entertainment

Explore Austin's music scene with literal who?

Mars Salazar, our new music critic and Austin's very own groupie, is here to guide you through the city's hip and happening concert scene. She's got the lowdown on all the best tunes and the hottest venues. So whether you're a music lover or just looking to get laid, follow her lead and you might just find what you're looking for in Austin's musical underworld.

Published August 12, 2024 at 6:02am by Mars Salazar

Mexico's Greatest Export: Lawyers and Doctors, or So My Dad Thinks

https://www.usatoday.com/

My dad, a Mexican immigrant, always dreamed that his daughters would become successful professionals. Well, one out of two ain't bad, right, dad? My sister became a lawyer, and I became a music journalist, covering the seedy underbelly of Austin's music scene. I guess I'm kind of a lawyer for the music industry, suing everyone for ear damage.

"I'm proud of my daughters, even though one of them chose a career that involves drinking beer and headbanging." - My Dad, probably

Escaping the 'Burbs: From Southwest Austin to the Mosh Pits

I grew up in the suburbs of Austin, where the only excitement was the occasional barbecue and, of course, bowling. My parents thought I was a bowling prodigy, but little did they know, I was using their bowling money to sneak into clubs and mosh pits. Sorry, mom and dad, but Slipknot calls to me more than those stupid strikes and spares.

"We're so proud of our daughter, even though she lies about bowling. We just wish she'd stop coming home smelling like beer and punk rock." - My Parents, definitely

Artsy Fartsy: Teenage Dreams and Music Scenes

At 19, I started writing for the Austin Chronicle, covering the local music scene. I hung out with musicians, crowd surfed, and partied like a real rock star. I even got a cool tattoo to fit in with the beatniks. Too bad they didn't teach me how to actually play an instrument.

"Wow, your daughter is so artsy and cool, always covering her bruises from crowd surfing with makeup. We love the tattoos, too!" - My Parents' Friends, probably

Rock 'n' Roll Lifestyle: From Librarians to Loud Music

I never thought I'd end up in the music industry, especially since I was a total nerd in school. But here I am, living the rock 'n' roll dream. I may not be a doctor or a lawyer, but I can diagnose a sick guitar riff and argue that music is the best therapy.

"Music is an emotional conversation, they say. Well, my conversation with music usually involves me screaming at it to turn down the volume." - Me, definitely

My Austin Music Picks: Bands and Clubs to Check Out, or Not

Bands I Think Are Kind ofOkay:

The Point: They released an album in May. Who cares?
Cazayoux: Afro-funk? More like afro-unk-listenable.
Nossas Novas: Brazilian bossa nova? I prefer my music without the samba sugar coating.

Clubs I Frequent, Much to My Parents' Dismay:

Sahara Lounge: It's cool, I guess, if you like Africa and Brazil.
C-Boy's Heart and Soul: A red refuge? More like a place to hide from your parents.
Continental Gallery: A listening room? I prefer a screaming room.

You can find me at these clubs, charming my way in for free and charming your girlfriend onto my arm. Come say hey, I'm the drunk one moshing by the bar.