Somar's Radar

  A USTIN , TX – September 1 2 th , 2025 – Alex Hensley & The Heathens, the dynamic Leander -based band led by twenty-f ive -year-old singer/songwriter Alex Hensley, are proud to announce the release of their highly anticipated new single, "No More Postcards," available everywhere to day , September 12th . This poignant track serves as the second official single from their forthcoming sophomore album, Bonfire Smoke , set to release later this year.   "No More Postcards" follows the successful lead single "Too Late," offering a deeper glimpse into the raw, personal journeys that define Alex Hensley's songwriting. Known for fearlessly incorporating his life experiences into his heartfelt melodies, Hensley channels his deep passion for country music into a song that is both a reflection on the past and a step toward the future. The song serves as a lyrical sequel to "Postcards From A Ghost Town," a fan-favorite from their debut album...

In an era where streaming services, social media platforms, and digital music production tools have democratized music creation and distribution, 2025 promises to be a golden year for independent artists. If you’ve been working tirelessly on your tracks and are ready to release new music, this is your year. However, the key to success lies not just in the quality of your music, but also in the strategy you employ to market it. Here are some bootstrapping methods that have helped other independent artists grow organically and can help you do the same. 1. Leverage Social Media Wisely Social media isn’t just about posting; it’s about engagement. Create meaningful connections with your audience by sharing behind-the-scenes content, live sessions, and personal stories. Artists like Chance the Rapper and Billie Eilish used platforms like SoundCloud and Instagram to build a loyal fanbase before they hit mainstream success. You don't have to be an expert of every platform, but pick 2 that ...

  Leander, Texas, March 29th - Prepare to embark on an exhilarating musical odyssey as Alex Hensley & The Heathens proudly announce the release of their highly anticipated debut EP, "Northwestern Tracks." Set to captivate audiences with their distinctive sound and emotive storytelling, the band invites music lovers to join them for an unforgettable EP release. "Northwestern Tracks" promises to showcase the essence of Alex Hensley & The Heathens' artistic vision, featuring a dynamic blend of country melodies, compelling lyrics, and infectious rhythms. With each track, listeners will be taken on a journey through the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, where Alex navigated life while attending college. This EP marks a significant milestone for Alex Hensley & The Heathens, representing the culmination of their creative exploration and dedication to their craft. From intimate ballads to high-energy country themes, "Northwestern Tracks" of...

 🎵🌟 Immerse Yourself in the Vibes of The Contrabandits - Austin's Premier Roots Reggae Sensation! 🌟🎵 Dive into the soulful rhythms of The Contrabandits, your go-to roots reggae band hailing from the vibrant south side of the ATX. 🎸🌆 Led by enchanting grooves, electrifying leads, and conscious vocals, The Contrabandits are set to infuse the Irie vibe into your upcoming event! 🌐✨ 🏆Awarded the prestigious High Times Magazine "Doobie Award" for "Best New/Underground Band" in 2011, The Contrabandits have since graced stages across the US, leaving audiences captivated. 🎤🌎 Our musical journey is a perfect blend of reggae classics and original compositions, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all. 🎤🔥 Having shared stages with notable artists like Collie Buddz, Pato Banton, Everton Blender, Culture, and The Mau Mau Chaplains, The Contrabandits continue to make waves in the reggae scene. 🤝✨ Catch us live at the iconic Flamingo Cantina on 6th St., where ...

There are times when a song comes with a powerful message that brings you through a not so pleasant time in your life. If you are anything like me, you listen to it as many times as you can until the wounds start to slowly heal, 'Just My Sun' delivers a message that many relate to, but very few speak of!  San Francisco Bay Area's iconic lyricists Deuce Eclipse recalls, "At the time of writing this song, I was in the process of trying to have a child. I thought about all the parents that were going through the same thing." Many going through the same life path, remain silent and do not voice how they are feeling. They silently push through and navigate through life taking one day at a time. This first-time collaboration between two talented musicians was birthed 8 years ago at SXSW and together they were both able to bring forth a musical creation that releases some inner private feelings through Deuce Eclipse's very personal message! El Juanio stated. "I ...

Austin's Rockero scene has a new hit heating up the spring, and its brought to the music world by the pioneers of Rock en Espanol in Austin, Boca Abajo ! Recaida is the groups latest release and is growing in popularity around many music circles. Recaida brings a different layer of exposure to Boca Abajo's musical diversity. Recaida embodies their traditional rock roots, and adds a layer of cumbia to help couples come together on the dance floor. The lyrics will have you singing along and just relating to this very emotional and well written tune. Recaida has an ability to capture you to place it on repeat and will be a song that will forever be a HIT! Head on over to Boca Abajo's webpage and download your copy today.

Austin's Boca Abajo has released their new music video and it is a touching tale of what we all may struggle through in life. We have all had that moment when we are fighting through an illness, a relationship, a job stress or just life. You may be or may have that one individual that helps us get through this tough situation, this song embodies all the feelings that we have when we are going through that tough time. Tu Y Yo Contra El Mundo gives you the feelings of conquering the world through adversity. Please take some time to listen to this great song and please be sure to comment on the video.

