Austin TV

Progressive instrumental rock band/performance artists Austin TV first came together in 2001 in the capital city of their native Mexico. Chato (guitar), Isachar (guitar), Pasa (bass), and Xna Yer (drums) assembled in October, performing publicly for the first time a few short months later. Shortly thereafter they were joined by synth/sampler expert Chio San, rounding out the lineup that would remain consistent until Pasa was replaced by Ratón as the group's bass player in 2004. The group elected to remain solely instrumental, striving to express a range of ideas and emotions without voice or lyrics. Attracted by the idea that listeners could interpret their music uniquely and individually, the band crafted its shows similarly. Austin TV set out to never play the same show twice, changing song order and arrangement whenever possible. The band released its debut EP in 2002. The self-titled work was followed a year later by Austin TV's first full-length record, La Ultima Noche del Mundo. Austin TV were regularly photographed performing behind rabbit masks, inspired by their album's cover art. Following their 2004 release, Asrael, Austin TV toured extensively without another original release before 2007. The band's breakthrough project, Fontana Bella, earned them a place on Mexican airplay charts and on some of the most important stages in North America. Behind "Leaf Men" masks, Austin TV took the stage at the famous SXSW festival, New York's LAMC, and the Personal Festival in Buenos Aires, Argentina. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, Rovi