STRIFE Summer 2014
The Mohawk not just a hairstyle page 26
INSIDE look into Straight Edge page 17
Is the Parental Advisory Label helpful? page 11
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COME TO ...WE HAVE
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THE DARK SIDE AUDIs
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table of contents 11 music in the raw
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tributors n o c
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the e m di f ro to rs
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The preservation of the art of a musician and the preservation of the mind of a child can conflict with each other. Explicit lyrics are a part of that art, and they should be treated like so.
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Search no further for a pair of quality headphones at reasonable prices. The staff at Strife compared several brands of well-known, overthe-ear headphones.
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cover photo by: Leslie Fender photo by: Paul McCord
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mohawk: a culture shock
photo by: Devin Ryan
The Mohawk, a club in Austin, has housed many musicians. It continues to provide a diverse, all ages venue for both up and coming artists and wellknown acts.
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contributors Devin Ryan
Devin Ryan plays guitar and cello and loves to listen to music in her free time. Devin’s favorite colors are black and red and her favorite animal is the crocodile. She enjoys eating cinnamon toast with yogurt for a snack at any time of the day. She has been in four bands for Girls Rock Camp Austin and has performed at the Parish, Highball, and Emo’s. Devin enjoys hiking, reading, writing and crafting. She aspires to be a surgeon and a writer.
Ian McCord
Ian McCord plays the didgeridoo, drums, piano, ukulele, and harmonica. Ian has been playing music for 8 years, and has played at places such as The Mohawk, The Red 7, and Austin City Limits Festival. Ian’s Favorite colors are blue and purple, and his favorite animal is a giraffe. Ian’s favorite late night snack is waffles. Ian enjoys playing music, reading, watching movies, and taking long walks on the beach.
Henry Trentham
Our Favorites
Henry loves most kinds of music. He played the piano for 6 years, stopped, and has now picked it back up again. Every year he attends multiple shows, including showing support for his friend Ian’s musical endeavors. Henry frequently eats powdered donuts and cold pizza with San Pellegrino after midnight. His favorite animal is the otter. Henry hopes to be a producer or rapper. A mixtape under the pseudonym yung munabi will be releasing in late 2018.
Genre of Music
Bands
Austin Music Venues
Punk Rock and Metal
Devin:
Devin:
Cruiserweight and Gorrilla Biscuits
The Mohawk and Emo’s
Ian:
Ian:
Devin:
Ian:
Rock and Progrock
Pink Floyd and Tame Impala
Emo’s Lounge and ACL Live
Henry:
Henry: Foxeygen and Chilidish Gambino
Henry: Red 7 and Scoot Inn
Hip-hop, R&B, and Hardcore
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letter from the editors
Hello Readers, Our goal is to educate you, the readers, on music culture and life. We hope we can do this by talking about different components of the music scene, including music subcultures, piracy and ways of listening to or learning about music. We have a similar music taste and decided to write about what we enjoyed, music. It is an important part of our lives, whether we play it or listen to it.
Originally we imagined that the magazine would be a little more rugged, but we found a style that was simple, yet strong. We hoped to share a something that we enjoy and bring to light things that we feel our generation has missed out.
Devin Ryan
Henry Trentham
Music has been around for thousands of years, since the beginning of humanity. Over the years it has been through many changes stylistically. There are many different styles of music that vary greatly. The staff at Strife concentrated on an area of music that they felt impacted culture quite a bit. Punk music was at its peak in the ‘80s, and changed the way people acted and thought. People now still feel a part of this scene and we want more people to be educated in this type of music and what it means.
Ian McCord
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Hearing is Believing written by: Henry Trentham
You’ve heard that seeing is believing, but that’s only one sense of the phrase. The standard Apple earbuds just won’t cut it anymore. Over-the-ear headphones are the only choice for those who passionately listen to and understand music. Putting on a new pair of high-end headphones will let you hear, feel, and see your music in a new light. But, high quality headphones come at a high price. From $19 to $1,500, finding the right headphones can be difficult. Fortunately the staff at Strife has found and compared a number of headphones for the stylish, financially aware, musiclover.
