Foos in Town
Foo Fighters explore Austin's musical roots in latest album and HBO series Sonic Highways
When the Foo Fighters set out to record their eighth album, Sonic Highways, they wanted to do something special. Rather than barricade themselves in a studio, the band hit the road, making stops (and recording songs) in eight American cities with deep musical roots. Being the Live Music Capital of the World, it was only natural that Dave Grohl and company would come to Austin.
The eight tracks of the album, each recorded in a different city, celebrate different aspects of our country's musical history. In an interview with Billboard, Grohl says the Foo Fighters' Austin stop was to explore how our city's musical landscape gave birth to America's first psychedelic band, Thirteenth Floor Elevators.
In addition to Austin, the band recorded in Chicago, Nashville, Los Angeles, Seattle, New Orleans, Washington, DC and New York. "It’s basically the history of American music broken down to the cultural roots of each place," Grohl told Billboard.
During their time spent in Austin, the Foo Fighters and producer Butch Vig hooked up with hometown hero Gary Clark, Jr., who is listed among the guest stars on the new album. The band also paid homage to the 40th season of Austin City Limits with a cover of Roky Erickson's "Two-Headed Dog," which they performed on stage in the show's original KLRU studio.
Austin will also be the subject of one episode of the band's HBO eight episode documentary series likewise called Sonic Highways. A teaser for the trailer reveals Willie Nelson among the interview subjects along with Dolly Parton, LL Cool J, Macklemore, Bonnie Raitt and even President Barack Obama. Adding an interesting dimension to the series, Grohl interviewed many of the subjects himself, including the president.
Sonic Highways, (the series) premieres on HBO on October 17. The album is set to drop on November 10.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
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Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri