Ishi w/ Sphynx & Canastro

ISHI

Ishi was born as an experiment between friends. In 2006, JT Mudd & Brad Dale set out to create a sound that would help redefine the pop sensibility of modern day music. Their vision was to blend the classic, soulful story-telling and organic instrumentation of traditional folk music, with the infinite sonic possibilities offered through electronic production. Experimentation quickly evolved into a journey of sound that would ultimately lead to the songs that comprised Ishi’s award-winning , “Through the Trees”. 2010 & 2011, Best New Act & Best Electronic/Dance Act by the Dallas Observer.

Ishi’s ability to successfully walk the line between an ambitious studio act and a multi-sensory live experience allows them to engage their audiences in an uplifting celebration of life and universal awareness. High-energy dance floors combined with the subtle undertones of inner-exploration combine to create a concert experience that is unequivocally one-of-a-kind. Each night, Ishi intends to create an entirely unique environment of mysticism, awareness, love and acceptance. Adored by fans and critics alike, there is no denying that “Ishi” is an immersive experience that everyone should discover.

Today, Ishi continues to tour the country in support of their soon-to-be-released sophomore album, “Digital Wounds”. They have appeared at major festivals such as SXSW, Meltdown Music Festival, Wicker Park Festival, and Halfway to Forecastle; and they continue to share the stage with some of the most widely known and respected Indie and Dance acts on the touring circuit including: New Order, Of Montreal, SBTRKT, Phoenix, Chromeo, Passion Pit, Pretty Lights, Big Boi, Neon Indian, Toro y Moi, Bright Light Social Hour, Boombox, Twin Shadow, The Toadies, El Ten Eleven, Marina & the Diamonds, & Matthew Dear. Ishi’s highly anticipated second album, “Digital Wounds”, will be released nation-wide Spring 2013.

Ishi on Facebook | Ishi on Twitter | Official Website

SPHYNX

Cory Dennis, Todd Harris, and Aaron Miller’s first glimpse of success came in high school with The El Guapos, an indie-rock outfit that disbanded after three years of packed Austin venues, a capacity performance at the 2009 NAMM SXSW-Underage showcase, and a botched European record deal. While Miller and Harris studied at The University of Texas, Dennis honed his recording and production skills, founding Indie Fort Studios and working with local favorites like Zlam Dunk, Mother Falcon, and Little Lo. The three remained best friends and it wasn’t long before they embarked on another musical project, this time experimenting with pop and electronic music. They called it Sphynx.

Propelled by several Austin artist collectives, Sphynx’s debut single, “Razberry Wine,” was released on two local compilations and picked up by University of Texas radio station, KVRX. Sphynx gained more momentum with the February 2011 release of their debut EP, ‘Human Beast.’ Critics applauded the EP’s “elaborate synth pop,” and proclaimed that “here we’ve got a new breed” who “recycles a bit of history and puts a bit of soul to their songs.” During the summer of 2011, ‘Human Beast’ charted in the top 30 on radio stations in Canada, Alaska, New York, Michigan, Florida, California, Louisiana and Texas. In September of 2011, Sphynx was the featured artist on the website of nationally syndicated radio program, Loveline. The three continued to navigate their way through the world of music and in December of 2011, Sphynx released a full-length version of ‘Human Beast,’ in Japan on Thistime Records (The Posies, Anoraak, College). During SXSW of 2012, Sphynx was named one of the top 10 best new bands in Austin at The Austin Music Awards, presented by The Austin Chronicle. In their SXSW 2012 Awards, Unique Squared named Sphynx the “most shocking wall of sound from a 3-piece” seen at SXSW. Sphynx released their second EP, ‘Pre Wild,’ in October 2012, garnering praise from reputable sites like AOL Spinner, The Burning Ear, and Pop’stache. The band followed the release with a month-long US tour that included 3 dates supporting Tilly and The Wall and a sold out CMJ showcase at Mercury Lounge in Manhattan. In their review of ‘Pre Wild,’ Austin-based music blog, Ovrld, called Sphynx “one of the best pop acts coming out of Austin right now.”

Sphynx’s growing popularity is due in part to their energetic and bizarre live show, which “brings together musical elements of punk and glam rock to create a big sound and a live experience worthy of an arena.” The group has toured the US consistently since late 2011 and have been official performers at SXSW Festival, CMJ Festival, Bunbury Festival, 35 Conferette Festival (35 Denton), Chaos in Tejas, and more. They’ve supported Wavves, Tilly and The Wall, Art vs. Science, Baths, Japanther, Maps and Atlases, Holy Fuck, White Denim, El Ten Eleven, Peelander-Z, and The Octopus Project. Their songs can be heard on independent radio stations around the US and their music video for ‘Sha Dynasty’ has been played in Tower Records stores throughout Japan. Sphynx is currently recording their debut full-length album.

Sphynx on Facebook | Sphynx on Twitter | Official Website

CANASTRO

Canastro is a production duo hailing from College Station, Texas. Founded in spring of 2013, their first release was through Dada Life’s So Much Dada record label as a result of winning the Rules of Dada remix competition. Operating through multiple genres, Canastro has touched in everything from trap to uplifting progressive house; Their live shows reflect this diversity, taking the crowd from festival grounds to the club, with a short stop at the disco.

Canastro on Facebook | Canastro on Twitter | Official Website