Photo by: Henry Trentham
Photo by: Apollostowel
Brand: SONY Model: MDR 2x100 Price: $19.99
Brand: SENNHEISER Model: MOMENTUM Price: $299.95
Overview
Overview
So what if you’re a rising musician or just a music lover who spends all of his money on tickets to shows. Sony has a great set of headphones for the price. These obviously won’t have the same quality as some of the other reviewed headphones, but on a ramen-every-night budget that can be looked over. Unlike most cheap headphones, these are very durable and will last a lot longer than a few weeks. For the price the ZX Sony headphones are fairly comfortable and have 30mm drivers that emit a satisfying sound.
Since 1968 Sennheiser has been a manufacturer of quality mobile headphones. This is the most style-conscious headphones put out yet by Sennheiser. The company is joining the trend of headphones with a fashion sense. An urban look, MOMENTUM features stainless steel and leather with detailed stitching. Soft leather ear pads are comfortable and absorb vibration from outside sources. These headphones are rich in sound without overpowering bass. These headphones offer great sound with a more pure and sleek design than other headphones.
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Photo by: tubil
Brand: BEATS BY DRE Model: BEATS STUDIO Price: $299.95 Overview
The beats are seen on TV endorsed by artists all the time. Most likely a member of your family, a friend, or a stranger on the bus had a pair of Beats by Dre. There is a lot of hype for these headphones. The Studio model in particular has things like dual-mode noise cancelling with a 20 hrs rechargeable battery. Even without music playing the headphones are able to block out a lot of outside noise. The Studios, sound-wise, are balanced and have improved since the last generation. They also come in a wide variety of colors.
Photo by: Henry Trentham
Overview Brand: BOSE The Bose QuietComfort 15 headphones are similar to the Beats Studios. They are Model: Quiet Comfort 15 great for traveling on long trips or just on a daily commute. These headphones Price: $299.95 offer noise cancelling that can eliminate background noise from appliances,
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conversations, engines, and TVs. The battery lasts approximately 35 hours on AAA batteries, longer than the Studios. These are the same in price as the other headphones. However Bose is a industry standard.
Music In
The Raw
Written By Henry Trentham
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H
alloween night was alive with the movement of kids through the neighborhood. Seamus Quinn hosts a party at his house. Everyone is in the backyard. The party is split into sparse groups, some talk, some play with a basketball. There are drinks and fried chicken on the table. Music blares over small speakers attached to the corners of the roof. Wild for the Night by A$AP Rocky plays from a sponsored Halloween playlist from Spotify. Immediately Seamus is called into the house. From the house his friends can hear his dad lecturing him. Seamus knows the boundaries in his house for explicit music. In 1985 the Parents Music Resource Center led by Tipper Gore spurred a Senate hearing to discuss a music rating/labeling system that would warn parents about albums containing occult themes, sex, drugs, and violence. Many artists testified against this proposed system explaining that it was censorship and that parents were mislead about the meaning of the lyrics. This system was never adopted, however the hearing brought about the Parental Advisory Label. The Parental Advisory Label is 30 years-old. Rose says that the PAL is still helpful for warning parents of younger children. She thinks they are not able to filter themselves. “I would hate for [my son] to listen
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Photo by public domain
Photo by Glenn Francis
Tipper Gore In PMRC meeting. Dee Snider, frontman of Twisted Sister.
Photo by public domain
Frank Zappa testifying in PMRC hearing.
