It’s Electric
2025 Music Issue Cover Letter
When traveling and talking to people, the question, “Where are you from?” always arises. Typically, the second I say Austin, Texas, someone has a story about how they’ve been and want to return, followed by a delightful nod to either barbecue or live music. There’s always fondness in their tone as they recall their stint in our lively city. This town has some kind of electric energy that people cannot get enough of; it’s almost indescribable.
However, when I sat down to compose this letter, I realized a visit to a city with ‘electric energy’ might actually be easily describable after all. At least, music lovers can quite effortlessly recognize it. It’s the excitement of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a starry-eyed crowd pre-show, the vibrations of the bass underfoot as the first note falls on the silence, the soothing sounds of lyrics that make you feel seen, the pure rush of adrenaline felt as the last song plays, or the dopamine left pumping through your body hours after catching your favorite act. It’s no wonder that our hometown is one of fondness for so many.
We feel blessed to be able to capture just a glimpse of the talent that Austin has to offer on the following pages. From Tele Novella’s haunting melodies to Midnight Navy’s Chicano soul to the depth of life captured in Jon Muq’s lyrics to festivals that bring the fist-pumping fun to the iconic venues that anchor Austin’s music scene, these are the people, places, and sounds that make Austin a memorable live music destination.
It’s no wonder that after 10 years of publishing EASTside Magazine (Yes, that’s right; we’re celebrating the 10th MUSIC ISSUE!), we haven’t deviated from sharing about Austin’s sonic energy to kick off each year. It’s too dopamine-inducing to stop! And if you haven’t experienced East Austin’s electrifying energy just yet, flip through the pages and read on. I’m sure you’ll find a plethora of local places and concerts that you’ll want to add to your 2025 bucket list.
See you at the show!
Ashley Bowling
Cofounder & Editor-in-Chief
