Sat, 04/28/2018 - 1:38 pm

The Soul of South Austin Festival (SOSAFest) will rock the Whip In on Saturday May 12th with two alternating stages from the afternoon all the way until midnight - one inside and one outside! The Whip In offers a nice food menu and houses over 65 drafts, 300 retail craft beers & 400+ bottles of wine. FREE ADMISSION!

Inside:

(5-6:30 School showcase / not associated with SOSA)

7-8 AllSkate (Brazilian soul)

8:30-9:30 Kelly Hafner (soul)

10-11:30 D-Madness (funk)

Outside:

5-5:30 Frederico7 (Brazilian fusion)

6-7 Collective Thought (Reggae dub)

7:30- 8:30 Gumbo YaYa (New Orleans funk)

9-10 Bourgeois Mystics (funk)

…more details coming soon!

*Offering a nice food menu and housing over 65 drafts, 300 retail craft beers & 400+ bottles of wine, the WHIP IN is a staple of old Austin culture. The WHIP IN has been independent & locally-owned since 1986.

Wed, 08/29/2018 - 6:42 pm

Vibrant reggae, hip-hop and soul fusion band Collective Thought has a sound of its own kind, a lyrical expression from the heart, honesty inspired by the current times we live in, and the spirit of the timeless perseverance of the great musicians and free thinkers that came before them. From all different walks of life, the six members of Collective Thought combine their musical styles and riddims to create unique and unforgettable music and live concert experiences!

Their new track "Stars" starts with a mellow beat, funky synths and soulful guitar and basslines. Warm vocals come in with the empowering lyrics "People change just like the days do, time and space are known to rearrange you. You gotta move through space like stars." MCs Project Dead and StormShadow permeate the strength that comes with transformation throughout their verses in "Stars." As time moves, we as a human race continue to grow, which might come with some waves and moments that seem to test us. If we move like the stars that we are, we can see the whole picture, maybe even the whole universe. The track currently is premiering on SoulBounce here.

Hailing from Austin, TX, Collective Thought fuses the vibes and messages of underground hip-hop with Reggae, soul and dub arrangements, creating a wide-reaching appeal. Formed in mid-2016, the group consists of (Emcee/Vocalist) StormShadow, (Vocalist) Kelly Hafner, (Rapper/Vocalist) Project Dead, (Bassist) Shawn Hallman, (Guitarists/Vocalist) SIlverback Jonz, and (Drummer/Backing Vocalist) Ras Christopher Francis I.

Protest music, raw emotion and truth pour out of Collective Thought's captivating and unique sound. The lyrics in their upcoming release Rise confront social issues, philosophical & existential questions, and the relationship with oneself and society. The songs continue the national conversation about racism, sexism, and classism that we see in America and globally today. "The more we listen to each others perspectives, the more we can understand each other, and work through the tough realities in front of us, in order to get to a better place,” says the band.

The band gives audiences a powerful and irie show to remember, and you can learn more about their upcoming shows and album here.

Tue, 09/04/2018 - 5:07 pm

Austin concertgoers and travelers from all around the world are waiting patiently to attend the festival with an excellent lineup - Waterloo Music Festival! Here are some acts you don’t want to miss this weekend:

The String Cheese Incident

When I heard there would be three days of cheese, I said: “Oo, yes please!” Watching String Cheese Incident is an experience of its own, the virtuoso musicianship that comes from each band member and the improvisational jam sessions throughout the show blow concert goers minds. It’s no wonder people follow this band around the country, as each show is unique, fusing elements of bluegrass sounds, as well as rock, electronica, calypso, country, funk, jazz, Latin, progressive rock, reggae, and occasional psychedelia.

The String Cheese Incident

BoomBox

Bouncy bass lines and a sick beat with excellent band chemistry, BoomBox is a band you don’t want to miss when you get the chance. If you want to move, get ready for BoomBox’s simmering recipe of house, blues, funk, rock, and a whole lot of soul. This band brings your mood way up with their smooth vocals, unique beats, and funky basslines. The quality of the singer’s voice reminds listeners of the timelessness of John Lennon, mixed with the cool breeze voice of Tame Impala.

Hard Proof

Austin Based African Funk band Hard Proof brings a vintage soul sound, reminiscent of Curtis Mayfield’s band in the 70s. Wah pedals, smooth horns, and fantastic improvisational melodies make for a refreshingly soulful band to get down to. The band plays funk and jazz music from and inspired by the whole of sub-Saharan Africa, bringing a unique flavor to the festival.

