The Nightowls:

After years of reverent exploration and immersion in classic soul and R&B, it can be said The Nightowls has learned its history. Now, the Austin-based groove machine is ready to not repeat it.

Casting aside its throwback artistic ethos, the 10-piece band boldly paves its own path with the sensual pop and smoldering grooves of the aptly titled, We Are The Nightowls, out April 27. It’s a masterful album that benefits from a stable lineup, and crisp modern production courtesy of Chris Bell (Erykah Badu, North Mississippi Allstars, Kenny Wayne Shepherd).

Taméca Jones:

When local Austin, TX native Tameca Jones opens her mouth and sings, jaws hit ground. Her honeyed and powerful vocals have been captivating her hometown for a little over ten years. She began melting faces in 2005 when she joined Austin based band 8 Million Stories as the group’s lead singer and songwriter. The band made a name for itself playing in and around Austin and got a publishing deal with Riptide Publishing. Tameca was a part of the band for 2 1/2 years before the band called it quits. This left her without someone to help her create original music. So, she turned to covers to continue playing, grow her audience, and pay the bills.

Tameca spent years skillfully and tastefully breathing new life into the music of others. She made a name for herself as the “Queen of Austin Soul,” blowing minds with her tasteful and vibrant interpretations of a diverse list of artists that include Tina Turner, Nirvana, Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, and more. The Austin Chronicle called her interpretations “sonic pretzels” that “juxtapose(s) crunchy jaggedness with her infectious, honeyed voice.”