Local talent and live bands: a passion of mine
 

Well, I live in Houston, and I've sampled most of the live local talent around here. I've tracked down a few of them over time, and really fell in love with the music of a couple of them. Most notable is a group with two brothers and two other great guys. They sell CDs at their shows, and unlike many bands, release mp3s on their own site. Their bassist has changed 2 or 3 times because that part of the band always seems to move. Their drummer has changed from one of the brothers to a guy named Dave, and the brother is now backup vocals and guitar. Their original music was a lot less refined from their most recent releases. Granted, their studio (professional grade) takes up their garage, but the sound is far smoother than anything I've found in Houston. They've played venues in Houston, Austin, San Antonio and also at the Buzz Beach Blast with the Playboy Bunnies on stage last summer. On July 27th, they'll be on East Beach in Galveston, playing once more with the Buzz ( a local radio station ) and the Bunnies. No, the bunnies aren't a band, they're the actual Playboy Bunnies. If you're interested, check out some samples at http://www.overshot.org

This thread isn't just about this great bit of talent. I'd also be interested in any of the live/local bands that the members here enjoy, and maybe we can get these budding talents some more exposure. If you're in the Houston area, by all means check these guys out, but if you're from parts beyond, direct us towards some of the live bands you've seen or enjoyed.

This has kinda been covered in the "YOUR band" thread, but it's a great topic nonetheless.

off the top of my head:
Holly McNarland, Jonell Mosser, Heather Lawson, Young Dubliners, Brother, Richard Cheese, Exies, Mike Keneally

Um, where do these guys usually play? In *insert name of town*?

Well, part of the reason I didn't post in the YOUR band section is that these guys aren't "made" and haven't signed with a label as yet. They've released several EPs (think they're up to 5) and each one has reworked songs along with releasing new ones as well. All their work is done from their house and via their manager, a friend of the oldest brother. Every CD they've sold has been burned at one of the band members' houses, and all their cover art is done by the oldest brother (graphic design artist). Everything they've released is original, and since they haven't been signed, they still put a great amount of personal time and effort into each show, song and cd they release.