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ALTWorld offers traditional booking but with a focus on all- ages events, workshops and mentors, matching students with music lessons, film connections, regular auditions and rehearsals, and discounts on things like classes and gear they may need. We act as homeroom for the kids to utilize our services to make it work for their band and we cannot do it without the support of our local community.
"Something's got to happen. Someone's got to step up. Somebody's got to change things."- Sasha Zoe Ortiz of Blues Mafia"
We want you to be able to look here for teen to teen chat, ideas, help and collaboration.
ALTWorld is collecting an incredible array of local and national artists, buyers, teachers, studios, music stores, camps, festivals, local free resources, bankers, film folks and more for our advisory board and they are willing to help us on a long-term basis!
ALTWorld’s first auditions held at Jovita’s in Austin TX on Sunday, February 22, 2009 will be judged by Austin Chronicle’s own Margaret Moser, singing sensation Nakia Reynoso and multi-platinum selling songwriter Monte Warden. Monte was one of the first to jump on board to help us with this project and is our first member of our Advisory Board. Included below is Monte’s story.
I started playin' the guitar when I was 11. I began playing out on the sidewalk on 6th Street when I was 14. I played mostly originals with a few Buddy Holly songs thrown in. Before long, Margaret Moser of the Chronicle began taking an interest in me and writing about me a little. In 1983, at the age of 15, I started my 1st real band, Whoa, Trigger!. We got real popular, real fast and even won BEST NEW BAND at the 1983 Austin Music Awards. I have gone on to record 5 albums for 3 different major labels, had 70 major label cuts as a songwriter, over a dozen songs on the Billboard charts, and have sold over 10 million records as a songwriter and publisher. NONE of this would have ever occurred if I had not gotten my start in the wonderful Austin music scene as a teenager.- Monte Warden
We will have 8 bands performing 3 songs each to be followed by a round table instant feedback session from you and the other three advisors who will be long time industry experts each bringing something different to the table.
Here is wha tone of our 1st round of ALTWorld band's had to say about our last workshop. (you also had staff here the whole time with a table on GIM).
"Greetings Roggie, Harper, and everyone involved in yesterday's show. On behalf of all the Fireants we want to say how much we enjoyed being a part of such an amazing event. We had a great time listening to all the artists and we thought the sound crew did an amazing job. Having that many bands with such diversity and making everyone sound great is no easy task but it certainly happened yesterday. Getting instant feedback from the judges was an unexpected bonus and something you wish you could get every time you play. We are proud to have been a part of the first AltWorld showcase and look forward to being part of more. Thanks so much for everything. -The Fireants: Ian, Zeke, Steven, Rebecca and Victor
The U18 movement in Austin got a boost yesterday with ALTWorld’s second workshop at Jovita’s. ALTWorld, the teen division of Roggie Baer Elm’s booking agency RajiWorld, does more than just provide a showcase for young bands to play. It puts them face-to-face with people in the industry. I sat at a table with web designer/photographer Mark Alba, guitarist Billy Harvey, and bassist Harmoni Kelley as we critiqued seven acts that performed 20-minute sets, then joined us at the table for one-on-one discussion.
“We’re an alt-funk band. We’re 12 years old.” The trio of preteens known as South of Center had written me a note a few weeks ago, lobbying for a slot in Next Up. Though their set was more alt than funk (the cover of Radiohead’s “Creep” was a nice touch), the confident vocals, popping bass, and hint of jungle drums should cultivate nicely.
Euphoria was the winner of Austin High School’s Battle of the Bands the night before and eased in with a dreamy instrumental. The quartet didn’t dwell too much on the jam aspect of that genre, keeping with tighter arrangements. They ought to be double-billing with Chief Rival.
This was the fourth time I’ve seen Team Next, rappers with shifting personnel but usually headed by Youngun and T.A. They brought along Antonio and the three rapped through “J Walkin’” and other crowd-pleasers. Over the last six months, they’ve developed an old-school rap look, with fades and chains, and their lyrics reflect their broadening world.
Edison Chair, a trio from Dripping Springs, is a most likely candidate for jumping straight into the 21+ crowd. Their wonderfully exuberant indie-mod-pop sound is anchored by strong vocals and memorable originals that sound radio-ready. Sound like hype? RajiWorld already plucked them for their stable of talent.
The Fireants are getting much press these days, thanks to their dynamic roots-rock sound. Fresh from winning Best Teen Band at the Austin Music Awards and a star slot at Old Settler’s Fest, the quintet is embarking on a busy summer. There wasn’t much I could say to them because they are ahead of the curve. I just have to keep picking up my jaw.
No reason the Carson Brock Group shouldn’t have a slot in Antone’s upcoming July anniversary. The power-blues trio can rip through the Cream arrangement of “Crossroads” like no one’s business and throw down their own beautifully written compositions. Lotta good genes in this band.
Café Racers made an impressive debut. The high school quartet skews very close to indie-pop with an electronic undertone, one of the most distinctive sounds I heard that day. Their sound is driven by Brandon Mays’ keyboards, he of the local electronica duo Claptrack, and balanced by fine vocals.
ALTWorld showcases continue Sundays through the summer at Jovita’s. Workshops are held on the first Sunday of the month. - Margaret Moser, Austin Chronicle
I really appreciate everyone's hard work yesterday!
Everyone performed GREAT and made new fans.
The prizes were given away as follows;
The Gibson Les Paul- Gavin Tabone and The Barton Hills/ Palm School Choir- They are recording today!
The 1/2 recording session with Stuart Sullivan and Wire went to Kronus, they have never recorded and can now start at the top!
Mark Alba tailored his prize of web design to logo design to meet the growing needs of panel pick Edison Chair for the prize from Fishtank Design |
