The Arc Angels: On Their Reunion and Losing Tommy Shannon

As if The Arc Angels announcing a reunion record, DVD, and tour wasn’t exciting enough for their longtime devoted fans, they got to watch them kick it off at home in Austin during SXSW festivities. While the city filled with bands from across the map, with offerings in every possible genre, great attention gathered around our own blues rock establishment, Charlie Sexton, Doyle Bramhall II, and Chris Layton.  Making their first stop at Auditorium Shores Friday night, and then Antone’s Tribute to Clifford party Saturday afternoon, they started what will be a summer of releases and opening for Eric Clapton in London.  Kicking back in the Gibson promo bus parked outside Antone’s, the Arc Angels shared with us a little bit about what’s to come, and what the fans can expect from them.

Why, after a decade of not recording any material, did the band decide to give it another go? Bramhall has been touring as a member of Clapton’s band, and Charlie Sexton found success as a solo artist. Layton, drummer of Double Trouble, has continued his work there, and side projects, such as Storyville. Quite simply, they decided to stop denying the undeniable chemistry they have together. As Sexton put it, “You can’t chose who you have chemistry with, and this works for us”.

The room at Antone’s Saturday was abuzz with new album talk, curiosity about the new bass player, and Charlie was keeping the buzz of Friday night’s Metallica appearance alive on stage. There was no sign of fatigue, despite playing a set just 18 hours before.

After some considerable excitement about my archaic RCA cassette tape recorder that I pulled out to use in the interview, we got down to business.

austin m+e:: How important was it for you guys to do this first set of official reunion shows at home in Austin, during SXSW?

Sexton: Well, it took some time to decide if we could launch what we were doing at SXSW, because it is not an easy thing to pull off. But it was a no-brainer to do it here in Austin, since we all live here, and this is where it originated… it definitely made the most sense.

Layton: It was significant for us that we got to play that show at Auditorium Shores, and the significance of the shows that have happened at that spot. The idea that people could see it for free and without a wristband. We could just say, “We’re here, we’re a band, just come hang out and see us.”

Bramhall: We originally had some big shows at Steamboat during SXSW.

Sexton: Yeah, once that [Auditorium Shores] presented itself, we decided to do it. It’s also great to do a show outdoors, where you can hedge your bets for production value. So once they said we could get that show, we said yes, and worked backwards from there. And South by, in particular, is where a lot of things historically have happened for the band.

austin m+e: How different is SXSW now as opposed to what it was 10 years ago, with the explosion of the scene?

Sexton: Oh man, almost unrecognizable for me. Just incredible!

Layton: It’s been 18 years in Austin for me now. I came in 91.

austin m+e: Can we not talk about ’91 being 18 years ago? You meant eight years ago, right?

Sexton: [laughs] Eight months ago!

austin m+e: Let’s talk a little about the writing of the new record. You guys have said you’re in the developmental phases, but can fans expect that classic sounding Arc Angels record?

Sexton: There are certain parameters of the band that are always going to be there. Obviously, different people are going to bring all different influences. But we are not giving any less care than we did originally. Once we originally became determined, “Hey, we’re really going  to do this”, we did some shows locally, and started rehearsing together to see what came naturally. Then, you decide what you can push a little bit, and create a balance. I still think of projects as records.  I guess everyone does, unless you’re a kid, excited about sharing just one new song.  I do that too, but I know that when that happens, you get sick of that song pretty quick. I want to create an entire body of work.

austin m+e: Is there any idea as to an exact time it will come out?

Sexton: It will go in stages. The first thing that will occur is the completion and release of the Live DVD. There will be portions of different shows, including Antone’s, some documentary style footage, video from the studio, and some interviews with the band. We’ve been working on the DVD a long time, and so you’ll see all of us, including Tommy Shannon.

austin m+e: Can we talk a little about Tommy Shannon not being with the band anymore?

Bramhall: Sure, we love Tommy! We were just talking about him.

Sexton: Absolutely.

Layton: I just talked to Tommy Thursday after rehearsal, and he asked me, “How’s the new bass player?” I said, “He’s good!” Tommy just replied, (smooth voice) “Cool.” And that’s just him. He’s a sweetheart and a very talented guy too. Great person.

