The Breeze: Austin – Part 2
The Austin skyline.
In Austin – Part 2, Kwaisi continues his conversaion with Austin based bands Mooonlight Social and Benny v. The Beast.
Moonlight Social
To do big things, you have to make big noise. Up-and-coming Austin country duo Moonlight Social is doing just that. Since being founded in early 2011, the band played a SXSW showcase after being selected by 9-time GRAMMY-winning frontman Ray Benson and won a GRAMMY-sponsored showcase after being selected by the board of governors for the Texas Chapter of The Recording Academy. The band was then named winners of the 2011 Austin Chronicle Sound Wars after beating out nearly 100 other Austin bands. The band also won the GRAMMY-sponsored “Show Us Your Hits” competition and was a judge’s selection for the Indaba songwriting showcase with the song “Neither Are You.” Moonlight Social was then named one of the Best New Bands in Austin in 2013, and was featured as a rising artist on Nashville-produced TV show, “Welcome To Indie Country.”
Mixing a penchant for flowing melodies, poignant lyrics, and powerful vocals, Jeremy Burchard and Jennica Scott, the tandem behind Moonlight Social, combine their talents to offer a sound that is wholly accessible yet undeniably refreshing.
Hailing from Austin, Texas, the duo met as peers in The University of Texas Longhorn Band — Scott as a member of the trumpet section, and Burchard as a member of the drumline. What started as a spontaneous jam session and a few cover recordings in Burchard’s tiny apartment bedroom quickly developed into a full-time musical collaboration. Scott’s rich vocals and harmonious country sensibilities married with Burchard’s eclectic guitar style and expansive roots create the signature sound of Moonlight Social — that is, inventive yet familiar, spontaneous yet calculated, varied yet grounded.
The band has toured all through Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and more, bringing along a talented collection of musicians. Moonlight Social has shared the stage with Eli Young Band, Florida Georgia Line, Jack Ingram, Hayes Carll, Thomas Rhett, The Dirty River Boys, Two Tons of Steel, and many more. They released their debut self-produced EP in May 2011, and then recorded their debut album Heading South with producer/Blue October bassist Matt Noveskey, released in late 2012 to glowing reviews.
Benny Versus The Beast
Benny Versus The Beast is an 8 piece slap across the face. It is face pounding Ska, Punk and Soul. Austin TX. Back once again with the resurrection, they’re coming to rock your girlfriend and steal your town. Their interests include melting faces and shredding spaces.