“I do think the Parental Advisory Label is important, but only to protect younger children.” to something and then repeat something that had offensive language use in it.” When growing up, children learn responsibility. Children, when going through school, learn 2000 to 3000 words per year. Some of these words might be unsuitable for the dinner table. Seamus points this out. “I think that at a certain age, yes. When they’re four yearsold they don’t need to be listening to Hardcore Rap music. But ya know when they get older especially in middle school and high school ages, they know those words are out there. They know they aren’t supposed to say them around the house, especially to people. So at that point I probably would let them.,” says Seamus Quinn. 15 year-old Sebastian
Bell agrees with Seamus and believes children learn the proper “ramifications” of inappropriate language and when to use curse words while growing up. “I don’t believe I would censor music from my children too much. Yes I would make sure my children didn’t listen to too much inappropriate music and I do think the parental advisory sticker is important, but only to protect younger children.” Sebastian says. Lyrics are an artist’s expression. The PMRC pushed that teenagers would be twisted by the explicit lyrics in a song. They presented that these lyrics were attractive to teenagers. Seamus explains his view on explicit lyrics. “[explicit lyrics] gives a lot more of a harsher tone to the song and that can really change the whole
tone of the song. So when they’re used in that pattern, I enjoy it, it’s part of the music. But sometimes it comes to a point where it is excessive. That’s the kind of music where it becomes unenjoyable for me,” He said. Sebastian explains that even with these excessive explicit lyrics in some music still would not convince teenagers to commit acts of taboo. “Vulgarity in music, I’ve already been exposed to most of it and also vulgarity, it’s not like it’s going to make me do obscene things listening to it.” The record label and the musician decide whether or not to put the label on the album. Therefore different criteria is used when considering to add the label. What is considered
an explicit album might vary from label to label and musician to musician. Seamus thinks that the label itself is confusing and often not consistent. “I think that it can be a little misleading in the fact that they censor stuff out for different reasons,” He says, “Like sometimes I would buy music as a kid and they wouldn’t have the parental advisory label and they’d say the S-word, but sometimes they would have the parental advisory label just because they said something about taking a girl home and they didn’t say any other cuss words.” It is estimated that more than 28
million people pay for a subscription for music. In 2011 there was $5.7 billion in revenue from digital music in the United States alone. Children would be able to gain access to explicit music easier with digital music, Than if they went to a store like Walmart and tried to purchase the album in person. “Usually [music is] downloaded and I guess my husband would put it on the ipod or our phones or whatever. I’m not sure I ever saw the labels,” Rose says. Programs such as Spotify and Itunes do not display the label as on CDs.
The label is on the left corner of the digital album artwork and very small. The artwork sometimes does not appear while buying the music. An ignorant child or adult could easily purchase the explicit music. R
Photo by Tim Trentham
Flatbush Zombies is a rap group from New York that uses prolific amounts of explicit lyrics.
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Swashbucklers of Sound By Ian McCord
In todays society you can download just about anything from the internet. the digital age we live in has led to a problem facing the music industry, music piracy, or illegally downloading music. Piracy of music was at its peak in early 2010 where only 37% of music was actually purchased. in recent years piracy rates have dropped due to websites such as Spotify, which provides its own controversy. Often record labels will blow things out of proportion and make the amount of piracy now seem a lot worse than it actually is. Like record labels advocates of Spotify and other streaming programs like to preach that these ways of listening music are great for everyone. In actuality both sides have had some improvements and definitely still have some flaws and before making a Spotify account or illegally downloading its important to know what effect this is having on the people making the music are great for everyone. In actuality both sides have had some improvements and definitely still have some flaws and before making a Spotify account or illegally downloading its important to know what effect this is having on the people making the music.
“Because of sound recording piracy, U.S. workers lose $2.7 billion in earnings annually. Of this total, $1.1 billion would have been earned by workers in the sound recording industry or in downstream retail industries while $1.6 billion would have been earned by workers in other U.S. industries� 14 STRIFE ◆ 2014
Data colected by The RIAA, Graph made by Ian McCord
U.S. Recording Industry Revenues 10.0
8.0
5.0
3.0 2.0
2005
2007
U.S. Recording Industry revenues
2009
2011
2013
of music acquired by 37% U.S. consumers in 2009 was
paid for, according to NPD reports
Graph made by Ian McCord
Comical representation about people who care about music Etrobus hocris? Nampoptia meritusatuam nor hA problem in the music world now is not the piracy itself it is how it is treated. With music industries blowing statistics out of proportion saying that by 2017 there will be no music industry. Another issue faced when talking about music piracy is music streaming sources such as Spotify that allow people to listen to music free. music industries have said that music streaming is only hurting the music industry. According to new statistics this is incorrect, recently we have seen a drop in piracy around the world due to these new music streaming websites. with piracy dropping as low as 80% in some places of the world.
It takes 34 months on average for a pop/rock group to make more money streaming than physical sales. Artists that have music that don’t have high repeatability don’t like this. This also puts a big emphasis on increased marketing to maintain music “relevance.”
When looking into the music world it is important to know all aspects including piracy. with piracy rates dropping and music streaming becoming an even more popular way to listen to music, the effects need to be seen. We know that artists do make less money from Spotify and other music streaming sources but recognizing the fact that millions of people are able to have access to songs they may have never purchased in the first place is a huge advantage for artists. hopefully in years to come music can be available for everyone in an effective and non detrimental way for everyone, Because everyone loves music.
