Ticket Alternative & Favorite Gentlemen are broadcasting their event in Austin live via iClips. Click here to view this live event.

They’re streaming live from The Belmont in Austin, Texas. We’ve listed the line up below. Remember, there’s an hour time difference. Enjoy!

Get ready for a stunning night of music tonight at Star Bar with the folks from Pop Death Squad. Big Trouble In Little Five Points will be bringing Spencer Garn’s Psychedelic Organ, Romeo Spike, Mumpsy and A Fight to the Death. As always, it’s free, and it’s awesome. Have fun!

The Falcon Lords

Straight From the Center of Their Volcano Lair  

By Eric Chavez

The Falcon Lords are here to save music! Lady Falcon Flame, Lord Falconhorn and Lord Falcon Falconrod have let their powers combine to take music to another world. It’s safe to assume those powers are funk, creativity, and the unending dedication to make an entire comic book-themed album, and make it a strong one.

You hear comic book album, and you think, “What would an album sound like if the 1960’s Batman made it?” and you kind of got it. Campy, but never silly, the songs’ topics range from love to a metallic vagina and everywhere in between.  Adding to the comic book flavor, the entire album book looks just like a comic book, with the lyrics in the word bubbles; now that’s what I call a concept album.

Surprise, they are falcons! “Falcon Surprise” gets things going in a fun, funky way. Let’s just assume this is the first song about three heroes whose lair has a dancefloor. That’s both classy and convenient. From the beginning, our three heroes shoot into the sky and never stop until the disc is done.

“The Mayor of Falcon City” steals a bit of the Bond sound. A song about a corrupt mayor, a man the trio call a “goddamn diamond thief” who will NOT steal their bling! “Metallic Vagina” tells the touching story of meeting a beautiful woman who changes from human to a chopper, and back to human, all the while having a special chrome dome.

These guys must want their very own show, because they’ve already written a theme song.  Hearing “The Falcon Lords Theme,” you can’t help but to think of the opening credits, filled with bright tights and dark nights . “Falcon City” shows the love-hate relationship the heroes have with their mother city, dirty, yet something they could never leave. These heroes are pretty dedicated to their city, even though at times it bites them in the ass.

There’s never a dull moment in  The Falcon Lords’ debut effort Straight From the Center of Their Volcano Lair. Packed with colorful beats, clever lyrics, and three musical heroes who appear to have superhuman humor. This is perhaps the most random album ever, but nevertheless, is still one hell of an adventure.

Atlanta’s rock ‘n’ roll night The Fringe Factory is celebrating its two-year anniversary this Saturday, March 20 at Spring 4th Center. There will be music from Thee Vicars and Pirate Love, as well as the usual hip mix of ’60s psychedelic dance music spun by DJs Vikki V and Suzy Q, and guest DJs Kurt Wood, Chris Devoe and Yoon.

For our final edition of the AMG SXSW ‘10 Q & A we spoke with the one and only, Malissa Sole. Lady-in-charge at 4th Ward Heroes, manager for the Mermaids, supporter of all things local.

You’re soon to be on the road to SXSW; according to Google maps the trip from ATL to Austin = approx. 16 hours driving. What are your three essential road trip albums?

I’m flying out with friends. We’d never get out there in peace (or in one piece) if we drove out there. We’d end up picking up hitch hikers, wayward souls, guitar playing vagabonds, etc. That being said, I never fly without my shuffle, but I am so not telling you what’s on it.

Fast food // gas station snacks // local diners – where are you most likely to stop for grub on this trip?

I’m a diner kind of girl. I really don’t like fast food. I take my food very seriously.

There is a band playing at every venue, bar, and BBQ joint in Austin – who are you most excited to see?

This will be my first SXSW. I’m going out to work the “We Put The A in Austin” (Atlanta Showcase) at Light Bar on Friday March 20 and The 40 Watt Party on Saturday March 20th at Side Bar. I am really looking forward to supporting all of the local bands going out this year like Modern Skirts, The Whigs, Dead Confederate, Ponderosa, The Judies, Mermaids, Ocha La Rocha, The Coathangers, The Constellations - the list goes on.

I am super psyched to attend the Mexican Summer x Gorilla vs. Bear Friday March 19 at Klub Krucial and PBR’s Hangover Brunch at Frank Thursday – Saturday. I’d fly to Texas for a good brunch.

The Kool Keith show at The Loft on March 18 (tomorrow) has been canceled. No plans right now to reschedule.

Brian Knott, founder of the A3C Hip Hop Festival , officially announced today that the three-day festival would be held October 7-10, 2010 at multiple venues in the East Atlanta Village.  With over 100 A3C performers heading to Austin for SXSW, we decided to ask Brian a couple questions.

You’re soon to be on the road to SXSW! According to google maps, the trip from ATL to Austin = approx. 16 hours driving. What are your three essential road trip albums?

