Wu Tang's GZA performed his classic Liquid Swords last night at Emo's to a frenzied, thankful crowd. Austinist contributing photographer Nash Cook was there to capture the evening. ... [continue]

Austin's Monofonus Press brings together artists, writers, and musicians to collaborate on synchronized distribution. Their latest effort combines artist and writer with one of our favorite local bands, the Pillow Queens. Tonight marks the celebration of their CD release at the Compound, where attendees can also check out Shapes Have Fangs and Human Milk. ... [continue]

Electric Touch, former IV Thieves member Shane Lawlor's new band, played at Stubb's last night. Locals the Steps opened. Photos courtesy Gregory Cooper. ... [continue]

You're looking at photos contributed by Erin, and below the cut you'll see some more, courtesy Nash Cook and Josh Huck. Summer Extrav-O-Ganza III was presented by Green Potato Ventures, Austinist, Party Ends, Transmission Entertainment, and Super!Alright!, Cacophony Recorders, and Annie Ray Photography.... [continue]

Benko will be celebrating the release of their latest album, Welcome to the Follow Through tonight at the Mohawk, supported by drum duo Loudest Boom Bah Yea. This new work is a shimmering bit of indie pop excellence, engineered by Jim Eno and mastered by Erik Wofford. ... [continue]

Tussle's latest finds the band capitalizing on their malleable drum and bass roots, reaching new heights with a pastiche of urban trends. The result is a sort of psychedelic dance album that flirts with organics while remaining staunchly electronic. ... [continue]

Every once in a while a band manages to completely surpass the local initiation, breaking out into the national or international scene seemingly out of the blue. Though it's often the case that these bands -- despite well-educated marketing teams by their side -- fling themselves out into the wilds of pop fancy only to be thrown back home to local audiences who have never heard of them, it's not necessarily the rule. ... [continue]

Fun Fest 2008 tickets are on sale now, going for $59.99 for two day passes. The festival will be at Waterloo Park on Nov. 8 & 9. Not sure if it's worth it? Go back over the line-up, then head over to Frontgate Tickets.... [continue]

Beyond the collection of songs is an entire world of Buckley appreciation that flourishes all over the globe: his listeners are devotees, celebrating his life and work each year on his birthday. ... [continue]

Austinist is happy to announce this year's line-up for the Fun Fun Fun Festival happening at Waterloo Park on November 8 & 9. Once again, we're proud media sponsors, and will be bringing you all the news and coverage you'll need to be prepared for two incredibly packed days of music. ... [continue]

Stereolab's Chemical Chords is also out today; and you can read our review here, in the event that you missed our listening party last weekend at Beauty Bar. ... [continue]

Though A Place to Bury Strangers' albums receive much praise, the best way to experience them is live. Guitarist and vocalist Oliver Ackerman is a tremendous performer; urging an unbelievable range of tones from his instrument, sometimes using nothing but feedback and broken strings against pickups. The band might draw influence from Jesus & Mary Chain, Slowdive and Joy Division, but they're without a doubt deserving of their own accolades, adding modern touches (both musically and technologically) to a genre that seems to be a soft spot for listeners.... [continue]

Preview Okkervil River's new album, The Stand Ins, at their MySpace, where you can listen to "Lost Coastlines." ... [continue]

Cool off on Saturday night at Barton Springs pool for Poolside Live, which will feature the soothing sounds of local saxophonist and flutist Alex Coke with his trio.... [continue]

Austin's delicious garage fashionista girl-group The Platforms are unveiling the video for their song "Hot Little Ride" tonight at the Alamo Ritz. ... [continue]

This year, ACL Fest is hosting quite a few official after parties and shows, featuring the talents of Gnarls Barkley, Manu Chao, the Butthole Surfers, Conor Oberst, Bill Callahan and Jose Gonzalez just to name a few.... [continue]

Photos courtesy Austinist contributing photographer Gregory Cooper. ... [continue]

A San Antonio court has ruled that Whitney Harper, a now college-age woman sued by the RIAA for using Kazaa to download music when she was 16, was indeed an "innocent infringer," dropping her penalty to $200 per infringement instead of the RIAA's desired $750, asked for in a request for summary judgment. ... [continue]

As Rilo Kiley's bassist, de Reeder has spent years in the limelight, supporting the group that he co-founded through success after success. Most recently, they've been everyone's darlings in the wake of Under the Blacklight's success. But forget about all that. ... [continue]

It's already time to start thinking about SXSW again: they've redesigned their site and opened up submissions for '09 showcase artists. Bands can apply through their site or via Sonicbids here. Music fans can get a head start by purchasing their music passes now for $550. SXSW 2009 is scheduled for March 13 - 22.... [continue]