Do512 - What to do in Austin

Above The Radar is a huge day party orchestrated by a trio of Austin-based music blogs. Bloggers from Covert Curiosity, Sonic Itch Music and Cubik Musik have combined forces to organize a full day of fun at Trophy's on South Congress on Thursday, March 13th.

With two  stages and 12 different musical acts from all over the map, there will be more than enough for everyone. Both stages will have their own unique vibe, with non-stop rock & roll on the inside stage from several up-and-coming bands, and a party atmosphere on the outdoor stage featuring several prominent DJs, and much more...

With generous support from Do512, Austin's own Switchburn video team, DJ DOJO, the Blog Fresh Radio show from New York, and Sound On The Sound from Seattle, this will be a party to remember. Also thanks goes to World Art Foods for supplying some tender vittles, and Vitamin Water for providing refreshments. *Please note, RSVP does not guarantee entry. Stay tuned for more details.

ON THE INSIDE STAGE

• Dead Confederate

"Though the band is pinned as producing the same kind of indie rock aesthetic à la My Morning Jacket and Band of Horses, Dead Confederate dabbles in darker shades than their compared predecessors. From the raspy, unrestrained shrieks of "The Rat" and the psychedelic guitar wail on the vivid "Tortured Artist Saint" to the intimate acoustic layers of "Memorial Day Night," Dead Conferdate echo the Drive-By Truckers' bittersweet southern rock angst with the smoke-heavy swagger of the Black Angels." - (SPIN.com)

• The Shackeltons

"The Shackeltons provide a stout combination of clean, straight-lined production and cacophonous bursts of sound on their self-titled debut. Their blasts of angst, which are equal parts danceable bliss and seering noise, are held together by the jittery, literate lyrical musings of frontman Mark Redding." - (Rolling Stone)

• Land of Talk

"Montreal's Land of Talk spits out a kind of churning, bright, deliberately melodic rock that embodies the enduring spirit of youth -- that period in our lives marked by overwhelming optimism and uncorrupted naivety." - (Prefix Magazine)

• Monahans

"It’s the brooding, dissonant guitars and ominous rhythms bringing visions of storm clouds and waves across the ocean that make this an under the radar gem." - (Harp Magazine)

• Thee Emergency

"A message scrawled on the disc's back cover exhorts listeners to "play this record loud." And it isn't an idle request. This Seattle-based quartet's garage-style punk rock erupts with fury and frenzy." - (eMusic)

• UME

"If you've seen Ume live, you've probably been temporarily transfixed by singer/guitarist Lauren Larson's physical presence. A low purr turns into a gruff growl, and once she really gets going, pummeling her guitar and letting the unnnnhhh into her voice, her body and head seem to unhinge, and her blond hair whirls in dizzying circles." - (Austin Chronicle)

ON THE OUTSIDE STAGE 

• Ghislain Poirier

 “Montreal’s indie guitar bands got plenty of coverage last year, but in 2008 they might be usurped by Ninja Tunessigned hip-hop producer Poirier. The French-Canuck connoisseur of grime, booty bass, ragga and “world riddum idioms” makes music that is accessible, innovative and above all danceable.” - (THE INDEPENDENT)

• 1/2Alive

1/2Alive is made up of DJs Tyler Fedchuk, My!Gay!Husband! and Tony X, who regularly host a hands up singalong dance party every Friday night in their homeland of Vancouver. They have hosted big parties for the likes of Girl Talk and Shout Out Out Out Out among many others, and you can check out photos of their events at the link.

• Table Manners Crew

"As Table Manners Crew recently won a national Scion-sponsored 2x4 DJ contest (2x4 meaning two DJs on four turntables) they're likely to be jet-setting around the country showing off their skills very soon. Catch them on the homefront while you still can." - (Austin360)

• The Death Set

"My goodness, I've never come across a band that I so quickly fell in love with like I have The Death Set. This quick little ten-minute EP simply titled To has more substance and bizarre, attractive instrumentation and songwriting than a lot of full length albums that run over an hour. The Death Set combine punk riffs with spazzy, experimental indie math rock and sharp, biting lyrics that are mostly yelled to give you the most energetic, raucous and untamed ten minutes of your life." - (Rocknworld)

• Transmography

"Recorded live at Matchbook Studios and released through the 8088 Record Collective, a nonexclusive digital-distribution network, Transmography's third album, Polydactyly, captures the duo's performances through eight inventive instrumentals that run the gamut from sweaty electro-punk workouts to drum 'n' bass suites akin to a Big Business/Don Caballero hybrid. They aim to push boundaries even further when they head back into the studio." - (Austin Chronicle)

• Lady Pterodactyl

"Newcomers to the Austin scene, but already making a name for themselves are the young ladies of Lady Pterodactyl. The beat mavens compose infectious, heavy soundscapes that grow on you with every listen." - (Party Ends)

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