Dart Music International

InternInAustin January 31

2012-01-24T21:23:00.000-06:00

Dart Music International is excited to announce that we have partnered with campus2careers, the fastest growing entry-level job board on the net and a local start-up, to help Music companies and artists in town find interns for the Spring semester through InternInAustin. InternInAustin is the nation's first citywide internship program and includes a website and events to connect local small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) and nonprofits with students all year. The most recent Internship Fair, in September, connected 150 employers and 600 students for Fall Semester internships. Meanwhile, more than 90% of the companies who attended the Fair said it was very useful for finding an intern and would attend a future fair. You can watch a video of the Fair HERE.

The next InternInAustin Fair is scheduled for Tuesday January 31st from 5:00-8:00 PM at the AT&T Conference Center and there will be a dedicated section for companies and artists in the Austin Music Industry. If you are interested in finding an intern for the Spring Semester, register to attend the program's next Internship Fair by clicking HERE. For only $25, you will get the opportunity to connect with an intern(s) that can help you with social media, marketing, sales, website design, market research, bookings, and more for the Spring semester and beyond.

If you have any questions about the event or program, please contact nathan@campus2careers.com. If you would like to get a headstart on finding an intern or to line up specific candidates you would like to meet with at the fair, go to www.campus2careers.com and click Join Now to get started. As a member of the Austin Music Industry, you automatically get 50% off any of campus2careers' already inexpensive plans. Just use c2c-music when you check-out on the Payment page. (Note: any employer with a paid plan on the site attends the fairs for free).

Students - What you can expect as an attendee of the fair:

• No Booth Bling or suites, just networking with employers

• Local employers who have never recruited on campus before

• Chance to find a great internship in Austin this semester

To learn more, watch this quick 3 minute Video of our Summer Fair.
Students (First 600 to RSVP) - FREE (must register by Jan 30th) at http://campus2careers.ticketbud.com/iia0112s

We hope to see you there!

New Album from The Halfbreed Lovers

2012-01-12T14:38:00.009-06:00

It's been a long journey for The Halfbreed Lovers. Their two years of writing and recording have finally resulted in a new album entitled, "For Some snd Not Others".
This long awaited project will be released on February 10th, 2012. The CD release party will take place at The Lowbrow Palace in El Paso, TX. It will also be available for preview and download on Amazon.com

With nods to Victor Talamantes' former bands Egon and The Bellakun, this fast paced shoegazer/indie rock piece is defintely something worth checking out

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_srch_drd_B006DHL1MU?ie=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=digital-music&field-keywords=The%20Halfbreed%20Lovers

DMI at the InternInAustin Fair January 31

2011-12-28T13:12:00.000-06:00

The next InternInAustin Fair is scheduled for Tuesday January 31^st from 5:00-8:00 PM at the AT&T Conference Center and there will be a dedicated section for companies and artists in the Austin Music Industry. If you are interested in finding an intern for the Spring Semester, register to attend the program’s next Internship Fair by clicking HERE. For only $25, you will get the opportunity to connect with an intern(s) that can help you with social media, marketing, sales, website design, market research, bookings, and more for the Spring semester and beyond.

If you have any questions about the event or program, please contact nathan@campus2careers.com. If you would like to get a headstart on finding an intern or to line up specific candidates you would like to meet with at the fair, go to www.campus2careers.com and click Join Now to get started. As a member of the Austin Music Industry, you automatically get 50% off any of campus2careers’ already inexpensive plans. Just use c2c-music when you check-out on the Payment page. (Note: any employer with a paid plan on the site attends the fairs for free).

Official Music Video from The Halfbreed Lovers

2011-12-22T15:41:00.002-06:00

The first official music video from The Halfbreed Lovers features a new version of their song, "Coupon". While more upbeat than the original, "Coupon" still focuses on the entanglement of sin in the absence of light. The song was recorded in Mesa, Arizona but gives a glimpse of the El Paso, TX night scene. "Coupon" will be available as an bonus download on their new album which will be released in February, 2012.

New Videos from Grand Atlantic, Drawn From Bees

2011-09-08T13:08:00.001-05:00

Check 'em out:

See you all at the Austin Icon Awards tomorrow night ...

Scare For the Cure

2011-08-25T09:15:00.000-05:00

Friends,

This Friday (8/26) is our first ever official non-gala fundraising event.

We are calling it our; Sneak-Peak!

Our hope is that you will encourage your friends and family to support SCARE buy purchasing a ticket and bidding on the auction items.

We also hope that YOU will be able to buy a ticket and join in the fun, whether or not you will be able to bid. We realize that not everyone can afford the $50 per ticket price tag but since the venue is on the small side, we only need about 6-8 volunteers to work the event. This role will primarily be filled by the Board of Directors, a few managers and the odd ...I mean "unique" character or two.

This year has been rough on our nations economy...and SCARE has felt the pinch as have many of you. I'm not afraid to tell you that cash donations are down more than 60% and we have had very few material donations as well. Times are tough all over.

But, if you have the money to spare and you're not already volunteering for the event, please consider buying a ticket or two, bring a friend, and have a great time.

I am jumping the gun, and may get in a little trouble, but one of the VERY cool items up for auction is dinner at a very nice Austin steakhouse with none other than Lou "The Incredible HULK" Ferrigno! While you young folks might not know who he is...us old comic geeks certainly do.

This is just one of the awesome things that will help us raise some much needed funds so we can continue to put on the nation's most amazing haunted adventure!!!

Lastly, many of you make generous donations to SCARE each year. We would ask that if you had planned on making a donation, to consider making it at the SNEAK-PEAK.

By bidding on a similar dollar amount item, you may spur others to begin bidding, there-by increasing the amount of money we raise at this event. (which is kinda the point)

I already know what items I will be bidding on....

We hope to see you there!

(if not, BUILD continues!!!)

-jarrett

Little League says Ugandan team denied US visas - The Edwardsville Intelligencer

2011-07-29T15:14:00.001-05:00

"A youth baseball team from Uganda that would have been the first squad from Africa to play at the Little League World Series has been denied visas to enter the United States. The U.S. Department of State declined to give a reason for the decision, other than to say that the team's documentation "contained discrepancies," officials at Little League headquarters in South Williamsport, Pa., said Friday in a statement." - Associated Press

Full Story

Aussie Update

2011-07-23T21:45:00.005-05:00

News from a couple of Down Under DMI bands:

Grand Atlantic will be releasing their new album "Constellations" on September 2. Pre-orders (including some sweet packages with bonus items) are now available on their website.

Drawn From Bees also have a new single on the way, they are being a bit coy about exactly when it will emerge, keep an eye on their facebook page for further announcements.

Tidal Waves available on itunes

2011-07-19T15:12:00.005-05:00

Tidal Waves blew us away at their SXSW show at Flamingo Cantina. Since returning back home to South Africa they have been touring extensively, playing from Swaziland to Cape Town. Their current album, Manifesto, is finally available for on itunes and amazon.

They were recently interviewed after a show in South Africa. See what they have to say about their SXSW show and coming back to the states in 2012.

2011-07-17T13:53:00.001-05:00

Tickets now available for the 2nd Annual Austin Icon Awards at the historic Austin City Limits Studio: http://ping.fm/BSEyx

Happy Bastille Day, Y'all

2011-07-14T14:22:00.000-05:00

By Ulf Kastner

Just as St. Patrick's Day motivates a sizable number of Americans to embrace their Irish roots and/or appreciation of all things Irish, a growing number of folks on this side of the Atlantic flirt with their Francophile tendencies on Bastille Day.In other words, this is quite the opportune weekend to indulge in some good European fun about town.

