Not many people can get us to willingly drive in the middle of rush hour traffic across Austin, but when FullNote was given the opportunity to sit in on a rehearsal with Ladyfang we couldn’t jump into our car fast enough. We knew we were going to be in for a treat but we didn’t know exactly how sweet that treat would be.

LadyFang has a dream cave studio that not only makes for a cozy rehearsal hang but we soon found out, was the science lab and creation space for Ladyfang’s new EP Replay. After getting our front row seat to a private concert and having our faces rocked off up close and personal, FullNote Record’s sat down with the members of this up and coming band to get a closer look into the brains behind the magic.

Cara A.K.A. Crawdaddy Jones 

FullNote: What is your songwriting process?

Chocolate: Our previous process started with someone presenting a song and telling us what she/he hears. But this music was mostly us just jamming.

Pan Dulce: “Replay” actually started with a crazy dance rave patch that we were playing chords through and thought ‘Whoa that’s kinda cool’ so we hit record on our phone.

Cara: After last summer we had a shake up when we changed guitarists. Andre left and Pan Dulce came in. We started jamming to vibe with the new energy having a new person brought. Those three songs came right out so we decided to record them. ​
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FN: We saw recently that you recorded this yourselves. What was your recording process?

Cara: We were really feeling our new music, but we didn’t have any money so we did it all in this room. We actually recorded my vocals in that small closet over there (points to tiny door clad with a Wonder Woman poster.) My one light was our Prince candle!

FN: The quality you guys got was amazing. You can’t tell you recorded yourselves.

Chocolate: Bringing Pan Dulce in definitely brought some engineering expertise for the recording process.

Pan Dulce: We did it all for $27 dollars. We just rented the mics.

Cara: We were duct taping socks to drums when they would rattle. Muffle it!

Chocolate: I was thinking that we should have named the EP $27. ​

Chocolate A.K.A. Chocolate

FN: What are you guys listening to these days?

Cara: I feel like we listen to everything. We’ve been listening to a lot of Sade lately. And Queen!

Pan Dulce: I’m on a weird 80’s post punk, weird low-fi style kick.

Rod: When I was growing up in Pakistan I was listening to very different music. Bringing that here and exploring with these guys has been a journey. We all share music with each other when we come into this space which is a magical experience.

FN: What's your favorite Austin venue to play? 

Rod: ABGB is my favorite. They take care of you and there is a payout that you’re guaranteed.

Cara: Mark is always in the back saying ‘Hey, do you want more beer or pizza? Don’t eat that pizza, I’m going to get you a new fresh pizza.’ He’s so nice! 

Rod: I like Stubbs too. They actually give us a crate of Lonestar. 

Chocolate: So I guess just as long as you give us beer. 

FullNote: Beer and pizza. Noted!

Cara: Yeah, and three of us actually work making pizza! ​​

Rodney A.K.A. Rod or Rocky

FN: For you guys playing and booking in Austin so much, have you seen any challenges with it?

Chocolate: I believe that Austin has this comfortability thing they stick to where if you’re more eclectic it’s harder to book gigs because everyone wants to go get caught in that psych rock rut.

Cara: Which is beautiful and great. Psych rock is awesome but if you’re not playing it you’re like awww.

FN: What has been your biggest challenge as a band?

Cara: We went through a move from here to Brooklyn and back and we switched out members which is always difficult. Me and Andre were married and went through a divorce which was hard personally and obviously hard professionally. Trying to separate the two was very difficult but at the end Pan Dulce came on and it put us in a new direction which set us on another path. We’re all such good friends I don’t know if it’s actually a challenge, it’s just something we all went through together. We’re like a family.

Rod: Studio sessions are so stressful. The last month recording was hard. We were sitting in this room listening to the same song over and over again. But after we were done with it our first jam felt so good getting back into playing.

FN: This is an EP, do you guys have plans to put out a full album? Living in the digital age, there’s a case to be made for putting out music a few songs at a time rather than waiting a full year for a new full album. 

