We just got some footage in of the End Sounds 2009 Pre-SXSW Party/Show right here in our hometown of Austin, TX.  In continuing our annual tradition of putting together the "Punkers of Punk" (e.g. one time only cover bands with our friends), this year we had a Minor Threat tribute band called Filler.

Check out some videos posted on YouTube and we hope that next year you come out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEh6eCoWB6A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5a14H3Stv8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggRNTa8q09k

Wait until you see what we have in store for next year...

Death In The Park has confirmed April dates with Alkaline Trio and Saves Day (to be posted on the End Sounds site soon) followed by dates with The Forecast.

The limited edition (only 500 made) True Widow Self-Titled 2xLPs are in and available in 180 gram audiophile vinyl in matte gatefold packaging with full color inserts. Grab your copy at the End Sounds store, http://www.endsounds.com/store/.

The front-man for MxPx has a hot new side project, Mike Herrera’s Tumbledown, and will be releasing the self-titled debut album on May 19, 2009 through End Sounds. The hard-core country band just announced their signing with the Austin-based record label, which the band celebrated with a showcase at SXSW and to top things off, famed tattoo artist Oliver Peck created Tumbledown’s album cover art.
 
The pop-punk-a-billy, country group out of Bremerton, WA consists of Herrera as songwriter/lead vocals/guitar, lead guitarist Jack Parker, standup bassist Marshall Trotland, and drummer Harley Trotland. They kick off their debut album with the twangy single, “Homeward Bound”, following up with a grungier number, “Butcher of San Antone.”  The country music sounds, which Herrera has been writing since 1998, are influenced by such American music/songwriting legends as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Bill Monroe.  Mike Herrera’s Tumbledown captures the punk rock energy of MxPx, while also displaying the soulful experiences of Herrera’s travels along the lonely, open road.  The result is an old-school, country-western swagger, with Herrera strumming a big dreadnaught acoustic over a chugging snare drum and stand-up bass. Guitarist Jack Parker adds to the Americana, with swiftly meandering, mean lead work.
 
Mike Herrera’s Tumbledown just wrapped up a video for first single, “Butcher of San Antone” and is currently finishing up a 19-date tour through the end of this month, making their way through Texas, Idaho, Utah, Washington, California, Oregon, Colorado, and Arizona with fellow Bremerton, WA natives, SGFY on select dates.  Washington fans will get closing honors with a double header: a matinee show at Sunset Tavern in Ballard and the finale at El Corazon in Seattle. For exact tour dates, please visit: www.myspace.com/tumbledowncountry.  More dates to be announced shortly.
 
 
Tumbledown Track Listing:
 
1.      Let’s Drink
2.      Butcher of San Antone
3.      Break Out of History
4.      Movin’ On
5.      I’m Still Here
6.      State Line
7.      Came Here To Fight
8.      Second Hand High
9.      My Sweet Darling Dear
10.  Son of A Gun
11.  Homeward Bound
12.     *Hidden Track*

Here is a link to a video of Filler (a one time only Minor Threat tribute band) practicing for their only show at the March 17, 2009 End Sounds Pre-SXSW Music Show/Party.  This practice video of "Guilty of Being White" features Frank Carter from Gallows, Zach Blair from Rise Against, Rob Marchant from Riverboat Gamblers (and Saboteur), and Luke Abbey from Gorilla Biscuits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6agPKfg2gWA

End Sounds' official SXSW showcase will take place on Friday, March 20, 2009 at The Independent.  The show is a split showcase between us and some great bands from Ernest Jenning Record Company.
 
Friday, March 20, 2009 - Official SXSW Showcase
 
The Independent
501 N IH 35
Austin, TX 78702
 
End Sounds presents
8:00PM  The Escape Frame
9:00PM  Death In The Park
10:00PM  True Widow
Ernest Jenning presents
11:00PM  Takka Takka
12:00AM  The Black Hollies
1:00AM  Still Flyin'

End Sounds was also selected to be part of SXSW's Indie Village this year and use the space to set up interviews, meetings, and Q&As with the band and label.
 
Stop by End Sounds @ SXSW Indie Village - 2-3 PM daily (a label representative to answer any questions about the label or its artists).  If you want to come by at another time, leave a message with the host/hostess and they will pass it on to us.

The Mag Seven are currently working on their fifth album (third for End Sounds) at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, CO.  Bill Stevenson (Descendents, Black Flag, All, Only Crime, Lemonheads) returns again to play drums on the forthcoming instrumental masterpiece.

We're having our second annual pre-SXSW music show/party on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at Red 7 (611 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701).    Here's some more info on the 3/17 show with more forthcoming.  We can tell you now that Madball will also be playing.  If you are in town for SXSW or can come out, please do...and spread the word by any means possible.

Similar to last year (where we had a one time only Black Flag tribute band aptly titled Nervous Breakdown), the headlining band will be a one time only Minor Threat cover band (e.g. the band's not playing any other shows together ever) featuring:

• Guitar
• Zach Blair (Rise Against, GWAR, Only Crime, Armstrong, Hagfish)
• Drums
• Luke Abbey (Gorilla Biscuits)
• Bass (Split Set)
• Mike Herrera (MxPx, Tumbledown)
• Rob Marchant (Riverboat Gamblers, Slowride, Saboteur)
• Vocals (Split Set)
• Frank Carter (Gallows)
• Sam Ghanbar (Complete Control)

Here are some links to the rest of the pre-show line-up in descending order:

• Death In The Park (Andy Jackson from Hot Rod Circuit's new band) - http://www.myspace.com/deathinthepark
• Mike Herrera's Tumbledown (MxPx frontman's alt-country band) - http://www.myspace.com/tumbledowncountry
• True Widow - http://www.myspace.com/truewidow
• The Ramonahs [crossdressing Ramones cover band featuring Oliver Peck and Steve Viseanu (Slowride/Saboteur/The Queers)]
• The Escape Frame  - http://www.myspace.com/theescapeframe

There will be a cover of $10 and tickets will be available ahead of time, but anyone can get into the show (no SXSW passed/badges required and the show is all ages) pending there's room.

The show will also be sponsored by our friends at Vans, Sailor Jerry, JakPrints, and Punknews.org.

Death In The Park's tour plans for February have changed a bit with the band 1997 being replaced by The Forecast.

Three End Sounds artists have accepted their SXSW 2009 invitations, with hopefully more on the horizon.  Death In The Park, True Widow, and The Escape Frame will be playing the festival this year and hopefully our "super secret" new signing as well.