Wonderbitch
Austin, Texas, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2014 | SELF
Music
Press
For 200 costumed skaters, SXSW ended at the Austin Roller Rink, a suburban venue that became Saturday night's most fun after-hours spot. DJs and local bands with names like Wonderbitch (purveyors of a spot-on cover of Bowie's "Let's Dance") soundtracked some great moves and a few spectacular falls, playing from a makeshift stage built so as not to obstruct the all-important arcade games. In the back, children's party rooms were transformed by trippy visuals and experimental electronic music. Vendors offered homemade jewelry and Mexican crystals. Legs: more tired than ever; chakra: slightly less blocked.
Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/50-best-things-we-saw-at-sxsw-2015-20150323/best-venue-austin-roller-rink-20150322#ixzz3VFJbsU2J
Follow us: @rollingstone on Twitter | RollingStone on Facebook - Rolling Stone
On the hunt since 2013, Wonderbitch - rockers from Austin by way of Indiana - are building on the strengths of their remarkably lush and groove-driven bedroom debut album Wonderbitch Loves You. An influential tide of Pink Floyd, Genesis and Muse is put through a sonic processor and laced with Steely Dan musicality, Texas psychedelia, video games, and the nostalgic sparkle of smooth early 80s pop.
The combination makes for one hell of a strange & fascinating ride, as you can see below in the Crave-exclusive premiere of the slightly NSFW, supremely psychedelic video for "Beingness," the opening track from the band's new, eponymous sophomore album. Watch it below (especially recommended if you're tripping balls at the moment):
Read more at http://www.craveonline.com/music/891123-video-premiere-wonderbitch-get-awesomely-bizarre-in-beingness-clip#UP6mrUeFS2ltvdXO.99 - Crave
Formed in 2013, Austin band Wonderbitch has created a fascinating little hybrid for themselves, blending the sleek jazz rock of Steely Dan, the effervescent indie pop of Phoenix, along with a big, wonderfully garish helping of ‘80s R&B. All those ingredients are on full display on “Johanna”, a bright, sunny selection from their forthcoming self-titled EP, on which jazz, prog, and pop commingle like late ‘80s Genesis and Toto, but also with the contemporary appeal of present-day stars Haim.
“Josanna is a refitted mixture of a slow psych-jam by Colton (guitar) that we would play for friends and drunk tourists on Dirty 6th Street in Austin in an old project, and an abandoned attempt by Butch (drums) at making his first progressive house track,” the band tells PopMatters. “The bright and snappy end result sounds absolutely nothing like either. There were many, many hours of guitar work and intense mix-tinkering fraught with emotions, that finally got their big release into the vocals.”
Wonderbitch will be released 21 July, and can be ordered via Bandcamp. - Pop Matters
www.austinchronicle.com/austin-music-awards/year:2014/category:best-of-the-year/
Best New Band:
1.Migrant Kids
2. The Nightowls
3. Dawn & Hawkes
4. Ulrich Ellison and Tribe
5. Buhu
6. Sweet Spirit
7. Wonderbitch
8. Wrenfro
9. Casual Strangers
10. Spanish Gold - Austin Chronicle
buzzchips.com/#!/blog/cmj-2014-buzzchips-superlatives
They helped hang the BuzzChips sign at our show and they are all ruggedly handsome Southern gentlemen. - Chloe - BuzzChips
"Wonderbitch sounds like Pink Floyd mixed with Random Access Memories from Daft Punk." - My Free Concert
Wonderbitch, an Austin-based quartet, has a similar catch-'em-while-you-can upside about them. I had to dust off my Katy Lied and A Trick of the Tail LPs to be sure, but can now verify there's a Steely Dan/early-Genesis vibe to this band, particularly in its guitar work. I checked the credits for Love You, its Bandcamp album, to be sure Steve Hackett and Water Becker didn't sit in on the sessions. It's good stuff that should be fun to hear live. - Houston Press
https://medium.com/@theaustinlivereview/a-wonderful-excuse-to-be-out-on-a-monday-night-4caecef1ff0