Cara: We’re coming up with so much new material that we’re not even playing songs from our old album anymore. Our biggest constraints right now is that doing it all ourselves is difficult, but paying for it is also difficult. 

Chocolate: We have enough songs for an album. 

Pan Dulce: It’s a love/hate thing. That was the first time that I’ve ever recorded everything: drums, vocals, etc. 

Rod: We had decided a week prior we were just going to record demos. We rented some mics from Rock & Roll rentals and decided to see what we could come up with. Luckily we have a great space we’re fortunate enough to get to use so we ended up being able to release them. 

Brett A.K.A. Bredd or Pan Dulce

FN: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?

Rod: I’ve been playing music for over 7 years in the Middle East and here and I’ve been through all kinds of waves and see how bands survive. I think patience is the main key. It’s being in a room with like minded people exploring, listening, and creating. I think that’s the only way to go...according to me.

Chocolate: For me it would be don’t take yourself too seriously. One thing we like to do at shows is throw in a cover in the middle of a song. Or like today, we reworked a song to be really silly by throwing in a dance techno patch. Just make sure you have fun with it, it’s the easiest thing to convey onstage. Good music with no fun sucks. Fun shitty music is still fun.
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​FN: Do you guys plan on going on tour?

Rod: It’s on our board right now. (Points to the brains behind the business, A.K.A... the dry erase board).

Cara: That’s all we got right now. East Coast vs. West Coast.

FN: It looks like it’s going well!

But for real, follow Ladyfang and look for them in a city near you! In the meantime though, catch their EP release this Saturday, February 23rd at Spiderhouse Ballroom and listen to their single ‘Replay’ below.

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It’s a brand new year and 2019 is in full force with plenty of music for everyone’s ears! This weekend catch Belcurve, Lola Tried , Pleasure Venom , Mü , Otis Wilkins, Western Youth, a special Dolly Birthday Bash and more!

Thursday 17th
It’s an exciting week for Belcurve! Thursday night at Hotel Vegas they will be celebrating their single release for their new song “Henry” off of their soon to be released EP These People in My Head Vol. 2. Along with Belcurve the lineup features Lola Tried , Midcentury  and The Capitol. This is one packed, stellar line up and a celebration you don’t want to miss! Get the details here: Belcurve Single Release!

Friday 18th
On Friday Austin Music Foundation + KUTX Present The NEXT at Antone’s featuring some of Austin’s hottest up and coming bands. The night will feature performances from all 7 of the current Artist Development Program participants: Aaron Stephens , Alesia Lani , Kalu and The Electric Joint, Otis Wilkins, Shy Beastt, Superfónicos and Western Youth.

Saturday 19th
If you are a Dolly Parton fan man do I have a show for you! Saturday night head to Barracuda for The Cup of Ambition: A Dolly Parton Birthday Bash! The lineup features a ton of your favorite Austin Artists (way too many to list here) singing your favorite Dolly hits. All proceeds benefit Front Steps.

So, Get your Texas hair teased...As Dolly says,“The higher the hair the closer to God!”...and your boots ready to scoot, and get on over to Barracuda to help support a great cause!

Not in the mood to boot scoot? No worries! Check out Cheer Up Charlies for Pleasure Venom's Video Release for their song “Deth”. Joining on the lineup are Pollen Rx , The Oysters, and GOODGIRL out of Houston.

Sunday 20th
To cap your weekend off get back to Cheer Up Charlies for a hearty show featuring Socha , Mü and Honey Sun presented by The Nothing Song.
Get deets here: Socha / Mü / Honey Son

And as always: Get out there, support some local music and get that sober ride!

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Marcus Morales and his band 'The Boho Groove' brought down the house Thursday night at The Saxon Pub. Kicking off the night with old gospel hymn 'Traveling Shoes', Jenny and Marcus sang along 'Hallelujah' over a driving kick and swampy guitar teasing the ride we were about to go on: bluesy, artistic, powerful. Morales then brought the audience along a special journey by playing the EP in it's order, giving the audience a special insight into it's crafting and creative process. It is no surprise that Tetherbound, single off The Bohemian Groove, was a crowd favorite with it's virtuosic guitar riffs and energetic, complex writing.

