The Orbans, an alt-country-ish band from Fort Worth, has made a name for itself over the past year or so, playing around the state and releasing an impressive album, When We Were Wild (which you can buy from the band here). The band has played Houston a number of times, increasing its fan base steadily [...]

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Scottish musician Edwyn Collins has had a long and varied career. Probably best known in the States for his 1997 hit “A Girl Like You” (from the Empire Records movie soundtrack), Collins got his start in Scotland in the 70s with the influential Orange Juice. Collins plays in Austin during South By Southwest in support [...]

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I recently heard the song “22:22″ by English foursome Ice Black Birds, and was instantly intrigued by the band’s sound. Part throwback, part modern garage rockers, the band–vocalist/rhythm guitarist Sam Denniston, guitarist George Grinling, bassist/vocalist Danny McGurn, and drummer/vocalist Ollie Liddiard–is heavily influenced by classic rock of the 60s and 70s, but also by blues [...]

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On Wednesday (3.16.11) during South By Southwest, Houston brewery Saint Arnold Brewing Co. and Steady Boy Records host SXSaint Arnold, which features live music from The Freddie Steady 5 (5pm), Ugly Beats (4pm), Al Staehely & 10K Hrs. (3pm), Thunderchiefs (2pm), Eve & the Exiles (1pm) at Austin’s Ginger Man (301 Lavaca).

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I first heard of Arizona band Kinch when they opened for Local H on last year’s tour. The band quickly won over the crowd with its nods to British and Southern rock, and I have been keeping an eye on the band since. I recently noted that Kinch will play in Austin during this year’s [...]

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Alberta Cross is a New York-based band whose Broken Side Of Time was among my 2009 favorite albums. At the time I wrote: Think early Verve meets Animals-era Pink Floyd–what can be wrong with that? The band plays an official showcase in Austin at SXSW 2011, and is offering a free download of “Leave Us [...]

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San Marcos instrumental rock band This Will Destroy You makes ear-splitting instrumental rock that has won the band fans worldwide since it got its start in 2005. It albums are thrilling listens, but the band–like most “post-rock” groups–thrives in a live setting. In 2010, the band switched directions a bit on its “Communal Blood” single, [...]

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World Party front man Karl Wallenger returns to Austin for this year’s South By Southwest. It’s been a decade since the band released new music, but Wallenger’s showcase will undoubtedly bring out long-time fans and well-wishers. Wallenger was a member of British band The Waterboys, but left the group in the mid-80s to form World [...]

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Fat Tony is not what most people would think of when they think of a rapper from Houston. But it should be. For a few years now, Fat Tony has been creating some of the most interesting and unique hip hop music to come out of the Houston area. It’s not the Dirty South stuff, [...]

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While making your plans for seeing bands during SXSW 2011, which is March 16-20 in Austin, be sure to check out the following online resources: DoneWaiting.com Showlist Austin Do512 Austin Chronicle SXSW official website sched.org Also, be sure to check back here on Houston Calling for more interviews and information on bands performing during this [...]

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