Tonight, July 14th, starting at 10pm Justine's Brasserie on 4710 East 5th Street will celebrate Bastille Day with a "Red White and Blue Party" featuring "fireworks, cake, kisses, French punk rock, red white and blue cocktails and yes, a guillotine." Sounds like a great party to crash in a Marie Antoinette get-up.

See also http://www.justines1937.com/parties/

And on Saturday, July 16th, starting at 7pm the Alliance Française d'Austin will hold a Bastille Day Party on the grounds of the French Legation Museum on 802 San Marcos Street. Admission is $10 (free for children 12 or younger) and you can expect "live music, dancing, food & drink, silent & live auctions, pétanque and other games." This looks to be the more family-friendly affair of the two events we're recommending.

See also http://www.afaustin.org/bastilleday.html

Vive la France, y'all!

Maren Parusel with The Halfbreed Lovers

2011-07-07T15:25:00.006-05:00

Requiemme Records presents

Maren Parusel (San Diego, CA) on her eastbound 2011 tour with special guest: The Halfbreed Lovers.

Thursday July 7th at The Lowbrow Palace in El Paso, TX. Click the title for details.

In a classic SXSW coincidence, both bands happened to play just blocks from each other on March 29th. We love Maren's dangerously demure style, and the Lover's soulful alt-rock. Now it's time to get these spacey rockers in the same building for once! Between The Halfbreed Lovers & Maren Parusel, this show's got more than enough quirky rhythm to get you dancing sans alcohol. But don't worry, there will be plenty of that too.

New Video of The Halfbreed Lovers

2011-06-29T12:01:00.004-05:00

The halfbreed lover's lineup has changed yet again. Former bass player Valarie Apperson is now on drums. Former drummer Ulysses Apperson is now playing double keyboards. And of course, Victor Talamantes is leading steadily with guitar and vocals. The lovers have never been much for video, but from the looks of their new youtube channel, we are now free to violate them with our cameras.

New footage of their show for Black Cactus Records in Phoenix is sure to induce some seizures. You can also peek into their recording session with Audioconfusion.

http://www.youtube.com/user/thehalfbreedlovers

http://www.facebook.com/thehalfbreedlovers

Bali Yaaah's debut release

2011-06-17T15:27:00.000-05:00

BALI YAAAH _ NEVER EARLY ALWAYS FATE _ EP

NEVER EARLY ALWAYS FATE - BALI YAAAH's first EP will be released June18th 2011 digitally, on CD, and special edition MP3 flash player. This debut marks the first glimpse into the mysterious fabric of Bali Yaaah's unique mix of musical influences. In addition to traditional CD and digital distribution, the EP is also available on a special edition USB Mp3 player. This is the first and only ever EP released on such a device. The “Usagi” flash drive is not only a 2 gigabyte flash drive shaped like a bunny and loaded with extra material, it comes equipped with headphones and plays MP3 files on the go!

Bali Yaaah (Austin, TX) has a droning 60's psychedelic approach to 80's synth-pop. Think love child between Velvet Underground and Depeche Mode; a fusion of deep fuzzy organs, syncopated drum machines, dubbed out bass, haunting vocals, and searing guitars, this modern organ trio conjures an alluring wall of sound. Driven by band leader and organist Chris Brown, alongside guitarist Jonas Hodges and bassist Alan Uribe, the group evokes a seductive blend of dark synth-wave, and post punk art rock. Often described as “retro music from the future”, the group's influences stem from around the world with hints of African, Asian, and Latin rhythms providing the backbone to many of the group's familiar, yet foreign compositions. Fans of Clinic, LCD Soundsystem, The Black Angels, Arcade Fire, Gorillaz, and early Eno should take special notice.

Psych out now to the band's first video for “Shoot it”here.

Bali Yaaah will be hosting a release party for NEVER EARLY ALWAYS FATE at Skinny's Ballroom on June 18th, 2011.

For more info contact:

Chris Brown

baliyaaah@gmail.com

(512)669-8026

http://www.myspace.com/baliyaaah

http://soundcloud.com/bali-yaaah

http://twitter.com/BaliYaaah

http://baliyaaah.bandcamp.com/

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Bali-Yaaah/291269979711

http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.aspx?epk_id=278748

http://www.youtube.com/user/BaliYaaah?feature=mhee

Jackie Bristow nominated for two NZ Music Awards

2011-05-27T16:04:00.000-05:00

Jackie Bristow's album "Freedom" has been nominated for Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards Best Country Music Album. The title song from "Freedom" has also been nominated for the APRA Best Country Song Award for 2011. Both awards are to be presented on Thursday June 2 at the New Zealand Country Music Awards in Gore.

Jackie has been touring nonstop out of Austin since January this year. Dates supporting Tommy Emmanuel, Marc Cohn, and Bob Schneider have brought her to a broad audience across the USA. Check out her upcoming tour schedule at www.jackiebristow.com/tour2.php and go see her when she's in your neck of the woods.

NZ Music Awards
jackiebristow.com
Jackie's DMI Page

2011-04-18T11:56:00.001-05:00

Music videos from every continent and the space station? Check! http://ping.fm/yWkfY

2011-04-07T19:16:00.001-05:00

Great story about Cady Coleman's video for DMI http://ping.fm/LSorU

2011-04-05T14:18:00.001-05:00

SXSW4Japan re-streaming now. DMI friends Drawn From Bees, Emergency Blanket, Grand Atlantic, Parlotones ... http://ping.fm/VE25H

2011-04-01T10:58:00.001-05:00

South Africa's Tidal Waves play Austin Saturday night at Flamingo Cantina with Sister Carol! http://ping.fm/AQqjN

2011-03-25T18:46:00.001-05:00

Tidal Waves + Black Ghandi at Flamingo Cantina tonight at 9! http://ping.fm/CW5pL

The Strangest Week of a Strange Life

2011-03-25T15:37:00.000-05:00

I haven't led the most "normal" of lives up to this point, but even for me the week of March 13-21 was unusual. Along with the Board & volunteers of Dart Music International and our friends at Same Sky Productions we literally made history multiple times during the week. Here's how things got started:

Sunday
Setup, load-in, and final preparations were completely insane. Thanks to some amazingly cool people we were able to create a sound stage that was nearly flawless for the entire week. It takes a village to create something like this, and we had the best village out there!

David, Andre, Kourosh, Eva, Sarah, and James from Same Sky Productions worked hard for weeks to get us to this point, and were on-hand throughout the entire week to make the DMI House one of the most spectacular events I've ever witnessed. In addition to the hours spent creating video introductions and illustrations for each band, they also arranged for live video and audio broadcasting of the events through bunkradio.com.

Our sound team was amazing. Led by the incomparable Greg Williams with Joseph Cisneros on the board and Tyler managing the stage. InChurl Yo of Yo! Media created out graphics and posters. Our other sponsors for the week really came through as well. Check out the event page for a full list of all the links and logos of the great companies who made this happen.

Monday
After manic video editing and setup at 219 West, we inaugurated the 2011 Dart Music International House with the first ever back-to-back performances by 6 bands from the 6 inhabited continents. The showcase, sponsored by our friends at Mueller Law and Voodoo Cowboy, created an event of cultural, artistic, and historical significance.

1:00 - Jackie Bristow (Oceania - New Zealand)
2:00 - Emergency Blanket (South America - Peru)
3:00 - Tidal Waves (Africa - South Africa)
4:00 - Telephunken (Europe - Spain)
5:00 - Unfamiliar Friends Party (Asia - Taiwan)
6:00 - The Boxing Lesson (North America - Austin)

In addition to the incredible musical performances, we were honored to have Honorary Consul Kathleen Kelly of the New Zealand Consulate, Houston, as a guest.

More to come, including Music from Space for the first time ever, Songs for Christchurch, and 3AM chicken & waffles with Hanson...

