Are you ready for a Blues (r)Evolution?

- Vernon Reid

“Few possess Venson’s talent: her exquisite playing pairs with her smoky voice to sublime perfection”

- Guitar World

Jackie Venson’s revolutionary new work Evolution of Joy is available at Waterloo Records and on all platforms on Jan. 27

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Ashley Bowling

Asst. Editor & Events

Abby L. Johnson Business Development

Will Bowling Copy Editor

Pam Bowen

Media Relations

Joanna Fuller

Austin, Texas 78722

Contributing Photographers

Eric Morales, Ashley Haguewood, Shelby Bella, Rachel Benavides, Baptiste Despois, Tanya White

Contributing Writers

Tejal Thakkar, Jessi Devenyns

Tanya White, Janine Stankus, Alison Bryce, Deven Wilson, Chris Ferguson

Distribution

Will Bowling Submissions info@eastsideatx.com

One of the first ways creativity was formed and honored was through music; it's a way to express a feeling, recall a fond memory, and keep stories living forever. Music shapes our lives and imprints little pin marks over specific moments in time for each of us. Isn’t it funny how a song can take you back to a place in time like it was yesterday? Be it an exhilarating moment, a joyous occasion, or an all-time low, music is impactful and meaningful. It has the ability to lift your spirits, to sober your mind, to get you drunk, and to nudge you towards love.

Thinking of music and its impact, gives me a new respect for musicians. They are allowed little windows into our lives in the form of song. They get the weighty responsibility that profoundly time stamps our lives and decorates our memories. But more than just a memory or window to the soul, musicians also have to make a living. They are in a business that everyone is touched by and nearly everyone wants to be a part of, and, therefore, the day-to-day throws of the business aren't easy. In fact, they're hard.

This issue, we were able to meet with Jackie Venson, Shakey Graves, and Taméca Jones—all Austin artists who have made a name for themselves locally, but didn’t stop there. Their impact stretches well beyond Austin these days. We were honored to be invited to Alejandro's home, and to spend the day with Jackie and Taméca. As we got to know them, which was an honor, I found that each of these musicians have a real heart for their music and love performing. They each talked about how everything is changing in the music scene and how they are also evolving. They are leaning into their evolution as artists and entertainers. I could go on all day about what we learned while behind the scenes. But I won’t spoil the story. Turn to page 18 to see for yourself.

As we wrapped this very special anniversary issue, from the featured acts to Try Hard Coffee Roasters impacting Austin artists, we realized this may be our best music issue yet—seven years in! Our team had a really good time with this issue. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Cheers to another year of creativity & community!

Will & Ashley Bowling

On the Cover

“FINDING A HOME ISN’T ABOUT SQUARE FOOTAGE AND THE NUMBER OF BEDROOMS.

IT’S ABOUT YOUR LIFESTYLE AND HOW YOUR SPACE CAN ENHANCE IT.”