Take a look at some photos of the event and listen to The Bohemian Groove below.

We’ve all had that artist or band that we’ve loved for years. The one that we can always go back to and think, “Man, I’m always going to love this band.” The band that brings back memories and instant nostalgia while sitting at a red light and suddenly remembering that one life changing crush you had that you swore your heart would never heal from.

Here’s where my question comes into play. When you think about that one band, was there a time you weren’t 100% satisfied with a new album, a new single, a new sound they were putting out? A new trend in music they were adapting to.

Can a band maintain a career in the music industry without adapting to new trends and sounds? Additionally, if a band changes and adapts to the music industry, will those “lifelong fans” still remain ardent fans and love their sound? Will you dance to the beat of a bands proverbial different drum?

With a landscape of ever changing underground indie bands and Billboard Top 100 artists, the music industry sound itself is a living, breathing entity. No, I’m not stating the obvious and pointing out the living breathing members in the band, I’m talking about the actual music itself. The sounds. The bass, the synth, the guitar, the drums, the virtual heartbeats of a song.

Very few bands have been able to withstand the industry and still have a lifelong career. Of course you have the classics like The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac, Aerosmith to name a few. But even The Beatles and Aerosmith changed up their song and sound formula to create great hits.

Aerosmith was almost off the map until the 1986 come back smash up “Walk this way” with Run DMC. Some fans loved it...some fans HATED IT. Couldn’t believe their beloved Aerosmith was collaborating with that loud, offensive rap trio. But it breathed new life into Aerosmith, put them back into the relevant radio playlist rotation and they are still here today.

Now was that a lifeline that had to be taken by Aerosmith to remain a constant in the industry? They lost some fans out of it and they gained some fans out of it. Some say yes they had to do it, some say no they could have survived without it, that’s a late night bar debate if I’ve ever heard one.

But what about bands that aren’t the legends? Your favorite underground indie band that pushes out music yearly trying to “make it big”, still touring and connecting with fans but never in a place to become “a legend”? If your favorite indie band puts out a new album or single completely different from their “sound” are you still going to be a fan? If your favorite indie band changes its sound to stay with the times and adapt to the new ideas and music coming into the industry everyday, will you still go to the shows and pay for the merch?

It can be argued that bands have to adapt to stay relevant. Most listeners and fans adapt with the industry too. Think about it. How many times have you showed a  friend a new song from a band you’ve accidentally stumbled upon live or on spotify that was a new sound you had to share?

We all hold that special place in our heart for our favorite bands. Whether that be the legends or our favorite hometown indie rock group. We also, although some won’t admit it, never want our favorite bands to change up their sound because they are just perfect the way they are. But alas, bands need to adapt. Maybe because the sound of the industry is changing, or maybe because creatively they need to expand and challenge themselves in order to keep the drive going.

Next time your favorite band puts out a questionable song that’s off from their “normal” sound, give it a chance. Don’t run, don’t hide, don’t dismiss it. Take the time to ponder the question, “If they don’t adapt, will they be here next year playing my favorite venues and putting out new music?” And then when all the new fans show up, just bask in the glory with pride and say, “I heard them first.”

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The holiday season may be upon us but there are still plenty of shows to catch around town to keep your mind off of all the hustle and bustle. Look out for Zettajoule, Moving Panoramas, Calliope Musicals , Sweet Spirit, Lady Fang, Magna Carda and more!


Thursday, 13th
Start your weekend off early Thursday night and catch Nite Jewel at Barracuda Austin with Memory Keepers and Zettajoule. 

​Zettajoule was featured as November's KUTX 98.9 Artist of the Month and they are one you don’t want to miss! Doors are at 8PM!


Friday, 14th 
On Friday night get your groove going and head over to Empire Control Room and catch The Holiday Groove ft. Austin Groove Project, Magna Carda


Saturday, 15th
Want to be an extra in a music video? From 3-5PM take part in an open cast call and head over to Hotel Vegas for the Moving Panoramas ADD HEART Music Video Shoot.  