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Getting Schooled on Music Written By Ian McCord 3
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eil Young and Jimi Hendrix, two revolutionary musicians looked up to for their incredible talent. And neither ever had any formal training or music lessons. Young, Hendrix, and many other musicians have become famous and incredible musicians while never having a music teacher. So when you are looking to learn music do you find a music teacher or do you learn on your own? Many famous musicians have been able to become great players without ever having a music lesson in their life. But studies have shown that music lessons make you a better student in school and supposedly a smarter person in general. Until recently this theory had been uncontested but a recent study from Harvard University has shown that there are no cognitive skills gained from taking music lessons. So with this information it is important to deside wheter you should take music lessons or learn off your own devices.
“Learning [music] with lessons has opened many new doors for me.”
Rozie Castoe, as well as many other aspiring musicians have gained much from music lessons.
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A music student plays at Austin city limits festival. Photo by Paul McCord
From taking music Rozie has already been able to play at music festivals such as Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits festival. Music lessons though have suffered a decline in popularity due to the struggling economy with fewer and fewer students enrolling in music lessons each year. Although there has been a decline in student enrolment of music lessons they are still considered the best way to learn music. Rick carney a music teacher at The School of Rock. He has been teaching music for 8 years and has seen all kinds of students “You can teach anybody an instrument as long as there are interested in learning.” Rick beliefs that everyone can benefit from music lessons as long as they have the right attitude. Rick himself never took music lessons when he first started playing and now
Rozie Castoe Plays bass at ACL Photo by Paul McCord
A music student preforming with the School of Rock Photo by Paul McCord
that he’s been exposed to music lessons he sees how beneficial they can be “It [music lessons] would’ve made a huge difference I would have a much better you know musical understanding early on.” said Rick “It would have been a much easier path to discover.” Like Rick, Rozie understands how much music lessons have helped her progress “I would not have progressed to the level that I am at now if not for my years of music lessons.” Both Rozie and Rick have seen all the benefits presented by music lesson but there are some
admitted disadvantages. “Disadvantages of music lessons I guess would be the fact you are sort of controlled by your music teacher.” says Patrick McNally. Patrick has played music for 7 years and the majority of his time he learned on his
“ I didn’t really like the music lessons I guess because I was so used to being left to my own freedom I just didn’t have a good mindset for it. ”
Patrick has been home schooled for his whole life and ever since he was 9 Patrick loved playing music. Instead of taking music lessons Patrick began to learn music on his own “I wanted to take music lessons when I first started playing and was struggling and not seeing a lot of improvement.” Says Patrick. Patrick admits to his early struggles in selflearning music and how music lessons could of been beneficial in the beginning. “I started watching videos and reading magazines and finding exercises on my own and did start to notice myself getting a lot better.”
Once Patrick started getting better he tried taking music lessons to maybe help him along “I have taken a few music lessons over the time I have been playing but by that point I was already a relatively advanced player so I found it hard to find a teacher that had a lot to show me.” Patrick says the main appeal of self learning music is that “You are a lot more free to decide what you want to do.”
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School of Rock students preforming in a club in Austin Photo by Paul McCord
Despite having control over your own learning there are a few disadvantages to learning by yourself.“ You don’t really know anything about music yo don’t really know what’s important to learn so you’ll probably miss some important steps.” Rick says when talking about his experience with learning music. Both forms of learning have their definite advantages as well as disadvantages. where in learning on your own you have the ability to completely decided what you learn but when taking lessons
“You have music teach their like your guide to kind of guide you through that wilderness”
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as Rick put it who can guarantee quick progress early on. If you’re looking to start playing music a decision you need to make is if you want to take lessons or learn on your own. For any begginer the choice is differnt for them, but for each musician “It’s all about ambition.” 1.Photo by Mchale1818; Man playing a guitar 2.Photo by Mchale1818; Photo of Chad Szelgia of Breaking Benjamin 3.Photo by Paul McCord; Rozie castoe playing guitar at Sholtzs’ Beer Garden 4.Photo by Sebbattiaan Ter Berg; Self portrait of Sebastiaan Singing
Guitar center Buy guitars here
Patrick McNally playing keyboard in a concert Photo by Paul McCord
The New Headphones
Better Listining. Better Comfort.
