Introducing the Do512 Lounge Sessions

Feb 8, 2008 by Do512_Jimmy

8 weeks ago I had no idea that this would be happening:

Black Angels in the Do512 Lounge, Jan 30, 2011. Photo by Mary Sledd

In fact there was no Do512 Lounge, nor even the thought of one. And we had no plans to record bands. But as it turns, out, it was just meant to happen.

Do512 Lounge, Jan 28. Photo by Mary Sledd.

In the fall of 2010, Do512 took over the office space directly next door to us in our funky little South Austin compound, to give us some growing room.   The space was basically used for storage (and an occasional nap) for several months, so to justify keeping it we needed to figure out a way to make use of it.  Then one day in early December, we had the idea to create a little private venue/recording space, invite bands we like to play, film them and share them on Do512. The bands will get great exposure, and we get to have great parties in our swanky new living room.  Shiner immediately jumped to mind as the perfect partner for this–an iconic Texas brand with strong ties to the Austin music scene, and Do512′s beer of choice.   I made a call to the fine creative folks at their ad agency, and they quickly jumped on board as Presenting Sponsor. A few weeks later, the Do512 Lounge was born.

The purpose of the the Do512 Lounge Sessions is simply to showcase some of the great bands that live or pass through Austin, to create a high-quality video archive of their performances, and to create memorable experiences for bands and guests. Bands perform 3-5 songs in in front of a small crowd of around 50 people, and have a chance to mix and mingle with a guests, before and after the show, while enjoying complimentary Shiner Beers, cocktails, and catering from some of our favorite local restaurants, like Black Sheep Lodge and Frank.

Do512 is lucky to have partnered with the very talented team at Austin Music Weekly, who share the same mission of archiving great live shows.  Their audio/video work on the Lounge Sessions has been immaculate—with multiple camera shoots and a great audio team, they were able to capture the feeling of being right there in the room.  Huge props to them for bringing you the stellar videos you are about to see.  Also thanks to Damon Lange at Nomad Sound, the best sound guy on the planet, who worked his magic to make the Do512 Lounge one of the warmest, best-sounding rooms in town.

We kicked off the Do512 Lounge on Jan.28 with a performance by recent Austin transplants Saints of Valory, one of our favorite local bands who is making a big splash in Austin.  The delivered a flawless, radio-ready rock set reminiscent of Kings of Leon. Check out an interview and more videos here.

Saints of Valory playing “Providence” at the Do512 Lounge kickoff party, Jan 28.

Two days later the Black Angels graced the stage of the Do512 Lounge, and basically just blew everyone’s minds.  A very memorable performance by one of the greatest bands that have come out of Austin this century.  Check out an artist spotlight and more songs from their phenomenal new record, Phosphene Dream, here.

Black Angels, “You on the Run”, Jan 30:

Lots of great shows are going to be happening down here, and we look forward to bringing you some really amazing stuff, including performances over the next couple of weeks by James McMurtry, Monahans, The Bright Light Social Hour, and Grupo Fantasma.  And just wait til SXSW gets here…

James McMurtry playing “We Can’t Make It Here”

The Bright Light Social Hour playing “Back and Forth”

We hope you will watch, share and give us your feedback.

The tapings are private, invite-only events, and are not open to the public.  Follow Do512 on  Twitter and Facebook Accounts for of chances to get on the guestlist.

Check out a full archive of Do512 Lounge Sessions here.

For a whole lot of really great amazing videos of Austin bands, check out our friends at Austin Music Weekly.

UPDATE: This post has been updated with the addition of the James McMurtry and The Bright Light Social Hour videos.