“Strange Invitation”

The South Austin Jug Band is releasing their new album, “Strange Invitation” at Waterloo Records this coming Tuesday, April 1. This bluegrass, Americana band has been one of my favorite local groups for some time now and I always enjoy the flashy, talented picking and singing of all the group members. According to a press release from their website they have “a Jack Johnson vibe, only more melodic and even more laid-back, or a low-intensity Grateful Dead.” Their myspace page allows their followers a sneak preview of the new album and I highly recommend any and everyone to check it out. If for some reason you cannot make it out to the Tuesday show they have lined up multiple chances to catch them through out the coming weeks.

Now that I am done plugging the band on my blog, here is what I wish they would do so that there can be an overflow of dancing, mountain dwelling souls at their show. First, it is great that they have an updated website and their venues have updated their websites. Secondly, if they have not so already, they need to utilize their extensive email list and mail out an alert regarding the release of their new album. My next suggestion may sound standard for the music business but tacking up posters at the actual venues and surrounding locations can always help catch passer byers. Hopefully, this will capture the attention of their illusive target audience. I am also thinking specifically of locations that sell their music and places where their target audience is most likely to stop by and shop. For example, Barton Springs, Threadgills, Whole Earth Provision, REI, Tekgnar and Waterloo Ice House would all be good starting points. I know it is a little late now but releasing a press release to the Daily Texan would really help capture the college age demographic. If they have not done so already, partnering with other bands of similar a genre like The Gypsy Tribe and The Hudsons may work to their advantage. Having access to their email lists could possibly double the size of a single show. It is worth a shot, right? I am going to be at the release at Waterloo Records on Tuesday and the Threadgills south store on Friday and I hope you make it out too.