SONY
Never Want To Use A Crutch written by: Devin Ryan
photo by: Devin Ryan
When thinking about the punk and hardcore scene the normal thought is of people doing drugs and drinking, but in one part of this scene people abstain from these things. Straight edge is a part of the punkhardcore scene that was started in the 1980s. It is about, as Minor Threat puts it, not needing a crutch, drugs or alcohol, and living a clean lifestyle. People who are straight edge, even though they live slightly differently than most punk and hardcore people, are still part of the scene. photo by: Devin Ryan
The “X” is a major symbol of straight edge. It is marked on the back of the hand by straight edge people and by underage kids to show that they cannot drink. A common shortening of Straight edge is “SxE.” Some people get this tattoo to show that they are a part of the scene.
History The name Straight Edge, comes from Minor Threat’s song Straight Edge, which talks about the clean way of living. Noble Brown, a straight edge adult, says the symbol, a X, came from some punk kids, including Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat trying to get into some bars to see music, and agreeing to wear X’s on their hands to show that they cannot be served alcoholic beverages.
Perception The way the straight edge scene is perceived depends on who one is with, and where one is at. In some states, it is seen as a gang due to the actions of some violent straight edge kids. Also, some people, including people in the punk and hardcore scene, see straight edgers as weird, self-righteous and different. According to Melissa Ross, a straight edger, people also see it as different due to the political views and music of the scene. Haven Kibbe, a 16 year old straight edge kid, says that young adults in the scene are sometimes told they won’t stay edge.
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Rules
To be straight edge you have to follow certain rules. These rules vary depending on what you think it means, but there are some basic rules of the scene. It is also about being in control of your life, according to Jessica Harbert at Western Washington University.
1. No Drinking
This is one of the most important rules in the scene. Some people only abstain from drinking, while others will go as far as not to eat food that contains alcohol.
2. No Tobacco Products
This rule is also very important to straight edge people. As part of the scene, you cannot use any sort of tobacco, cigarettes, or chewing tobacco.
3. No Using Drugs
Not using drugs, even though it is following laws, is also a major part of straight edge ideology. This does not include medical drugs, it means illegal and illicit drugs.
4. No Meat or Animal Products
Not everyone who is straight edge follows this rule, and not following it doesn’t make you any less a part of the scene.
Subculture
Bands
The subcultures of straight edge are based off the type of music one listens to, but many people listen to all types of hardcore and punk music. One non-music subculture is militant straight edge, in which the people are intolerant of non-striaght edge kids and are sometimes violent.
There are many straight edge bands, of many different style of punk and hardcore. Some bands include Minor Threat, Youth of Today, Earth Crisis and Judge. These bands, according to Melissa Ross, are straight edge because the members are, they say the band is, and some write songs about it.
1. Traditional Punk Rock
People in this sub-culture listen to more punk rock, especially the more traditional style of punk. Some bands include Minor Threat, 7 seconds and SSD.
2. Posi-core or Positive Hardcore
This part of the scene comes from a style of hardcore from New York City in the 1980s, according to Noble Brown. . Bands include Bold and Gorilla Biscuits.
3. Metalcore
People in this part of the scene listen to mostly hardcore music that has a metal influence. Bands in this part include Earth Crisis, Unbroken, and Throwdown.
photo by: Misty Neader
1. Minor Threat
Minor Threat is one of the most prominent straight edge bands. They helped to start the movement, and their song “Straight Edge” lead to the name of the scene.
2. Youth of Today
This band was part of the “youth crew” movement and is a posi-core and hardcore. They started in 1985 and reformed in 2010.
3. Earth Crisis
Earth Crisis can be considered a metalcore band. They are more strict towards straight edge and are vegan. They started in 1989 and are from New York City. Their songs talk about social issues and animal rights.
photo by: Aaron Ryan
On the left: A group of straight edge kids, including Noble Brown, Graham Williams, and Aaron Ryan stand in front of a large X in Memphis, Tennessee. On the right: Patrick Brothers, with X’s on his hands and a large X tattoo, sings with his band Anomie.