Up next was the heavily anticipated Wonderbitch. Funky, hip and floor bumping, this disco-esque, progressive rock band of experimentalists is headed by frontman keyboardist, Alex Chod. After a successful CMJ Music Marathon run in New York City, Wonderbitch returned to the Austin music scene fully energized and full of surprises. One of those surprises was the release of two new songs, ‘Beingness’ and ‘Please Me Little Tiger,’ played for the first time during Monday’s show. Wonderbitch’s performance felt like a sound clash reminiscent of Franz Ferdinand meets The Doors. Alex Chod’s back and forth change between keys and synthesizer served as the foundation of an act of pure energetic sound. The heavy but unified drums and bass guitar rhythm, delivered by Evan ‘Butch’ Wade and Corey Fitzgerald Spears, drove Wonderbitch’s sound. Along side, Colton Hardin shredded vicious bending guitar solos. Sexy saxophone man Adam Littman, who is Wonderbitch’s latest band member addition, lent his talent to Wonderbitch as he wailed on the saxophone to complement the band’s upbeat, dance floor-gathering sound — tongue in eyeball and everything! Littman is currently working on new projects for his band, Mamahawk, but says he’ll continue playing with Wonderbitch throughout January. - The Austin Live Review
Wonderbitch’s music encompasses everything that’s good about indie rock; it’s danceable, dreamy, and ethereal with a touch of Pink Floyd. They were one of the most talked about bands at SXSW 2015 in the press, including Rolling Stone, who called them one of the ”50 best things we saw at sxsw.” Be sure to catch them Thursday at Swan Dive. - Tour Worthy
Wonderbitch
One of Austin’s most beloved bands, Wonderbitch describes itself as a mix of psychedelic, progressive and disco rock and delivers on the billing. - Everfest
1⅔ Goat
2A Fucking Steak
3Baby Alpaca
4Bikini Carwash
5bön bön
6Call Your Dog
7Cough Uncle
8Drunk Busdrivers
9Gingham Diaper
10Go Back to the Zoo
11Ham Sandwich
12Handsome Ghost
13Happy Trash
14Hot Concubine
15Ill in Meatspace
16Little Anchor, Little Daylight, Little May, Little Racer, Little Radar
17Lost Boy?
18Low Fat Getting High
19Manicanparty
20Mannequin Pussy
21Me Chinese
22Meatbodies
23Mega Bog
24Mexican Slang
25Minute Clinic
26Moon Tooth
27Mystery Sister
28Not Blood Paint
29Penicillin Baby
30Pity Sex
31Prewar Yardsale
32Prom
33Prom Body
34Purling Hiss
35Ravin’ Symone
36Reformed Whores
37The Sad Dads
38Saint Pepsi
39Sex Whistle
40Shark Week, Shark?, Sharkmuffin
41Snackcat
42Surfbort
43Teen Body, Teen Commandments, Teen Men, Teen Mom, The Teen Age
44The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die
45Thurston Moore Is Doing Two Shows
46Tiger! Shit! Tiger! Tiger!
47Twin Guns, Twin Peaks, Twin Wave, Twintapes
48Vomitface
49Vulture Shit
50Wonderbitch - Esquire
http://howdidigethere.podbean.com/e/episode-396-wonderbitch/ - How did I get here
https://soundcloud.com/wblovesyou/sets/texas-radio-live-wonderbitch-music-interview-62415 - Interview
“∆ Wonderbitch ❤️’s you. It’s the truth. The lads from Austin, Texas are here to take over this week’s playlist with some tracks that influence their dancy disco, psych rock sound. Study up on their 2013 album, Loves You, and prepare for a new EP coming out this summer on June 19th at Solstice Fest (Swan Dive stage). They will also be playing on a regional Texas Summer tour. Here’s a teaser video for the single/music video that drops Now for the Wonderbitch Playlist featuring commentary from each of the bandmates [from the photo above left to right ➳ Alex Chod-vocals/keyboards, Colton Hardin-Lead Guitar, Evan Wade-drums, & Korie Spears-bass]. Be sure to subscribe to their spotify for more goodies in the future as well!” - The Seasick
https://medium.com/@theaustinlivereview/wonderbitch-ep-2bddbbac389
On June 19th, Austin’s favorite disco/psychedelic/progressive rock band, Wonderbitch, released their new self-titled EP. People gathered for a night of musical celebration at Swan Dive but were not quite prepared for the face melting that would ensue. Ohhh yes. That is right. This extended play is packed with groovy dance tunes that will have you moving. WB is made up of four members — Alex Chod on keyboard and vocals, Butch Wade on the drums, Colton Hardin on the guitar, and Corey Fitzgerald Spears on the bass. This album was recorded at a home studio with the assistance of Jet Jaguar of IDLE Productions and Mark Schroth of The Recording Conservatory of Austin. It features Adam Littman’s sexy saxophone on track 4 and was mastered by Jerry Tubb of Terra Nova Digital Audio, Inc. Now, on to the review!
