SXSW

David Beck & The Well Dressed Thieves "Grand Island"

I first met David last October at the 36 D Management "Come For The Boobs, Stay For The Music" all day event at beautiful White Water Amphitheater in New Braunfels, TX to benefit the Susan B. Komen Foundation. Matt King was debuting a brand new band that night and David Beck was on upright bass. We got introduced and started talking. The next day, I listened to some tracks he had written and recorded, and then we met to discuss. The last 6 months has been a productive period for him, culminating in a 6 song project which is almost ready to be unveiled. And as of a few months ago, David Beck has started to play around Austin with his band The Well Dressed Thieves to thunderous applause. They are young, they are tight, and they are soulful.

David is still gigging with Matt's band, The Cutters. We had them play back to back for our Music Fog showcase in Austin, which made the equipment shuffle just a bit easier. Saturday of SX was the day. Every set was true to itself. We were wrapped in the magic of it, so stoked ALL DAY LONG. This is the very beginning of the story. Here is the title track from his forthcoming EP, Grand Island.

-Jessie Scott

Elliott BROOD "West End Sky"

I'm such a fan of Elliott BROOD, the Canadian boys that make that sweet foot-stomping music from a suitcase and tiny instruments. It was just last September when they recorded with Music Fog on the bus in Nashville, but they've since managed to bag several gigs for the Olympics and record their first soundtrack. Grown Up Movie Star is a film set in Newfoundland which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival. They've jumped several career steps in just a few months and show no signs of slowing down as they are currently working on a new album due out in 2011.

You might think that all of this sudden high-profile attention would easily go to their heads. But when I met all three members of Elliott BROOD (Casey LaForet, Steve Pitkin, and Mark Sasso) at our showcase during SXSW last week, I was struck by how down-to-earth they are and that they are still eager to learn. They showed up early and then hung out after their set, watching the other artists intently with respect. I made a special request, but they said they first wanted to play a new song off of the Grown Up Movie Star soundtrack, "West End Sky." Exclusive? Oh hell yeah, lucky us! And now...lucky you!

-Denise

Elliott Brood

SXSW "Stay With The Group"

Last week, Austin was afloat with riches in music & talent at Threadgill's. The Music Fog stage churned like a well oiled machine. And so did Denise. She is the latest FNG at Music Fog. It was our 2nd time out to test drive Denise at events, and I must say that she was taking names and kicking serious ass while handing out the Pork Barrel BBQ Rub to anyone that liked to grill. She talked up our latest sponsor big time! Maybe too big, hell they started using it in the kitchen at Threadgill's to cook provisions for the crew. By the way, did you purchase from our sponsor yet? Click here for the sauce and rub you'll love to keep stocked at your house.

Here's my problem with Denise. She is very tall, and punches people she "likes." I obviously have become one of "those" people. My body is covered with bruises. Not only is she a "puncher," she also asks questions that you don't expect. Here is an example: "Are you getting enough goat?" What the hell kind of question is that? I'm not sure how much goat I should be having. And I'm not exactly sure why. I have had some goat in the past year...at least I'm pretty sure I have. But the later question begs for a bit of clarity. Why should I up my game with goat? Should I be eating the goat? Or is it something else with the bearded four legged mammal?

Denise is special. One night she shared her childhood "Band Camp Story." She suffered from Scoliosis at 15 and was forced to wear one of those combo neck & back braces. It was one of those "things" you might of seen other people strapped into after a car accident in the 60's. Really cruel stuff! So badly designed that I'm sure a federal mandate has made them illegal. You can't move your neck or head, and end up moving about like something from Dr. Frankenstein's lab. Denise also suffered from a case of pink eye after going to the pool that summer. So you can imagine how she must of felt after her wrist was taken softly and she was told to "stay with the group" when she found herself in a cafeteria amongst less fortunate kids than her that summer.

It was sad & funny at the same time. So funny that we fellow foggers found ourselves unable to eat after getting the picture in our heads. But we all might do well to follow the same advice Denise was given that day. "Stay with the group." Just go ahead and shuffle onto the bus. Maybe everyone will get as lucky as Denise did and end up on the Music Fog bus.

Thank you Denise. Your sense of humor and caring for the artists and crew is much appreciated. And you've given us an idea for the Music Fog T-shirt.

Stay with the group

-Beans