March Music Madness

Posted on March 8, 2012March 9, 2012 Posted in Announcement, Blog Post, Event, MusicTagged 35 denton, alternative, austin, Best Coast, denton, event, festival, indie, music, sxsw, the jesus and mary chainLeave a comment

This month is going to be full of noise.

Whew! Just let me breathe for a moment. I’m currently in the process of reviewing three albums by today, and planning several things. When I say “several things,” I mean 35 Denton and SXSW, and that’s just in the duration of two weeks. Last Monday I was at a Radiohead show in Dallas (click here for my videos), which prepared me for concert mode, and seizure-dancing with maracas if SXSW bands feel inclined to do so. However, one arena concert will not fully prepare me for the onslaught of music about to occur.

Beautiful Austin before the annual invasion

Every March bands parade through Texas (and usually most of the U.S) while they make their way to SXSW. 35 Denton is the weekend before SXSW’s music portion really kicks in. This year’s lineup boasts bands such as The Jesus & Mary Chain, Atlas Sound, Best Coast, The Raincoats, Mountain Goats, and more. SXSW includes more than 2,000 bands.

As thrilled as I am to satisfy my shoegaze heart’s desire for The Jesus & Mary Chain, it is also one of the most stressful times of the year for me. Luckily I am not currently in college, so I have time to plan everything, but the level of press I am providing this year is far above anything I have ever done. On one hand, I feel a sense of accomplishment, and promise that my worries of not having a successful future is merely temporary self doubt. On the other hand, am I going to survive?! The amount of walking/awkward running will surpass the previous festival workouts.

It may seem like I’m just complaining (well, I kind of am, aren’t I?), but I certainly enjoy the craziness. 35 Denton is much more relaxed and laid back. It is a way to see bands without the mayhem and large crowds, and SXSW offers an atmosphere and musical experience unlike any other in the world.

This year, I will be taking photos and reviewing shows at 35 Denton (which goes along with the Air Review interview already completed), and then it is off to SXSW on March 14-20. So far, I know there will be an interview with Brooklyn’s Ava Luna, photo-taking at Spin‘s Austin Throwdown and Rachael Ray’s Feedback parties, and reviewing/taking photos at many day parties.

There are some other possible developments that are really exciting. I will be interviewing other bands, and may be attending a few other events that will for sure get me giddy if they end up being confirmed. Here’s to musical bliss and sneaking in saltine crackers for the next few weeks!

Anti-Valentine’s playlist (part 1)

Posted on February 14, 2012February 14, 2012 Posted in Blog Post, MusicTagged 13th floor elevators, alternative, angry, breakup, classic, compilation, foo fighters, husker du, indie, led zeppelin, lily allen, linkin park, modern, muse, music, playlist, pop, queens of the stone age, rilo kiley, rock, song, talking heads, valentine's, white stripesLeave a comment

A playlist for the rest of us.

Ahh, Valentines, the time of the year I find myself eye-rolling the most. For some, it may be more about sobbing or feeling lonely, but no worries. Here’s a playlist of songs to remind you of how awful you feel!

This is part one of the playlist. Yes, I am a pessimist.

1. “Don’t Want to Know If You Are Lonely”- Hüsker Dü

If you don’t know about the influential band Hüsker Dü, please listen to Candy Apple Grey right now.

2. “There’s No Home for You Here”- The White Stripes

This song is in the middle of angry and happily independent. The lyrics appear to be resentful, but the music isn’t as dark.

3. “Heartbreaker”- Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin…isn’t that reason enough?

4. “Gonna Leave You”- Queens of the Stone Age

Singer/guitarist Josh Homme has one of my favorite voices in rock, yet Bassist Nick Oliveri sings on “Gonna Leave You.”

5. “One Step Closer”- Linkin Park

Yes, I included a Linkin Park song. Don’t judge me! I have to occasionally relive my middle school years just like everyone else.

6. “Hyper Music”- Muse

An obvious but fantastic nod to the guitar genius Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, “Hyper Music” doesn’t seem to have aged much over the course of more than 10 years.

7. “No Compassion”- Talking Heads

David Byrne sounds somewhat like a jerk if you listen to the lyrics, but it is David Byrne we’re talking about, so you never know what’s going on in that arty head of his.

8. “Monkey Wrench”- Foo Fighters

There’s no way I can play this song without a smile on my face. This song may not necessarily be about a romance, but it’s still applicable. The Foo Fighters will always be one of those bands that bring back good memories.

9. “Breakin’ Up”- Rilo Kiley

Dance beat, Jenny Lewis’ sweet voice, and liberating lyrics…not all breakup songs are sad!

10. “Smile”- Lily Allen

I’m not a huge fan of Lily Allen, but she does know how to create music that is equally acerbic and upbeat.

11. “You’re Gonna Miss Me”- 13th Floor Elevators

What are the lyrics? I don’t know, but it sounds nice!

500XPO at 500X Gallery

Posted on February 12, 2012February 16, 2012 Posted in Announcement, Art, Event, PhotographyTagged 500x gallery, 500xpo, announcement, art, artist, culture, dallas, deep ellum, event, exhibit, exhibition, February, gallery, photo, photography, texas, visual artLeave a comment

Starting February 18, an exhibition titled 500XPO will be at 500X Gallery in the Deep Ellum district of Dallas. My photograph titled The Shock of It All will be included.

The Shock of It All — Photograph that will be featured at 500X Gallery

The juror is Aaron Parazette, whose work has been seen recently at the Dallas Comtemporary. I’m very honored to be a part of this great show that more than 70 artists will be a part of. The last day to see the show is March 4. Come by and have a look!

Art auction benefit for Alley’s House

Posted on February 3, 2012February 3, 2012 Posted in Announcement, Art, EventTagged alley's house, announcement, art, auction, charity, dallas, event, non profit organization, painting, texasLeave a comment

When: February 4, 7-11 p.m.

Where: Rising Gallery- 800 Jackson St., Dallas

Tomorrow I will be taking part in the Incrementum II art auction at Rising Gallery for the non-profit organization Alley’s House.

Located in Dallas, Alley’s House provides teen mothers with tutoring, counseling, and guidance. A few months ago I was given a tour of the facilities, and was able to see the myriad of ways Alley’s House supports young mothers. Their services include G.E.D. tutoring, classes on parenting, and providing clothing for the children.

Even if you won’t be able to purchase a piece of art, come by and support a great local charity and admire the beautiful artwork.

Tickets for the benefit are $25. Click here for more info.

Etsy shop is up!

Posted on January 30, 2012January 30, 2012 Posted in Announcement, Art, Blog Post, PhotographyTagged art, artist, etsy, golden gate bridge, photo, photography, shopLeave a comment

After several months of wondering whether I should or not, I have finally opened up an Etsy shop!

Right now, the only item listed is my Golden Gate Bridge photo, but I’m hoping to add more items soon. Hopefully some paintings will be available too. I have a few that are almost complete. I’ll be starting a Florence Welch painting in a few days, so maybe that will be for sale in the near future.

Have a good week everyone, and please stop by my shop and let me know what you think! This is all very new to me. so if anyone has any ideas as to which photos I should put up for sale, that would be very helpful.

Kristin Lockhart

Author: Kristin Lockhart