2011-03-19T11:07:00.001-05:00

DMI House Today - Music from Space at 3. Yellow Dogs in for Tarantist later. http://ping.fm/1V6Ga

2011-03-18T10:33:00.001-05:00

Japan relief info & collection at Harris Radio party at the DMI House today 1-7. 219 W 4th St. Austin.

2011-03-17T11:09:00.001-05:00

Visa/Immigration issues for artists panel at DMI House at noon, then St. Paddy's Day extravaganza!

2011-03-15T11:18:00.001-05:00

Music from SPACE and all 6 inhabited continents TODAY in Austin: http://ping.fm/knFbh

2011-03-14T09:04:00.001-05:00

T-minus 4 hours until the launch of the Dart Music International House! http://ping.fm/kf60g

2011-03-11T17:53:00.001-06:00

DMI House Special Guest for Tuesday, March 15 - Austin's Bali Yaaah! http://ping.fm/0J1X8

2011-03-09T08:07:00.001-06:00

Megan Schiebe has an excellent story about globalism, modern music, and the Dart Music International House: http://ping.fm/xlI15

2011-03-06T18:09:00.001-06:00

Bring the world back into focus with Dart Music International House. Catch the teaser & info: http://ping.fm/niqjd

2011-03-04T16:25:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow night at Beauty Bar $10 = 3 hot Austin bands + drinks + chance at SXSW music wristbands. http://ping.fm/iRS26

2011-03-04T12:28:00.001-06:00

"I Won't" from STEREO IS A LIE. You won't be able to get it out of your head! http://ping.fm/8FZJW

2011-02-27T18:17:00.001-06:00

For those who feel 6 bands from 6 continents isn't enough: http://ping.fm/jgKMf

2011-02-25T13:24:00.001-06:00

This March with DMI: International relations through interpersonal interactions - http://ping.fm/l8Qdf

2011-01-28T15:48:00.001-06:00

Original music for Original People: Tidal Waves coming to US from SA! http://ping.fm/h4duM

2011-01-28T13:58:00.001-06:00

Original music for original people coming from South Africa to the US: http://ping.fm/h4duM

2011-01-26T09:49:00.001-06:00

Houston, we have a solution: Jackie Bristow tonight. http://ping.fm/R23hv

2011-01-21T08:57:00.001-06:00

Jackie Bristow has landed in the USA!! Come out to Chelsea's in Houston next week to see her 1st show. http://ping.fm/NS9fO

2011-01-20T16:12:00.001-06:00

Same Sky Radio in 3 hours!! http://ping.fm/tFPyU

2011-01-15T20:24:00.001-06:00

Using the radio to help Afghan women learn to read and write. http://ping.fm/4nT7R

2011-01-06T17:56:00.001-06:00

Same Sky Radio in an hour kids! http://ping.fm/gr7Of

Free Week in Austin

2011-01-03T11:34:00.000-06:00

Free week is one of the best New Year's traditions anywhere! Tons of great live music in Austin to kick off the new year... If you are in Austin, get out and see some of the best bands our town has to offer.

Like SXSW, there are so many great shows happening all over town that you wish you had a few clones so you can take it all in.

9 days of Free Shows
Venues all over Austin

Highlights from the DMI calendar on Do512.com:
http://do512.com/dartmusicinternational

2010-12-30T17:06:00.001-06:00

Spend your New Year's Eve eve with Same Sky Radio tonight, 7:00CST http://bunkradio.com

2010-12-17T17:31:00.001-06:00

Drawn From Bees - Aussie's coming to the US next spring... http://ping.fm/7OEbu

The Music Business Changed - by Bob Lefsetz

2010-08-22T10:37:00.003-05:00

Below is a reprint of a recent blog by Bob Lefsetz, music industry analyst and 25-year publisher of "The Lefsetz Letter". Bob raises some very interesting points that are relevant to our international artists as well as all of us who participate on some level with music. You can subscribe to The Lefsetz Letter at http://www.lefsetz.com/lists/?p=subscribe&id=1

John Mellencamp wanted a record deal. It was the only way to bust out of Indiana. He went to New York, signed a bad deal, changed his name and still didn't break through. But he got a toehold. He was in the game. To the point where he kept on making records until Pat Benatar covered "I Need A Lover", which caused FM stations to spin the original and give Mellencamp notoriety and cred. Then Mellencamp dug down deep and recorded "American Fool" and had a hit with a riff, "Hurts So Good", and an MTV staple, "Jack & Diane". "Hurts So Good" was not a breakthrough, but a perfect synthesis of what came before. But "Jack & Diane" had a heartland intimacy separate from Springsteen's New York/New Jersey tales of the Magic Rat and it resonated, John Mellencamp was a star.

He released an even better album, "Scarecrow", he regained his name, he was living the life of a rock star, which used to mean if I'm successful enough, if I generate enough money, I can do whatever I want. I can record whatever I want, give the middle finger to the label, I function in a rare air above businessmen and politicians, the public reveres me for my integrity and cash rains down. But then MTV became more about image than music and Mellencamp could no longer have a hit. And then came the Internet. MTV aired no videos, FM played classic rock staples or alternative or harder-edged rock, and Mellencamp could tour on his laurels to those who remembered when, but he could get no radio traction, he could sell no albums, he claimed the system was broken.

You've seen the news right? Wherein Mellencamp likens the Internet to an A-Bomb? (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1716880520100818) He claims it destroyed the music business.

No, it CHANGED the music business!

Suddenly, the game Mellencamp played was history. You didn't fly to the coast for a record deal, labels weren't interested in signing anyone who hadn't already sold 10,000 records independently and/or was a pretty, malleable face willing to work with anyone and everyone, singing others' songs in order to make it. Sure, people were stealing music, but even before that, only Top Forty sold any records, and record labels were in the business of selling records.

Eventually bands with a following declined to sign with the major, why give up all those rights if you don't play Top Forty music anyway, why not be in charge of your own destiny?

And with MTV airing few videos and active music fans tuning out radio, even those who got traction had less impact and made fewer dollars.

And Mellencamp keeps recording music, which doesn't sell, despite the fact he puts his heart and soul into it. He keeps doing the same thing to less and less of a reaction, isn't that the definition of insanity? Or an indicator to take a different direction? Or change your philosophy?

But Mellencamp is not the only old wave musician decrying the Internet, Prince said it was completely dead, history. He put out his album as a newspaper cover mount. Sure, he got paid, but have you heard the music, have you even heard anybody talk about it since the hype of its release?

That's what this is all about, the inflammatory Mellencamp remarks...he's trying to get you to pay attention. And it works a bit with the old guard. Then again, you play the record once and... In the old days, radio picked a track and infected your brain, today if you don't instantly hear a track on Mellencamp's record, you're on to the next thing, because there's so much stuff. There wasn't so much stuff in Mellencamp's heyday, the system excluded it, can't we return to the days of the system, when only talented, dedicated people played and won?

Well, it's still the same, only talented, dedicated people win. But it's harder than ever to reach the ubiquity/success Mellencamp once had, if it's even possible at all. You've got to really want to be a musician, stardom may never come.

But you're in control of your own destiny, you don't have to change your name, and your music is freely available everywhere, everyone can sample it. Alas, you've got to be good enough to rise above the fray, and your only hope is that your fans spread the word.

But that's what it's all about now, you and your fans. You build a bond, with no middleman between you, and you go on a journey. Almost always slow, oftentimes very short in length. But that's the game.

And the problem isn't only that the old stars don't like the new game, but the old middlemen don't like it either. The labels hate the new game. As do radio and TV. It's chaos, there's less money to be made.

But the fans love the new game. Suddenly, it's all about the music. They're not beholden to one style, they're not limited by their pocketbook, they can discover what they like and play it as much as they want.