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photo by: Devin Ryan
The Mohawk: A Cultural Shock
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written by: Devin Ryan
A
group of punk teenagers walk down Red River Street heading towards a tall building with the name “The Mohawk” written vertically in red on the corner of the building. When they get to the entrance the bouncer asks for their ID’s and proceeds to mark large black X’s on all of their hands. The kids then enter the building and walk towards the front of the outdoor stage, just as the iconic band Dead Milkmen starts their first song Punk Rock Girl. One would normally see people milling about in the back of the venue near the bar, rocking out to music, bartenders chatting with the patrons inside the club, and a band playing on the small outdoor stage. At this bar, kids can hang out and enjoy the music as long as they have the X’s on the back of their hands. James Moody started the Mohawk was started in 2006. The building is located in what once was a mexican restaurant that musicians would play at. Moody, co-founder of Transmission Entertainment and co-founder of Fun Fun Fun Fest, created this venue as a new place for musicians to play at. The venue has won multiple awards, and has participated in many different types of events, such as festivals and parties. It is a cultural place in Austin, Texas, and is a part of the city. The Mohawk is run with the help of managers, bouncers, bartenders, and bookers. The name of the venue does not come from the popular hairstyle but instead from the Mohawk Nation. The people of this nation were skilled at war, were loyal, strong, and resourceful. The Mohawk is trying to recreate parts of this culture in the venue. The current manager of The Mohawk, Cody Cowan, has been the grand manager of the venue for four years. “When I assumed leadership at The Mohawk, it was a sinking ship. I basically discovered a process, put together a team and we’ve paid
photo by: The Mohawk
The Mohawk has multiple bars, with the main bar being located inside. The bar has multiple chairs, and a variety of drinks.
blood, sweat and tears into making a fun, cool and profitable business,” Cody said. As manager of the venue, Cody helps with keeping the business running smoothly, work with business partners, and help manage the workers of the venue. Cody helps to keep the business on the top of the music scene in Austin, Texas, and keep make it comfortable and fun for its patrons. He also works with the bookers to plan out shows and get bands to play at the venue that would be enjoyable for the patrons. One of the bookers for The Mohawk is Graham Williams, the co-owner of Transmission Entertainment, along with James Moody, and co-founder of local music festival Fun Fun Fun fest. His company began booking for the venue about two-years after Moody started the it. Marcus, a local booker in Austin, Texas, books bands from the city, while Graham Williams, Rosa and Dan book national bands for the venue. “We listen to a lot of music, read a lot about artists online and deal with a lot of booking agents that we trust, who more often than not reach out to us about booking and sourcing bands,” Williams said. The venue is also part of the Red River Cultural District, which earns it even more recognition. The venues in this district form a community of venues that came from the musicians and fans. Also, some aspects of being part of the district are that it helps with issues pertaining to
loading and unloading of instruments and equipment, such as blocking entrances and staying in one spot too long. “The Mohawk is part of this community. The Red River Cultural District is an attempt to recognize this community, give it a voice and preserve it through the changing city landscape,” Cowan said. Part of the culture of The Mohawk is the wide variety of genres of music that play at the venue. Many different bands perform at The Mohawk, which draws many different people to the venue. These genres range from pop to metal, or hip-hop to punk. “We book the music that we love & hope to create the best of the experiences that we’ve always enjoyed at live shows for others,” Cowan says. The bands that play at The photo by: The Mohawk
Inside of The Mohawk’s main building is a medium sized stuffed bear. The bear has become a symbol of the Mohawk, and many people take photos with it. The bear is often times decorated, especially on holidays.
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Mohawk not only vary in genre, but also in how big they are and where they are from. Big bands will play at The Mohawk, but so will local bands and small bands that not everyone has heard of. The culture of the bands, such as how they act, also plays into who comes to the venue. Both bands that will bring large crowds and bands that will bring small crowds will play. Bands from all over the country and world, and from all sizes of places perform too. “It’s all about showcasing the best bands to the Austin music scene. Not the absolute biggest bands around, but some of the buzziest, for sure, as well as older legends from time to time. The owner, James Moody, used to say it was more about the bands in minivans than tour buses for a venue like Mohawk,” Williams said. Big bands such as Public Enemy, a hip-hop band from New York has played at the venue to Residual Kid, a small local punk band made of teenagers. Kate Nash, a pop artist from England to Big Freedia, a bounce artist from New Orleans have also played shows at the venue. Other bands such as Judge, Iggy Pop and the Stooges, Cruiserweight and De La Soul have played there too. “I like the music, I like that were not just one style of music, that we are all over the map. I mean we have stuff from Bill Callahan to Carcass to you know, uh, hip-hop shows. Uh you know we’re all over the place. Which I really like. You know, I think that’s important for downtown,” Bond said. Not only does The Mohawk have bookers and managers, but it also has bartenders, bouncers, production, and many other jobs. All of the people who work at the venue contribute to how it is run, and the attitude of the venue. They keep things under control and make sure things go smoothly. The staff at The Mohawk try to make the experience good and comfortable for the patrons so that they will come back by talking
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photo by: The Mohawk
The Black Keys played on the outside stage of The Mohawk, while they were on tour. They are a rock duo from Ohio.
