The Business of Performing: Shakey Graves, Jackie Venson, and Tameca Jones

The Perils and Joys of Austin’s Changing Music Scene

Words by Abby L. Johnson Photos by Eric Morales

Austin is not the prototypical music city. It is an exception to the rule. There is a crushing lack of industry; in fact, no major record labels or agencies to speak of exist within city limits. Yet, artists are born and made here over the decades without fail, even as the landscape of the music industry continues to shift.

Diving Into Change Headfirst

Alejandro (Ali) Rose-Garcia, Austin native and the man behind the mysterious sounding Shakey Graves moniker, is looking to deconstruct some of the myths surrounding the rambling songwriter on the road trope. It’s the beginning of the year, and while he’s usually one for resolutions, he says that this year his focus is on creating balance. Recently settling into a quiet home full of eclectic knickknacks and collected art, it seems that the serenity of home may be part of achieving that balance. Continue reading here…

Innovating in a Genre of Revolution

Revolutionary blues guitarist and East Austin native Jackie Venson hears the blues every time she listens closely. To some modern music fans, that might seem improbable, but she explains that the “blues are the foundation of all modern American music; it’s inescapable. Anything anybody wants to play started with blues.”  Continue reading here…

The Empress of Soul Returns to Austin

On the corner of East 20th and Salina streets sits a squat brick building in a dusty orange hue common of the early 20th century. Established in 1928, Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church has long served the East Austin community. It also happens to be the place where Austin’s favorite soul vocalist first found the joy of singing. Continue reading here…