Put any value judgment you want on the new game, but you just can't eliminate it, the old ways are never going to come back. You can try to corral people into listening to your handpicked stuff, but this only works if there are no tune-outs and you can only keep people's attention if you're honest and trustworthy and good, like the classic rock acts of yore. This is tough when the labels hate the music and radio and TV are about commercials.

Pay no attention to the singing nitwits on TV, the faces on "American Idol", Justin Bieber...they're the last vestiges of an old era.

Suddenly, it's all about music. Make good stuff and people will find you. How many? Interesting question. But you got into it for the music, right? You like playing music, right? Because if you got into it for the money, notoriety and fame, you're fucked.

--
Visit the archive: http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/
--
http://www.twitter.com/lefsetz

Rediscovering Houston

2010-07-22T14:50:00.006-05:00

Houston rocks!

I can't believe I said that! Growing up in the suburbs and being a fan of neither traffic nor shopping, my opinion of Houston for a very long time has been less than enthusiastic. Granted, my family almost all live there and I'm a life-long Astros fan (and still pissed about the Oilers skipping town). But I've been as guilty as any Austin hipster in my Houston-bashing over the years. Not any more. Sure there are still tons of issues there, and I'm not planning to relocate any time soon, but there are some strong signs of culture, internationalism, and pockets of coolness that are undeniable.

For the past three weeks I've been staying within a stone's throw of the Johnson Space Center on a combination family visit and work trip. I don't get to see my family often enough. Every time I do I am amazed at how smart, funny, and beautiful my parents, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and in-laws all are. Nobody wants to listen to "that guy" go on about his adorable family, so I'll leave it at that.

The international side of Houston was the purpose of the trip. Houston is the home for 91 consulates from all over the world. They range from one-person Honorary Consul operations all the way to impressive compounds the size of major embassies. Word has it there are more consulates in Houston than in any other city outside of New York City and Washington. I was able to introduce our organization to representatives from nearly a dozen countries in a 2-week period - and even got to trot out my rusty German for a bit (Danke Herr Herrmann!).

The sheer sprawl of Houston definitely seems to impact the music scene, but there are great alternative press outlets like Free Press Houston and the Houston Press that do a good job of pulling it all together as much as possible. And there are venues stretching from Galveston to the Woodlands that feature great local and touring bands. Add in tons of great restaurants, art galleries, world-class fine arts, and friendly people - you get a city that is creating a scene worth watching.

Cheers to Houston!

Music You're Not Supposed To Hear by Christopher Livesay (NPR)

2010-07-05T18:47:00.001-05:00

Music You're Not Supposed To Hear

by Christopher Livesay

NPR - June 30, 2010

Musicians are often made targets for censorship. Across the globe, when an artist's message or aesthetic is deemed too controversial by a country's government or society, he or she can be shunned, threatened, barred from performing or even imprisoned.

A new concert series in Brooklyn provides an innovative outlet for musicians whose voices are hushed in their home countries. The Impossible Music Sessions have staged performances of banned music at the Littlefield Performance Space in Park Slope, Brooklyn. These concerts are unusual in that the artists are not physically there -- they join the show via an internet video call, and a band or musician they have collaborated with beforehand gives their music a proper performance.

Founder Austin Dacey says the idea for the series came to him as a visual: "I had a mental picture of an empty stage, empty but for the instruments that would be played by the artists who could not be there," Dacey told Christopher Livesay of All Things Considered.

Impossible Music is sponsored by Freemuse, a non-profit NGO that works for freedom of expression as a human right. The concert series brings Freemuse's mission to life in the heart of New York City.

The first session featured an underground electronic rock band from Tehran called The Plastic Wave. The band features a female vocalist, a huge taboo in Iran, and performs "Western" secular music -- music the Islamic Republic considers an abomination. Founders Saeid Nadjafi (Natch) and Maral have been arrested twice for performing their work, under suspicion of "Satanism."

The Brooklyn band called Cruel Black Dove is playing the show for The Plastic Wave. Such is the concept for the Impossible Music Sessions: If your government won't let you play your music, a sympathetic band in the U.S. will step in. Cruel Black Dove also features a female lead singer, Shirley Ho, who says what The Plastic Wave is enduring makes her appreciate her own freedom to perform.

"That's why we're so passionate about this project, because we really wanted to bring their music out in order for them to be heard."

True Rock 'N' Roll Spirit

The Plastic Wave could be arrested for trying to sell their music, but the Iranian government has yet to take down their Myspace page or free downloads of songs from their website. Despite constant duress in their home country, The Plastic Wave's appearance in Impossible Music Sessions allowed them to momentarily defeat the Iranian censors.

"It's people like Saeid and Maral doing electronic rock music in Tehran who are really living the spirit of rock and roll -- the spirit of resistance to unjust moral authority," says organizer Austin Dacey.

The next installment of the Impossible Music Series will feature the music of Baloberos Crew, a hip-hop group from Guinea-Bissau. The group calls out specific military leaders in the West African country for murder and corruption, in "Seven Minutes of Truth."

"I rap because of the situation in the country," says NB Show, a member of the Baloberos Crew. "It wouldn't be right to be singing R & B, to be singing about love. We need to be more hardcore. We need to criticize."

Members of the group claim to have practically been kidnapped and put under arrest by Guinea-Bissau's military. As such, they have had to keep this Impossible Music performance low-profile at home. But via web cam and an online phone service they were able to collaborate with New Jersey hip-hop artist Hasan Salaam to ready their rhymes for a live, American performance.

"Yo, they workin' hard! They strugglin'! I respect struggle," says Salaam. "So it's my duty. If I were in their position, I'm pretty sure they'd do the same thing for me."

Salaam has put several weeks of hard work into translating the music of Baloberos Crew into English, but has retained some of the choruses in Portuguese. Tonight, the West African group and Salaam will perform their collaboration in front of a live audience at the Littlefield space -- all with a little help from the internet, a webcam and a video projector. [Copyright 2010 National Public Radio]

DMI Alumni Artist Opens World Cup 2010

2010-06-17T18:00:00.003-05:00

If you have been living under a rock for the past week or in denial about the FIFA World Cup being the most popular and celebrated sports tournament in the world, I have news for you.

1. Soccer is the real deal. Get with it.

2. It's okay to like Kobe AND Ronaldo. Really, it is.

3. You just missed THE South African rock group blow the socks off billions of people

DMI Alumni, The Parlotones helped open the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg, with the likes of Shakira, Black Eyed Peas and Tinariwen. We take special interest in all of our DMI artists, past and present, so you can bet your last South African Rand that we were glued to the screen cheering them on! Although their original 8 minute set was cut down to 4 minutes due to scheduling, The Parlotones utilized every second with their latest single "Push Me to the Floor". When the crowd's cheers exploded during the set, it was clear The Parlotones are a South African favorite. Rightfully so.

Since their 2005 debut album 'Radiocontrolledrobot', The Parlotones have established themselves as one of South Africa's top selling rock bands this decade. They have platinum and gold albums, a world tour and MTV awards to their name. Plus a resume of stage sharing with artists Metallica, Violent Femmes, Kings of Leon and The Gossip.

If you weren't able to hear The Parlotones when they came through with Blue October or worse haven't heard of them (gasp!), now would be a good time to start googling as they have already broken through the UK market. And as the US always seems the last to know, The Parlotones need to be on your radar... NOW!

Big congratulations to DMI Alumni, The Parlotones! Their fantastic World Cup performance came to us as no surprise but the R. Kelly set was a different story...

We Should Be Dead - New Album, Irish Tour

2010-05-28T12:53:00.000-05:00

News from We Should Be Dead!