A night out in Los Angeles can consist of many things like great live music, Hollywood, reality T.V's famous run ins and every once in a while a walk on the beach. Food is another thing this great area does not slack in, and if you LOVE mole boy's and girls do we have a place for you! Deep in L.A.'s Korea town there sits a nice building with spectacular murals outside and a fantastic vibe on the inside. In many cases unless you are from the Los Angeles area you may not realize there sits a haven for all mole lovers. Guelaguetza   and all of its ambiance will not disappoint. They start you off with some homemade chips drizzled with their mole rojo sauce just to hook you and to give you a preview of what lies ahead if you order their famous mole plates. The chips and mole sauce are a great substitute for the traditional chips and salsa most restaurants start you off with. I have to admit that little teaser does make you want to order the mole. I on the other hand resisted...

If you are familiar with Rock En Español in Austin, then you have seen and heard the great band, Boca Abajo. They are a family based 5 piece rock band that has strong roots in Texas music and continue to innovate and drive originality in every track they release. Boca Abajo started their musical journey in the year 2000 and have grown stronger and stronger by providing original music that showcases catchy lyrics and dance-able rhythms. They brought and helped Rock en Español flourish in Austin and continue to take their genre to many platforms locally and beyond. Boca Abajo takes you on a musical journey every time they perform and if you have seen their live show you know they add a mixture of music that will have you singing at the top of your lungs. Boca Abajo is a fun and energetic show to catch. Wowing fans every time they play, Boca Abajo does not disappoint when you bring them to your stage. They have a strong musical talent within each of their members and can mix any and all...

If you grew up in Texas or the surrounding States you may have heard the likes of Little Joe, Grupo Mazz, Pio Trevino, Laura Canales and recognize them as some of the founding members of Tejano music. Now there are more that founded the genre but that isn't what I am disputing, I would like to know if the genre has evolved or has it stayed the same? I remember growing up in a house that supported this music because one of our own was professionally providing for himself by playing on many stages throughout Texas. The love for the music grew strong and throughout the 80's and 90's it was catching on like wildfire. Many were seeing success through this genre and it grew to not only a musical category but a culture. There were artists who wanted to be a part of this Texas born genre in their home states and it was "cool" to be known as a Tejano Artist. There was a pivotal time in Tejano music that caused for the genre to spiral downward and in the eyes of many to com...

LA's music scene has always evolved and the DJ scene has always been a strong backbone as to why bands become successful in LA and other parts of the Nation. LA's DJ scene has brought us legends like Richard "Humpty" Vission, Thee Mike B and Morse Code. LA has also brought us this new DJ that we had a chance to review last May. Mixologist Mikk has been in the EDM, Hip Hop and Pop scene and most recently released a new single, Taken. Somar's Radar had a chance to ask him a few questions behind the track and what inspired this great single. We hope this introduces him to the Somar Community and each of you go out and support his music, locally and abroad. Here is our interview with Mixologist Mikk: Somars Radar: What are your musical inspirations? Mixologist Mikk: Real-life, personal experiences that can be recreated in the form of music  - music that others can relate to Somar's Radar: When did you discover that music was your career path? Mixo...

As the rain let up on Friday October 23rd in Austin, Texas, the air filled with music in our beloved Live Music Capital of the World! With so many activities to choose from, there was one show that flew under the radar that Friday night. Hosted by Austin Vida and Batalla Management at 6th streets infamous Flamingo Cantina and banding together Austin's Dj Vanessa La Bestia , spanish ska band Los Kurados and Oakland's highly energetic Latin alternative band Bang Data . Los Kurados kicked off the night with their ever popular ska and reggae rhythms filled with their fun and interactive showmanship. They had the crowd dancing, jumping and singing all the songs that have made them rise quickly through the Austin Latin Scene. They were followed by Bay Area's Bang Data who tore the roof off the Flamingo Cantina. Bang Data is no stranger to the Austin music scene as they have been invited to play at SXSW and Pachanga Festival. They started off with an electrifying intro an...

September 25th was the night that paired Austin's Pioneers of Pop Rock Latino and one of Austin's longest standing restaurants El Sol Y La Luna  on what turned out to be a night to remember. Boca Abajo delivered an electrifying performance on the day that was proclaimed "Boca Abajo Day" by the City of Austin. Boca Abajo's performance left the crowd asking when they would be taking the stage and where. Along side their friends and family, Austin's Rock Band Kalua started the party off right. They played to a crowd of over 90 people that came out to support Latin Rock in Austin. Kalua delivered a stunning performance playing some of their greatest hits and also displaying some of their new material set to be released soon. Ending the night was San Antonio's 80's Latin Pop Rock cover band Dejavu who are no strangers to the Austin music scene. They had the crowd singing to all of their renditions of many popular songs. They were accompanied on stage du...

DEUCE ECLIPSE AND J. LATELY RELEASE FIRST SINGLE FROM "THE SETUP" On July 17th the world of Hip Hop received a New Track from powerhouse lyricists J.Lately  and Deuce Eclipse . 'Caught Up' is produced by mastermind Jamie Way and is the debut release from their collab project "The Setup" primed to release on July 31st. Caught Up sets the stage for what to expect from the full release, straight Hip Hop lyrics that tell a story and beats that have you adding their music to every playlist you own. Be sure to follow both of these musicians on their social media and also set the date on your calendar to pick up their full album "The Setup" Peace and Support The Music!  'Caught Up'