For the first time ever I am flying to Austin (yes, flying, aren’t I so very big time finally). I am lucky enough this year while I am out there pushing the A3C hip Hop Festival to also be doing some work blogging about the hip-hop showcases for a company called LP33.tv who is the official blog partner of SXSW. So I am actually getting to fly, have a badge, and sleep some place other than the floor while I am out there. Life is good. As far as a music mix goes, I set up this killer mix of hip-hop stars gone movie/TVactors for the flight, it has Ice T, Ice Cube, Method Man, Redman, Will Smith, Tone Loc, Mos Def, LL Cool J, Ludacris, and Queen Latifa. I know there are more but I only picked artists who’s movies/TV shows didn’t suck.

Fast food, gas station snacks, local diners – where are you most likely to stop for grub on this trip?

Since we started the A3C Festival I have weighed 330lbs, 220lbs, and damn near everywhere in between. I don’t screw around anymore. I parcel out a small section of my carry on bag and pack it with power bars, nuts, dried fruit, and Swedish fish. If I am left to figure out what I am going to eat on the fly it would leave me eating about 600 Taco Bell 7 Layer Burritos over the course of the week.

There is a band playing at every venue, bar and BBQ joint in Austin – who are you most excited to see?

There are over 100 artists that have performed at A3C that will be on stage this week in Austin. A3C is kind of like a fraternity so I feel strongly about checking out A3C veterans like Solillaquists of Sound, Marco Polo and Torae, Kidz in the Hall, Blue Scholars, etc. I also have been dying to see Random Axe (The Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, Sean Price collabo) who is playing the Duck Down anniversary showcase. I want to make sure that I can catch most of the “We Put The A in Austin Showcase” that Fadia and the SMKA crew are pulling together, it will surreal to see all those hometown cats rocking Texas.

Brian will be at SXSW trying to rope-in artists for A3C 2010 and to make the official announcement about A3C dates being October 7, 8, 9 2010. Brian will also be blogging for LP33.tv and A3CFestival.com, people can follow him on twitter all week as well - twitter.com/a3c.

Ticket Alternative is partnering with indie record label Favorite Gentlemen for a SXSW showcase at the Belmont in Austin, TX on Thursday, March 18. AMG sent Favorite Gentlemen president Jeremiah Edmond the SXSW ‘10 Q & A. This is what he said.

You’re soon to be on the road to SXSW! According to Google maps, the trip from ATL to Austin = approx. 16 hours driving. What are your three essential road trip albums?

This year is different in that this is the first year I am attending only from the label side of things (Favorite Gentlemen) and not as an artist. That means I am not making my way out to Austin while already on tour OR making the long drive straight there and back.  That changes the choice of travel music for sure.

• Kings of Leon – Aha Shake Heartbreak
• Jay-Z – Black Album
• My Morning Jacket – Z

• Collective Efforts - Trail Mix
• Wiz Khalifa – Burn After Rolling
• Meth, Ghost  & Rae – Avenging The Eagle

Fast food // gas station snacks // local diners – where are you most likely to stop for grub on this trip?

Usually it would be gas stations/truck stops with some sort of fast food attached. This trip will be some sort of breakfast spot in the airport and the magazine shop.

There is a band playing at every venue, bar, and BBQ joint in Austin – who are you most excited to see?

Obviously excited about the party we are throwing this year. I am excited about all of the artists playing. I generally don’t put too much stock in trying to catch specific shows at SXSW - as you tend to either not be able to make it to/get in the shows you really want to see or you get distracted by running into some friend you haven’t seen in a while who talks you into instead going with them to some free party with tons of free drinks/food/some top secret party where some amazing artist is rumored to be performing/you have already had too much to drink and are distracted by some other “amazing” band who you will later revisit when sober and realize is awful.

• Donnis
• Dignan
• Chiddy Bang
• Zookeeper
• Band Of Horses
• Cool Kids
• This Will Destroy You
• MURS
• and the greatest party band ever – Still Flyin’

We’re always happy when bands we love start making the transition from local band to touring band to signed band. Atlanta’s Death On Two Wheels has made those transitions. Recently signed to Favorite Gentlemen (Manchester Orchestra, All Get Out, Kevin Devin), Death On Two Wheels has had a rather enjoyable ride. As the lads prep for an exciting week of music in Austin, we sent our SXSW Q & A to DO2W front man, Trae Vedder.

You’re soon to be on the road to SXSW! According to Google maps, the trip from ATL to Austin = approx. 16 hours driving. What are your three essential road trip albums?

The Whigs – Mission Control
Wilco – Sky Blue Sky
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story Soundtrack

Fast food, gas station snacks, local diners – where are you most likely to stop for grub on this trip?

Pilot & Loves.
Preferably the ones with Subways and McDonalds.  We never refill our sweet tea at different locations.