So, finally we’ve got news for you! We Should Be Dead are back for the Rock And The Roll!!!
....
The 1st single “Up All Night” from our forthcoming album “Dreamstate” will be released on June 18th and will be available worldwide on I-tunes and all online music shops!
....
The album will follow on July 2nd and will be available in all music shops nationwide, aswell as worldwide on I-tunes and all online music shops. It was produced by Owen Lewis (Hole, REM, Lady Gaga etc.) Check that shit!!
....
To coincide with the album release, there will be a number of live Irish dates. Oh ya, by the way we’ve multiplied. There are now 5 of us, just to spice up your life!!
....
June 30th – Whelan’s, Dublin
July 2nd – Dolan’s Warehouse, Limerick
July 8th – Roisin Dubh, Galway
July 16th – The Pavilion, Cork

Check out their Myspace page for the latest dates & info: http://www.myspace.com/wsbd

Also, check out a preview of the single and the video for "Forget Romance, Let's Dance" at
http://dartmusicinternational.org/artists/wsbd.php

Polly Mackey and the Pleasure Principle Working their Way Up!

2009-12-10T21:29:00.004-06:00

Polly Mackey and the Pleasure Principle are swinging into 2010 with a bang! Yesterday, Polly Mackey and the Pleasure Principle ranked 7th on Myspace UK's Alternative Music charts, beating major label bands such as 3OH!3, Death Cab For Cutie, and The Editors. What makes this such big news? Firstly, Polly Mackey and the Pleasure Principle is the only unsigned band in the top 30 on the Myspace charts. Secondly, the ranks are based on the amount of plays on a band's profile compared to the day before. This means that Polly Mackey and the Pleasure Principle have the 7th largest play increase per day in all of Myspace UK. Big deal? I think so. The band also ranks 32nd overall on the Myspace UK Music Charts, placing above the Arctic Monkeys and Paramore.

Of course, this isn't exactly a surprise. After SXSW 2009, where the band played several official showcases, they returned home and won a competition against 1700 other European bands to play the FIB Heineken Festival in Benicassim, Spain alongside Oasis, The Killers and Kings of Leon. The band also played at the Liverpool Soundcity Music Festival and headlined Liverpool's Red Festival.

2010 looks to be a promising year for Polly and the guys; with an invitation to play as an official showcasing band at SXSW 2010 and a spot at the HMV festival, the band is already looking at a massively successful year. Armed with a collection of new songs and experience gained from playing over 80 venues across the UK, Polly Mackey and the Pleasure Principle are already well on their way to becoming one of the most influential bands of 2010.

It's Bigger Than You

2009-11-10T17:05:00.000-06:00

It's Bigger Than You is christening their Bollywood Film Series on December 3 at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar with a presentation of Monsoon Wedding. The event will benefit IBTU and "Gimme A Break": The Single Mom Project.

IBTU's founder, Brock Sampson, is a great guy who is putting his money where his mouth is - literally. Their mission is to engage socially active, community-minded people in Austin to fight hunger and nutritional deficiencies around the world.

RSVP for the show and get more information about IBTU at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=140309912104

Nortec Collective and Border Music

2009-09-25T11:41:00.000-05:00

Texas Performing Arts has brought the Nortec Collective to Austin for a show tonight at the Hogg Auditorium. Nortec Collective Presents: Bostich + Fussible is an audio/video performance that combines electronica, samples, rock, and Norteño music that mixes genres, generations, and geography to equal effect.

"As Mexico prepares its Centenial and Bicentennial celebrations in 2010, Nortec Collective is creating the country’s soundtrack for the next 100 years. More of a movement than a band, Nortec Collective started in the late 90s when several Mexican musicians began fusing norteño and techno. Since then, they have created a vibrant and uncharted brand of alternative Latin music that transcends its genre. The music is an energy and force, which commands people to shake, dance and move their way out of any inhibition and leave modesty behind. From the moment it begins, a Nortec Collective performance shocks the soul and their universal rhythms create a remarkable harmony between artists and audiences."

Leading up to the show, Ramón (Bostich) and Pepe (Fussible) participated in a brown bag luncheon at the Bass Concert Hall and a public forum with other panelists (including multi-grammy winner Joél Guzman) for stimulating, free-ranging discussions of cultural identity, geographical & intellectual borders, growing up in Tijuana, technology, copyrights, and music.

Tijuana is a relatively new city by Mexican standards, evolving as a cultural melting pot estranged from the rest of Mexico and more closely defined by its relationship with the port city of San Diego, Hollywood, and music from all over the map. While the younger people were soaking up European electronica and cutting edge music from around the world (courtesy of the massive radio broadcast towers erected by California stations), older generations were tied to the norteño styles that came from tamborazo and tejano traditions (which, of course, have their distant roots in European polka and classical music).

What Nortec Collective accomplishes now is more than simply playing one style of music on top of another. They fuse music that speaks to different world-views and histories to create a new and exciting hybrid. The combination of visual imagery and innovative music creates a presentation of a new Tijuana to the world, while combining the world with old Tijuana. It is thought provoking and entertaining at the same time. Can't wait to see them again tonight!

HAAM Benefit Day is Coming Soon

2009-09-09T15:49:00.007-05:00

EAT, SHOP, DONATE, AND ENJOY ON THE FOURTH ANNUAL HAAM BENEFIT DAY!

On Tuesday, September 22, join the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) in keeping music in Austin alive and well.

Here’s how you can help:

* EAT & SHOP at 170 local participating businesses and restaurants, with 5% of your purchase going to HAAM. Download the list of participating businesses and music schedule.

* DONATE your spare change to the HAAM Benefit Day donation boxes at each of the music performances. Your donation will be matched dollar for dollar by Topfer Family Foundation.

* ENJOY live performances from over 90 local musical acts throughout the day. Download the list of participating businesses and music schedule.

* VOLUNTEER to help out at one of the music performances. It's fun and you even get a t-shirt! Sign up at http://www.volunteerspot.com/login/entry/49-624575308125

Also,
Forward this message to your friends to let them know how they can help!
Are you on Twitter? Find us at @myhaam and make sure you tweet on September 22 to keep your followers up to date on the HAAM Benefit Day happenings.

On Facebook? Become a fan of Health Alliance for Austin Musicians.

Play Your Part! Come out on Tuesday, September 22nd to support local musicians’ health!

Health Alliance for Austin Musicians was founded in April 2005 when Seton Family of Hospitals and St. David’s Foundation joined forces with The SIMS Foundation to provide medical, dental, and mental health care to the city’s hard-working, uninsured low-income musicians. More than 1,600 member-musicians, most 35 and younger, have been served.

To learn more or to make a donation, visit www.MyHaam.org.

Intimate Stranger on Spin Earth

2009-09-03T18:25:00.002-05:00

ntime Stranger is a Chilean band that started on 2006 in London, under the duo Tessie y Lautaro. Playing in various underground clubs, back in Chile Mogles joins in 2007, and that same year Ismael was asked to join to play the keyboards. Intimate Stranger is setting they next tour for Argentina, by the end of the year they will launch their second studio album that is still in the works before their United States tour.

Spin Earth witnessed their performance in Santiago, Chile last August 13th.

Tessie rolls and plays so intense, so sensual and elegant, showing off her voice all over the SCD Bellavista stage (Author Rights Society), a place for all types of musicians to perform on an almost daily basis. Lautaro Vera rips his guitar with a "noise/shoegazer" mix that gives us a British club ambiance. Mogles bangs his drums and doesn’t give a break to Ismael’s keyboard, which sets the mood for Tessie's bass. They all carry the show to a high level presentation.

They showed some of their first album "Life Jacket", and a sample of they second one, which is almost at the top of the most prominent music sites online with songs like Eva, Under, For Annie, Back In The Box.

After the show, Lautaro tell us that he’s working on developments to help local bands (Casino, Javiera, Mena, The Ganjas) to perform in US, country in which Intimate Stranger is scheduled to visit next March for they promotional tour before their mini tour in Argentina next November. Tessie (English-Croat descendant), also comments how she sees her audience's reaction their performance sang in English.

