Love music? Join Austin Music People.

I guess that it's no secret by now: I love music. And when I say that, I mean, I love music. If you happen to physically witness me talking about a new album release and I begin to foam at the mouth, do not panic - it will pass. Whether happy, sad, nostalgic or simply complacent, music has always accompanied those moments in my life. Now that I happen to attend school in the "Live Music Capital of the World," well, things have been just peachy. Fellow music advocators in the community care so much about Austin's music that they decided to unite and create an organization that provides support and communication for Austin's music industry: Austin Music People.

Austin Music People is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2010. The organization has come together under one love - Austin music. 

AMP's mission is to protect and grow Austin's music culture and its representation as the live music capital of the world by fostering networking and cooperation among Austin's community of music professionals, creatives and fans. So whether you're an audio engineer, the lead singer of a band or even just "that" fan who happens to throw your panties on stage, AMP wants your membership.

The organization takes the initiative to research and discuss ideas, policies and issues that face the music industry in order to enhance Austin's music scene. AMP also provides fans/musicians a voice to be heard and a forum to celebrate Austin music.

Austin Music People will be hosting events in hopes to strengthen the connection between Austin music professionals and fans. In fact, the Austin Music People Launch Party kicks off tomorrow evening at the new Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater with bands such as Ghostland Observatory (mentioned in my previous blog), The Bright Light Social Hour and Blue October. Ticket purchases result in immediate membership. Unfortunately the $20 tickets have sold out; however, if you happen to have $250, you can still snag a much coveted mezzanine seat at this website.

To join, check out AMP's membership options here. Memberships range anywhere between $1 to $25,000; so if you're a college student living off of Ramen Noodles and coupons discounts, don't sweat financial aspect.

Keep Austin weird. Support local music. Join Austin Music People.

So you survived SXSW, now rest up for Nocturnal Festival II.

I'm fully aware that I promised to keep an updated feed of SXSW events, but between attending the MTVu Woodies Awards, meeting Hanson at the Grammy Block Party and jamming out to De La Soul at the Red Bull Party, life was pretty hectic.

Although SXSW was great, I'm glad it's over. For me, it's time to relax and prepare for Nocturnal Festival: Texas 2011.

Nocturnal Festival is the ultimate, two-day electronica festival presented by V Productions TX! and Los Angeles-based Insomniac. It will take place at the grassy fields of Apache Pass in Rockdale, Texas on April 29 and 30.

Insomniac has been shaking hips in California since 1993, but it wasn't until the weekend of Labor Day 2010 that Nocturnal hit Texas. I happened to attend, and let me be the first to say, "You had to be there."

This happens to be a very accurate representation of the first Nocturnal festival in Texas: one huge dance party filled with heavy bass and fast beats.

This year, Nocturnal provides a promising lineup with an array of electronica giants, spanning many sub-genres. I'll introduce you to some of the acts I am anticipating...

Dubstep genius, Bassnectar (AKA Lorin Ashton), will make his second appearance at the festival. Ashton defines the concept of "bass in your face." If you're not a fan of dubstep, then you probably will become one after listening to a few (or even just one) of his masterpieces. In case you haven't noticed, I'm a huge fan. You can even read me gush on about his last EP here.

Bassnectar - Magical World feat. Nelly Furtado (FREE DOWNLOAD) by Bassnectar

Also scheduled to perform is Austin's own Ghostland Observatory. This rock/funk/electro duo consists of vocalist/guitarist, Aaron Behrens and producer/beats-machine, Thomas turner. Ghostland is primarily known for their outstanding live performances (complete with a mind-blowing light show, of course).

As for the dance realm, I am ecstatic to see Kaskade. Ryan Raddon creates upbeat, dreamy tracks that take house fans to another world.


Deadmau5 & Kaskade - I Remember ( Original Extended Mix ) by Noches Tracks

So go ahead - buy your tickets, plan your carpool strategy and get ready for round two of the best dance party of your life.

South By Southwest kickoff shows are around the corner - which one will you choose?

Austin's ultimate showcasing conference, South By Southwest, kicks off this weekend with an array of shows. The question of the week should not be if you will attend any shows, but rather, which shows you will attend.

I will continuously update my page throughout the next week to keep you informed about SXSW Music and Media news and shows.

Let's go ahead and start out with this Friday...

The folks at Knuckle Rumbler will be kicking off the weekend with The Root's frontman, Questlove, at the Scoot Inn this Friday, March 11. Questlove is the afro-donning drummer of legendary hip-hop group, The Roots.

The Roots - Seed 2.0 from clement n on Vimeo.

Also joining Questlove will be Theophilus London, God-Des & She, and DJ Kid Slyce.

Theophilus London's sound is difficult to place in just a single genre. If one were to describe his music, it could be described as new wave, hip-hop and electronic - all bundled up in one unique package. The alternative hip-hop artist has been creating smooth beats since 2007.

Theophilus london - Flying Overseas from Ease on Vimeo.

God-Des & She is the soulful, hip-hop duo from the Midwest. They gained momentum in the music industry after their 2006 debut on Showtime's hit series, "The L Word". Since their appearance, God-Des & She have played at countless venues on a global scale. Their song, "Love You Better," reached the #1 spot on MTV LOGO.

DJ Kid Slyce rocks the Austin hip-hop/electronica scene. In fact, I was able to listen to his opening set at the Gorillaz after show this past October, and I was more than impressed. Kid Slyce succeeds at creating a a warm, smooth environment to get the party started.

The Scoot Inn is an intimate, outdoor venue located on East 4th Street. Doors will open at 9 p.m., and the show will end at 2 a.m. Admission is 21 and up.

So if you're a fan of hip-hop, enjoy cutting-edge music or just like to party, be sure to attend this amazing party.