14 minute read
Music
On the Beat
San Antonio electronic musician ARK refuses to sit still
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BY ENRIQUE BONILLA
Only thing I can say right now, as far as when I get back home, is that I’m not going to go to work anymore,” Anthony Mendoza Martins tells me over the phone as he leaves Record Parlor in Los Angeles.
Martins, a 28-year-old electronic musician and producer be er known by the moniker ARK, was in LA at the end of May to perform at a pair of events — a mixed-media art show and a more conventional music showcase. As the San Antonio artist has expanded his out-of-town gigging, the City of Angels has become a second home.
“This is my fourth or fi fth time out in LA doing music, and like anything anyone works on, it’s go en be er time after time,” he says. “People are still wearing masks and socially distancing where possible, and I will say that the crowds are much tamer right now since we are still in a global pandemic. But musicians can’t really be stopped. We’re going to get out there.”
For the past eight years, ARK has trekked coast to coast playing diverse and uniquely curated events showcasing his blend of analog and digital beat-making. He’s also raised his profi le through a series of more than three dozen releases, making him one of the Alamo City’s most prolifi c musical creators.
ARK’s sound isn’t easy to pigeonhole, combining experimental hip-hop with electronics and tinges of jazz. Glitch and heavy sampling abound. The sound combines the more eccentric qualities of artists such as Flying Lotus, Madlib and Knxwledge.
“I can’t really defi ne a point in time where I started with music, but I do remember playing with casse e tapes my parents had around the house,” says ARK, who calls himself a lifelong music lover. “I’ll play any instruments, mostly keyboard and bass, but more than a player, I see myself as a producer fi rst.”
ARK owes his early exposure to a wider musical scene to social media. It started by sharing tracks with the beat music community on Instagram, and it’s since led him to perform places as far away as Portland, Maine, which has become a regular stop.
“I had never even heard of Portland before this, but now it’s a place I call home,” he says. “My friend told me he was pre y underwhelmed by a lot of the beat music he was hearing on Instagram, and then he came across a few of my videos. So, we connected and began making plans to link.”
That Portland friend, known as Fyvr, then invited ARK to Re;Sample, a curated event in Maine for beatmakers who use the Roland SP404SX drum machine.
Aside from the miles traveled, ARK has racked up an impressive 28 releases since 2013. He was also integral in developing Expansions of Q (EQ), a San Antonio-based collective of experimental musicians that also includes 40hands, Brandon Medellin and Episode None. The collective, which served as a label-like umbrella for the artists involved, is now on hiatus.
“It’s not necessarily a label in the sense that we have someone backing us fi nancially but a space where we could create and grow together,” he explains. “I think a rebranding may be in the cards for EQ at some point in the future, but for right now I’m focused on being present in what I do. I’d like to go to Japan and Europe.”
That need to be focused on the present is understandable given the scope of ARK’s work. He’s not only producing, mixing and mastering his music, but creating music videos and maintaining a well-manicured online presence that spans social media, Bandcamp, Soundcloud and his own website.
But like many artists trying to work through the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, he briefl y fell prey to burnout.
“Before I got my current job as a [house] painter, I was doing freelance work including video, audio production, mixing /mastering, graphic design, and I tired myself out,” he says. “Then I had this injury at the end of 2020 that really set me back.”
ARK took a subsequent break from social media and issuing new releases. By switching gears, he was able to fi nd a refreshed view of the world and release mode/net, a 15-track tape that showcases well-produced experimental music featuring San Antonio artists K9 and fellow EQ collaborator 40hands. This release provides not only a sampling of adventurous SA music circa 2021 but a jumping-off point from which to explore ARK’s expansive discography.
Looking forward, the musician and producer says his next goal is to ensure that he’s taking steps that put him on the path to becoming a full-time creator.
“I’m looking to get back into just being an independent artist as soon as I get home from LA,” he says. “If someone asks me what I do, I want to say that I am an artist without them having to ask what my real job is. I don’t want to partition my life into sections. I am an artist, and this is the life that I chose.”
Lupe Martinez
music
Reminder:
Although live events have returned, the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us. Check with venues to make sure scheduled events are still happening, and please follow all health and safety guidelines.
music listings
Wednesday, June 16
Buckcherry
Are you ready to get “Lit Up?” Because you’re guaranteed to hear that “I love the cocaine” song when ’90s rockers Buckcherry blow into Countdown City. And didn’t they have at least one other tune that was in near-constant rotation on KISS-FM back in the day? Bet you’ll hear that too. $26, 7 p.m., Rock Box, 1223 E. Houston St., (210) 677-9453, therockboxsa.com. — Brianna Espinoza Gruene Road, (830) 606-1281, gruenehall. com. — BE
Friday, June 18 Stoney LaRue
With music described as "Red Dirt” country, it's not hard to imagine where Oklahoma singer Stoney LaRue is coming. Love, trucks and jail time are prevalent in his twangy tunes. $25, 8:30 p.m., John T. Floore's Country Store,14492 Old Bandera Road, (210) 695-8827, liveatfl oores.com.