Tessie: People approach me saying "I liked your performance, but I think that the majority of the audience would prefer it in Spanish".

Lau: Why not sing in English? Our audience and us listen to English spoken songs all the time, besides, it is the lead market in music.

SPINearth: Actually you are in amazon.com, a site where many Chilean bands are not, is that commercially a step ahead?

Lautario: It is our launch platform of choice, because it’s cheap, the online sales don't give you the pressure to make albums. Indeed places like itunes, e-music and other music sites give you the chance to show a song after you finished it. We made contact with a German record label that allocates our work at 90% of online sites.

SPINearth: How you see the local music scene?

Tessie: We believe is fine, our band left Chile three years ago and now that we return, a change is notorious; there’s more places to perform and more bands.

Lautaro: It's ok, if you compare to foreign band scenes that I like, there's still things to do.

Intimate Stranger members: Tessie Stranger (vocals/bass), Lau Stranger (guitar/backing vocal), Mogles (drums), Ismael Palma (keyboards).

Intimate Stranger on Myspace

The Horrors join Gorillaz on new album

2009-09-03T17:45:00.002-05:00

Damon Albarn has enlisted the Shoreditch coffin dodgers to work on a song for the forthcoming Gorillaz album.

The Horrors have been enlisted by Damon Albarn to contribute to the forthcoming Gorillaz album after he heard their "exciting" new record.

"He got a copy of [Primary Colours] really early, contacted us completely out of the blue and told us how much he liked it," bassist Rhys Webb told BBC 6 Music. "We went down to the studio and he said, 'We're working on the new album and we've not collaborated with a guitar band before. Your album is one of the most exciting things I've heard in a long time. Would you be up for working on a track?'"

Gorillaz have not released an album since 2005's Demon Days, though Albarn and animator Jamie Hewlett have worked together on the project Monkey: Journey to the West. Albarn has confirmed that his attention is focused on Gorillaz now that the Blur reunion gigs are over, while earlier this summer rap group De La Soul described recording vocals for the album.

"[Albarn] played us a lot of tracks he'd been working [on]," Webb said. "They were in a really similar place to where we were at the moment."

The bands got on so well that mid-way through his tour with Blur, Albarn offered to remix the Horrors' next single, Whole New Way. Webb emphasised Blur's influence on his band. "They've always been diverse and experimental," he said. "[Blur] were the first band I went to see."

Your Twenties - Fleetwood Mac meets Elastica

2009-09-03T17:40:00.002-05:00

Hometown: London.

The lineup: Gabriel Stebbing (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Michael Lovett (backing vocals, bass), James Hoare (backing vocals, guitar), Robin Christian (drums).

The background: The history of lesser band members (i.e. not the frontman) breaking away from the parent outfit to form a halfway decent new group is long and illustrious. Well, maybe not long, but there are a few. And illustrious might be a stretch ... Hmm. How about Fat Les? Maybe not. Still on a Blur tip: Gorillaz were all right. Then there's Bad Lieutenant, the outfit formed by Alex James and Bernard Sumner of New Order. Hold on, this is ridiculous: we can only think of bands formed by ex-members of Blur. While you try and come up with some better suggestions, please allow us to introduce you to Your Twenties, possibly – it suddenly transpires – the best group ever formed by a member of another act where he wasn't the main geezer. To coin a phrase.

If the name Gabriel Stebbing rings a bell, that's because he was the bassist and keyboard player with Devon's finest electronic popsters Metronomy. Not that he and Metronomy's head honcho, Joe Mount, fell out – in fact, the latter has been producing tracks that will comprise Your Twenties' debut album next year. Before that there is the single Billionaires, to be released on the Neon Gold label (Passion Pit, Marina and the Diamond), which was produced by Blur (them again) and Smiths whizz Stephen Street, who has piled on the gently strummed chords, the oohs and aahs and handclaps, and made it feel like a catchy blast of late-summer guitar pop.

There was a previous single, Caught Wheel, which caused a bit of a stir when it came out last November. It caused a bit of a stir because it managed to pull together the sounds and styles of Your Twenties' two favourite acts, Fleetwood Mac and Elastica. On paper, it seemed a little odd, because even though those were/are both boy-girl combos, there the similarities end. But somehow Caught Wheel – featuring the gently insistent motorik-MOR pulse of the Mac during the verse and a staccato guitar riff during the chorus that was pure Elastica – did indeed sound like that strangest of hybrids, west coast Britpop. There were also synthy bloops and bleeps in there that made you think of early-70s proto-electro novelty, Popcorn by Hot Butter, as well as lush CSN&Y harmonies, and a frenzied guitar solo redolent of Ernie Isley circa Summer Breeze. It could have been a mess, but it was actually quite marvellous. "Our ideal evenings are often spent at home listening to 45s from three decades ago and making wonky pop music," explains Stebbing. Meanwhile, the band are looking forward to completing their debut album, which they hope will sell enough copies to enable them to "move to America, marry librarians and pursue our love of yachting". Well, good luck with that, chaps. And good luck with your decision to pursue either synthy MOR or jangly indie pop.

The buzz: "A curious mix of upbeat, keys-driven alt pop and west coast-styled rock fusion."

The truth: Street might have the marquee name, but if it's an electronic MOR sound you're after, stick with Mount, boys.

Most likely to: Form a spin-off troupe called Fleetwood Macstica.

Least likely to: Become billionaires.

What to buy: Billionaires is released by Neon Gold on 7 September.

File next to: Magistrates, Empire of the Sun, Fleetwood Mac, Elastica.

Links: myspace.com/yourtwenties

AT8 - this girl pop duo have a low-rent charm that's perfect

2009-09-03T17:36:00.001-05:00

Hometown: Buckinghamshire.

The lineup: Amber Ducker (squeaks) and Thalia Beard (shrieks).

The background: AT8 are one of two girl pop duos waiting in the wings at the moment, the other being Mini Viva, who seem a bit cooler, a bit more style mag. AT8 have a rather more low-rent charm. In short, they're less Hoxton Bar & Grill, more Harlequin Centre in Watford. Like MV's, AT8's songs are dancey, but they're slower, with slashes of guitar, which the girls actually plug in and play themselves, and they tend to speak-sing with a pseudo-bored sneer that is bound to have commentators swooning that they have "punk" edge. Not always, though – they've obviously been told (although they maintain that they're not media trained, that they do what they want, when they want, etc) not to turn that rap-singing thing into a trademark. They do proper warbling sometimes, only it's that generic, slightly shrill, anonymous Auto-tuned or pitch-shifted vocal sound that we've come to know and hear drifting over the Tannoy at Top Shop or wherever.

AT8, who were born in '88, hence the name, are managed by Amy Winehouse's team and are sassy/saucy suburbanites. They're a GaGa or Girls Aloud for girls who spend Saturday afternoons giggling outside Gap. And they are girls – not grrrls, the riot variety, as Radio 6 presenter Tom Robinson has suggested, writing on his Twitter page that they are, "Gtr-based delinquent B52s/Slits/Tom Tom Club grrrl trashpop." That's not their lineage. They're not a high street Huggy Bear – be serious - much as that notion appeals. They don't have a manifesto or programme of ideals. Unless you count, "We just go out on the piss/Cuz our names aren't on the list," as they tell us on their Skins-tastic debut single, Adam's Party. They've also declared their modus operandi to be "about having fun, rocking out and getting drunk", adding that their lyrics are inspired by "going out on the lash and generally fooling around." Sophisticated situationists they are not. They are scary, though. Thalia is the "fiery redhead who struts around like a sex mad singer" while Amber is the "platinum blonde who takes it off like a part-time stripper." They describe their chirpy electro-pop set-up thus: "We are two guitars and a drum machine … that's all we got that's all we need!" Their spelling and grammar are terrible.

