Playlist: Austin’s Alternative Autumn

Austin’s best new underground music demands to be danced to at your next Halloween party or used as the soundtrack to your friendsgiving feast.

Written by Rachel Green

Illustrated by Bethany Grimm

Musicians in Austin’s alternative music scene have been exploring themes of change and rebirth in 2023 — themes that perfectly fit in with the turning leaves and transitive nature of fall. In the past six months, releases from Austin mainstays have given listeners goosebumps with releases full of reflections on the past; Being Dead’s “Last Living Buffalo” has a beat that is great to dance to, but lyrics and an intense bridge that make it suitable for a night of carving ghoulish faces into pumpkins. Farmers Wife’s psychedelic sound and lyrics about an army of roaches on their track “Swarm” is ideal for setting the mood while you get ready to head out for a co-op costume party. “Star Starter'' by DAIISTAR has an interesting mix of noisy melodies and indie-style vocals that aren’t too distracting for a late-night midterm study session. This fall playlist cultivates an eerie mood, with a versatility in sound that both inspires dancing and reflection as summer and its upbeat pop sounds fade away. It’s perfect to listen to as the days get colder and the nights get longer