ARMADILLO NATION – APRIL FOOLS EDITION
Johnny Rude is serving up the best Texas-made rock this evening beginning at 9PM, with new tracks from: @smokecharmer_official, @transmissionlostband, & @theformality_band
PLUS, we’re checking in on @britnylobas and @theswordofficial to see what they’re dialing up next!
Don’t miss out! Listen live on our website here or tune in at 93.7FM Austin
Learn more about The Artists below:
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Austin-based Britny Lobas is a femme-fatale rock, pop, & soul artist who is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. This powerhouse — known for her energetic, dynamic, and passionate live performances — explores the seductive side of rock while captivating and connecting deeply with her fans.
Here is Hollow, from 2022 on youtube:
“The story behind ‘Hollow’ is a vulnerable and powerful testimony, how less than two months before the release, I almost lost my life to addiction and alcohol. It’s an anthem that faces the fear of being so desperately trapped in the dark and the longing desire to be free. I hope that this song will inspire others and give hope in the face of uncertainty.” – Britny Lobas
Smokecharmer consists of founding member Stephen Taylor (Sixteen Horsepower, Wovenhand, PHA and the Illegals, Superjoint, En Minor) with Michael Parent (Cradleman, OTTO), Raul Garza (Hunt Sales, Angkor Wat, Lance Herbstrong, BigDaddy Kane), and Andre Laurent (Southern Whiskey Rebellion). They offer a soulful, rock-groove out of Houston, Texas.
The Sword is a well known Texas favorite! The band has cited Black Sabbath as a major influence, in addition to doom trio Sleep, sludge band the Melvins, thrash veterans Slayer, and heavy metal icons Iron Maiden and Deep Purple, among others.
The guitarists have identified ‘classic’ metal guitar players such as James Hetfield of Metallica, Pantera‘s Dimebag Darrell and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, and Cronise has also described Billy Gibbons (of ZZ Top) as influences.
Revisit the rockin’ anthem Freya (2006) with a live stubb’s performance video from 2011 below, and tune in tonight to hear more about what the band is up to ahead of their April Texas shows:
April 10 2025 – Dallas, TX (Granada Theater)
April 11 2025 – San Antonio, TX (Paper Tiger)
April 12 2025 – Austin, TX (End of an Ear IN STORE – LIMITED CAPACITY) Does April 12th sound familiar? That’s because it’s Record Store Day!
Transmission Lost is the pseudonym of American alternative artist Garret Ashton, singer-songwriter & guitarist based in Houston, Texas. His music contains elements of his rock, punk, grunge, blues, hip-hop, and electronic music.
Originally from the small town of Fruitland, Idaho, he grew up playing guitar with his two cousins and was surrounded by peaceful views of the countryside. His biggest influences stemmed from Linkin Park, RHCP, Yellowcard, Alice in Chains, Foo Fighters, Awolnation, 21 Pilots, Nothing But Thieves, Queen, The Killers, Stone Temple Pilots.
Check out the tune ‘Smashing Pumpkins,’ co-written with Ryan Magnasco.
“The song is about someone I used to know who claimed they knew the Smashing Pumpkins guitarist and would chat with them all of the time. Later, this person would prove to be a fraud. That is why the song is called ‘Smashing Pumpkins’.”
The Formality is an alternative indie rock band of fun light-hearted teens, known for creating music with strong hooks, catchy instrumentals, and dressing very nicely.
The band formed in early 2022 after Benicio Arce (Drummer) invited Kyan Blacklock (Singer/Bassist) to learn covers. The band soon got members Richie George (Guitarist) through social media, then Jeremy Frey (Guitarist) after seeing him perform in the courtyard of their school. The Formality takes influence from groups such as The Backseat Lovers, Arctic Monkeys, and Vampire Weekend, as well as having a strong jazz influence.