The album opens up with a high-energy combination of upbeat synth sounds and fast paced high hat action on the drums. The retro sounds resemble ones that you may have heard on a video game featuring an anthromorphic blue hedgehog that runs around collecting golden rings. (Did you catch that reference?) The first track titled “Beingness” is a canticle of grooviness that pulls you out of your head and on onto the dancefloor. It is an invitation of full presence. Words that stick in your brain:
“Lay down your mind to beingness”
What is “beingness”, you might ask? Beingness is defined as the state of existence. When you lay down your mind to just be, you are living completely in the present moment, and your spirit is lifted to a state of irrepressible happiness. This is very, very good advice.
There is a slow, melodic brake followed by elevated vocals that pose a dire aide-mémoire:
“It’s not too late for you”
The song carries on into slow, intoxicating instrumentals and fades out by repeating the reminder once more.
The next song “Little Tiger” is a sexy and playfully honest dance ballad. It is about the chase for pleasure and seduction. GOOD SEX. It’s what we all strive for right?
“Please, please me little tiger! PLEASE, give me what I need!”
The vivacious vocals and guitar solo could very well make your panties slide right off. Who knows? (Just being honest).
This youthfulness continues on into the next song titled “Amigo”. Although “amigo” means “friend” in Spanish, it is safe to assume that this isn’t about a lighthearted friendship. This song is very upbeat and full of mind-blowing jams and musical connection. The skilled drum fills flow harmoniously with the guitar; the keys and bass follow in accord. The sound is very much like Sweet (A band from the early 70s — Anyone remember Ballroom Blitz?) The musical variations keep you on your toes.
Track number 4 “San Diego” is a summertime feel-good kind of rhythm. It is a mixture of 80’s synth-pop sounds, smooth saxophone, and a groovy bassline that holds the song together. Your feet won’t stop moving for a bit. Especially once you get to the next song.
“Josanna” is (the best song on the album, quite possibly) a compilation of invigorating layers of vocals, synthesizer sounds, and dancey guitar & bass tones. The song begins very chill and builds up until Alex is belting his heart out on the vocals. You can bet that you’ll be screaming along as well as dancing your tuckus off.
The album wraps with the track “I Am One”. It begins with a down beat build up, echoing voices of laughter, and an antedating guitar loop that leads you in to quite the jam. If your face isn’t melted off by now, this will surely do the trick! This song is powerful, fueled by variation, and delivers a nice little reminder of interconnectedness to the crowd:
“I am one with you”
This album truly is a work of art! Great job guys!
Wonderbitch’s “Wonderbitch” EP is now available for download on Bandcamp. In the meantime, you can listen to the complete Wonderbitch’s “Wonderbitch” EP album in the Bandcamp playlist below. - Austin Live Review
Texas band Wonderbitch combines a core rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic with cheesy-yet-enjoyable ‘80s synthesizers for a wonderfully compelling hybrid. “Josanna” comes from the band’s self-titled EP, out July 21. Download the track below below.
“Josanna” (download): - Magnet Magazine
Battling its terrible sobriquet, Wonderbitch let the faint scent of cheese waft over its complex but accessible songcraft. Like a prog act reincarnated as a yacht rock band, the quartet obscured its intent with onstage goofiness that never overpowered obvious melodic gifts and instrumental prowess. There's not another group in Austin that baffles and beguiles in such perfect harmony. - Austin Chronicle
Whew boy y’all! The Readers’ Poll for the 2015 Austin Deli Artist of the Year contest has done gone and finished, and what a hell of a thing it was. We deeply appreciate all of the nominated artists and the fans taking the time to put your votes in, and we think the results are pretty darn interesting.