Sexton: We were just talking about him the other day, and what a stylist he is.

austin m+e: Was there a decision that it wasn’t good for Tommy to go out on the road?

Sexton: Ultimately, specific questions, to a degree, should really be directed to Tommy.

Layton: He left. We have a lot of work cut out for us, and he left the band. But specific questions should be answered by him. It was pretty much that simple, but beyond that it should be left to Tommy to answer.  We are going to spend a long time out on the road, as opposed to just here locally. So that’s pretty much that.

austin m+e: Sure, but I wanted to ask, especially since I think the Austin fans will be curious where Tommy Shannon is.

Sexton: You’re right, sure.

austin m+e: But the new bass player sounded good!

Sexton: Yeah, he is. His name is Mark Newmarc.

austin m+e: Guys, I think that’s about all the time we have.

Sexton: [laughs] It always cracks me up the way people end interviews! But I understand you have time limits. Especially with the positioning of how they set this up.

austin m+e: Yes, it can be quite awkward, especially in this environment.

Sexton: Actually, this environment (gestures to the space of the Gibson bus) is pretty nice!

Bramhall: This is the best environment around here!

Sexton: Yeah! Once I was able to break away and head over here, I was impressed.

As I got up to leave, saying my farewells, Layton reassured me they would be “lusting after my tape recorder” once I left.

Desert Of Dreams: A Sandstorm of Song

 

Ridgway and his band (The Stan Ridgway Trio) will be performing key songs and music from his entire career in an intimate acoustic format with Pietra Wexstun (keys, melodica, vocals) and Rick King (guitar, bass, and vocals). New songs will be played as well from his soon-to-be-released solo CD. A celebration in song, story and spoken word.

Stan Ridgway Tour Page, Ridgway MySpace

When: Fri, 04.24 (9pm)
Where: Cactus Café, 24^th and Guadalupe
Cover: n/a

RubyRico's Peepshow Magnifico!

The people who brought you The Tom Waits Peepshow are re-inventing the legendary Parisian floor shows of the roaring 20’s for the modern age. It's the stylishly depraved new avant-vaudeville cabaret: RubyRico's Peepshow Magnifico!

Every Saturday night in April they will be providing commentary on these bleak times, the Peepshow focuses on the transformative power of pleasure and the need to embrace it at every opportunity. Our Wheel of Pleasure™ will spin throughout the night, doling out pleasure like there's no tomorrow. We're also offering a free ticket to anyone who has bit hit by the recent economic meltdown. Details on the ticket page, read more…

Feeling Stoopid at Stubbs

It was an intense and immaculate performance hosted yet again, by Stubb’s Barbeque on Saturday, 04.04. The scene was set for what turned out to be an unforgettable, sold-out night of reggaes-rocks best; Rebelution and headliner Slightly Stoopid. Fans started lining up at the door well before the opening performance by Rebelution was set to take place. By 6 pm, shirts were selling out; the stage was crowded with anxious fans waiting to get a glimpse of their music heroes. Rebelution finally took stage around 8 pm and did more than just rile up the crowd; they prepared them for what was to be a reggae best performance. Rebelution, like Slightly Stoopid, is based out of California where most reggae music is born. Personally, I don’t think there could have been a better choice in an opening performance. What a perfect compliment to Slightly Stoopid’s mix in music elements from reggae-dub to ska and hip-hop. Rebelution performed most songs from their album Courage to Grow and succeeded in getting much praise from the audience.

The band left the stage and it was time to wait in agony. With a full house and fans standing shoulder-to-shoulder, one was not about to lose their spot to miss the highlight of the night. When I heard a loud roar from the audience, I knew the time had come. Finally the moment I’ve been waiting for had come to be. My months of impatiently waiting and staring at the taunting tickets on my fridge had come to and end. Slightly Stoopid took the stage and was set to light up the night (no pun intended) and take control of one’s actions with a mesmerizing performance. Like Jimmy Hendrix making love to his guitar, the band played with such a passion, it made even the heartless crumble. They didn’t stick to their most recent album, Slightly Not Stoned Enough to Eat Yet Stoopid, like most bands do when performing. They provided a diverse selection in their music from their self titled album, Slightly Stoopid, to their most requested and personal favorite; Closer to the Sun. Songs went from their earlier sounds of punk to mellow, acoustic melodies heard in songs like “Collie Man”. It was indeed a night imprinted in the minds of all. – Edwin Pacheco

Oh, did I mention I had the honor of interviewing the all-mighty Slightly Stoopid? It was such a pleasure to shake hands and take a seat with my idols. There was little time before the band was schedule to prepare for the show, but it was enough to ask questions and calm the nerves of a star-struck soul. Here’s what they had to say:

austin m+e:: Whenever I introduce your music to someone I get asked how you chose the name Slightly Stoopid. I personally think it’s a clever way to get your name noticed. What’s the story behind the name?

