Unless you live in some kind of social networking closet, you have probably noticed several NX35 bands announcing their plans to release new albums at the music conferette. RTB2 will be releasing In People, a live album featuring last year’s NX35, Western Giants will be releasing their second EP, Long Live the Live Long Day, and my personal favorites, Spooky Folk, will be releasing their much anticipated debut album. Hopefully I’ve given you ample time to save up because these albums will be worth purchasing. No, seriously.

photo credit: GioSafari's Facebook profile

GioSafari

Speaking of NX35ers working hard, Gio Andollo will be making his way to NX35 from New York through his singer-songwriter moniker, GioSafari. A survivor of a motor vehicle / bicycle accident, Gio found life again through busking and sharing his stories and thoughts through song. You may not agree with his beliefs but you have to admire this folk artist doesn’t take the high road, having lived life as a homeless man, volunteering with AmeriCorps, and traveling throughout the world sharing his talents and life through his heart-revealing lyrics. And from the looks of his blog and sounds of his words, he’s got a big heart. Grab some pizza at J&J’s on Friday night and let’s show Gio that Denton’s got heart too.

GioSafari Live @ Tea Lounge NY from Roll®Blade A on Vimeo.

Notable tunes to preview online: “Homeless Thursday”, “The Silence and the Sound” / Myspace / Facebook

Technically, I am writing this on a Tuesday with NX35 ’round the bend. Um, like two days ’round the bend. Last weekend, I took a much welcomed mini-vacation to the exotic land of Keller, Texas where I proceeded to care about nothing except for my allergies. I think it’s springtime, y’all! Well, now it’s game time and I’m ready to plow through these updates, bring you all the news that’s fit to tweet at NX35, and get ready to do it again for SXSW. It’s a tough job and no one has to do it but dammit, it’s been fun.

photo credit: www.matthewbrush.com

Via Audio

If you’ve been keeping up with the countdown, you’ve probably seen me gush over the international acts that will be showcased at Dan’s on the final night of NX35. Because, come on, this is Denton, Texas and there’s really no reason for someone from Australia, Ireland, or Denmark should come visit. Our mall doesn’t even have a food court for crying out loud. But here we are, throwing our own music festival that has garnered all sorts of attention, respect, and critics. You know you’re doing something wrong if you don’t have critics. But I digress. What I haven’t mentioned about the Sunday night show at Dan’s is the fact that two national acts will be sharing the stage with our new friends overseas, Pattern is Movement and today’s featured band, Via Audio.

Having met while in college in Boston over five years ago, Via Audio brought their indie pop/rock outfit to New York where dreams come true. Well, at least theirs did. I mean, not many year-old bands are named one of Chris Walla’s “new favorite bands” and rarely does handing a demo over to Jim Eno from Spoon result in him producing your album. Singers Tom Deis and Jessica Martins complement each other as they share lead vocals over their smooth, authentic version of indie pop. Listen to where they’ve taken their sound with their newest album, Animalore, dropping March 9.

Check the video below for a performance of “Modern Day Saint” from their critically-acclaimed debut full-length album, Say Something.

Notable tunes to preview online: “Summer Stars”, “Babies” / Myspace / Facebook

Do you know what this means, folks? The light at the end of the flippin’ tunnel. The NX35 administration and volunteers will see the fruits of their labor, I will have to find something else to blog about and, of course, best of all, over 200 bands will play for people that love music. Short intro today, folks, so you can get back to preparing for next week’s awesomeness. And… go!

photo credit: www.billellison.com

RTB2

I don’t have many regrets in life. But having lived in Denton for about five months now without hitting up an RTB2 show? Inexcusable. The first time I heard of Ryan Thomas Becker, I was at a show at The Schoolhouse and a friend told me I shouldn’t miss his set. I was there but for some unknown reason, I missed it. And I’ve managed to do so for five freaking months. The same friend told me I should definitely go to an RTB2 show, and I haven’t. No good excuses for missing any of his many, many shows as he is in two other bands (Eaton Lake Tonics, The Slow Burners) in addition to his solo project and RTB2. His dedication to music far, far outweighs mine to say the least as he manages to juggle a day job along with all of his bands. Does he sleep?

It has been said that Ryan Thomas Becker is the “best guitarist in Denton.” That’s a mighty large claim to make but from the recordings I’ve heard, I will not argue with that declaration. Combined with Grady Don Sandlin on drums (another musician that someone recently told me was the best in town), RTB2 is definitely a bluesy-rock force to be reckoned with. Although I’ve managed to miss every RTB2 show, there was a good solid month where I played the DOMA XXI compilation disc in my car, giving extra play to “When Hammer Hits Stone.” No lie. And yesterday, the video for the song was unleashed. It accentuates the pure badassery of the song well. (And I’m not the first one to use the word “badassery” to describe this video.)

RTB2 – “When Hammer Hits Stone” Super 8mm from Andy LaViolette on Vimeo.

I swear one day I will experience this live. You can, too, if you start the festival off at Dan’s next Thursday night.

edit: Also, RTB2 is releasing a live album next week called In People which covers their set from last year’s NX35. Don’t say I didn’t warn you to bring some extra cash!

Notable tunes to preview online: “When Hammer Hits Stone”, “Wire to the Walls” / Myspace / Facebook

The daytime programming has now been announced and scheduled with full details listed on each day’s schedule on NX35.com. Of course, there is the much anticipated keynote speaker, Steve Albini, who will share his knowledge on Friday afternoon of the conferette. Other conversations will take place each day of the event, giving us a reason to wake up before noon (daytime programming begins on noon on most days) to learn a few things or two about the music industry. Most definitely a good idea for musicians who want to be a step ahead of the rest, journalists, music lovers, and anyone who is part of the Denton DIY music scene. Check it out but make sure you have a wristband for access first!

photo credit: www.manitouphoto.?com

The Phuss

In case you haven’t noticed, Cold Fusion is no longer a NX35 venue but not to worry, Texas 8 Ball has stepped up to the game as a replacement venue. As long as there is a place for The Rocketboys, Here Holy Spain, Bridges and Blinking Lights, and The Phuss, we will have a place to freakin’ rock on Friday night at the festival.

Based in the DFW (claiming home to both Dallas and Fort Worth), this rock duo is comprised of Joshua Fleming on guitar and vocals, and Trey Alfaro back at the drums. Set to make “dirty, Texas devil rock,” The Phuss does so in a very solid and big way, making you wonder how they manage to do so with just two band members. They released their debut EP, Wanted, last fall and took it upon themselves to use the album to create a story about an murderous outlaw. Tall order for a first release but The Phuss made it happen. It’s gritty and dirty and something you want to listen to before you go kick someone in the face. Er, I mean, when you want to get pumped up about something.

Here’s their recently released music video for “Preacher, Preacher.” Seriously, try not to destroy something while watching this. It’s so aggressively, wickedly good.

Notable tunes to preview online: “Preacher, Preacher”, “Wanted” / Myspace / Facebook