New Airwaves

Local Bands to Listen to Right Now

WORDS ABBY L. JOHNSON | PHOTOS COURTESY OF BANDS

Seize the opportunity to say you knew them before they were big, and support local musicians while at it. With ample opportunity to see these groups play live all over town, there’s no excuse for missing out on new mainstays in the Austin music scene.

The Pastlives

Quentin Arispe, AKA Neptune, is the explosive vocalist of this soulful sextet whose seductive charisma launches The Pastlives into the realm of unmissable Austin performers. The heat rises in any venue they play with an unmatched swagger. Their performances have a frenzied appearance, but their hard rock sound is tight and controlled, only spinning out of control when the band allows. thepastlivesmusic.com | @thepastlivesofficial

Skateland

The DIY bedroom pop of Dorian Williams II is an eclectic mix of new wave influences and tinges of alt rock, making for a cool and balanced sound. Taken to the stage with a band backing him, the music expands beyond Skateland’s recorded material, making a live show a necessity for those who want to see the full extent of Dorian’s creative vision. @skatelanding

Redbud

Led by Katie Claghorn, Redbud’s sound is infused with a contagious optimism. Sweet melodic guitars with ethereal vocals floating on top are the backbone of much of their growing catalog. Rich and dreamy, one can’t help but smile as they listen to the sunny sounds. The indie pop group is taking over the local circuit, and that’s fine by us. @redbud.dy

The Irons

Frontman Hayden Havard brings frenetic energy to the whimsical, mellow sound of The Irons’ story-driven songs. Backed by Robert Harris, Nathan Pittman, Willy Steg, and Caleb Tippit, the young indie group leans into groovy beats paired with sometimes absurd lyricism that creates a mysterious, almost mythical, quality in their music. Each of their albums has a distinct narrative arc that translates into their electric live shows. theirons.online | @theironsband

Indoor Creature

Indoor Creature creates dreamy, funky, jazzinspired pop capable of inducing a trance- like state in an engaged listener. Sax, synth, and smooth vocals punctuate their accessible, yet still ambitious, sound that draws in a dedicated local fan base show after show. indoorcreature.com | @indoorcreature

Lord Friday The 13th

Fronted by brother and sister Felix and Sloane Lenz, this sibling duo isn’t a prototypical family band. This theatrical glam punk group is raucous and simply fun, never taking themselves too seriously. Their live shows aren’t for the faint of heart; be prepared to move with the crowd while being entertained by the outrageous stage antics of the group. lordfridaythe13th.com | @lordfridayland

State Parks

Thousands of stunning state parks across the nation are just waiting to be explored by travelers ready to get lost with a visit to one of these treasured lands. While there are too many stunning places across the states to list, here are a few favorite locations from EASTside Magazine’s travel editors.

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Larrabee State Park

In the northern reaches of the Pacific Northwest lies Washington State’s first state park. Since 1915, Larrabee State Park has beckoned visitors around the picturesque turns of Chuckanut Drive to explore the Samish Bay at Clayton Beach and watch the saturated sunsets that stream across the sandstone rock formations lining the saltwater coastline. For hikers, a number of paths meander through the lush canopy of the Douglas fir forests up to Fragrance and Lost lakes. by Jessi Devenyns parks.wa.gov/536/Larrabee | 245 Chuckanut Dr., Bellingham, WA 98229

Vogel State Park

lf Georgia is not on your mind, it will be after a visit to the northern Georgia mountains. Stroll the family-friendly trails along the peaceful lake that lead through

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Valley of Fire State Park

Under the bursting Nevada sun lies an experience like none other. The rust-colored hills, purple peaks, and maroon rocks lay perfectly juxtaposed against baby blue skies, making a trip to this state park feel like a visit to another world. The panoramic desert views are easy on the eyes, while its orange vistas and cream-colored slot canyons make for sensorial, yet simple, hikes for visitors of any age. by Ashley Bowling parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire | Moapa Valley, NV (45mi from Las Vegas)

Chimney Rock State Park

lush forests and scenic overlooks to finally come upon the park’s crown jewel: Trahlyta Falls. Bask in stunning waterfall views while learning about the local Cherokee woman, Trahlyta, for whom the falls are named. by Jerod Morales gastateparks.org/vogel | 405 Vogel State Park Rd., Blairsville, GA

Grayton Beach State Park

Unmissable Locations for Nature Lovers 2

Experience the beauty of rare coastal dune lakes that only occur in a handful of spots around the world, and the Florida panhandle is lucky to have them. Park visitors can enjoy this rare phenomena of shallow, freshwater bodies just within feet of a salty ocean on a SUP or kayak, or hit the snowy white beaches instead. by Tanya White floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach | 357 Main Park Rd., Santa Rosa Beach, FL

On the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, travelers find respite at Chimney Rock State Park. Offering cute shops, a local restaurant, 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge, a 400-foot waterfall, animal encounters, yoga with a view, and in true Appalachian style, visitors will also find a gentleman named John playing music and telling stories near the gift shop. by Joanna Fuller chimneyrockpark.com | 431 Main St., Chimney Rock, NC (25mi from Asheville)

Ecola State Park

Situated in Oregon’s northwestern-most corner, this park offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The drive into the park, via a rainforest full of towering Sitka spruces that allow for the occasional sun beams to peak through their canopies, is an experience of its own. A hazy coast emerges with numerous rock formations escaping the sea. This spectacular coastline is known for surfing and offers delightful tide pooling exploration during low tide. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot eagles, elk, and whales from the park’s old-growth forest trails that meander along rocky bluffs. by Ashley Bowling stateparks.oregon.gov | Cannon Beach, OR