It's hard to find time to discover new music at Fun Fun Fun Fest because so many bands I already like play (and many of them at the same time), but exploring can still be done, sometimes accidentally and especially in the early hours. That's when I came across Austin's The Black and White Years (who I have since found out were just in NYC for CMJ) (they played Bowery Ballroom on 10/20). The impressive voice of their mustached frontman Scott Butler channels David Byrne and other greats. They have the new wave sound of Devo, and the legendary Ohio band's good looks too.

Before their set was finished I headed to the appropriately named Black stage (aka where Danzig would play later) to see some of Philly hardcore band Reign Supreme who were thrilled to be playing on such a big stage at such a big festival. They sounded good despite the early hour and having just lost their drummer (he quit) (their manager or someone was filling in), especially to the five-or-so floor punchers who must have gotten a good night's sleep the night before.

From there I walked around the grounds a little. The festival, in addition to having four stages of music, has plenty of things to look at and spend money on (food, posters, glass pipes, etc) scattered throughout the park (not the least of which was the mechanical bull which I featured prominently in the pictures of Day One). Then I caught some of Texas post-rock band (think Explosions in the Sky) This Will Destroy You, but not for long because that's about the time it started to rain. The rain didn't stop me from getting soaked for almost the entire rest of the day, but at this early point I decided to take shelter at least until Fuck Buttons came on.

I hoped/thought the rain would stop actually, if not for Fuck Buttons, then definitely for Mika Miko who were up after them. Everyone was optimistic that it was going to pass quickly, but it never really did until right before the end of the day (before Danzig went). I watched Fuck Buttons from various angles, trying to stay dry and get used to getting wet. Read all about their recent NYC show with Growing (who also played Sunday at the fest, but before I got there) HERE. More pictures from Sunday below...

Continue reading "Fun Fun Fun Fest - Day 2 pics (rain & Fuck Buttons) "

August 25th, 2009 (Austin, TX) - Transmission Entertainment is pleased to announce the lineup for the 2009 Fun Fun Fun Fest, taking place on November 7th and 8th at Waterloo Park in Austin. Fun Fun Fun Fest made its first appearance on a cold Friday evening in 2006, offering a unique approach to festival booking, filling stages with talent bubbling from the underground: what sounded great, and what was making an impact, regardless of what mainstream media said was cool. What started out as a show for a few touring acts and local favorites has become a movement -- a festival that fans and bands alike realize needs to be experienced year after year.

Now in its fourth year, Fun Fun Fun Fest has made a significant impact on the country's winter calendar, successfully combining the vast worlds of indie, punk, rap, electronica and comedy while showcasing some of the city's most unique local businesses.

Continue reading "Fun Fun Fun Fest 2009 lineup (Jesus Lizard, Of Montreal, Gorilla Biscuits, LSF, 7 Seconds, D.R.I. & DANZIG!! & more)"