INCEPTION OF LUSTROUS DAYS TO COME

     I will be the first to admit, the anticipation of a fresh start, a "new year", a chance to do things better, having learned from your mistakes and experiences,  is an idea, almost divine,... hallowed in it's own right.
     As this year comes to an end, bringing in a new, filled with "hope, prosperity, and eager beginnings", none more so than in a time like this, would it be accompanied by redundant cliche's, and a celebratory routine anticipated to execute an immediate change in ones life; losing weight, stop smoking, treat your neighbors better, make more money, etc.
      In all honesty, despite all the atrophies, I have no regrets. As a matter of fact,..  I wouldn't trade any of my experiences from 2012 for all the money in the world.
      This year taught me many lessons, ..lessons worth their weight in gold. I've met many, .. many people, some more interesting than others, some more dangerous than others, and some the wiser. I've made many new friends and acquaintances, spent time with older, procured friends and had the pleasure of hearing their stories. As a promoter, I got to experience many talents that have left me blissfully effectuated, anticipating, yearning for more.
       I look forward to doing things better, having new and different experiences in the new year, but I have to make one thing clear... I am very passionate and very grateful for everything that I've experienced that has made me who I am today.
       To all my friends and colleagues, I wish you a very happy new year, from myself and all the Gridlox Family.

BRING IN THE GRIDLOX!!!!

An incredible night,.. orchestrated chaos, ...a union of collective talents joined together to create an epic epoch for Gridlox and themselves.
     Gridlox Productions, Side Show Frank's Big Top, and Headhunters ATX presented BRING IN THE GRIDLOX! Friday October 19th. On the bill.... No Holiday, Violent Night, Shitty Advice, Desilu, Autumn Stay, Tiny Purple Fishes, and Destructive Guerrilla Force. The energy was indescribable. We had a couple of cancellations due to illness,( Pussy Factory, and Hipsterectomy) but the show was ignited, full force, without hesitation. THESE MUTHA FUCKAS were going to be heard and seen at any cost!
Desilu opened the show inside, with beatific, seemingly drug induced harmonics that seemed to mesmerize everyone.
Tiny Purple Fishes, my family from browntown, as usual, even lacking their original bassist, horn player and cellist, made due with a stand in bass player and stole everyone's attention.
No Holiday...My homies, Rex(drums/bu vocals), Tommy(lead vocals/guitar), Christian(lead guitar), and James...aka Wombat(bass), fucking killed it!!! These guys hadn't played a live show since the ATX Music Mag concert on South Padre Island, months ago. They forced a blast of energy, with their Intricate rhythms, and beautifully coordinated vocals, along with spurts of obnoxious,, smartass comments between songs, that makes them NO HOLIDAY!!!
Violent Night, an amazing collective of talented, hardcore guys... Gianluca, native of Milan, Italy,.. lead singer and drummer, brandished mathematical drum skills, while singing in perfect key. James, bassist, served violent guttural back ups, lending Anchorage to Fatty, and Ian, VN's guitarists, to complete this sick display of wonderful aggression.
Destructive Guerrilla Force played the back stage, and true to their rep, played raw, hard, ... and always seemingly, with an 'I don't give a FUCK!' attitude that forces my deep admiration and friendship to these assholes. Love you boys, Lugo, Matt, Sean, Richard, and Joey,...much love, from Gridlox, and myself,..Zig
My close friend from Harlo, Candido, led Shitty Advice in a rampage, at the inside stage. They were the last band. This was the first and only 'pit' the entire night. What can I say about these guys that I haven't already expressed in passed blogs? These guys are straight up hardcore, and will not let you forget it! Candi, Chris,..aka Panda, Curtis, and Korn,... got a soft spot in my heart, and lots of respect for you guys.
Side Show Frank's human suspension show, Jilly Bean and their crew, shocked, entertained, and enlightened fans with some crazy, psycho, feats, that pushed physical boundaries and defy the toleration of the human flesh. (sorry about the under covers pulling a Rodney King on one of your members). I'm contemplating participating in the human chandelier...Ha!
(Jesus Christ, this blog is taking forever!)
Autumn Stay!!! These are devoted members of the Gridlox team. Young,... pissed off,...calculated,....and straight up gorgeous. Best thing I've ever seen come out of Waco, TX, or anywhere with this style of blissful noise. Danie,... I have to admitt, your the sexiest front man/woman I've ever had the pleasure of working with!(Danielle Blizzard). Zak, Cade, ,  Stephen Troyce Harold Douglas, Jackson,....I've got huge plans for my little Gridloxians.
And finally......(holy shit!) Huge, huge.... kudos to my little sister, Brithe (cheez) Thompson, from the Hell Kats, for go go-ing and helping me organize this mess.
Share our blog, and spread the word...GRIDLOX AND CREW ARE HERE  IN YOUR MOST AWESOME DREAMS, OR YOUR WORST NIGHTMARES:)