The buzz: "AT8 are more punk than Gallows."

The truth: They insist they're "the complete antithesis of Dolly Rockers", but they're very much in that vein, only less cheeky and smart.

Most likely to: Misspell "insurrection".

Least likely to: Rhyme "seditious" with "Sid Vicious".

What to buy: Adam's Party is released on 5 October.

File next to: Mini Viva, Dolly Rockers, Lady GaGa, Girls Aloud.

Links: www.myspace.com/at8official

Monday's new band: Cold Cave.

SXSW 2010 Panel: What Borders? International Music in the Modern World

2009-08-27T14:26:00.006-05:00

SXSW has added a voting component to the selection process for panels at next year's music conference. We have proposed a panel for the 2010 SXSW music conference entitled "What Borders? International Music in the Modern World". Please take a look at our description, register with the SXSW site, and vote for our panel. Voting counts for 30% of the selection process, so vote early and vote often!

Confirmed panelists:
Maryelizabeth Carter, The Underground Management
Matthew Covey, Tamizdat
Dave Dart, Dart Music International
Alan Holt, New Zealand Music Commission
Alan Mackey, New Direction Music
Derek Woodgate, The Futures Lab, Plutopia, and Dart Music International

Description: Rock & Roll has become the common language for young people across the globe. Panelists explore how touring, festivals, nonprofit organizations, and the internet are used to overcome borders to make rock music the market place of intercultural exchange for students, young professionals, and working class people the world over.

We will address the following questions:
1. What kinds of unique issues do artists face when touring outside their home countries (logistics, visas, day-to-day costs, etc)?
2. Are specialized work visas always required for all performances outside one's home country?
3. To what degree should bands be involved with international issues-based benefit performances?
4. What is the right "mix" of international festival performances, international benefits, and non-festival touring?
5. How much time is adequate to plan a tour to the US from other countries? What about multi-national touring (Europe, Latin America, etc.)?
6. How much should a band emphasize the socio-political impact of their "foreignness" versus their artistic ability when touring the US or other countries?
7. Given current demographic trends in the US and other parts of the world (as well as international superstardom for polyglot artists like Manu Chao), are we likely to see greater mainstream acceptance of languages other than English in rock/pop music?
8. What are the realistic expectations of a band's return on investment for an international tour/appearance (direct income, exposure, new sponsors, building new fan bases, etc.)?
9. What emerging technological resources - social media, virtual touring, video performances, online concerts, etc - should bands use to enhance their international presence?
10. While festivals like SXSW include lesser known international artists, what other resources exist to help up-and-coming artists reach international markets?

Little League World Series Rocks

2009-08-23T12:21:00.004-05:00

International sports events are cultural activities that whose importance is often overlooked. Most people think of sports as nothing more than entertainment, but large-scale international tournaments take on a role much greater than mere diversion. The Little League World Series, airing right now on ESPN, is the perfect example of this. The annual LLWS is such a great celebration of the goodwill and promotion of international cultures. Baseball is one of the great exports of US culture that has taken root around the world. This year has a local connection for DMI. Jacob "The Rocket" Ramos, nephew of our friend Christy Gray, is one of the players on the LLWS team from San Antonio. They won their first game Friday and play again today at 3:00pm EST.

Besides the great coincidence of sharing a name with one of our interns, the team's second baseman Kyle Pollard is posting a blog during the week on the WOAI website.

Woody Allen to play Austin

2009-08-20T11:30:00.002-05:00

In a rare appearance outside their standing gig every Monday night at Manhattan's Carlyle Hotel, Woody Allen and his New Orleans Jazz Band take the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime performance. As a musician, he innovatively plays the clarinet and replicates to perfection the sounds of jazz from its origins, supported by an encyclopedic musical knowledge that is evident in the colors of his identifiable musical selections. A can't miss evening at the Paramount Theatre on December 28, 2009.

Croatian band Kries mixes the traditional with 'ethno-rock' (and bagpipes)

2009-08-19T13:13:00.003-05:00

Eastern European music has been making a starring role in Western pop in recent years. Take Beirut, or Gogol Bordello and to an extent Arcade FIre. But if you want the real thing, we might suggest the Croatian band Kries. The band draws from traditional Croatian music, an merges it with dark rock elements and, on their latest album, bagpipes and the fiddle work of the always eclectic Martin Swan.

Kries recently performed at Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival (August 14-16.)

The band has a new album and has also been working on film music a lot. They have also been working on music for theatre for Croatian director Rene Medvesek's new play.

Andor Vegh joined the band after their first CD 'Ivo i Mara'. Along with leader Mojmir Novakovic, Andor is a big fan of the diple, gahde, dude (different types of bagpipes in Croatia). Croatian wind instruments especially the 'bagpipes" are part of old Mediterranean tradition.

Spring is in the air...

2009-08-19T10:34:00.002-05:00

Even though it's 100 degrees outside, Spring-time is dominating at the DMI office. We're planning for the Spring 2010 festival and touring season now. The visa application and planning processes take several months for each international band, so we begin work 6 months ahead of expected arrival dates. Right now we are working on plans for two great Chilean bands, Intimate Stranger and the Ganjas. We're also talking with several other bands from all over the world and will have more information out about them soon.

The biggest attraction for international bands during the spring is the South by Southwest festival in Austin. Each year they provide the opportunity for hundreds of international bands to gain exposure with the world's music industry and media. This year I have proposed a panel, What Borders? International Music in the Modern World that addresses many of the questions concerning international artists. Please click on that title to read more about it and cast your vote to have it accepted as an official SXSW panel.

This is also the time of year when we can really use donations to help us with our programs through the spring. For perspective, an international band that comes here to the US for a month-long tour without our help can spend nearly $1,000 per day with all the costs of visas, transportation, logistics, and everything else. With your support we are able to dramatically reduce that cost. Any contribution helps! Please see our Support Page for a link to the Network for Good credit card donation page (where you can make a monthly contribution) and other avenues for support.

The Tornado Roosters: German Rockabilly

2009-08-03T17:49:00.005-05:00

I just got off Skype a few minutes ago with AJ, the leader of the German Roackabilly band The Tornado Roosters. It turns out they are not only a really good, fun band, but they are also really cool guys. They live in and around Giessen, Germany, which is very near the little village of Pohlheim Grüningen, where I lived for four years.

Dart Music International is going to help them come to Texas next summer for a small tour starting on July 4th. There will be more information posted soon. Until then, they promise to torture me with thoughts of cold Licher Bier (which I can't get in the US) and temperatures below 100 degrees. Prost!

July Happy Hour

2009-08-02T19:48:00.003-05:00

The July Happy Hour benefiting Dart Music International was at Mother Egan's Irish Pub on July 27. For those you that missed out, here are a few photos from the event.

One of many volunteers, Lauren

The DJs

Dart Drawing

The Prizes

Cool Merchandise

The crowd

Oh, and it was Dave Dart's birthday...

Thanks to everyone for a great turn out. It was a fun evening!

--Melody

Zero Point Five video from We Should Be Dead

2009-08-01T15:07:00.004-05:00

I just recently came across the video for Zero Point Five again. It really shows off the playful side of the band. Can't wait to have them here for our Meet & Greet and Benefit Show at Scoot Inn next Friday. Sadly, Gary has decided to leave the band and I'm bummed that he won't be able to come with the band this week. You can read a bit more about it on the WSBD Myspace blog. I'm looking forward to meeting the new bass player when the band arrives this week.

Voodoo Cowboy is bringing them in for their big party on Saturday, and they are graciously lending a ton of support for WSBD while they're here, including a lot of help for Dart Music International's Meet & Greet at our office and the benefit show at Scoot Inn with Black Panda and DJ's Alan B & Freddie E on Friday.

