Music Felon

The Crane Wives' Rock Power Gripped the Night: Radio/East, Austin (April 23, 2026)

Photos by MF Effie

The Crane Wives took the stage by storm at Radio/East in Austin on April 23, 2026, playing a dynamic set. The packed crowd let them feel the love for them as soon as they hit the stage. Their beautiful harmonies fill the air of the large outdoor venue. The young crowd screamed with elation when they heard the first notes of a favorite song; this meant the night was full of screaming and delighted fans. this energy was completely reciprocated by The Crane Wives proving they really love their fans and what they do. If you get a chance to see The Crane Wives, don't pass it up!

Fishbone Bring Funk-Fueled Chaos to Mohawk Austin

Written and photos by Neal Cribb

On May 14, 2026, genre-defying legends Fishbone lit up the stage at Mohawk in Austin, TX, delivering a wildly energetic set that blurred the lines between ska, punk, funk, and soul. From the moment they launched into their opening number, the band set a relentless pace, fueled by tight musicianship and an unmistakable sense of joy. The outdoor stage pulsed with life as Fishbone turned the night into a full-body experience for everyone in attendance.

Frontman Angelo Moore was a force of nature, shifting seamlessly between vocals, saxophone, and acrobatic stage antics. The band tore through classics like “Party at Ground Zero” and “Sunless Saturday,” while weaving in extended jams that showcased their technical prowess and improvisational spirit. Each member brought a distinct energy to the performance, locking into grooves that swung from breakneck punk rhythms to deep, infectious funk.

Mohawk’s atmosphere amplified the band’s larger-than-life presence, with the crowd feeding off every beat and horn blast as the energy surged throughout the set. Fans danced, skanked, and surged together, creating a communal energy that matched the band’s intensity. By the end of the night, Fishbone had once again proven that their live show remains one of the most dynamic and unpredictable experiences in music.

MIKA's Pure Pop Glamour Consumes ACL Live in Austin

Photos by Cruz Martinez

On Sunday, May 10, 2026, MIKA brought huge energy to ACL Live at The Moody Theater during the Austin stop of the Spinning Out Tour. The venue filled up fast, and the crowd got lost their minds the second they hit the stage. MIKA had nonstop energy and strong vocals from the first song. Fans sang every word to songs like “Grace Kelly” and “Relax, Take It Easy.” At some points, the crowd was louder than the speakers. The show moved quickly and kept people dancing from start to finish, peticularly when MIKA persuaded the crowd to look around them and find someone new to dance with. MIKA also took time to connect with fans near the front and that person stage left in the mezzanine; which made the world renowned theater feel more personal. The Austin crowd gave the same energy back all night. If this tour comes near your city, don't miss your chance for a existential experience and get a ticket.

Courtney Barnett Unleashed on Radio East - Austin

Written and Photos by Ethan Atkinson

Courtney Barnett’s performance May 1st was full of energy, raw emotion, and some wild guitar solos. The show was full of adoring fans, the whole crowd was singing along to Courtney’s new album Creatures of habit and classic hits like “Avant Gardener”. So thankful to take photos of the show and see y’all rock!

AshnikkoIgnites ACL Live with a Bold and Unapologetic Pop Spectacle

Written and photos by Neal Cribb
On April 28, 2026, genre-bending pop provocateur Ashnikko took over ACL Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, TX, delivering a performance that was as theatrical as it was sonically explosive. From the moment she hit the stage, the energy shifted and the fans were ready to embrace her blend of hyperpop, punk attitude, and unfiltered self-expression. Backed by striking visuals and a dynamic stage presence, Ashnikko commanded attention with every movement and lyric.

The setlist pulled from across her catalog, mixing viral hits with deeper cuts that highlighted her versatility. Tracks like “Daisy” and “Slumber Party” ignited the crowd, while darker, more atmospheric moments showcased her ability to pivot between aggression and vulnerability. Her vocals, alternating between sharp, biting delivery and melodic hooks, rode effortlessly over heavy basslines and glitchy production, creating a sound that felt both chaotic and controlled.

