Austin musician Dustin Welch

By Ryan Meehan

Austin-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dustin Welch is set to release his second album, “Tijuana Bible”, on February 12, 2013 via his own Super Rooster Records. Like “Whisky Priest” before it, “Tijuana Bible” finds the Nashville-born Welch playing the part of a wickedly mysterious carnival barker, bouncing strains of Americana, rock, and folk music off of each other like a hall of funhouse mirrors. His lyrics are similarly multifaceted, reflecting literary influences ranging from American gothic to gritty pulp fiction and themes both sacred and profane. Welch calls Whisky Priest and Tijuana Bible (named after the hand-drawn pornographic pamphlets that were passed around in Depression-era work camps) the first two parts of a projected trilogy. Although the songs are neither overtly religious nor linked to each other as part of a conceptual story, many of them do share a sense of desperation-hardened fortitude — along with hints of mono-mythic mysticism. Dustin Welch is sure to become a household name, and he’s our guest today in 5 questions. Continue reading →

The Residents (illustration by Dennis Hockaday)

by Tony Armes and Ryan Meehan

The Residents have been creating their multifaceted brand of avant-garde for more than four decades without ever disclosing the identities of the group. Their given early history would have the members moving from Louisiana to California in the 60’s where they began working with Phil Lithman (Snakefinger) and their mysterious mentor N. Senada.  Although their albums, videos, and innovations have been many, The Residents remain mysterious and it is only recently that we find the names Chuck, Randy, and Bob associated with the Residents.  And we are proud to have Randy Rose of The Residents as our guest today in 5 Questions. Continue reading →