#CreateInPlace Staff Edition: Sophia Lawson

This week’s Mid-Week Intermission features our Marketing CoordinatorSophia Lawson. She’s the most stylish person you’ll ever meet, has the 3-1-1 on the best shows to attend on any given night, and knows what pizza joint to hit up after.

Howdy, y’all!

I’m Sophia Lawson, the Long Center’s resident Marketing Coordinator and local music lover. Usually, when I’m not marketing music, or listening to it, I’m out on Red River photographing it.

I started photographing local bands 8 years ago when I moved home to Austin from college. Upon my arrival, I lucked out with the coolest internship ever: a photography internship at the Mohawk. I photographed local and national acts 7 days a week. It’s been years since I completed my internship, but I still venture out to Mohawk, Barracuda, or Cheer Up Charlie’s to get my fill of live music and shoot my favorite artists.

I’ve shuffled through my archive and picked out some of my favorite shots along with must-hear songs from each featured band. Read on to find your new #CreateInPlace jam!

HERE ARE FIVE BANDS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT IMMEDIATELY

Annabelle Chairlegs @ Hotel Vegas, Mar 2019 (c) SLawson

ANNABELLE CHAIRLEGS
Retro pop-rock // for fans of Sunflower Bean, La Luz, BRONCHO

Annabelle Chairlegs has been one of my favorite local bands for a while now. Lindsey Mackin’s cagey vocals are what sweet psychedelic dreams are made of, and easily make songs like ‘Watermelon Summer’ and ‘Street Urchins’ get stuck in my head. Not like that’s a bad thing, you know?

Single song pick: ‘Candy Apple Red’ (Candy Apple Red, 2019)

Why Bonnie @ Mohawk, Feb 2020 (c) SLawson

WHY BONNIE
Bedroom pop // for fans of The Beths, Soccer Mommy, Snail Mail

When I saw that Why Bonnie would be opening for Nada Surf at Mohawk in February, I knew I had to give them a listen. I worship Nada Surf, so I could only assume that I’d like Why Bonnie – and I was right! Their new EP Voice Box was released last month via Fat Possum Records, and it’s been my go-to for my early morning walks.

Single song pick: ‘Voice Box’ (Voice Box, 2020)

Glaze @ Mohawk (inside), Feb 2019 (c) SLawson

GLAZE
Post-punk // for fans of Beach Fossils, DIIV, Real Estate

I can’t talk about local bands without mentioning my friends, Glaze. I met the shoegazey trio through my best friend a few years ago and have been a superfan ever since. Last summer, Glaze released their EP GlazeTV and their song ‘Valentine’ has made appearances on many of my personal playlists.

Single song pick: ‘Valentine’ (GlazeTV, 2019)

Ben Kweller @ Blues on the Green, Jul 2019 (c) SLawson

BEN KWELLER
Indie rock // for fans of Ben Lee, Ben Folds, The Bens

If you missed Ben Kweller at Blues on the Green last year, well, you missed out. Ben’s songs are like summer anthems, which is why you need to add his classics like ‘Sundress’ and ‘Commerce, TX’ to your next playlist. Also, don’t quote me on this, but I’m almost positive that Blues on the Green 2019 witnessed the first performance of his new single, ‘Starz.’

Single song pick: ‘Starz’ (Starz, 2020)

A Giant Dog @ Mohawk, Nov 2017 (c) SLawson

A GIANT DOG
Rock n’ roll // for fans of Mike Krol, Sheer Mag, Priests

Lately, like a lot of folks I’ve been talking with, I haven’t had too much energy in quarantine. I get a little lazy… but that’s where A Giant Dog comes in. I listen to A Giant Dog when I need that extra burst of energy. Whether that’s when I’m cleaning my apartment or going out for a run – I’m listening to A Giant Dog to get pumped. The key is to listen to their songs at the highest volume possible. I mean, you have to! It’s A Giant Dog.

Single song pick: ‘I’ll Come Crashing’ (Toy, 2017)

There are so, so many incredible Austin bands. And with that, I hope you will remember 2 things:

  1. This list is a small sample of all the amazing music Austin produces.
  2. A quote from the great Neil Young: Hey hey, my my, Rock and Roll can never die.
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