LATIN FUSION AT EL SOL Y LA LUNA

First showcase,.... an incredible venue, El Sol Y La Luna, on 6th and Red River, the newest venue of the Gridlox local music circuit,..embraced Gridlox talents with open arms and an incredible  set up for sound. First up was The Undergrowth,....Rachel Gonzalez on bass, Adam,(drums), mike, (lead guitarist), with intricate, mathematical riffs, and  calculated, but obscure changes that would normally seem impossible, but with these guys,...  it flowed flawlessly, fluidly, ... almost, a rhythmic stellar alignment of melodic vibrations.
The next set were two guys,  new to our organization, Chris Rains,(cello), Adam, (Acoustic guitar) showed up, to fill a cancellation. Best choice I've made in a long time... these guys played heavily influenced by many of my most iconic influences, originals and covers, left us all with a new decipherment about how I hear music. I discussed  producing with Chris and incorporating the Cello in music from other Gridlox bands. Cello just happens to be my absolute favorite instrument, and believe it would add romance to an insurance convention, or a funeral. I decided to ask Chris to improve with the next band, Tiny Purple Fishes. He agreed. The outcome?????... Nothing less than legendary!! Chris pulled off a lead solo on his cello that almost suspended existence for 45 minutes, all eyes focused, ears in euphoric transcendence, one of the best performances, according to him, he's ever pulled off. TPF, shocked, kept looking back at this modest looking musician, refusing to believe what they were absorbing, and connecting with each other in mutual contempt, obvious on their faces,.. this was a match made in GRIDLOX!!!!!

EVER HAVE ONE OF THESE DAYS?

As I sit here at Coco's Cafe, http://www.cocos-cafe.com/index.html  listening to Cocorosie,  eating my fried chicken/curry with rice, I think to myself, ' why is there potatoes in my Asian food?' Ok,.... that's not whats really on my mind... Life has been pretty hectic,....I would dare to say, even chaotic  for the Gridlox household. My roommates and I are moving out of our home, and having to split up temporarily, which is difficult, since we are family. In addition, we are having to  transition from one company to another, which is difficult, especially with the hurdles we've had to jump. I think about Gridlox Productions and our goals constantly,... consciously, and in my dreams. I've sacrificed so much and I am driven, almost obsessed with making this happen, for all of us.
Last night made me think a little harder about why I exist. I attended a party in west Austin, thrown by my boys from Tiny Purple Fishes. I showed up with my friends, Audrey Cambell, and Chris Pashia (Before Dishonor). We ate, drank, played beer pong, (I know,....a little old for that shit), spent time with old friends, and made new ones. Jeremy Davis of ATX Music Mag, brought a friend, a really talented acoustic guitarist who entertained and spread intoxicating bless on a drunken entropy. Suddenly,... the party went from tumult,.... to harmony.
My point????... No matter how much drama, ... no matter how much stress, and turmoil,....drink, music, and good friends make you realize that nothing else matters as long as you have your own personal paradise.
Thank you Abel, Adam, Bobby, Jeremy, Audrey, Pash, Kimbo, Jennah, Brithe, Dirty Arn and everyone else that makes me happy to be alive.
Zig

DISTORTED SHADOWS

Seductive melodic blasphemy, a holy cathedral under siege, by sensual rhythms, this web woven by four of the darkest yet most beautiful sirens in the Texas industrial circuit.