Easy Star All-Stars

The reggae all stars Easy Star All-Stars will be performing their 2003 breakout album ‘Dub Side of the Moon,’ a dubby reggae interpretation of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. One of my personal favorite albums, this one found me in 11th grade right before I lit up a joint in my friend's apartment parking lot. Not only does this album bring back priceless stoney memories, but it’s also an excellent an imaginative tribute album that does not disappoint listeners who love Pink Floyd.

The Motet

The Motet

If you want a wall of funk penetrating your soul, the Motet will take you there. The band brings the funk, rock, jazz, and afro-beat, and lots of it. The beautifully toned and soulful singer croons about the what we all want, honest expression. He sings “Do you want it? The Truth. You know I deserve it baby.” One thing is true, and that is that Motet will give you good times to remember, as soon as the first drumstick hits the drum.

Mamafesta

Austin based rising band Mamafesta is an original groove-rock outfit with a broad palette of sounds and a conscious awareness for the rhythms of life. In live shows, the band creates a high-energy wave of sound that entices and evokes the spirit of the soul. The band prides themselves on their original material while still paying homage to the past greats and present-day innovators. It’s no wonder Mamafesta has become so popular with local Austinites, with the lead singer’s voice grounding listeners into the present while the keys take them to a faraway land, the land of funk.

Pimps of Joytime

Soulful harmonies, bluesy guitar riffs and badass basslines. Pimps of Joytime gets down and dirty at their live concerts, with their Brooklyn and New Orleans jazz and funk influences in full force! My personal favorite song by the band, "Mud" (feat. Ivan Neville) is a good idea of the soul the band brings every time they come through town. 

Waterloo is an independent festival that celebrates the roots of Austin music culture. Fun Fact: Austin was initially incorporated under the name “Waterloo” before it was selected as the capital of Texas due to its ideal location along the Colorado River. The city’s unique musical identity at the intersection of Rock, Folk, Blues, and Soul has given birth to some of the country’s most beloved musical voices and earned it the moniker “The Live Music Capital of the World.” Like the original settlers of Austin, Waterloo is planting its flag on the banks of the Colorado River and will provide attendees with Texas’ premier camping festival experience. You can learn more about the festival here.

Thu, 09/13/2018 - 3:31 pm

Austinites and travelers around the world came to Carson Creek Ranch on September 7th through September 9th, to see some of the best jambands from around the world. Although the Waterloo Festival saw some rain this weekend, it didn’t stop anyone from dancing to their favorite musicians in the mud! Concertgoers were all different ages, from families, young adults, middle-aged people, and older generations combined. The diverse combination of festival-goers was refreshing and felt like a community affair.

The Motet

Joey Porter | The Motet

The Motet gave concert goers an unforgettable show on, with a tight band of musicians, complete with horns and all! Lyle Divinsky, the charismatic and lively frontman had dance moves for days and got the crowd involved by clapping and dancing along with him throughout the night. Although the studio albums from The Motet are amazing, their live concert experience is one of a kind and well worth the money if you get a chance to see them.

Easy Star All-Stars

Easy Star All-Stars | Waterloo Music Festival

I was excited to see the Easy Star All-Stars perform one of their best albums The Dub Side of the Moon, and extra excited to see that they were playing on the Relix stage on the water! The drizzling rain above and grey skies created a mysterious atmosphere perfect for the Easy Star All-Stars dubby show.  Shelton Garner Jr. slayed the guitar in the crowd favorite track “Money,” transporting listeners to a new time and place with his improvisational prowess. Kirsty Rock gave a standout performance when she sang “The Great Gig in the Sky” and really brought it, and trust me that song is not easy to cover! Jenny Hill’s soulful and playful, smooth saxophone playing left listeners in a dreamy hypnotized state.

The String Cheese Incident

The String Cheese Incident | photo by Josha Timmermans

The String Cheese Incident played all three nights of the festival, and their fans came out in droves to watch their performances in both rain and shine. Pools of mud didn’t stop families, young adults, and older generations of jamband lovers from enjoying the unmistakable and rare band chemistry that The String Cheese Incident has. Not only can you tell how much they trust each other musically, seamlessly passing improvisational solos from the keys to the guitars, to the bass, the violin, and to the drums, but they also give out the genuine feeling that they’re good friends. They make you feel like you’re a part of the gang when you’re at their shows, speaking with kind words and silly jokes. And being the loved band that they are, they definitely bring friends and family together to enjoy the eclectic music.