Slightly Stoopid: Honestly, the band name wasn’t thought up overnight. I guess you can say the fans created the name for us when we first formed our band. It was slightly this, stupid that, those words found a way to represent who we are.

austin m+e: Most fans know the reason behind Stoopid Records but can you tell the every day person why it is that you turned down major record labels and created your own?

Slightly Stoopid: We didn’t want to be a band that’s controlled by the media and told what music we can and can’t play. It’s all about the passion in playing music and doing what you love. This way we can make our own changes, we can have the different sounds that we do in our albums.

austin m+e: You have a couple of songs recorded with G. Love, how did the relationship you have with him come to be?

Slightly Stoopid: G. Love is a great guy. I would say the relationship started about three years ago when we were on tour with him and his band. He was a great guy from the moment we shook his hand. He has such passion for music and had such an influence in the way we write our music.

austin m+e: How would you describe your music?

Slightly Stoopid: We play so many different sounds that it’s impossible to place us in one genre. I wouldn’t sit here and lay out every sound we have either. It’s always different and can be only described as social elements.

austin m+e: One last question and I’ll let you guys get ready for the night ahead. Your sound has changed from your first album. Is there a certain sound you’re looking to reach and is it found in your newest album?

Slightly Stoopid: Our sound is always changing; there isn’t a certain sound we want. It just depends on what we want to play. There isn’t just one particular sound in our newest album; it’s a mix of past and present sounds.

Win Tickets to Built by Snow at Emos

Do512.com is giving away five pairs of tickets to enjoy Austin’s very own Built by Snow this Thursday, 04.09.

The line-up includes Red x Red m, The Bubbles, and Whitman.

Also, be sure to RSVP at Do512.com; if you’re not a ticket winner you can get hooked up with $5 admission.

Free Stuff from the Riverboat Gamblers

Punk rockers the Riverboat Gamblers took a chance leaving the confines of Denton, TX to pursue a music career in Austin and since the start of their journey luck has been on their side. They were a big hit during SXSW in 2003 and in 2005 were signed to Volcom Entertainment. The emo-punk sound they create has gained them a massive fan base and their energetic, deranged shows have allowed for a truly punk worthy reputation. You can read a lot about what they’ve been up to in our latest issue.

ACL Tickets On Sale Monday

The Austin City Limits Music Festival is heading into its eighth year and will take place October 2-4 at Zilker Park. However, tickets to this highly anticipated event will go on sale Monday, 04.07, and the full line-up is due out 04.28. Ghostland Observatory, Dave Matthews Band, Beastie Boys, and Pearl Jam are rumored to be headlining this year’s festival.

Listen to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and N.A.S.A Mix

If the original hit “Zero” wasn’t enough to get the Yeah Yeah Yeahs back on your music map, then this N.A.S.A Bloody Lobo remix of the song will surely do the trick. Click here.

Local Music: Ringo Deathstarr and More at Mohawk

Some Austin favorites will be tearing up the Mohawk next week. Be sure to check them out.

 Ringo Deathstarr

Stereo Is A Lie

The Tunnels

Listen to “Get it Right” by Stereo Is A Lie

When: Fri, 04.09

Where: Mohawk, 912 Red River

Benefit Birthday Bash: Help Houston Fight Cancer

Houston Ritcheson, a long time Austin musician, is fighting cancer and his wonderful friends at Metal Dave productions are presenting a concert benefit that will help pay for his medical bills. It just so happens that the event takes place on Houston’s birthday, as well. The show will be headlined by Son of Hercules and include a few special guests. Read more…

When: Fri, 04.03 (9pm)

Where: Red 7, 611 E 7th

Cover: $6 adults, $8 minor