Three North Texas acts have their eyes on a career- boosting prize. They're competing in Dell's Sound and the Jury contest against 17 other semifinalists for a high-profile performance slot at next month's Austin City Limits Music Festival.
The local competitors include quirky Denton singer-songwriters Erin Austin and Andrew Tinker, as well as melodic Dallas pop-rock band Air Review. They've survived an initial public vote and an industry judging round. Now they're relying on fans to vote them through to the final-five event, a battle-of-the-bands show in Austin that will determine the winner of the ACL set.
We caught up with our hometown hopefuls to find out more about them. Decide which one you like best and cast your vote before the current round ends Friday. Here's more.
Hunter Hauk
Register at delllounge.com/ soundandthejury and cast your vote for your favorite. Voting in the top 20 round ends Friday and will determine which five get to compete for the grand prize. In addition to the main-stage ACL gig, the package includes free fest tickets for the band, hotel rooms, a new laptop and $1,500 cash.
Find more information about the Austin City Limits Music Festival, taking place Oct. 2-4 in Austin's Zilker Park, at aclfest.com.
What brought him to Denton: After going to high school in Flower Mound and a year of touring [as a French horn player] with the Polyphonic Spree, I wanted to work on my own skills as a songwriter and performer, and maybe meet some new musicians in the process. The UNT College of Music looked like an excellent opportunity to make some new friends and continue my musical growth, so I came to Denton.
Latest release: His debut CD, It Takes the World, is available at Good Records, Recycled Books and online on iTunes and CD Baby.
Favorite acts growing up: I didn't really have favorite acts growing up as much as I had favorite recordings. Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's E 1999 Eternal: Even though I couldn't decipher all the lyrics, I knew they were mostly about scary stuff. Elton John's Greatest Hits, Vol. 1: As a kid, I used to listen to this compilation on repeat. All my favorite Elton songs conveniently located on one CD, how could I not love that? Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life: It's masterful, but not overtly intellectual, and I'd have to say it's my favorite pop-rock album of all time.
Favorite acts now: The Guy's All-Star Shoe Band (the house band from A Prairie Home Companion): I love their sound; it's so distinctly American. Also, I appreciate that they are consistently and unfailingly amazing live performers. When you hear them on the radio show, you're hearing what they're really playing – no studio tricks, overdubs or corrections. Opeth: I'm impressed by this band's harmonic vocabulary and virtuosity. They're not just metal, they're musically metal.
Favorite local acts: Xegesis: They're two of the most ambitious rappers I've met, but very down-to-earth, and they throw a pretty good party. Respect. The Campaign: They've got good players, they know where they're coming from musically and they're nice fellas.
What his typical live show is like: Well, for me, playing live can be a kind of mystical experience. I love the moment when the music becomes real. In performance, music is no longer just notes on a page or melodies in my head. It feels like it's breathing and flowing and connecting the players to each other and the audience. It's a sensation that can't be captured on a video or sound recording, and each time it is unique.
How he'll pull them in at his ACL set if he wins: People go to ACL to see great live music, and I will happily oblige them. I plan to play my heart out.
What he'll do that weekend if he doesn't win: [silence]
On the Web: google.com/profiles/andrewtinker
What brought her to Denton: I came to Denton in October of 2008 to work with McKenzie Smith and Robert Gungor on my first record. I've stayed because we are still working on the record, and I've made some pretty incredible friends.
Latest release: We are finishing tracking for the record in October. It will not be released until February. You'll be able to get a copy from my Web site or at shows.
Favorite acts growing up: My family was pretty conservative when I was really little. So, I didn't have much to go on when I was really young. But when I was in middle school and first starting in public school, I would sneak listening to the radio and make mix tapes of pop and rock songs. ... I'm not even sure some of what I was listening to. If you go back to 1993 and listen to the radio, that's what I listened to.
Favorite acts now: Midlake, because of their commitment to making beautiful and excellent songs that get better with age. Elizabeth & the Catapult, because of their love for words and coupling them with catchy hooks. Fiawna Forte for her wonderful voice, openly agonizing-artist persona and incredibly captivating live shows.
Favorite local acts: No. 1 would be my husband, Rob Gungor. He's an incredible musician, producer and engineer. His songwriting is nothing short of inspiring, and he is the reason I'm doing music. Sarah Jaffe, because of her incredible voice and crafty lyrics. Matthew and the Arrogant Sea, because of Matthew Gray's soul.
What her typical live show is like: It always depends on the audience and how they react to the songs. I'm pretty consistent and like the songs to speak for themselves. I don't talk very much. Not really because I have anything against people talking, but I'm kind of a dork, and if I start talking, I'll end up talking way too much and say embarrassing things. I'm working on it.
How she'll pull them in at her ACL set if she wins the contest: No real strategy; maybe I should think about that more. ... I'll just do my thing. If it's worth listening to, then people will be "pulled in." If not, then I should consider another profession. I always thought about being a home economics teacher ... I hope they still do that in schools.
What she'll do that weekend if she doesn't win: Gosh, I have to confess, I was going to go to ACL regardless. I will go see my friends play.
On the Web: erinaustin.com
Members: Doug Hale (who answered the questionnaire), Justin Robinson, Richard Carpenter, Hank Bentley and Jeff Taylor
What brought them to Dallas: Jeff was born in Houston but came to Dallas to play music in a band. Justin was born in Fort Worth, moved to Oklahoma for most of his growing up and came back to Dallas to go to school. Everyone else is from here.
Latest release: Debut album Landmarks is available on iTunes and at airreview.storenvy.com.
Favorite acts growing up: Beatles, 'cause for some of us it was the only rock music our parents approved of. Most of us snuck in some Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins and Radiohead. Of course, our parents' church music and our parents' old classical LPs. Naturally, Psalty the Singing Song Book.
Favorite acts now: We can't seem to stop listening to Bon Iver, Ryan Adams, Sufjan Stevens, Wilco, Patty Griffin, Arcade Fire, David Bazan, Elbow and Spoon.
Favorite local acts: Baron Fox, because Jon Whitlock is the epitome of "badassery." Salim Nourallah and Radiant for paving the way for indie rock in Dallas. Also, one of the best female voices in town, Becky Middleton.
What their typical live show is like: We try our hardest to bring a sense of musicality and energy to each live show. We figure if we are having a good time, the crowd will, too.
How they'll pull them in at their ACL set if they win the contest: Pheromones.
What they'll do that weekend if they don't win:
Watch Yeah Yeah Yeahs, front and center.
On the Web: myspace.com/airreview
Place an Ad