Best Newcomers winners at Scoot Inn

2009-07-31T18:11:00.000-05:00

Black Panda, the local Austin outfit that will be supporting Irish rock band We Should be Dead at the DMI benefit at the Scoot Inn on Friday 7th August 2009 (9 p.m.) was voted Best Newcomers to Austin Music Scene in 2008. Since then the band has been taking the city by storm with its gnarly punk rhythms. Come check Black Pandas out for yourselves - only $5.

Chilean bands planned for Austin

2009-07-31T17:45:00.000-05:00

Two bands from Chile, namely the country's most popular indie band, The Ganjas and the fast rising pop rock artists Intimate Stranger will be on a US tour that includes Austin in March 2010. Both bands will be working through Dart Music International. Intimate Stranger played at SXSW in 2008 and in January this year were the featured artists in the Latino Rolling Stone magazine.

2009-07-28T14:18:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to the happy hour and all the great birthday shout outs! It sucks getting old but it beats the alternative.

2009-07-27T09:03:00.001-05:00

Come to Mother Egan's today to help me celebrate my birthday and raise a few bucks for Dart Music International. http://ping.fm/dhFU5

2009-07-23T14:13:00.001-05:00

Our Derek Woodgate interviewed for Austin Chronicle feature "What Would Jean-Luc Do?" http://ping.fm/DwuQ2

2009-07-23T08:58:00.001-05:00

The language of independence is indieoma !

2009-07-22T19:52:00.001-05:00

Got the AC fixed, now heading to meet friends and then to Reversa! http://ping.fm/RLlyt

2009-07-15T23:50:00.001-05:00

We're sending our next e-newsletter soon. Sign up at http://ping.fm/G2kIi

2009-07-12T02:13:00.001-05:00

Tokyo Sex Destruction, We Should Be Dead, Polly Mackey & the PP, & 127 played on KVRX tonight. http://ping.fm/yXBhI

2009-07-10T15:26:00.001-05:00

Dave is going to be on KVRX Chocolate Primate Magnetosphere Saturday at midnight with DJ Owen & cool DMI music. http://ping.fm/VqGbY

2009-07-02T11:19:00.001-05:00

Updates soon on our website - new Directors, happy hour July 23, and We Should Be Dead at Scoot Inn Aug 7! Stay tuned...

2009-06-29T22:59:00.001-05:00

Special thanks to all our great sponsors from last week's happy hour. See them & the photos at http://ping.fm/O716Y

2009-06-25T20:46:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone who braved the heat (105!) for our happy hour yesterday. Info about upcoming events coming soon.

2009-06-24T12:38:00.001-05:00

Dart Music International Happy Hour 5:30 today at Tiniest Bar! http://ping.fm/2cCPw

2009-06-22T17:23:00.001-05:00

Wednesday at Tiniest Bar in Texas: Independence beer, Tito's & Sweet Leaf, Me So Hungry... http://ping.fm/BHorD

2009-06-21T17:07:00.001-05:00

Just made some updates to our news page http://ping.fm/GpwEn

2009-06-20T12:28:00.001-05:00

Dr. Mark Levine is relaying messages from Iranian metalheads & rappers (in Iran) real time at http://ping.fm/faR4F

2009-06-20T11:50:00.001-05:00

Please give your prayers & support to 127 & Hypernova and all their families in Iran. http://bit.ly/jFi1b IranElection

2009-06-18T14:50:00.001-05:00

Board of Directors meeting tonight, lots of new announcements tomorrow!

2009-06-17T09:42:00.001-05:00

Music Office reVisited: Item 49, Austin City Council Meeting, Thu. June 18 @ 10am. More info: http://ping.fm/RLQTj

2009-06-16T15:07:00.001-05:00

Make sure to check out event info for the DMI Happy Hour 6/24 at the Tiniest Bar in Texas! Head to the myspace or facebook for more details!

DMI HAPPY HOUR!

2009-06-16T14:44:00.001-05:00

Introducing Dart Music International

Come join us at our first Happy Hour on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at the Tiniest Bar in Texas!

What: Introducing Dart Music International Happy Hour / Benefit
When: Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Where: Tiniest Bar in Texas, 817 W 5th St., Austin TX MAP
RSVP: Facebook Event Page

Introducing Dart Music International (DMI), an Austin-based nonprofit organization that bridges the cultural divide by helping international musicians enrich the culture of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.

Come out and celebrate our coming out! We'd love to meet you.

We plan to host a happy hour every month that will include musical guests and drink specials.

This month:
DJ Alan B and DJ Fred will be on hand spinning some great tunes featuring DMI artist members such as We Should Be Dead and Polly Mackey & the Pleasure Principle.

Drink specials will be available from local brewery Independence Brewing Company.

There will also be drawings for cool items and other surprises. Check our Facebook Event Page for updates.

See you there!
- Dave

2009-06-15T16:11:00.001-05:00

Shady Grove & Sound Ordinance update from Councilmember Laura Morrison tonight at the Save Austin Music BIG MEETING 7-9pm

2009-06-15T13:09:00.001-05:00

The Power of Email Marketing for Fan Relations at the Austin Hilton Garden Inn, 7:00 tonight. http://ping.fm/hYwfK

2009-06-13T13:17:00.001-05:00

When people ask why we need a Music Office in Austin, point them here: http://ping.fm/hoBe4

2009-06-10T11:52:00.001-05:00

Mark your calendars: June 24, 5:30-8:00 Dart Music Happy Hour at The Tiniest Bar In Texas. More info later this week.

2009-06-09T13:30:00.001-05:00

We Should Be Dead are coming to Austin soon. We'll have details later this week.

2009-06-05T15:39:00.001-05:00

Dart Music International News

2009-06-05T15:35:00.001-05:00

Is it already almost June?! It feels more like New Year's Eve around here! We have lots of new events planned (keep an eye out for a late June happy hour), new office space, lots of new volunteers, and new opportunities for you to participate. Check out what the media are saying about Dart Music International and our artists on our Press Page and take a look at this year's events, past and present, on our Events Page. See what's on the Dart Music International horizon on our Calendar, Twitter, and our other Social Networking Sites.

1. Pachanga Fest May 30 at Fiesta Gardens
2. New Dart Music International Office with Voodoo Cowboy
3. Old Pecan Street Festival May 2-3
4. Our New Favicon - It's the Little Things!

2009-06-04T09:54:00.001-05:00

Polly Mackey & the Pleasure Principle have been announced as headliners at Liverpool's Red Festival on July 26th.

2009-06-03T00:34:00.001-05:00

Check out this timeless video by Lupe Olivarez, owner of Bohemeo's in Houston. http://ping.fm/4jlHM

2009-06-02T13:16:00.001-05:00

Figuring out Ping.fm...anyone else on board? It's great stuff!

International Lunch during SXSW week at Nueva Onda

2009-03-03T21:32:00.000-06:00

For your late breakfast, lunch, and SXSW warm-up needs, we are very proud to be working withNueva Onda to serenade you with live music from some of our great international bands. The bands will play out on the patio from 11:30am to 1:00 pm Monday through Saturday during the week of South By Southwest. Come on down to South Congress and enjoy someof the best breakfast tacos and tex-mex in Austin along with some great Dart Music International music.

Mon., 3/16: We Should Be Dead from Limerick, Ireland;
Tue., 3/17: Polly Mackey & the Pleasure Principle from Liverpool, UK;
Wed., 3/18: Bang Bang Eche from Christchurch, New Zealand;
Thu., 3/19: Capsula from Bilbao, Argentina;
Fri., 3/20: Tokyo Sex Destruction from Vilanova, Spain;
Sat., 3/21: Pedro Menéndez from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Event Details:
Date: Monday-Saturday, March 16-21, 2009
Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm
Location: Nueva Onda, 2218 College Ave., Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 477-5063