— BE
Three Swings and a Miss
This cooking little combo will turn back the clock with a show dedicated to iconic singers Peggy Lee and Nat King Cole. For fans of classic vocal jazz, it’s bound to be an “Unforgettable” night. $20, 7:30 p.m., Jazz, TX, 312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6, Suite 6001, (210) 332-9386, jazztx.com.
— BE
Thursday, June 17
The Marshall Tucker Band
Old-school Southern rock on a school night? Count us in. This ’70s outfi t’s steel guitar and fl ute-driven songs helped set the template for the Southern rock and progressive country genres, and they’re still on the road after all these years. $45 (Sold Out), 8 p.m., Gruene Hall, 1281
Saturday, June 19
Pat Green
Ever heard that catchy song that goes, "You came upon me, wave on wave"? That classic 2003 country tune was the creation of San Antonio native Pat Green. And Green is still riding that wave, this time into Gruene Hall with a show that will showcase both acoustic and electric numbers. $37.50 (Sold Out), 10 p.m., Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, (830) 606-1281, gruenehall.com. — BE
Jesse Dayton + Harvey McLaughlin
Austin-based Americana singer Dayton has collaborated with artists ranging from Johnny Cash to Rob Zombie since his acclaimed 1995 debut Raisin’ Cain. His musical pendulum swings between country and rockabilly, both delivered with a defi nite edge. San Antonio singer-piano madman Harvey McLaughlin will perform
Facebook / Jesse Dayton
a slew of funky tunes about ghosts and Chinese restaurants. $10, 7 p.m., Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St Mary's St., (210) 455-0233, thelonesomerose.com. — BE
Blue October
Known for platinum singles "Hate Me" and "Into the Ocean," 2000s-era alternative
Courtesy Photo / Buckcherry
MNineties rockers Buckcherry, who once sang about their fondness for yayo, will appear June 16 at the Rock Box.
rock band Blue October are apparently still relevant enough to tour. Let's hope they're still rocking the smoky eye makeup as they bring this acoustic rendition of their live show to town. $35-135, 8 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary's St., (210) 812-4355, aztectheatre.com. — BE
Jarrod Sterrett & the Hired Guns
The Huntsville-based singer-songwriter is bringing his mix of classic and Texas country, rockabilly and Americana to town. Sterrett and his compatriots, who assembled in 2009, released their most recent single “Pasadena” in 2019. $10-15, 8:30 p.m., River Road Ice House, 1791 Hueco Springs Loop Road, New Braunfels, (830) 626-1335, riverroadicehouse.com. — Mike
McMahan
Charley Crockett
Having released 10 For Slim: Charley Crockett Sings James Hand earlier this year, Crockett will hit New Braunfels for a reduced-capacity show. Crockett has faced down di cult situations, having recorded 2020’s Welcome to Hard Times
after going through lifesaving open-heart surgery. His past also includes two felony convictions. In spite of the challenges, Crockett remains committed to music and performing, as well as his goal of increasing the eclecticism of country music, which he feels was largely lost after the 1960s. $23-45, 8 p.m., Whitewater Amphitheater, 11860 FM 306, New Braunfels, 830-964-3800, whitewaterrocks.com. —
MM
Friday, June 25
Emily Wolfe
Austin resident Wolfe is bringing her eclectic Americana sound to the Alamo City. As a testament to her range, the singer-guitarist has played gigs with Heart,
Courtesy Photo / Emily Wolfe
The Pretenders and Gary Clark Jr. and aspires to mix Demi Lovato with Queens of The Stone Age. She released her debut EP Roulette in 2014. It was years in the making, however, as she began playing guitar at age 5. $12-15, 7 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com.
