A Curious Mix of People: The Underground Scene of '90s Austin

In the last decade of the 20th century, a group of like-minded contrarians in Austin, Texas, reimagined the city's underground music scene. Embracing a do-it-yourself ethos, record labels emerged, zines cheered and jeered acts, and upstart clubs provided a home venue for new bands. This vibrant scene valued expression over erudition, blurring the boundaries between observer and participant. It evolved in tandem with the city's emergence on the national stage and became a spiritual crucible for the uneasy balance between commercial success and cultural authenticity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2023
Publisher: University of Texas Press

In the final decade of the 20th century, Austin, Texas, embarked on a remarkable journey through its underground music scene. As the city transformed from a sleepy college town to a bustling metropolis, a group of like-minded contrarians emerged, reimagining the city's musical landscape. Embracing a do-it-yourself ethos, record labels sprouted up, releasing local music and zines that celebrated and critiqued acts that flew under the radar of mainstream media outlets. Upstart clubs provided a nurturing home for emerging bands to hone their sound.

This vibrant scene valued expression over erudition, encompassing a diverse range of musical styles, from the razor-sharp songcraft of Spoon to the fuzzed-out poptones of Sixteen Deluxe. It blurred the boundaries between observer and participant, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in the music.

As Austin's prominence on the national stage grew through the film "Slacker" and the SXSW conference and festivals, its musical underground became a spiritual crucible for the delicate balance between commercial success and cultural authenticity. This tension continues to resonate today, shaping the city's musical landscape and inspiring generations of musicians and music enthusiasts.

"A Curious Mix of People: The Story of Austin Underground Music in the 90s" is the first book dedicated to exploring this transformative decade. It is an oral history that captures the stories of the musicians, writers, DJs, club owners, record-store employees, and other key figures who were at the forefront of this movement. Through their firsthand accounts, readers are transported back to the 90s, witnessing the birth and growth of Austin's musical underground and the profound impact it had on the city and its music scene.

This book serves as a valuable resource for music historians, music lovers, and anyone interested in the cultural and musical landscape of Austin. It sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of the musicians who paved the way for the city's musical resurgence and provides a glimpse into the rich tapestry of music that continues to thrive in Austin today.

In conclusion, the 90s were a pivotal decade for Austin's underground music scene, marked by a spirit of creativity, collaboration, and cultural exploration. Through the voices of those who were there, "A Curious Mix of People" offers a captivating account of this transformative era, reminding us of the power of music to shape our cities and our lives.

Dimension: 254 x 178 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477328132