newly inducted members, bassist Kyle Robarge and drummer David T. Jones, has shared the stage with various bands such as My Chemical Romance, and What Made Milwaukee Famous.

Click here to read the rest at Accent.

Franz Ferdinand is back with a new album, "Tonight: Franz Ferdinand" (released late in Jan.), although listening to it doesn't seem like there was any time or style change in between their previous recording, "You Could Have It So Much Better" (2005).

The songs from "Tonight: Franz Ferdinand" could be played right after the preceding album's tunes, and it would sound like one continuous release.

This would be a problem if they were a horrible un-listenable band, but luckily they are not.

Click here to read the rest at Accent.

From the moment the first note of Quiero Club's Nueva America plays, I'm instantly lost in an episode of the latest Gossip Girl episode. Cue the Kristen Bell voiceover with images of Blair and Serena living in the high society and Quiero Club belongs to the club of bands that provide the soundtrack to this popular CW TV show.

Click here to read the rest at Austin Vida.

According to Jenna's Revenge's MySpace page, they self-proclaim that they play "unashamed, 'old school,' feel good rock" music. Mission accomplished. Just listening to Everything at face value, it's evident that these four guys just want to play rock and roll. However, if they want to support a living with their rock and roll, they're gonna need to attract paying fans.

Click here to read the rest at Amped Reviews.

It’s the last day of SXSW! I attempted to sleep in to catch up on my sleep from the past 3 days but instead I woke up at 9:30 with no problem. Great.

I left my house later than I wanted because my boyfriend wanted to have breakfast with me so that took longer than I wanted. Oh well. I missed Folio.

Click here to read the rest at my Accent's SXSW blog.

To make up for my lack of shows on Thursday, Friday was filled with show after show of really good stuff.

My first stop was at Momo’s for the SXSW Underage Party. I didn’t know the show featured under-aged bands so imagine my surprise when I walked in and saw that I was one of the oldest people there. All the other adults seemed to be parents of the bands and fans in the venue. So my immediate reaction was “What did I get myself into?”

Click here to read the rest at my Accent's SXSW blog.

Thursday was not as successful as Wednesday. Mainly because I was so exhausted walking and standing around all day Wednesday. My shoulders were sore from carrying a heavy bag, my feet were in pain from all the standing, so I didn’t enjoy SXSW as much as Wednesday.

I got downtown later than I wanted to because I forgot my bus pass at home. I was in such a rush to get to work, I forgot my wallet. When I discovered this after my shift, I had to rush home and get it. I was a little annoyed to say the least.

Click here to read the rest at my Accent's SXSW blog.

Pretty good first day. Usually Wednesdays are a bit slow trying to get into the groove of the festival and this year’s was no exception. I made a schedule to try to see all the bands I wanted to see but unfortunately, different factors such as really long lines had me changed my mind.

So I get downtown around 12:15 because the traffic is insane at noon. There was a line of cars from Cesar Chavez and East of I-35 which expanded up to Cesar Chavez and Chicon Street. I couldn’t see past that but I wouldn’t doubt the line of cars kept going.

Click here to read the rest at my Accent's SXSW Blog.

Free Week has come and gone. I went out with the intention of just seeing bands. No interviews. No reviews. Just hang out with friends and check out bands that I could featured in the future. Sadly, I missed five nights of shows. Well technically four because I went to an early show one night at Emo's but had to pay cover so it wasn't an official free week show. But still saw a good amount of bands. So instead of writing out an epic recap post, I figured I keep it short and sweet. Here are the reviews of each band I saw Twitter style, in 140 characters or less. FYI: Some of these might be a repeat of what I tweeted for Better Than the Van. Hey originality only happens once with me!

Monday
Guns of Navarone: Country rock provided the soundtrack for the cold Monday night at Mohawk. All I needed was something warm to drink.
Shitty Carwash: Walked to Plush for something really different. To sum it up: it was a mess but an organized awesome entertaining mess.

Wednesday
Milk Thistle: stumbled onto to this show while killing time for another band to get on stage. I love discovering good bands on accident.
Frantic Clam: been wanting to see this band after i reviewed their album. I was amused by their Psycho Killer cover.
Orchestra of Antlers: only caught the first and last song of this band but from what I heard reminded me a bit of Dignan but more melodic.
Oh No, Oh My: Marlee wanted to see this band all night. I only caught the last 2 songs. I love when indie is done right.
New Roman Times: 2nd time seeing this band. They're a little predictable but they're still good.
We the Granada: Tagged along with Ajay to see this band. All he said was that they were over the top. That doesn't even cover it.
Born to Lose: APR Flashback. I forgot how much fun this band was. Had beer thrown on me many times but that's part of the charm.
New Disaster: I haven't seen Natchet Taylor perform in awhile. Another APR flashback. This band is more aggressive than the previous band.

Friday
White White Lights: Was hesitant at first because I'm burned out on indie. However, these guys and gal didn't fit the cliche. I liked them.
Sober Daze: Didn't see much of this band because I had to get to another show but they got the crowd going pretty well in the cramped Red 7.
SPEAK: I love these guys. They look like they're still in high school but they're over 21 (with beers in hand). Music reminds me of the 80's
Krum Bums: These guys are grittier punk rock. So even more crazyiness in Red 7 ensued. Apparently I missed the singer climb the rafters.
Betaplayer: Beauty Bar was crazy crowded and hot which became unbearable after awhile, but that didn't stop the band nor the crowd.
Lower Class Brats: These guys have been performing for years and are still freaking energetic and crazy. No better way to end the night.

Saturday
The Paper Shapes: Poor guys were freezing on the outside stage of Red 7 but were still entertaining, complete with light show.
Markov: the singer used one of those old school mics that looked like an ice cream cone. That was awesome. Yeah, the music was good too.
The Laughing: Caught the last two songs of these guys at Beauty Bar. I love bands that make me wanna dance. Definitely worth the attention.
Watch Out for Rockets: The first song was a bit on the droney side which made me hesitant but then they started playing more folksy indie.
White Rhino: Another band that I walked in and only saw two songs. But those two songs were pretty damn raw. How refreshing.
Watching the Moon: I've heard the name from various friends so I wanted to check them. The bass head vibrated off the amp. That says it all.

Sunday
In Situ Sound: Austin Vida crew has been praising this band so I wanna check it out. Totally worth freezing to see them. Definite potential.
Exeter: Even by a heater, I was still freezing. Haven't seen these guys in a long time. I forgot how much I liked them.

And Free Week is done. My only complaint (besides it be too cold to do anything, but that wasn't the venues' fault) is for venues to list the times the bands play. Free Week is becoming a little Austin version of SXSW so times are crucial when trying to catch all the bands you want to see.