Throughout the night, Ashnikko maintained a fierce connection with the audience, encouraging participation and celebrating individuality at every turn. The performance felt less like a traditional concert and more like a statement: bold, rebellious, and unapologetically her own. By the time the final track hit, the crowd was fully immersed, leaving ACL Live buzzing long after the lights came up.

Photos by Bang Ho

Austin showed up for EVE 6 at Emo's last night! Was the energy during "Inside Out" as wild as it looked from the front row, or were you too busy singing along to notice? Drop your favorite moment or your photos from the pit below! 🎸📸

Belle and Chain Deliver a Lush and Immersive Performance at 3TEN Austin City Limits
By Neal Cribb

On April 2, 2026, Belle & Chain took the stage at 3TEN Austin City Limits in Austin, TX, offering a performance that blended cinematic atmosphere with emotional depth. The duo’s sound — anchored in layered instrumentation, haunting vocals, and slow-building arrangements — translated beautifully within the venue, allowing every nuance to resonate clearly. From the opening moments, the band established a mood that was both intimate and expansive, drawing the audience into their sonic world.

Their set unfolded with a careful balance of tension and release, weaving together shimmering melodies and brooding undertones. Tracks drifted seamlessly from ambient passages into swelling crescendos, showcasing the band’s control over dynamics and pacing. The performance felt deliberate and immersive, with each song building on the last to create a cohesive and emotionally charged arc.

Throughout the evening, Belle & Chain maintained a quiet intensity that held the audience’s attention from start to finish. Rather than relying on spectacle, the band let their music speak — resulting in a performance that felt deeply personal yet universally affecting. By the final note, it was clear the crowd had experienced something more than a concert — it was a fully realized sonic atmosphere that lingered long after the lights came up.

Photos by Bang Ho

Rainbow Kitten Surprise rolled into the Moody Amphitheater on March 25, 2026, for the final stop in this leg of their tour. From the second they hit the stage, the energy was amazing; the seated crowd immediately stood up, completely engrossed in the moment. The night was perfect. Their performance was a masterclass in setlist construction, and the Austin crowd ate it up, mirroring the band's high energy. As the set progressed through fan favorites like "Co***ne Jesus" and "Painkillers," the band's stage presence was fantastic. One of the best moments came during an acoustic mid-set run where they performed "Texas Hold'em"—a track that felt like a direct nod to the local spirit and had the crowd singing along in a roar. The intensity they brought to tracks like "Run" and the massive encore finale of "It's Called: Freefall" more than made up for any missing deep cuts. It was the kind of show that reminds you why Rainbow Kitten Surprise is one of the best touring acts today—a tall order given the caliber of artists currently on the road. If you have the chance to see them, do whatever it takes to get there.

Atmosphere Bring Winter Carnival Hip-Hop Magic to ACL Live in Austin
By Neal Cribb

On February 6, 2026, venerable Minneapolis hip-hop duo Atmosphere took over ACL Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, TX, as part of their Winter Carnival tour — a run celebrating over 30 years of lyrical storytelling and independent rap innovation. Known for blending gritty street narratives with introspective emotional depth, Slug and Ant delivered an engaging performance that resonated deeply within the theater’s focused, up-close environment, where every lyric carried impact.

The crowd came alive as Atmosphere wove together a setlist that balanced well-loved classics with more recent material, showcasing tracks from across their extensive catalog. Their seamless delivery of emotionally resonant rhymes, backed by Ant’s deft production and DJ work, had fans nodding and singing along throughout the night. With each verse, they reaffirmed their legacy as one of underground hip-hop’s most enduring and influential acts.

Atmosphere’s performance at ACL Live wasn’t just a concert — it was a communal experience that brought together long-time devotees and new listeners under one roof. The duo’s sharp lyricism, combined with genuine audience connection, made this stop on the Winter Carnival tour a memorable moment in Austin’s vibrant live music calendar.

Photos by Jadan Aguilar

Austin, did you see what Sudan Archives just did to Radio East? 🤯 The violin will never sound the same. What was the standout track for you? Drop your photos and let's talk about that set below!
Write-up at https://www.musicfelon.com/violin-vengeance-sudan-archives-invades-austin/