Bylines: Intelligent Collector, Central Track, Dallas Observer, Punk Planet. Books: Post & When We Were the Kids. Plays in @caved_mountains. @ManCity supporter.
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Articles by Eric Grubbs
Where Are Your Boys Tonight?
There are already a few books about when emo went mainstream, but Chris Payne’s 2023 oral history, Where Are Your Boys Tonight? The Oral History of Emo's Mainstream Explosion 1999-2008, really hits the nail on the head. Released through the Harper Collins imprint Dey Street, it’s told through the perspective of bands, labels, writers, managers, and fans – all from interviews Payne did over the past few years. I freely admit I had a lot of grievances about emo in the mainstream when it happened.
Best of 2022
This year, there was one record I could not stop listening to, and it was by a young band from Connecticut called Anxious. Their debut LP, Little Green House, is a wonderful blend of emo, jangle pop, pop-punk, and hardcore. The record is super-short, but there is no filler here. Coming from a completely different field, I could not stop listening to the orchestral deathcore of Lorna Shore.
[Video Premiere] Song Of The Day: NITE – “Falling Apart” | Central Track
Electro-Rock Act NITE Released A New Angst-Filled, Trauma-Fueled Pop Banger And We Have the Pleasure Of Exclusively Premiering The Video. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
[Q&A] Brad Sigler And The New Dead Wax.
Beloved Record Shop Dead Wax Is Resurrected And Having A Soft Opening For Its New Location. Ahead Of That, We Check In With Its Runner. Brad Sigler is stressed, but very happy when we talk to him on a hot Monday afternoon. It’s mere days before his beloved Dead Wax Records opens again in a brick-and-mortar location, not very far from where it had left over a handful of years ago. He’s quite open about the journey he’s been on since he last ran a store.
Song Of The Day: Pneumatic Tubes – “People Make the World Go Round” | Central Track
In A Marriage Of Psych And R&B, Midlake’s Jesse Chandler Teams Up With Charles Jones On This Beautiful, Atmospheric Stylistics’ Cover. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
Song Of The Day: Heavy Daze – “Vice” | Central Track
For Lovers Of Modest Mouse and Dinosaur Jr., Heavy Daze’s Genre-Bending Results In A Heavy Yet Smooth Sound, Best Heard Here. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
[Q&A] Eric Foster Helps Tell Jeff Saenz's Story.
The Director On Soul Rebel, His Upcoming Documentary That Explores How Music Producer Jeff Saenz Overcame His Life-Threatening Accident. Eric Foster has been behind a camera many times, but he’s tackling a new adventure these days: director. And he’s directing a very special documentary about Jeff Saenz’s life after the freak accident that nearly killed him in 2021, Soul Rebel. Saenz recovered after multiple surgeries over a few months, but he had both of his arms amputated.
Song Of The Day: Snarky Puppy -- “Trinity”
Ahead of Its Upcoming Album, Denton’s Snarky Puppy Released A Live Recording Of A Featured Track And It’s Not Just A Song, It’s An Experience. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
Song Of The Day: Scout Craft – “Ugly” | Central Track
Not Much Is Known About Who’s Behind Shoegaze-Inspired Scout Craft, But This Honest Track With A Pop Punk Flair Speaks For Itself. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
Song Of The Day: Isaac Sloane & The Sound Brigade – “What Love Is” | Central Track
Denton’s Isaac Sloane & The Sound Brigade Has Psych, Jazz, Blues, Rock And R&B All In One Six-Piece Band — A Recipe For A Good Time. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
Song Of The Day: Girlo - “Candy (Payton’s Song)”
Get Rowdy With Co-Ed Noise Pop Band Girlo And Its Quick, Groovy A-Side “Candy (Payton’s Song).” Think Bikini Kill Meets Los Campesinos. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
Song Of The Day: Andrew Combs -- “(God)less”
Dallas-Turned-Nashville Artist Andrew Combs Gives A Lush, Folky Taste Of His Upcoming Album Sundays, Complete With A Beautifully-Shot Video. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week. Andrew Combs – “(God)less” RIYL: taking the long road for the better.