Fecal Pickle

Fecal Pickle | Waterloo Music Festival

There was a surprise show that no one saw coming, but once people heard Fecal Pickle would be performing after the festival on Saturday at the campsite, fans came a running. Enzo Loechel and Zack Morgan + Eddie Robbins stunned listeners with their unique and fantastic set, complete with only the best covers. Fan favorites included “Enrique Inglesias’ Mole,” “I Really Like Boobs Though,” and “Danke Schoen.”

BoomBox

BoomBox | Waterlook Music Festival

BoomBox closed out the festival on the Relix stage (on the river), and damn did they close it outright. The duo created much more sound than one would imagine two people could make, with innovative synth lines, fat and funky basslines, and impeccable style. The band fused psychedelic rock with electronic synths and 808s, creating a new sound that shows just how much music has evolved over the years. Combining sonic influences and moods from the 1960s with the modern production technology made for an unforgettable show.

Waterloo Music Festival | photo by Jaime Seed

Other standout acts like Pimps of Joytime, Mamafesta, Kalu and the Electric Joint, Orgone, TAUK, Leftover Salmon and more left concertgoers satisfied, chatting about their concerts throughout the weekend! Along with a badass lineup of musicians, Waterloo also invited some amazing painters and artists come out to create live art during the festival.

Oteil & Friends | Waterloo Music Festival | photo by Joshua Timmermans

One thing’s for sure; Waterloo Music Festival definitely can bring the funk, no matter what the weather decides to do.

Sat, 01/05/2019 - 1:43 pm

Austin based R&B soul singer and songwriter Kelly Hafner is due to drop her debut studio album If it’s Love on February 22nd, 2019! Her show-stopping voice and unmistakably improvisational style keep listeners hooked from start to finish.  Echoing the traditions of her soul forebears like Etta James, Lauryn Hill, Marvin Gaye, and Amy Winehouse, If it’s Love tests the boundaries of neo-soul in a refreshing way while lyrically navigating the human experience through a young woman’s eyes in the 21st century.

Kelly Hafner is a Berklee College of Music graduate, and grew up in northern California. Upon graduation, she returned to the Bay Area and began writing and recording music in her bedroom.  She honed her live performance with a San Francisco-based live band, Fire, before moving to Austin. It is there she began her career as a solo artist and working on her new album. She met Sam Diaz, guitarist on the upcoming album, at the local Jazz club the Elephant Room where he was bartending. They immediately hit it off, Hafner recalls, “Sam was one of the first people who I could openly write and make words up on the spot with, after a week of hanging out we had written about five songs. We continue to write new songs together now, 2 years later.”

For Kelly Hafner, the forthcoming album explores themes focusing on human emotion and connections to oneself, life, God, and lovers. Hafner explains, “Lots of these songs came out of a time when I was feeling blue or experiencing the euphoria and/or heartache that comes with falling in and out of love. All of the songs were cathartic, helping me to move through life and release anything stuck in my mind.”

If It’s Love was recorded with a mix of Hafner’s Austin based band, Sam Diaz (Guitar) and Daniela Pennycook (Violin); and a bevy of talented studio musicians including the winner of Guitar Center’s nationwide DrumOff in 2010 – Isaias Gil, John Shelton (Lead and Rhythm Guitars), Mark Riddell (Bass), Derek Hames (Drums, Bass, Mellotron, Percussion, Background Vocals), Jimmy Moreland (Hammond Organ, Wurlitzer), Preston Smith (Trumpet, Flugelhorn), Andre Hayward (Trombone), and Andrae Grant (Saxophone). They recorded at Edgewater Studios in Houston, produced by studio co-owner Derek Hames (The Drugstore Gypsies, National Park Radio, The Buffalo Ruckus), and engineered by studio co-owner John Shelton.

The new album takes a deep dive into a soulful journey that highlights the depth of Hafner’s voice. The 10 track deep album keeps you listening for more as Hafner’s voice takes you on a journey deep into Kelly Hafner’s heart with songs like the deep vintage vocal-driven title track and lead single “If it’s Love.” She comments, “It’s about having faith in trusting your gut, your intuition when it comes to the person you’re meant to be with, and the path to take in life. It’s half about falling in love and about going through life authentically and without doubt. No matter how hard it is to honestly reflect on where we’re at in the moment.” Hafner’s lyrics “Birds fly high, time moves slow, somehow they always know where to go” highlight this sentiment. The lead single is due to drop in January 2019.