Distorted Shadows thrilled the audience at Austin’s legendary dance club, Elysium, on August 7^th.  Jodi War’s, haunting vocals, hypnotized, and left onlookers with spine tingling chills not to be forgotten. Marla (bass) and Gunvor  (drum program) pumped the blood through this soulful calculated darkness, while Meredeath united ebony and ivory, black and white, good and evil on a whimsical structure of keyboards that made up this symphony of the macabre.

Gridlox Productions proudly thanks you Distorted Shadows, for bringing your talent to Austin.

Zig

A Corpse Vanishes

One of the things I love about being in our circle of friends, (Austin Live Music Coop), is the spontaneity of a back yard BBQ with a few friends, good food and a humble jam session. My roommate/good friend Candido Santos of Shitty Advice casually organized a’ get together’ that made me realize that Lone Star Beer, fajitas, and a couple of amplifiers are worth their weight in gold.

My chef skills were requested at one point. I was asked to cut the meat, and finish the pico de gallo, which was difficult, because of the lack of ingredients. I managed. I picked chili piquin from the bush, behind the drummer, mid song, and diced some green apples, I found in the kitchen. Before I realized it, I found myself in a culinary meditation,..wielding a knife, mechanically, as I’ve done in kitchens for years. Something made me catch a snap….. It was the music. I’ve heard of A Corpse Vanishes, … heard that they had broken up as a band, but never had the chance to absorb their music, personally. I’m sure they have their reasons for their dissolution, but for the life of me, can’t understand why they would end this incredible orchestra of methodical energy. Jerms,(guitar/vocals) wove intricate rhythms, and strategic twangs on the guitar, while serving up powerful lyrics, intertwined with back ups from Chris (bass) and Ian (drums).  Chris showed a side I’ve never seen before. Being the bassist for shitty advice, Chris meshes in a different element, with Curtis, Candi, and Korn. With A Corpse Vanishes, the bass takes on a lead role to a  powerful, high energy, high speed,  horror-surf punk flavor that stands alone. I’ve asked them to play the Gridlox ‘breakout’ show, BRING IN THE GRIDLOX, at headhunters on October 19^th. Their performance would be an epic contribution to everyone attending.

Zig

Lords of Acid

I will be conducting a conference call interview with Murv Douglas, of Lords of Acid, and Diamonds n Scratch this week. If you would be interested in being on the call, we will do a 'first come, first  serve' for 30 people. You will be able to ask Murv 3 questions. Hit me up on fb.
Ziggy Garcia

AUDIO STIMULATION

      Many words come to mind when I think about the band, Tiny Purple Fishes;… soulful lyrics, incredible melody, intoxicating rhythms. … But one thing I cannot do is compare their music to anything I’ve ever heard.  I’ve listened to W.Y.S.T.F.L.T  a hundred times, and I’m always left in a happy trance, but frustrated, because my brain wants to recognize it. They’ve played a couple of Gridlox shows, and I’ve had intentions to ask what their influences are, but because they are also good friends of mine, the professional side of me clocks out, and I succumb to hugs, pitchers of Lone Star, and shooting the shit with my homeboys from the Valley.

       Last weekend, T.P.F. played my showcase at Mister Tramps with Von Roader,…perfect combination! Not to mention the fact that Marcus,(singer for Von Roader) and Adam, (singer/drummer for T.P.F.) knew each other from work, but never had the opportunity to get to know each other musically. This show was a beautiful marriage of euphoric rhythms, incredible personalities, and bronzed smiles.