[Q&A] Paul Slavens Is Very Non-Busy.
Between His Music Groups, Solo Work, Texas Theatre Live Scores And KXT Show, Denton Musician Paul Slavens Still Has Time To Release An Album. Paul Slavens is known for a number of things around here. Be it with Ten Hands, the Baptist Generals, Green Romance Orchestra, the Travoltas or his solo work, the Denton-based artist is also known for his acclaimed Sunday night specialty show on KXT, as well as his live scores to classic films at the Texas Theatre.
Song Of The Day: Bad Dad Jokes – “Lucidity” | Central Track
Rock And Roll Might Not Be Rocket Science, But It Does Require Rock It Fuel. And Denton-Based Psych Rock Quintet Bad Dad Jokes Has It. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week. Bad Dad Jokes – “Lucidity” RIYL: smiling next to you in silent lucidity.
Song Of The Day: BALLISTA -- “Tusk”
Dallas-Based Metal Act BALLISTA Is Another Local Band Playing The So What?! Festival. Take Your Senses On A Wild Ride With Its Latest Album. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week. BALLISTA — “Tusk” RIYL: All kinds of metal.
[Q&A] John Clardy's Living Hist Best Life Despite The Circumstances.
After His Cancer Treatment And An Overseas Move, We Check In With Tera Melos Drummer John Clardy To Talk About His Health And Happiness. John Clardy spent most of his life in North Texas, growing up in Tarrant County, going to a lot of punk shows, loving the Dallas Stars and spending plenty of time behind a drum kit. Blending Mitch Micthell’s quick licks with the pop-punk he grew up on, he developed a hyper-jazzy style that made people stop and take notice.
Song Of The Day: Def Rain -- “Night”
Ahead Of It’s Opening Gig For Fred Armisen Next Month, Check Out Def Rain’s Latest Electronic Pop Single, Another Genre That Ashley And Matt Leer Nail. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week. Def Rain – “Night” RIYL: driving to the city at night.
Song Of The Day: Lurky Tunes – “Hold Tight | Central Track
Chomsky’s Sean Halleck Has Been Busy Writing Songs During The Band’s Near-20 Year Hiatus. Finally, We Got A New Record — And It’s A Damn Good One. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
[Q&A] The Metamorphosis Of Chris Robinson.
Indie Rock Band Caterpillars Has Been Gaining A Lot Of Recognition Lately. We Chat With Robinson About The Group’s Exciting Recent Moves. Chris Robinson started his Caterpillars project all the way back in 2008, and it’s now starting to gain national recognition. As a band that comes directly from inspiration from bands like Minus the Bear, Sunny Day Real Estate and many late 1990s post-hardcore/emo bands, the line-up has continued to evolve over the years.
[Exclusive Premiere] Song Of The Day: Paper Cups - “Patterns In The Static”
Get Into The First Single From Decker Sachse’s Newest Project, Paper Cups. Darkwave-Inspired And Addictive, It’s An Exciting Start To This Chapter. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
Song Of The Day: Golden Week -- "Serial Experimental Lame"
So What? Festival Act Golden Week Is Coming Out With New Tunes, And Today’s Catchy Emo-Pop Track Is The First Of That Collection. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
[Q&A] Andrew Chapman Is All The Rage.
Dallas Musician Andrew Chapman Put A Quick Hold On Music To Co-Host The Minimum Rage Podcast, In Which He Recounts Retail Horror Stories. Dallas-based Andrew Chapman has put his musical instruments down for the time being to focus his creative energy on co-hosting a podcast.
Song Of The Day: Paul Slavens -- "Queenie"
KXT’s Paul Slavens Just Released The First Upbeat Jazz Single Off An Upcoming Album And It’s Full Of Weird, Adrenaline-Filled Wonder, As Is Its Video. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
Song Of The Day: Tapes and Topographies -- “With That Being Said”
Open Up Your Mind And Feel At Ease With This Warm And Drone-Filled Track From Todd Gautreau’s Latest Ambient Project. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
Song Of The Day: Mountain of Smoke -- “The Glass King”
Showing Off Both The Light And Dark Sides Of Mountain Of Smoke, Today’s Track Is Perfect For First Time Listeners Of The Metal Act. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
Song Of The Day: Rosegarden Funeral Party – “Polaroid” | Central Track
Checking Back In With One Of Dallas’ Favorites, Rosegarden Funeral Party’s Latest Album Is Full Of Addictive, Dark Mystery That We Can’t Get Enough Of. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about.