1. Wonderbitch
Wonderbitch takes the whole shebang for the Readers’ Poll after mobilizing their fan base, which is obviously ravenous for the hard prog-psych riffs and heady concepts this group offers up. Wonderbitch made a big splash on the scene in 2015 with their eponymous record, and it’s obvious that it hit big with the fans from the way they voted their little clicking fingers off for the group. - The Deli Magazine
Wonderbitch: Hard Working Groove Machine
By Micah Jackson
Perhaps you have not heard of Wonderbitch, a strong up and comer on the regional scene. Wonderbitch is a steady stream of attention grabbing pop that feels a little like early 80s pop meets 70s disco. If you have heard of them it might have been at a festival, or through media as it seems like they are constantly topping polls in Austin. The steady rhythm and stark subject matter is humbling to the high spirited sound they make. They are spacey, funky and most definitely groovy. Your body is going to start moving while you are focused on the story, Alex Chod, lead vocalist and keyboardist is unfolding. It can be a lot of fun to ask musicians questions about their motivation, their music, and more. Here is what proceeded in our interchange. Hope you enjoy it!
What can you tell us about the beginnings of Wonderbitch and a bit about the band and anything you feel is significant as individual musicians?
Alex and Butch started the band in Bloomington, Indiana and came to Austin in search of a greater audience. We as a band are constantly pushing ourselves to evolve our sound and our aesthetic, creating our own brand of sophisticated fun through our live performances.
What motivated your work in the early days? Has your motivation evolved or changed with experience, if so how?
The original motivation was to impress musicians and listeners alike with subtle technique and more intricate, progressive songwriting, but that led to us forgetting about what matters first and foremost: groove. Our new motivation has evolved into trying to share an experience with the audience through dance and undeniable grooves. Essentially we hope to be responsible for getting strangers laid while still maintaining artistic integrity. There is no denying the reality of this industry and what it takes to turn something that you are passionate about into a full time career. After years of experience performing and writing, we have learned what the audience wants, and it starts with a more accessible sound.
Who are some of your favorite artists musical or otherwise and why?
We will keep this short and focus on bands that have influenced us
Alex: Steely Dan, Genesis, Tears For Fears
-Sophistication, masterful musicianship condensed into elegant gifts for the listener, cool moods.
Corey: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Iron Maiden, At The Drive In
-Because I'm overcompensating for being short.
Bruce: Queen, mewithoutYou, The Mars Volta
-each one of these bands represents a dramatic shift in how I listened to music, with each one marking a milestone in my personal journey as an artist.
Butch: Beatles, Radiohead, Grandaddy
-those 3 bands have pushed the envelope with such grace, wisdom, and creativity. I love bands that are trying to change the status quo.
Who are some of your favorite (regional, local, or underground) artists? What is it about these artists that attracts your attention?
Gloves INTL, Purple, Calliope Musicals, Mamahawk, Neosho, CAPYAC, Henry + The Invisibles, Second Lovers, The Suffers. What sets the bands apart from other acts, is not only are they the best at what they do, but they all engage the audience in a way that we aspire to.
What do you consider to be a few (or a couple) of your greatest triumphs as a band?
Our biggest triumph as a band is being told over and over again that we are one of the hardest working bands here in Austin. We spend a considerable amount of time working on material, rehearsing, promoting, and trying to learn more about this industry. In a town like Austin, where everyone works so hard to stand out, we are pleasantly surprised to be acknowledged for our work ethic.
What are some of the most memorable shows you have performed at? What stood out to you about those events?
Free Week this year was an incredible experience for us, we played as much as we could and every show was memorable, including the outdoor stage at The Belmont in 30 degree weather. There was also a tribute show to David Bowie that stands out as the highlight of the whole year. We were humbled to be able to pay tribute to an artist that has had such an incredible influence on us as musicians and we definitely felt a huge response from the crowd during the entire performance.
Where are some of your favorite places to perform?
Here in Austin our favorite shows are always at Swan Dive. The hospitality we receive there is like nowhere else, and the venue always has such a frenetic energy that helps fuel our performances. Also, playing regionally here in Texas, the smaller rural towns always give us so much love and warmth when we travel.
What are your recommendations to newer bands?
Take your work seriously. Put the time in. Everyone always gives the same advice, and it’s true. If you apply yourself, you will see results. When promoting, never underestimate the value of the face to face and building personal relationships with your fans. The more you interact, the more people will respond to your content. Be professional but always try and bring the party.
Is there anything else you would like to communicate to our readers?
