Austin Music People

The Louisiana Surf Department is made up of John Core, Brian Bounds, James T Carter, and Markus "Shudawgy" Williams.  
In this episode, we get into the creation of the band, their music, and their identity. This is an authentic story of how a lively group of friends came together to create amazing tunes all while serving the musical community they are a part of. Let's not forget the stories that span from stages in Dubai to C-Boys.
Do yourself a favor and a catch a show at Continental Club, Kinda Tropical, or anywhere else around town - you will not be disappointed. 
Be on the lookout for their new album THANK YOUUU coming out in December!

Jamie McKenzie is a singer-songwriter, frontwoman, and music community organizer from Tucson, Arizona. 
In this episode, we talk about her journey from living and making music in the Bay Area to finding her community in Austin. We get into her experience joining the Austin Songwriters Group, starting her band Ginny Hall, and launching Warren Records - an organization born from the frustrations many new artists face and built to provide a more welcoming, professional, and supportive space for Austin’s marginalized, underrepresented, and emerging musicians. 
Catch Ginny Hall's next show December 18th at Hole in the Wall with Lapdog and Jess Ledbetter and the Vision. 
Check out Ginny Hall music and Warren Record compilations on all streaming platforms!

Paul Corliss is a singer-songwriter and frontman from Chicago, Illinois. 
In this episode, we dive into Paul’s musical inspirations, the jam band scene, being around the New Orleans and Dallas music scenes (and how they compare to Austin's), building a band, landing consistent gigs, and his experiences playing around Austin. We also talk about his “late start” as a musician, picking up the guitar and songwriting at 40, and how he’s found his voice and sound through numerous singles and two full albums.
Be sure to check out Paul’s latest release, Just a Joker, available now on all streaming platforms!

Lauren Bruno, Sue Koch, Gabe Phoenix, and Terrany Johnson are mothers, fathers, musicians, and music lovers. Together, they make up part of the founding team behind Prosper XO.
In this episode, we dive into Lauren’s life experiences and what inspired her to create Prosper XO, along with Sue, Gabe, and Terrany’s individual journeys and roles within the organization - each bringing their own unique perspective and expertise. We explore Prosper XO’s mission and how it’s taking a stand against the all-too-common “industry standards” that often fail to serve artists, as well as how they plan to create real change.
If you care about music and want to see artists supported in a more intentional, forward-thinking way, I highly recommend giving Prosper XO a follow, showing up to their Town Halls, and getting involved in what they’re building.

Zack Morgan is a keyboardist, booker, and longtime Austin musician from Coppell, Texas. 
In this episode, we get into Zack’s journey through the Austin music scene; starting with how he found his place in it even before living here. We dive into jam band culture, the many collaborations he’s been part of both onstage and off, and the lessons he’s picked up navigating the business side of music. He also shares his perspective on what it takes to make a living as a full-time musician.
Along the way, we touch on the Austin hip-hop scene, his time backing local artist Kydd Jones, and the moment Childish Gambino asked him for advice. We close out with a conversation on today's popular music and Zack’s take, complete with history lesson, on what it means for Austin to be the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
@zee_funk

Kristen Taylor is a singer-songwriter from Flower Mound, Texas. 
In this episode, we dive into Kristen’s unexpected first step into music and explore how she’s quickly picked up songwriting, the guitar, and the art of managing herself as an artist. We connect the dots between her past as a collegiate athlete and the direction it brings to her music, talk about the contrasts between performing in her current town of Belton, Texas, versus Austin, and highlight the support she’s found within Austin’s music community.
Check out Kristen's newest single, "i'm glad i met u" on all platforms! @kkristentaylorr

Derrick Lesnau is the CEO of the SIMS Foundation. A local non-profit that provides mental health and recovery resources to the, "entire ecosystem," of the Austin music community. 
In this episode, Derrick shares his path to SIMS, the powerful story of local musician Sims Ellison that inspired the foundation, and how that story drives their mission today. We talk mental health, accessing SIMS’ services, their 30 years of impact, and how you can get involved and support SIMS in continuing to serve Austin’s music scene.
Huge thank you to Derrick, and to the SIMS Foundation, for the incredible role you play in our music community. 
SIMS Foundation website: https://simsfoundation.org/
Donation link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/simsfoundation/

Bruce Blumentritt is a passionate guitarist, amp builder, and founder of Texas Tone Amps.
In this episode, we dive into the story behind Texas Tone, explore the wide range of options and player-driven features he builds into each amp, and talk about his collaboration with Austin-based artist Ellis Bullard. We also get into how amps, speakers, pickups, and most importantly - your own ear - work together to shape a truly unique tone.
We end the conversation with a discussion and demo of two amps Bruce brought along: the Texas Tone D5E and the Texas Tone 12 with built-in Hypnotic Slam Effect tremolo (a Texas Tone original design). Like everything else at Texas Tone, these amps were designed and built by hand right here in Austin, Texas. 
Texas Tone Amps

Dusty Miller is a singer-songwriter and frontman for Dusty Miller and the Spurflowers. 
Relatively new to the scene, Dusty has quickly gained traction and built a following. In this episode, we trace his journey from working in the oil and gas industry, stepping away from music, and finding his way back with a string of recent releases. We talk the creation of the Spurflowers, the creative energy of collaborating with other musicians in the scene, and wrap up with Dusty’s personal take on what success in the music industry means to him.
Check out Dusty's music! 
Dusty Miller and the Spurflowers
 

Jo James is a guitarist and singer-songwriter from Long Beach, California. 
In this episode, we dive into the influences and experiences that shaped his sound - from navigating the Los Angeles music scene to finding his home within the Austin music community. We explore his evolving catalog, the deeper meaning behind his music, and his take on musical identity, purpose, and stewardship. Jo also opens up about overcoming a difficult chapter in his life through his faith and the power of "saying the quiet thing out loud.” 
His next show is this Saturday, 8/2/25, at The Brodie Studios - presented by ATX Live and Austin Artist Spotlight. 
Jo James Music