[Q&A] Dezman Leham Is On The Up And Up.
The Multi-Faceted Musician Behind Dezi 5 Is Staying Booked And Busy. We Talk Projects, Gigs And A Whole Lot Of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Dezman Lehman is a very humble and happy person these days. With the long-running Dezi 5 project, a jazz band that had a residency at Cheap Steaks, hosting gigs for various events, Lehman feels very blessed to make his income from music. Previously a resident of New York, Dallas is back to being his home turf.
Song Of The Day: Learning Names – “I Was the One” | Central Track
A Few Singles In, This Americana-Steeped Indie Sextet Is Starting Out Real Strong. Check Out Learning Names’ Recent Release And Video. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about.
Song Of The Day: Wassup Rocker -- “Front Row”
The Latest Bedroom Pop Track And Lyric Video From Wassup Rocker Is Full Of DIY Charm, Retro Aesthetic & Good Vibes And “It’s A Fucking Hit.” Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week. Wassup Rocker – “Front Row” RIYL: getting in the front and staying there.
[Q&A] Take A Tour With Grady Allen.
The Anxious Frontman & His Band Have Dove Into The Busy Life Of Touring. He Tells Us How That’s Going, Where They’re Going & Where They’ve Been. There are times when you miss out on seeing a band and you kick yourself. Well, as a public service announcement to fellow pop-punk/emo fans, you’d be well-advised to get to Club Dada early on Monday, April 18 to check out a Connecticut-based band called Anxious, who are opening for Boston Manor.
Song Of The Day: NITE VISION -- “The Tower”
A New Solo Project From Liz Gravis, NITE VISON Has Released Two Tracks So Far. This One Sounds Like A Mixture Of ’90s Rock, ’80s Pop And Shoegaze. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
Song Of The Day: They Drove Us From the Garden – “Love’s Extended Hand” | Central Track
The Instrumental Post-Rock Band Finally Released Its Debut Album. Here’s One Of Its Meditative Tracks That’s Perfect For Welcoming Spring. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
[Q&A] Baroness' John Baizley Is On The Go.
The Baroness Frontman Gives Us His Perspective On Touring, Venues And Set Lists — Plus Confirmation For New Material On The Horizon. Normally, Baroness plays large venues when they hit town, like the Granada and the former Canton Hall. But on a delayed tour for their 2019 album, Gold & Grey, they’re playing much smaller venues on purpose.
Song Of The Day: Beyond Sleep -- "Enemy Lines"
Risen From The Ashes Of A Metal Band Featured On An MTV Show Years Ago, Beyond Sleep Is Starting Big With This Complex And Rowdy Track. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
Song Of The Day: Bleach Kings -- "Freakwave"
Catamaran’s Stephen Glenn Took To Lubbock And Formed A New Psych Punk Band. Today’s Fuzzy And Bombastic Track Is It’s Second Single. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
[Q&A] Brian Lambert Is Nearing The Finish Line.
Once Upon A Time, The Denton Singer-Songwriter Set Out To Release A New Song Every Week For A Year. We Hit Him Up To See How That’s Going. Last year, singer/songwriter Brian Lambert announced an ambitious 52-week, 52-song project. Writing, performing, producing, mixing and mastering the tracks mostly by himself, he’s about to hit the finish line, and we wanted to follow up with him. The sprawling project for the stay-at-home dad raising two teenagers with his wife has been great.
Song Of The Day: Wo Fat -- “The Witching Chamber”
Dallas-Based Doom Metal Act Wo Fat Just Released This Heavy, Slow-Burning Track That Will Take You On A Satisfying Journey. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
[Exclusive Premiere] Song Of The Day: Joshua Dylan Balis -- “Stories” | Central Track
You Can Take Balis Out Of Dallas, But You Can’t Take Dallas Out Of Balis… & We’re Premiering The Newest Folk Single Off His Hotly Anticipated LP. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
[Q&A] Billy Law Is Now A Part Of Deep Ellum Lore.
