Otis the Destroyer

Boy meets dog.
Boy starts rock & roll band.
Boy names rock & roll band after dog.
Rock & roll band rules the world.

Sounds like a plan.

Taking its name from front man Taylor Wilkins' simpatico canine, Wilkins and drummer Jud Johnson formed Otis The Destroyer from the ashes of local favorites The Couch, and have subsequently injected a dose of self-described "fast-paced, psychedelic" sound into the Austin music scene.

Like a furious, fuzzed-out tornado set in motion by a velvet glove, both their high-energy live shows and first EP The Dark Arts have quickly turned heads, earning them an opening spot at the Mohawk for Bob Mould and threatening to turn "Otis" into a household name.

And if calling your band Otis The Destroyer isn't evidence enough of a mission statement, when asked what it is about playing live that keeps him coming back for more, Wilkins replies matter-of-factly, "The adrenaline rush and absolute euphoria of entertaining people."

Fair enough.

You can catch a shot of that adrenaline next Tuesday, September 23 at the Palm Door on Sixth in Austin, when Otis The Destroyer takes a break from recording to perform in SXSWfm's HAAM Benefit Day Showcase, an opportunity that Wilkins says is about "helping out a great cause that benefits so many people we know!"

Residual Kid, The Sour Notes and Possessed By Paul James round out the bill of this free show, with doors opening at 7:00PM and music at 8:00PM. All cash and card donations along with 20% of bar sales will go directly to HAAM. - SXSW

Songwriter and musician Taylor Wilkins knew that change was in the air. He and his band mates were ready. And literally moments after The Couch officially became Otis the Destroyer, it was right back to working on new music, a new direction, new recordings and spreading the word. And it’s making quite an impression.

After producing a few singles at 5th Street Studios with a new line-up (mega-talented songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Sarah Houser left the band – friendly parting – to pursue her own musical project, Lowin) and playing a handful of shows, they’ve already been receiving high praises from reviewers and fans alike. Do512 recently invited Otis to perform at the esteemed Do512 Lounge – and included them in an impressive list of 25 Austin bands to watch during SXSW 2014. They’ve already secured an official SXSW showcase. And they’re back in the studio to complete a new full-length album.

Definitely a band to watch. Make sure you see Otis the Destroyer tonight at the Mohawk, 912 Red River, with headliners Ruby Fray, and performances by Dwight Smith and Julia Lucille. Get there after 9 p.m. So very recommended. - KUTX 98.9