      T.P.F.  Will creep up on your audio senses, blissfully and finish with an explosive finale of uncontrollable, rhythmic motion and happy chills.

Cheers to my boys from BrownTown, Abel, Adam, Bobby, and Iram. You guys make me happy.

Punk compilation, on the fly

Punk Compilation on the Fly

THE SPANISH SPEAKING UNDERGROUND HARDCORE SCENE

    Sunday the 19 of August, I was invited to the 7 annual ZONA URBANA, a show put on by the spanish speaking, underground hardcore scene. My best friend, Dirty Arn is the drummer for Ixteris korrosiva, who played second to the last out of 8 bands. They put on an awesome show, and were cheered on by a huge following.
    I have to admit, every time I attend one of these functions, I feel like I've stepped into the twilight zone, in a different country. I mean this in an absolute good way, of course. Its a culture shock experience to say the least. The Spanish speaking scene seem to be much bigger and more active than the local scene here in Austin. At this one event, there must have been close to 500 people in and out, through out the day. The venue, La Rumba on east Riverside probably had the capacity of 500 covers. The sound system was top of the line and I would be more than happy to put on an event there myself. It's an awesome place for live music.
     It seems that this scene of Mexicans, Hondurans, and Guatemalans, save up their energy for months, anticipating the next show, arriving with the entire family, and enjoying every last minute of it. Looking around,  it made me feel proud to see, Mohawks, and liberty spikes of all colors and sizes, spikes, and patches of men and women accompanied by their children.
     If you ever get the opportunity to attend one of these shows,..don't hesitate. You won't regret it.

Maximum Exposure for Success

   One of the things I always encourage when promoting a band is 'Self Promotion'. In promoting, I use many different means, including Facebook. An event page is usually the 1st step in my process. If I create an event page for a show, I would hope that the bands involved would share the page with their friends and invite them. It's free publicity and  its very effective. Show pride and confidence in your music.

       This weekend, Saturday the 11 was the first GRIDLOX PRODUCTIONS showcase at Mister Tramps. A pretty decent turn out, I thought.The showcase consisted of three local bands, and one surprise appearance by my good friends from Shitty Advice, . Autumn Stay, Violent Night, & Sober Daze Were on the bill.
Autumn Stay out of Waco, TX, showed about an hour before load-in. I was a little surprised to see a grip of 'teenage kids', hauling in equipment. Mind you, we booked these guys for Punx Picnic ATX, but I really didn't have a chance to watch, but a small hand full of performances, being as busy as I was. I didn't know what to expect. Turns out, these 'kids' were the band, and I don't care what anyone says, you won't see energy like this from any of us 'old punkers'. Swinging heads and hair everywhere, reminiscent of hardcore metal bands, from back in the day! These guys pulled it off with dark heavy riffs, power beats, and a well tuned, heavy wailing vocalist that is Danielle Blizzard.  Dani wasted no time in jumping off the stage and joining their fans on the floor, half way through the first song. Her aggression increased with every song, ending their set with a finale of an audience jumping in unison and an exploding applause. Thanks Dani, Zak, Cade, Clint, and Jackson, from GRIDLOX.
       After Autumn Stay, a technical problem surfaced at the worst possible time. One of my absolute favorite local punk bands, Violent Night, were next on stage. I don't think it took long for us to start having issues with the PA system after that. Being the awesome mother fuckers that they are, they still played with vocals, sporadically popping in and out. Of course, they pulled it off and it sounded incredible. This is one glitch that will never occur again. Our apologies to Gianluca, James, Ian, and Fatty.
    Next up was Sober Daze. These guys are coming up on their 10th anniversary and are one of the most well know and respected bands conceived out of Austin. At this point, they chose not to play, due to the pa problems. Hopefully I will get to catch their show again soon.
 