to them, and seeing what they like. “It’s the kind of venue that really cares about how fans feel when they’re there and what customers will think when they walk away. Constantly adding new areas for the audience to
from, upgrading the PA system, the lighting, the bars, etc. A lot of venues do the bare minimum, but you don’t get that from Mohawk,” Graham said. The Mohawk has gone through a lot of changes since it was open, both in how it is run and how it looks. One major change the Mohawk went through was a major renovation to the layout of the venue. The Mohawk has an indoor and outdoor stage, three levels, multiple bars, and lots of room throughout the building. During the renovation the upper deck was built and the upstairs bar was redone. “Its patrons so people can see shows and not struggle to see the band. I think that was probably one of the most important things there. I mean we all love going to see shows, but really what’s a show if you can’t see it?” Antonio Bond, a bartender at the venue, said. The Mohawk puts on many shows on its own, but it also participates in many different festivals in Austin. The venue has taken part in different music events or festivals, and multiple events that are not related to music. It has participated in
photo by: Leon Fu
The Mohawk is located in downtown Austin, Texas. Austin, Texas, is often referred to as the live music capital of the world, and The Mohawk, along with many other venues in the area, and festivals help to give the city this name
photo by: The Mohawk
The Beard and Moustache Festival, The Queso Off. “South by Southwest, you know, there’s always I think the biggest event that happened there or.. Um… Chaos in Tejas,” Bond said. The Mohawk has also won the Best Live Music Venue Award in Austin. It won this award in 2010 and has won a few other awards, too. Other awards the venue has gotten include Best New Club in 2006, and Best All Ages Venue. “It’s recognized as one of the best clubs downtown,” Bond said. The workers at the Mohawk combine the venues statement “ All are Welcome” with punk and DIY ideas. “It’s an extension of what my friends & I experienced/created within our group as kids & young adults. Work culture is everything - bad culture can make a dream job torturous or mundane work filled with purpose,” Cowan said. The venue also has a certain attitude about it that has become part of the culture of the venue. The people who work at the venue try to make it a friendly place and make it fun for the patrons. The venue isn’t too crazy, but also isn’t too calm. There is normally something going on at The Mohawk, but nothing too much. “I think it’s the friendly atmosphere, the live music, the um, the lightheartedness almost of, the vibe of the place you know. It’s not, we don’t take ourselves really serious. You know we uh… We try to have fun, you know, all the time,” Bond said. Not only do the people who work at the Mohawk add to the feel and attitude of the venue, but the people who come to The Mohawk also add to it. The patrons of the venue come from all types of backgrounds and cultures and are part of many types of demographics. The venue is not for just people of a certain age or background. It is for both young and old people, including children. “I think it’s all walks of life. I’ve seen you know people in there 60’s in there for shows, I’ve seen people as young as three and four, you know. Uh the entire spectrum has come into our bar at one point in time or another,” Bond said. People also come to the venue for different reasons. Some people go
The band Dark Meat plays inside of the venue in the green room, which is where the smaller stage is located.
to the venue to have fun or some to relax. People also come to the venue to see friends, their favorite bands, go to the bar, or go up front and rock out. “About 80% of people come here because they are true believer fans; 20% are here to “see & be seen” (socialize). There are students, young professionals, burnouts, working stiffs - the whole nine yards,” Cowan said. The Mohawk isn’t just a music venue, it’s a bar, and a place to relax and have fun. The people who work there, and the people who go there help to create the culture and attitude of the venue. It’s a place for anyone to go, no matter your culture or style of music you like to have a fun experience, see the bands you like, and maybe find new bands or genres to listen to. R
STRIFE ◆ 2014 27
STRIFE ◆ 2014