AUTOMATIC WEEKEND

10.19 6PM

Initially a two-man band rooted along the banks of the Rio Grande in Laredo, Texas, brothers Sergio and Adrian Romanos formed Automatic Weekend with nothing more than a guitar and drum kit. In 2009, the brothers began gigging around Laredo bars and coffee shops with a batch of Black Keys cover songs and an occasional original tune. After a couple of years and with a collection of more original music the brothers packed up and moved to Austin, Texas in 2012.

There the brothers reconnected with an old friend and fellow Laredoan, Fernando Gutierrez, who recently moved to Austin himself. The trio began writing and rehearsing new material for what would become their debut, self-produced EP, Hermanos. While performing throughout Central and South Texas in support of Hermanos, the guys stayed busy developing their unique South Texas blues/rock sound. In 2015 they enlisted the help of Grammy-Award winning musician and producer Adrian Quesada (Black Pumas, Grupo Fantasma) to record their second, self-titled EP. With the Automatic Weekend release, the band found itself digging deep into a grittier blues sound while simultaneously exploring a more soulful and softer side with tracks like: “Separate Ways”, “This Love”, and “Children of The Stars”.

After the release of AW, the band’s presence in and around Austin continued to grow as did their sound and population. In 2018, the band expanded to a 4-piece outfit with the addition of bassist Mark Martinez, coincidentally also from Laredo and also living in the Austin area. With the new lineup set, AW continued to find and set their groove and have since shared the stage with acts such as: Brownout, Jesse Daniel, Nuevo, and The Bright Light Social Hour, among others. The band also got their crack at bigger stages like C-Boy’s Heart & Soul, The Mohawk, Hotel Vegas, and The Sagebrush.

In 2020, the pandemic saw the band and the world take a hiatus from live shows, which allowed for the band’s continued evolution to take place uninterrupted and behind closed doors. What emerged after was a more solidified Tex-Mex blues rock n’ roll with added elements of tejano, country, and polka. Between 2021-2023, Automatic Weekend went back into the studio, this time calling on Grammy-Award winner and producer Beto Martinez (Grupo Fantasma, Money Chicha, Brownout, Caramelo Haze) to cut their upcoming album, titled Tejano Dreams. The new album is currently in post production with a scheduled release coming in late 2023.

Tejano Dreams finds the band combining the impressions of the bordertown sound with their own perspectives on the world as they see it. That is immediately evident in the title track, “Tejano Dreams”. Sung in spanish, the song opens with a guitar twang that serves as an invitation for a booming accordion lick which sets the tone for this catchy, uptempo polka about a love lost in real life, but not in dreams. The danceable Tex-Mex country tune “Mile Marker 30” gives loose instructions on how to make it past the border patrol checkpoint coming up north with more than just clothes in your luggage. Throughout 11-song album the band dives in and out of rock n’ roll, country, polka, and soul with a steady dose of bordertown attitude and point-of-view.

LEW APOLLO

10.19 8PM

Lew Apollo is a rising force in the world of Neo Soul-Blues Rock, captivating audiences with his soul-stirring melodies and poignant songwriting. Born and raised in Barnum, MN, Lew's journey in music began with a deep connection to the rich musical heritage of his home state.

Following the release of his debut EP 'JUNGLE,' masterfully produced by BLK ODYSSY, Lew Apollo made an indelible mark on the music scene, amassing an impressive 150,000 streams in less than two months. His music resonates deeply with listeners, evoking emotions and a sense of solace in the face of life's most challenging obstacles.

In the wake of his father's tragic suicide in Fall 2022, Lew's artistry took a profound turn. He found solace in pouring his emotions into his songwriting, using his music as a platform to normalize conversations about difficult topics such as isolation, entrapment, anxiety, temptation, and depression. Through his heartfelt lyrics and soulful voice, Lew Apollo aims to remind his audience that they are not alone in their struggles, offering a beacon of hope and understanding.

As a testament to his talent and appeal, Lew has captivated audiences in legendary venues across Austin, including sold-out shows at The Pershing and nearly Antone's Nightclub. His captivating stage presence and electrifying performances leave a lasting impression on all who witness his live shows.

With the momentum of his EP's success behind him, Lew Apollo is now preparing to embark on his most ambitious project yet - his debut full-length album, slated for release early 2024. Anticipation is high for this new chapter in his musical journey, and fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to delve even deeper into Lew's soulful world.

As an artist with a clear vision and a heartwarming dedication to using music as a means of healing, Lew Apollo is undoubtedly the new voice of Neo Soul-Blues Rock. Through his exceptional talent and compassionate storytelling, he continues to touch the hearts of his growing audience, leaving an everlasting impact on the world of music and beyond