AUSTIN COOLGRRRLS!!

AUSTIN COOLGRRRLS – ALL HAIL THE MIGHTY “ATX” !!

Hey Lovely People !

Sorry for my blogging absence as of late. I recently relocated to beautiful Austin, TX and have been getting settled in my new home.

For this column, I thought I would focus on some amazing ATX based coolgrrrls/artists that are tearing up this fine city with their music and message. This short list by no means sums up what this city has to offer when it comes to talented, awe-inspiring women. Austin is bursting with talent 8 days a week, many of whom just happen to be major COOLGRRRLS ! I may have to make this a series of columns !

JULIE NOLEN

First up is singer/songwriter Julie Nolen. Not only does Julie host several awesome open mics throughout Austin on a weekly basis, she also plays countless solo/acoustic shows, in addition to more rock-based shows with her band, Telling Stories. She has released two independent solo albums entitled, “Dirty Little Secrets”, & “Telling Stories” which are both available via her website, or at live shows. 

Julie’s original songs are full of wit, heartache, humor, and most of all…profound storytelling ! She is one of the hardest working women I know here in town, on top of being one of the most genuine souls I proudly call friend. Julie has also been known to bust into some hilarious cover songs during her live set, including Britney Spears “Hit Me Baby One More Time”. For more info on Julie, including live dates, her open mic info, merch, etc…please check out her website here: 

http://www.tellingstoriesmusic.com

ADRIAN & THE SICKNESS

Another ass-kicking band making waves throughout ATX and beyond are my pals ADRIAN & THE SICKNESS. Featuring the blazing guitar/lead vocals of Adrian Conner, & the mighty low end bass of Miss Heather Webb, AATS have been churning out balls to the wall punk/rock/pop music since 2004.

Still on a search for their perfect drummer (hey ! maybe it’s you?!?!), this bad ass power trio has released multiple albums, and toured countless states, in addition to opening for several national acts such as, Concrete Blonde, Pat Benetar, Girl in a Coma, & their upcoming opening stint for Cinderella on August 11 in Three Forks, MT at the Rockin the Rivers Music Festival. Kathy Valentine, of Go Go’s fame, produced their 2009 record, “B.F.D.”  

I should also mention that Adrian plays/tours with the world renowned all female AC/DC tribute band, Hells Belles, where she plays Angus Young in spectacular fashion. Their rabid live shows leave fans begging for more, while usually scraping their jaws off the floor at what they just witnessed. They’re just that good!! I urge everyone reading this to check out both bands websites listed here for more on these awesome, powerful women. Be sure to check out their upcoming live dates, too. 

http://www.adrianandthesickness.com   
http://www.hellsbelles.info

PATRICE PIKE

And finally, I’d like to give props to the lovely Patrice Pike, with whom I currently play lead guitar. Some of you may remember Patrice from the rockin’ 90s band, Sister 7, originally known as Little Sister. Sister 7 went on to release 5 acclaimed albums before splitting in 2001. Patrice then went on to record multiple albums with her band, Black Box Rebellion, before going solo.

In 2006, she gained national attention as a contestant on the CBS reality/music show, ROCKSTAR SUPERNOVA, competing for a slot as the new lead singer in Tommy Lee’s band, alongside Gilby Clarke & Jason Newsted. Since appearing on the show, Patrice has continued to release killer independent solo albums, tour & play throughout Texas, Europe & beyond, both with a full band and stripped down solo/acoustic.

She also participates heavily in charity events, including her own “Grace Foundation of Texas”, which provides services for young adult survivors of homelessness. Patrice currently has two steady/weekly residency gigs ; every Wednesday in Houston at The Mucky Duck, & every Thursday in Austin at the Saxon Pub, in addition to countless other shows throughout the area. She has performed EVERYWHERE, big & small, including the infamous ACL Live festival, the H.O.R.D.E. tour, Lilith Fair, Kerrville Folk Fest, High Sierra, & Strawberry Festivals, just to name a few.

Her songwriting/lyrics, vocal prowess, and stage presence are that of a mega star. Anyone who sees Patrice perform live agrees. Being part of her band has been a complete joy since I relocated to Austin. We throw down pop, folk, funk, rock, and more at each and every show, usually ending in a lovely, sweaty mess. Although half of the current band is comprised of men (they’re still coolgrrrls to me!), I will end by giving additional props to fellow bandmate/ATX coolgrrrl Laran Snyder, who supplies beautiful harmony vocals in the Patrice Pike Band. Live music and energy is what this city is all about…and Patrice delivers! Stay tuned for her new album, “The Calling”, releasing later this year, and be sure to check her site for all live dates, merch, & more !

http://www.patricepike.com

Patrice LIVE !  http://vimeo.com/31927590

I urge everyone reading this article to seek out more on these wonderful artists. YouTube in particluar is full of LOADS of videos of all 3 artists above. Patrice also has her own channels on Pandora & Vimeo

I have attached one video of each artist below…in addition to some still photos. Enjoy..and until next time…stay dirty !

dirty jenny~

http://www.jenleigh.com