There is a band playing at every venue, bar and BBQ joint in Austin – who are you most excited to see?

Dawes, Danielson, Andrew W.K., Ezra Furman & The Harpoons, Madi Diaz, The Walkmen, 40 Watt / Athens Party, Wax Fang

Bring them sweet tea and catch Death On Two Wheels at SXSW:

RedGorilla Music Festival
The Blind Pig Pub
317 East 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
Wednesday, March 17 3 p.m.

Favorite Gentlemen / Ticket Alternative Showcase
The Belmont
305 West 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
Thursday, March 18 Midnight

RedGorilla Music Festival
The Blind Pig Pub
317 East 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
Saturday, March 19 3 p.m.

The Strange Boys

Be Brave

In the Red

By Jhoni Jackson

Standing out as a garage-rock band is like trying to get Republicans on board for President Obama’s brand of health care reform. It’s almost futile. But despite the obstacles working against them – signing with In the Red (a label heavily immersed in the pervasive genre), titling the band beginning with “The” and the bevy of likeminded acts who’ve seemingly taken over indie – The Strange Boys haven’t gotten lost in the mix. They’re on their second full-length now, and have even landed a national tour opening for Goliath-scale indie rockers, Spoon.   

In fact, the garage-rock tag could probably be ousted for this Austin, Texas quartet. Sure, they’re postured as silly youths inspired by ‘60s rock and even modern garage-rock path-clearers like The Black Lips. And yes, their sound is fuzzy and generally lo-fi. But on their sophomore release, Be Brave, The Strange Boys do well to shake up the confines of the often predictable genre they’ve been classified by.     

Like Bob Dylan circa Blonde on Blonde, there’s a cautious raucousness to Be Brave. The Strange Boys have held back slightly on the fuzziness and chaos heard on their debut (And Girls Club) while keeping all of the earnest rawness that ensures an authentic sound. They’ve held firm to the “we-do-what-want” vibe that’s become standard for garage-rock bands, but the country-blues element weighs heavier this go-around.

On their MySpace, the band mentions Texas bluesman Mance Lipscomb as an influence. Who knows how long that reference has been posted, but on this album, it’s more apparent that The Strange Boys are happily paying homage to iconic musicians like Lipscomb.

“I See” opens the album in an upbeat tempo, guided by bluesy harmonica. Lead singer Ryan Sambol’s vocals are still characteristically nasally and slightly whiney, like Dylan on uppers. At first, “A Walk on the Beach” sounds like it could be just that – a breezy evening stroll offshore with a glaring, fiery sunset to light the way. But fast-paced guitar strums catch up to the promenade for a wild, jangly tune with wandering guitar gliding through it.

The title track “Be Brave” sits three songs into the album and is its most blues-fueled endeavor. The mid-tempo jam features Jenna E. Thornhill deWitt’s rowdy saxophone at its core, while Sambol pontificates about courage in the chorus. He’s echoed by wooly-sounding group vocals affirming in a shout, “You gotta be brave!”

The song’s notions about confidence are defined in the corresponding homemade-style video, where the four-piece is seen goofing off in various locations – on a scooter through a neighborhood, in a kitchen, in a poorly-lit back-alley where a mock mugging takes place and even while riding public transportation. Visual effects range from black-and-white to washed out opacity to bright, flickering psychedelic-style lights. According to The Strange Boys, embracing one’s fun-loving, rowdy nature can be fuel for bravery and self-confidence.

The album continues in the same fashion for “Friday in Paris,” where the keys resonate with a church organ’s glorified fullness. With a country twang dominating its guitar parts, “A Country Man’s Friday in Paris” would have been a more appropriate title.

Besides challenging garage-rock stereotypes and tightening up their sound altogether, another sign of The Strange Boys’ increasing maturity is the abundance of measured, leisurely songs tacked on to album’s tail-end. An introspective story of miscommunication is told on “All You Can Hide Inside.” Piano-driven and melancholy, “The Unsent Letter” ends with Sambol singing slowly, “What is there is not always what it seems.”

A depressing variety of love song, “You Can’t Only Love When You Want,” rounds out the album. It’s a minimalistic track that first warns against the blind trust that comes with finding love, then expresses self-deprecating blame for losing it.

True to form, The Strange Boys are still jokingly juvenile before the album’s somber finale. “Laugh at Sex, Not Her” tells the story of friends copulating in an adjacent room. “Well, I don’t know if they love each other for sure/But it sounds like they do,” Sambol sings.

Maybe The Strange Boys aren’t all grown-up just yet, and they may never be. Juvenile tendencies are part of garage-rock typecasting, and fun music for escapism is often the basis of worthwhile bands. But with all of Be Brave’s country-blues nuances and newfound sluggish tempos, in terms of conventional garage-rock, these guys are definitely some strange boys.

The Strange Boys will play The Tabernacle with Spoon on March 20. Tickets are available HERE.