Is Ted Leo’s Career on the Rise Again?

During the early years, it seemed that rock band Ted Leo and the Pharmacists were on a rising trajectory. Their first tours stopped at Rubber Gloves in Denton. Later, they played Dallas establishments, like the Gypsy Tea Room and the House of Blues. But DFW hasn’t seen much of Ted Leo…

Meet the Judges Behind the 2017 Dallas Observer Music Awards

When we shared the ballot for the 2017 Dallas Observer Music Awards last month, we told you we’re doing things a bit differently this year. In the past, DOMA winners have been determined by a monthlong public vote. This go-around, we’ve curated a group of 20 judges who live and breathe local…

20 Spooky Songs by Dallas Artists That Belong on Your Halloween Playlist

Most Halloween playlists suck, especially the ones that feature “Monster Mash.” And there’s nothing too spooky about Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” It’s just a great song. So we tasked ourselves with finding 20 quality spooky songs by North Texas artists that will fit in on any creepy Halloween playlist. 20. “Hellhound…

A$AP Mob Packs the House but Can’t Overcome the Death of its Founder

A$AP Mob Bomb Factory, Dallas Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017 When Steven Rodriguez died in 2015, it was unclear what would happen to the Harlem hip-hop collective he founded, A$AP Mob. Rodriguez, better known as A$AP Yams, was the band’s visionary leader and tastemaker. Recovery from the loss has taken some time. A…

Dallas Poetry Slam Headliner Saul Williams Recaptures His Anger

For the better part of two decades, musician, poet, writer, rapper, actor and philosopher Saul Williams has been challenging the status quo.  “At the end of the day, I just make beats while the world burns,” Williams tells the Observer.  He’s a quiet man with a reserved disposition and speaks in…

Selena Quintanilla Gets Her Own Google Doodle

If you were up late last night Googling that weird rash on your foot or reading conspiracy theories, you already know what we’re about to tell you: Google Doodle is all about iconic Mexican-American pop singer Selena Quintanilla. Twenty-eight years ago, Quintanilla — who grew up in Lake Jackson and…

What We Heard at Rock Lottery in Denton on Saturday

Dan’s Silverleaf hosted the 20th Rock Lottery on Saturday night in Denton. The concept has remained consistent for two decades, but it has taken place in a number of cities. Musicians met at Dan’s on Saturday morning for breakfast and to throw their hats in the ring for a lottery that…