After the video shoot, go grab some grub then head back to Hotel Vegas for a good cause for the Calliope Musicals Holiday Toy Drive with Shy Beast & Coattails.  Door are at 9pm, $5 or a new toy.

Back in the Red River district, Barracuda is featuring KUTX presents Sweet Spirit with TC Superstar and Ex Romantika Doors are at 9PM but grab your tickets early for this one folks!

Over at Dozen Street Ladyfang, Hex Boyfriend, Black Basements and Dream Eater will be ready to help you get your dance on. Doors are at 9PM


Sunday, 16th
To cap off a weekend full of great shows on Sunday go to Hotel Vegas at 9PM for Semihelix, Elnuh, & Jesika Cueta

Have fun this weekend, dance the night away, don’t forget those ear plugs! And as always: Get out there, support some local music and get that sober ride!

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One listen to the lead single ‘Tetherbound’ off Marcus Morales's upcoming EP, The Bohemian Groove, and I’m immediately taken back to my college days, dancing away my Saturday nights in my favorite honky tonk bar with smoky air, cheap beer and pool tables. Push play on ‘Tetherbound’ and right on cue, Morales captivates you with masterfully slick guitar licks showcasing a sound that can only be developed from years of honing a craft. Complete with a surprisingly delicious twist, halfway through the song comes a driving jam session showcasing the many talents of his backing band 'The Boho Groove'. This special treat unexpected and yet a staple of Morales’s intricate songwriting. With vocals reminiscent of the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughan, and his polished ripping blues influenced guitar, Marcus is guaranteed to break into the Rock scene and be noticed.

Catch Marcus Morales at his Bohemian Groove EP release party January, 10 at The Saxon Pub and listen to his debut single ‘Tetherbound’ below. ​

I hope everyone got their beauty sleep this week because my oh my is this weekend packed with some great shows!

Friday, 16th
Starting out with a bang Friday night you might have to flip a coin on this one.

First up you can make your way around the Red River District starting at Swan Dive for Holy Knives//Clouds Are Ghosts//Belcurve//Mamahawk. Heads up, this is Belcurve’s last show of the year before they are off to the studio to record some new tunes to hit you hard with next year.

Then Hop on over to Cheer Up Charlies for Clubz/The Stacks/Van Mary/Pelvis Wrestley/Table Tennis Dreamer  

Hotel Vegas will be hosting a great lineup featuring Think No Think, Billy King & The Bad Bad Bad, Lola Tried, Dregs. This is Billy King & The Bad Bad’s last show of the year so you know it’s gonna be great!

On the other end of town they’ll  be a party going on over at Hole in the Wall with  The Cover Letter, Cosmico, The Human Circuit, Henry the Archer for The Cover Letter’s single release! Be sure to check out the VIP party bus bundle that includes show admission, pre and post party w/ bands, free booze and a merch grab bag!

Saturday, 17th
On Saturday, Hotel Vegas is hosting : Why Bonnie TC Superstar Advance Base Moon Racer & Daphne tunes for TC Superstar’s tour homecoming. You’ll definitely want to practice your dance moves for this one!

Sunday, 18th
If you still have energy come Sunday, head to Cheer Up Charlies, fuel up with some delicious Arlo's  comfort food, and get ready for Fehrenbacher / Genuine Leather / Spirit Ghost to round out your weekend!

This is a great weekend for Austin music that’s for sure! And as always: Get out there, support some local music and get that sober ride!

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Ladyfang is an indie rock band from Austin, Tx. Cara Juan fronts the band with her sweet yet powerfully entrancing vocals floating over an energetic synchronized sound. Their music is rounded out with infectious guitar licks and driving beats. Their tunes are dancey, holding a certain playfulness to them. Founded in 2016, they've made quite a mark in Austin music proving they're here to stay.

Ladyfang will be performing this Sunday, November 11th at Cheer Up Charlie's for FullNote Presents: An Out Youth Benefit. Come see them!

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