San Antonio Songs of The Month (July 2023)

This month, Other You Media started San Antonio Song Of The Week, a soulful journey through the diverse musical landscape of the San Antonio music scene. Each week, we randomly select a song from a local musician in the community, granting them a well-deserved platform to showcase their talent.

Our small reviews are not critiques; they are heartfelt expressions of admiration and appreciation for the artists who pour their hearts and souls into their music. By spotlighting these hidden gems, we hope to amplify their voices and connect them with a broader audience. After all, if we've learned anything through projects like SA Covers For A Cause, we've learned music can transcend boundaries and bring people together like nothing else

Our philosophy of In Lak'ech Ala K'in emphasizes the interconnectedness of everyone in our community. As we embrace this, we recognize that by supporting local artists and musicians, we strengthen the bonds of our community.

We encourage our audience to participate actively by enjoying the music and sharing their thoughts, feelings, and interpretations.

Here are the songs we listened to in July 2023.

The Wizard - Smokestack Lightnin’

In their rendition of "Smokestack Lightning" from the late, great Howlin' Wolf, The Wizard breathes new life into an iconic blues classic.

The dynamic team of Arik Norris and Vincent Garlisi performed this live at The Starlighter, taking everyone in attendance on a mind-bending journey, reimagining the blues classic with only a bass, a guitar, and passionate vocals.

The Wizard's decision to strip the arrangement down to a bare-bones setup adds an air of intimacy, allowing the song's essence to take center stage. While staying true to the gritty, raw emotion of the original, the duo infuses the track with a touch of ethereal charm.

The bassline grooves with hypnotic allure, its throbbing rhythm acting as a guiding force throughout the performance. Meanwhile, the guitar adds a layer of psychedelic finesse, exploring uncharted territories and weaving intricate sonic patterns that enthrall the senses. The synergy between the bass and guitar is palpable, as they seem to communicate in a musical language of their own.

Despite the experimental approach, the band manages to maintain the emotional core of "Smokestack Lightning." The song's evocative lyrics remain front and center, with Norris pleading to go back home to San Antone' as Howlin' Wolf would.

The juxtaposition of Howlin' Wolf's bluesy storytelling with the dreamlike soundscapes of The Wizard creates a captivating tension that lingers long after the song concludes.

Mutt - Intro/50¢

In an unapologetic and fiery outburst, "Intro/50¢" off of Mutt's 2023 Demo emerges as a potent hardcore punk anthem that brazenly tackles the grave issue of police brutality.

This track delivers a relentless barrage of distorted guitars and thunderous drum fills, edging almost into thrash metal territory with the low, nasally growl of their overdriven guitars.

Fronted by Mateo Jasso, the band comprised of Martin DeLeon, Jesus Garcia, and Christian Gonzalez-Garcia lays down an infectious barrage of big-ass riffs.

The instrumental prowess of the band shines through in their playing, which accentuates the song's anger and frustration. The rhythm section contributes to the overall sense of urgency, driving the track forward with an unyielding force.

Lyrically, "Intro/50¢" is an unflinching commentary on police brutality. It's gritty, unvarnished, and gets straight to the point: fuck cops. It's also probably the only time I've ever heard anyone call someone a "dickhead" in a song, so there's that.

The distorted guitars, paired with big drums and intense lyrics, make this track a sonic outcry that hits you like a punch to the gut.

bolde.hu - shaft's cognac

Bolde.hu acts as an evil scientist behind his auditory gem "Shafts Cognac" by ingeniously amalgamating the golden age of 90's hip-hop with a soulful and jazzy essence, crafting a track that is undeniably chill and tailor-made for laid-back summer listening.

Off his instrumental beat tape titled Fire Works, the listener is treated to a delightful array of melodic layers. Sultry string section solos dance playfully alongside a gritty, steady drum beat, adding depth and warmth to the composition.

The arrangement is a testament to bolde.hu's keen ear for detail and the seamless integration of multiple genres. The beats are skillfully layered with harmonic complexity. It's a smooth beat from the get-go as he ensures the groove remains unbroken and the listener thoroughly engrossed.

Shaft's Cognac evokes a mood like no other. It paints a vivid picture of carefree summers spent basking in the sun, driving down Presa or South Flores with the windows down and a warm breeze in the air.

Whether you're a fan of hip-hop or simply appreciate a well-crafted beat, this track deserves a prominent spot on your summer playlist.

Thrash Johnson - Ophelia

Ophelia by Trash Johnson is a laid-back and infectious tune that will have you bopping your head from the very first beat. The song oozes with a sense of casual nonchalance as if it effortlessly stumbled out of a late-night jam session with the homies.

Quick side story: I had a mini heart attack when I first chose this song for Other You Media's song of the week; as I confidently said in my video review on Instagram, "Trash Johnson," as that was the name I found him under. Realizing later that there was another spelling that he regularly used... Thrash Johnson. Worried sick, I reached out to Johnson to clear things up and to apologize for potentially calling him trash, as it wasn't my intention. He responded, very casually, I might add, that he "uses either."

If that doesn't give you an insight into the laid-back spirit of Johnson, then I truly don't know what will.

The star of the show on Ophelia is undoubtedly the catchy melody that hooks you right from the opening guitar riff. It's the kind of tune that sticks in your head long after the song has ended.

There is an undeniable charm to the track. The song's warmth and the intimacy of the lyrics make you feel like you're sitting right in the midst of the band's garage studio, immersed in their creativity.

As a part of a larger, more experimental rock album titled Anosognosia, Ophelia's catchy melody, personal lyrics, and gritty production all contribute to an engaging and immersive song.

Shouter Whisperer - american colonial

I caught Shouter Whisperer playing emotive and experimental grunge-folk in the basement of Vice Versa Coffee and Music and was instantly enthralled with them.

So much so that it provoked me to track down their discography on Bandcamp, where I found American Colonial.

This experimental folk gem takes listeners on an intimate and authentic ride.

A whimsical ukulele carries the melody, evoking a sense of innocence and vulnerability. But don't let the simplicity fool you; beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of emotive storytelling.

Shouter Whisperer is the brainchild behind Svetlana Zwetkof, who uses the moniker to produce experimental, ambient, noise-filled folk with most, if not all, album art, recordings, vocals & instrumentals being done solely by Zwetkof.

Zwetkof's lyrics are the heart of American Colonial. As the song unfolds, we are drawn into her world, where she navigates through memories and regrets.

With her personal lyrics, whacky ambient percussion, and ukulele-driven soundscape, she creates a poignant and memorable song.

Follow Other You Media on Instagram to discover a new song from the San Antonio music scene every week.