     It was still some what early, and most everyone at Mister Tramps were feeling pretty good. I had a chance to make my rounds and see some old friends as well as make some new ones. We had made an attempt to do a couple of interviews for the website, early that evening but thought, 'ehhh, we'll soon have other chances' so all of us from GRIDLOX decided to take it easy. A substantial amount of time with out live music had passed, when my roommate, GRIDLOX collegue, Candido Santos, also of the band Shitty Advice approached me and said with a grin and a question mark on his face. My whole band is here......' and to him I said, 'hell yeah'. They took the stage, despite the issues, which were minimal after the equipment cooled, and killed it!!! Of course Candi called to work the next day, with nothing more than a wisper. He had lost his voice, but he and his band had saved the show.
A huge thanks to Candido, Chris, and Curtis of SHITTY ADVICE.
zig

Von Roader

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXiEuRv2dt8

There are few bands that force my immediate attention, and most of the time it's short lived. Two weeks ago, my homie, Jeremy Davis of ATX Music Mag invited me to one of his show cases at an unlikely venue, so I thought, for nothing other than 90's spring break hip hop and a fraternity
'grab ass' session. Holy shit! was I wrong. ... kudos brother. Down stairs was some what,... what I expected, but less spring break, and more laid back. Sure, there were the expected late office partyers, stumbling and bumping into each other on a breakfast table sized dance floor, but upstairs was a different story. I showed up with a meager entourage of two friends, sweating bullets from the mid August, Austin humidity. What we walked into was nothing short of an experience that has etched itself into my memory for an eternity. (ok,...that maybe an over exaggeration). The first band was one that I'm familiar with. No Holiday, consist of good friends of mine, including Rex, and Chris, who are in my band, Coppola. The next performance,.... getting to the point, ..Von Roader! Holy shit! 3 guys, one on key board and drum program, one on bass, and the other on lead guitar/vocals. Marcus, focused on his lyrics, let loose in to a fluid, yet mechanical movement that seemed to be directly connected to the PA system. Just as fluidly, he would ease back to the microphone and bleed your attention dry. After the first 4 minutes minutes, caught up in the show, I looked around and realized I was in the middle of the dance floor and every one around me had 'flowed' into the vibe and were dancing as if they had been moving components of this spectacle all along.
Standing ovation from GRIDLOX, Von Roader!


Von Roader

GOTHIC INVASION FROM THE SOUTH

GRIDOX, in cooperation with ELYSIUM, the premier dance club in Austin, TX. bring you two of the Rio Grand Valley's best Gothic/Electronica talents.

Distorted Shadows, a 4 piece all girl band are breaking off a piece of Valley evil, with dergy/down tempo beats, and haunting echos. Their dark and alluring presence will keep you memorized for an eternity.

Venom Vampires, also from the RGV, bring it with a 'dark', and fashionable stage presence, heavily influenced by classic German industrial.

Come join us at Elysium.

Bands;

Distorted Shadows
https://www.facebook.com/DistortedShadows/app_2405167945

Venom Vampires
http://wowbobwow.bandcamp.com/album/e-x-o-r-d-i-v-m

Ziggy Garcia

9:12 PM  -  Public

Truly and exciting night....the combination of Reggae, Ska, Progressive Punk, and Spanish Hardcore, made for a versatile, and energetic crowd, everything from the skank to skateboarding in the pit. Los Local Locals brought it straight from South Padre Island. Lando, lead singer encourages a vibe like no other with his stage presence. Shea, (guitarist) and the rest of the guys have flip flop, board shorts, and dank smoke written all over their style.
No Holiday busted out with a new movement of 'new punk', tight and melodic. I really can't wait to see these guys again. Tommy, (guitar and Vocals) along with Rex (drummer and back  up vocals), harmonized in true fashion, with an energy I haven't seen in a long time.
Tiny Purple Fishes, broke bread at the table with a unique sound of punk that describes Austin TX to the 'T'. A trio, straight out of the Rio Grand Valley, taking contemporary punk to a new level.
Ixteria Korrosiva, fully spanish lyric, hardcore band, blasted, hard and heavy, with political rants against the establishment. The pit reigned with the crowds response in relativity.