Another highlight is “Things are changing,” a funky soul head-bobber that includes an eight-piece ensemble to accompany Hafner powerhouse vocals. For Kelly Hafner, “This song is about empowerment. It’s about accepting myself for who I am, a singer, and making lemonade out of lemons per say. It’s about a strong woman who has been through experiences that have brought her down, and taking inspiration from them to make something awesome rather than sitting around and crying about them.”

“Give Light” is a reggae tinged song that features the memorable sounds of the Mellotron and gives it the warm and fuzzy feelings of falling in love. Hafner says, “It’s about being accepted for who you are, and loving who you’re with unconditionally. It’s about helping the person you love instead of hurting them, because once you’re that close to someone they almost feel like they’re a part of you.” A few more standouts include, “Dreams” an inspirational ditty about going for what you want in life, “No time” is about being unsure if your love will be returned, “Keep On Hanging On” is about hard times, when you start to seek spiritual guidance in God, and knowing a good friend will always be there for you, and “Angel” came about during a dark time in Hafner’s life when she turned to meditation to find light through the darkness. 

In the end, Hafner’s view of her own music is what gives it true soul.  She explains, “This release is for anyone who finds peace or happiness from listening to the songs, to express truth rather than perfection, to be an understanding force for people who need it, when they need it. There’s something special about communicating with people through sound, before even meeting them. That I think is magic.”

Kelly Hafner is poised to release If It’s Love on February 22nd, 2019 via her imprint Smokey Jazz Records with distribution through The Orchard. She will be touring in support of the new release next year. To catch all of her tour dates, follow her here or here: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/12973490

Track Listing: If It’s Love

“If It’s Love”

“Dreams”

“Keep On Hanging On”

“Things Are Changin’”

“Lifted”

“No Time”

“Summergirl”

“On My Mind”

“Give Light”

Mon, 08/19/2019 - 11:50 am

Austin based R&B soul singer and songwriter Kelly Hafner is set to embark on a US tour this August! She is touring in support of her new album If It's Love. Her show-stopping voice and unmistakably improvisational style keep listeners hooked from start to finish.  Echoing the traditions of her soul forebears like Etta James, Lauryn Hill, Marvin Gaye, and Amy Winehouse, If It's Love tests the boundaries of neo-soul in a refreshing way.

The new album takes a dive into a soulful journey that highlights the depth of Hafner’s voice. The 10-track album keeps you listening for more as Hafner’s voice takes you on a journey with songs like vintage vocal-driven title track and lead single “If it’s Love.” She comments, “It’s about having faith in trusting your gut, your intuition when it comes to the person you’re meant to be with, and the path to take in life. It’s half about falling in love and about going through life authentically and without doubt. No matter how hard it is to honestly reflect on where we’re at in the moment.” Hafner’s lyrics “Birds fly high, time moves slow, somehow they always know where to go” highlight this sentiment.

In the end, Hafner’s view of her own music is what gives it true soul.  She explains, “This release is for anyone who finds peace or happiness from listening to the songs, to express truth rather than perfection, to be an understanding force for people who need it, when they need it. There’s something special about communicating with people through sound, before even meeting them. That I think is magic.”

Catch Kelly on the road this August and September, coming to a city near you! In the meantime you can check out her new album If It's Love here.

Upcoming Shows:

AUG 23 - Austin, TX - The Sahara Lounge
AUG 30 - Tulsa, OK - Whittier Bar
AUG 31 - Pittsburg, KS - TJ Lelands
SEP 03 - Denver, CO - Lion's Lair
SEP 05 - Laramie, WY - Coal Creek Coffee Company Uptown
SEP 07 - Salt Lake City, UT - Hotel RL Salt Lake City
SEP 09 - Forest Knolls, CA - Papermill Creek Saloon
SEP 10 - SF, CA - Simple Pleasures Cafe
SEP 11 - Palm Desert, CA - Desert Fox Bar
SEP 12 - Paso Robles, CA - The Pour House
SEP 14 - Tucson, AZ - Saguaro Corners Restaurant & Bar
SEP 15 - Bisbee, AZ - The Quarry