Austin’s music scene tends to get pretty sparse during February as the city prepares for SXSW, but that’s not the case in 2020. This year, there are plenty of shows to get in on, and you can find the best of those here.

One of the bigger highlights this month is the pop-up show Mosaic Sound Collective will be hosting on Thursday, February 13, at the Mohawk. The Human Circuit, Holy Wave, Silver Bars, Danny Malone, and Sydney Wright will all be playing, plus there will other activities on hand, too. We checked in with Dan Redman, founder of the Mosaic Sound Collective, to find out more.

For those don’t know yet, what is the Mosaic Sound Collective?

Mosaic Sound Collective is a creative hub of resources and services in East Austin, housed in a 25,000-square-foot former juvenile detention facility. I’ve been working on the business model for several years with the goal of creating a sustainable nonprofit model focused on collaboration instead of competition. A few of our services and tenants include recording studios (Stuart Sullivan of Wire Recording and Charles Godfrey of Scary American Studio), a screen printing facility, backline gear rental, and repair (Boss Radio Backline), Project ATX6, and lots more.

How can artists or even non-artists get involved with the Mosaic Sound Collective?

We encourage musicians, artists, and anyone who would like to get involved to sign up for our newsletter on our website, and follow us on social media.

Talk about the new And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead album and the Mosaic Sound Collective’s involvement with it.

I’ve been a fan of Trail of Dead from the beginning and they had worked with Charles Godfrey on previous records. Having them record at Mosaic was a thrill for me, and now they’re on tour, celebrating their 25th anniversary and my 21-year-old son, Ben, is touring with them on drums and guitar. It’s an amazing record that is getting some great reviews, and the band is about to embark on a European tour.

What all is in the works for the pop up show on February 13 at the Mohawk?

The Mohawk is one of my favorite venues, and we’re bringing Mosaic out for an evening of music, art, and fun. There will be live art from Peelander Yellow, a silent auction and raffle, and we have a few surprises in store. It’s going to be a great night. We also have a VIP experience, which will start at Mosaic, and include more music, food and beverage, and transportation to and from the venue.

Additional February Highlights:

Lowin — February 7 at Cheer Up Charlies
Lowin, who are led by the big-voiced Sara Houser, are set to put out a series of singles this year. This first one is a synth-y number titled “A Fool For Thinking,” and the band will be celebrating its release on Friday, February 7, at Cheer Up Charlies. Slomo Drags, Yukon Gold, and Urban Heat Island Effect round out the bill. There will be a $4 suggested cover at the door.

Night Cap & Nané — February 8 at The Parish
This show on Saturday, February 8, at the Parish features two up and comers Night Cap and Nané. The former is a rock act who played ACL Fest last year and have a new song titled “Hold On For Dear Life,” and the latter is an indie R&B group with a whole slew of singles coming in 2020, the latest of which is called “This I Know.” Animals On TV will open the evening. Tickets are $12.

Oz Benefit — February 9 at Cheer Up Charlies
Australia’s own Acey Monaro, who also fronts the local act Go Fever, has arranged a benefit for her homeland on Sunday, February 9, at Cheer Up Charlies. It’s a stacked bill that includes Sir Woman, Matthew Logan Vasquez, American Sharks, Kalu James, Croy and The Boys, and more. Tickets are $20 and proceeds will benefit the First Nations Fire Relief Fund and the Native Animal Trust Fund.

Blackillac — February 15 at the Mohawk
On Saturday, February 15, hip hop act Blackillac will take over the Mohawk. Consisting of Zeale and Phranchyze (with a bit of production help from Gary Clark Jr. and others), the duo is expected to release a new album and do quite a bit of touring in 2020. This will be a great opportunity to get in at the start of their adventure. Kidd Jones and Thelonius Love will open the evening. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 the day of.

Strand Of Oaks — February 15 and 22 at C-Boy’s Heart & Soul
Tim Showalter, the main brain behind Strand of Oaks, recently made a move to Austin, and in doing so he instantly became one of the city’s must-see acts. Your next chance to catch the folk rocker will be via his band’s mini residency on February 15 and February 22 at C-Boy’s Heart & Soul. Tickets are $17.

Otis Wilkins — February 27 at Hotel Vegas
Otis Wilkins, which is the versatile side project of Otis The Destroyer’s Taylor Wilkins, will be welcoming a new Walker Lukens-produced single into the world on Thursday, February 27 at Hotel Vegas. Harrison Anderson, Loteria, and Batty Jr. are also on the bill. Tickets will be $5 at the door.