We Chat With Solo Artist And Ottoman Turks Bassist William Latham About Performing And The Recent Turks Show That Got Fire Marshal’d. William Latham is better known for his stage name Billy Law. As an acclaimed solo folk artist, he also plays bass in the country-tinged garage rock quartet, Ottoman Turks. A band that, unfortunately, had to deal with a surprise visit from the fire marshal at the recent Three Links nine-year anniversary show.
Song Of The Day: Tribal Gaze – “The Grand Arrival” | Central Track
Perk Your Week Up With This Bonus Track From Tribal Gaze’s Reissued EP. It’s Fast, Loud And Everything Else You Need Death Metal To Be. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
[Exclusive Premiere] Song Of The Day: The March Divide – “I’m Not Perfect” | Central Track
Off His Upcoming June LP, We’re Premiering The Latest Single From The March Divide — A’90s Pop Rock-Inspired Track That’ll Help You Believe In Better Days. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
[Q&A] We Were Promised Jetpacks Has Come A Long Way.
While Formed In Scotland, The Rock Band Has Frequented DFW. During Their Latest Stop, We Ask How They Weathered COVID & — Why Texas? We Were Promised Jetpacks may have formed in Scotland, but it’s no stranger to North Texas. Hitting up venues in Dallas and Denton in the past, the punk/post-punk band will be in Fort Worth this weekend.
Song Of The Day: Page 9 --“Prince of Providence”
Today’s Feature Is Brought To You By The “Monsters of Vaguely-Punkish Alterna-Rock” And It’ll Transport You Back To The Warped Tour Days. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
Song Of The Day: Juliana Madrid -- "Madonna"
Former American Idol Contestant Juliana Madrid’s Latest Track Is A Synth Pop Tune With Dark, Witchy Undertones. Juliana Madrid – “Madonna” RIYL: if Japanese Breakfast covered a Robyn song What else you should know: Only a few years ago, Juliana Madrid was enrolled at the School of Rock in Southlake, performing in shows like the famed Brainiac tribute show back in 2018.
[Q&A] Catching Up With Geoff Rickly.
Before The Show At Amplified Live, The Vocalist Of Post-Hardcore Band Thursday Shares What It’s Like To Be Back On Tour After COVID And A Broken Foot. On paper, Thursday is on a dream tour. Paired with contemporaries Cursive and The Appleseed Cast, this is a heaven-sent package tour for those who fell in love with those acts in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Song Of The Day: Johnny Beauford – “Loner Unaware” | Central Track
Watch Johnny Beauford Perform A Cozy Live Version Of His New Reflective Bluesy Track. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
Song Of The Day: The Culper Ring -- "Get Close"
This Self-Proclaimed “Dad Punk” Dallas Band Is Proving That There’s No Age Limit To Be A Punk Rocker With Today’s Energetic & Polished Bop. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
[Q&A] A Talk With Bedroom Rocker Catherine Frayne.
The Powerful Mind Behind Us Presidents and Dear Darren Discusses Her Recent Release And The Experience Of Being A Trans Woman In Texas Right Now. Catherine Frayne once called North Texas her home, but she’s made the move to Austin last year. Her name was made with her long-running indie rock band Us Presidents, as well as her Dear Darren project, which we have been happy to share songs from in the past on this site.
Song Of The Day: Caterpillars -- "Chapters"
The First Single Off An Upcoming Album, “Chapters” Gets Very Real About The Woes Of Heartbreak With A Beautifully Somber Sound. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
[Exclusive Premiere] Song Of The Day: Barton Stanley David – “Cicada” | Central Track
After Playing Music In NYC For Ten Years, Barton Stanley David Is Back In Texas With This Folk Tune About Going Back To Your Roots. Welcome to Song of the Day, where we hip you to all the new local releases you should be caring about. By highlighting one new North Texas-sprung tune every week day, our hope is that you’ll find something new to love about the rich and abundant DFW music scene five days a week.
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