— MM
Friday, June 25 Sunday, June 27
Ryan Bingham
Bingham is hosting a three-night, limited capacity run at New Braunfels’ Whitewater. The roots rocker has a colorful background, having grown up in a variety of Southwestern locales before getting his start on the rodeo circuit. He came into public consciousness in 2009, working with legendary producer T Bone Burnett on the soundtrack to Crazy Heart, which starred Je Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal. That collaboration earned Bingham an Academy Award. He also has a history with Whitewater Amphitheater, having recorded a live album there in 2016. $48178, 8 p.m., Whitewater Amphitheater, 11860 FM 306, New Braunfels, (830) 9643800, whitewaterrocks.com. — MM
Saturday, June 26
Jason Boland and The Stragglers
These Austin-based Texas country stalwarts are making a return to the Alamo City. Hailing from Oklahoma, the band paid dues with an assortment of studio and live albums, fi nally striking paydirt with the 2008 hit single “Comal County Blue.” Shooter Jennings, son of the legendary Waylon Jennings, co-produced the Stragglers’ 2013 album Dark & Dirty Mile. $20-25, 7 p.m., John T. Floore’s Country Store, 14492 Old Bandera Road, (210) 695-8827, liveatfl oores.com. — MM
Jackie Venson
On the heels of her new concert movie, Joy Alive, Austin-based R&B and soul singer Venson is bringing her positive vibes to SA. Venson doesn’t limit herself by genre, however, also having released music via her DJ alter ego jackie the robot (she dropped the capital letters there, not us). The singer spent her formative years invested in the piano but switched to
Courtesy Photo / Jackie Venson
guitar when she realized she wasn’t having fun playing music. During her touring career she’s opened for Jason Aldean, James Taylor and Tim McGraw and cites infl uences ranging from Buddy Guy to Alicia Keys. $15-17, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx. — MM
Pinky Ring + Sunjammer
The charismatic frontman for San Antonio’s old-timey sounding Cryin' D.T. Bu kin & the Bad Breath also has a rock band called Pinky Ring comprised of scene veterans. Bu kin touts Pinky Ring’s sound as “JJ Cale playing Velvet Underground tunes, or something like that,” and we’d be hard pressed to argue. The group will release an EP later this year called Terrifi c Sex with Terrible People that contains a song with an equally inspired name: “Penis in Furs.” Sunjammer, an outfi t well versed in Neil Young’s more downbeat catalog, will share the bill. $5, 9 p.m., Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St Mary's St., (210) 455-0233, thelonesomerose.com.
— Sanford Nowlin
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NOTICE OF PROPOSED ACTION ON APPLICATION FOR CONVERSION OF BASE IRRIGATION GROUNDWATER TO UNRESTRICTED IRRIGATION GROUNDWATER The General Manager of the Edwards Aquifer Authority (“EAA”) proposes to grant applications to convert Base Irrigation Groundwater to Unrestricted Irrigation Groundwater under § 711.342(c) of the EAA’s Rules. A copy of the applications, the technical summaries, the General Manager’s proposed actions, and the proposed amended regular permits are available for public inspection at the EAA’s o ces at 900 E. Quincy Street, San Antonio, Texas Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Electronic copies may also be obtained by request to Jennifer Wong-Esparza at jesparza@edwardsaquifer.org or (210) 222-2204.
The General Manager proposes to approve the following applications to convert Base Irrigation Groundwater to Unrestricted Irrigation Groundwater under § 711.342(c) of the EAA’s Rules:
Continental Homes of Texas, L.P. – Filed application on February 12, 2021. The application seeks to convert 32.965 acre-feet of Base Irrigation Groundwater to Unrestricted Irrigation Groundwater based on the development of the Historically Irrigated Acres (HIA).
KB Home Lone Star Inc – Filed application on February 8, 2021. The application seeks to convert 32.871 acre-feet of Base Irrigation Groundwater to Unrestricted Irrigation Groundwater based on the development of the Historically Irrigated Acres (HIA).
The applicants or any other Edwards Aquifer permit holder may file a written request for a contested case hearing on the proposed action with the EAA by no later than Monday, July 19, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. in accordance with § 707.603 of the EAA’s Rules. The EAA’s Board of Directors will consider approval of the applications and issuance of the proposed amended regular permits within 60 days of publication of this notice unless a request for contested case hearing is timely filed. If no timely requests for contested case hearing are filed, the applications will be presented to the EAA’s Board on the date of the hearing for final action.
This notice is issued pursuant to § 707.525 of the EAA’s Rules.
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Data Architect IV - Rackspace US, Inc. - San Antonio. Responsible the delivery of a robust scalable data architecture that meets the business goals of the organization. Req’d: Bach degree in CS, Math, engineering or rel tech fi eld + 5yrs exp in data architecture, including data transformation, data warehousing and data mining. Send resume to: careers@rackspace.com, Ref. 21655.
Oracle Database Administrator III - Rackspace US, Inc. - San Antonio. Responsible for confi guring, administering and maintaining the Oracle database environments in a very large-scale database environment and mission critical large OLTP and OLAP systems. Req’d: Bach degree or equiv in software dev, DB programming, comp engineering or rel tech fi eld + 5yrs exp in Oracle 11g, 12c as an Oracle DBA. Send resume to: careers@rackspace.com, Ref. 11875.
Data Architect IV - Rackspace US, Inc. - San Antonio. Responsible the delivery of a robust scalable data architecture that meets the business goals of the organization. Req’d: Bach degree in CS, Math, engineering or rel tech fi eld + 5yrs exp in data architecture, including data transformation, data warehousing and data mining. Send resume to: careers@rackspace.com, Ref. 11673.
Cloud Architect - Rackspace US, Inc. - San Antonio. Supports Professional Services engagements with ‘engineering muscle’ and technical consultation assistance, to help customers design systems that are purpose-built and well suited to their target infrastructure. Req’d: Bach degree in CS, comp engineering or rel tech fi eld + 5yrs industry exp in tech engineering and/or pre- or post-sales engineering and architecture. Req’d: 5yrs engineering exp in migration, implementation and production mgmt. Send resume to: careers@rackspace.com, Ref. 27386.
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