"Pride is a fool's fortress." -Killface
Hopefully this article will introduce you to Wonderbitch and motivate you to explore their music in more depth. Check out their content laden website.
wonderbitch.com - Red Publication
“So i want you to imagine a beautiful nebulous starscape, close your eyes, you are far away in a galaxy and you are on a yacht but it’s not like a yacht in the ocean. It’s a space yacht. There’s all these space yacht things: space cocaine, space caterers and you’re sailing among the stars. That’s what we want to be,” that’s how Bruce describes the sound of Wonderbitch. Interstellar yacht rock.
I feel like everyone in Austin has told me about Wonderbitch. They’re known for their wild live show and their quirky personalities. They’ve been described as the hardest working band in Austin, a great feat considering how difficult it is to make an impact in the congested Austin music scene. Alex says, “Every band in Austin has 99 problems,” any given night there’s a ton of shows going on. It can be hard to stand out.
Wonderbitch became a stand out because they apply the same business methods to their shows as you would for anything. It’s about consistently good shows, social media, and networking. Bruce says, “We try to put on really energetic shows and we try to put ourselves out there a lot and meet people. You have to have a broad network in this town in general just to be plugged in and know what’s going on.” The live show keeps them coming back, it’s a guaranteed good time. Alex adds, “We try to adapt to internet as much as possible and build our brand. We make sure if someone hasn’t heard us yet they know who we are and what they’re getting themselves into.”
That’s the element a lot of bands lack, the ability to see their music as a business. It’s not a glamorous idea but having that knowledge is what gives bands an edge in a competitive market. It’s equal parts talent and work ethic.
They’ve fully committed to this as their lives. Alex says, “A lot of people our age have decided it’s time to get married and have a kid. Not saying it isn’t possible, but we don’t want to hurt our chances. A lot of people in town just like the act of playing music, they don’t want to make a business out of it, and that’s beautiful. There’s a ton of those in Austin.”
Bruce says, “Every band, every musician goes through this. Except for the rare few destined to explode. They go through the same phases of knowing what it takes to make that dream a reality. So much work goes into this. It’s overwhelming and I think we’re now at the point where we’re willing to put in the work and effort.”
That’s not to say their music isn’t a factor in their success. One analogy that they used was that they create an experience like a good restaurant does. Alex says he wants to make their shows and their album like a vacation.
He says, “We love the seventies and eighties. Album production still gets me. You put in the cd or vinyl and they’ve created this world. This vacation. You’re making this an experience for somebody. I get a lot of inspiration from the people that are trying to uplift you and take you to another planet.”
Austin is the capital of live music and Wonderbitch excels on that front. For a rock band the live show is so essential. It’s a part of the genre and it’s what the fans expect. Their show is an integral part of the experience that Wonderbitch has curated.
Alex says, “For a band like us, it’s important that we can deliver in a live performance and get attention that way. We’re trying to bring the party. We’re trying to get people dancing and we’re trying to get people laid. It’s a simple mission statement and you can’t do that over the internet.
Check them out here, and follow them on Twitter and Instagram: _wonderbitch (for real, their insta game is strong. - The New Nine
Discography
Loves You - 2013
Wonderbitch EP - 2015
Miracle Drive [single] - 2016
Photos
Bio
"Interstellar Yacht Rock"
Wonderbitch harnesses the transportive power of rock to take listeners on sophisticated flights of fancy. Citing psychedelic and 80s pop influence on their sound, they enchant with the visual aspects of their intriguing music videos and spirited live performances.
Traces of Bowie, Steely Dan, and Talking Heads decorate their tunes. Lyrically, their offerings wax New Age, yet the sound is mixed in the charred, weirder edges of alternative. Their whimsical songs explore starkly rendered feelings and subjects that allow them to resonate with an introspective but universal vibe.
“Wonderbitch has created a fascinating little hybrid for themselves, blending the sleek jazz rock of Steely Dan, the effervescent indie pop of Phoenix, along with a big, wonderfully garish helping of ‘80s R&B.”— PopMatters
“SXSW ended at the Austin Roller Rink, a suburban venue that became Saturday night’s most fun after-hours spot. [...] Wonderbitch soundtracked some great moves and a few spectacular falls.”— Rolling Stone
“Top 10 Best New Band 2015”— Austin Chronicle
”There’s not another group in Austin that baffles and beguiles in such perfect harmony.”
Alex Chod - Vocals/Keys
Bruce Smith Jr. - Guitar
Sam Harrell - Bass
Butch Wade - Drums
Band Members
Links