I recall seeing flyers for shows being held at sauce house when I was in college, but I used to be more in my shell compared to how I am now to even enjoy something on my own. I always wanted to go, until I went here to this particular show
with a friend of mine and it introduced to so much and to what I have been able to experience to this day! I mean shit I still have the Lucid Den sticker they gave out. Shows like this are where my motto comes from "give that $3-5 show a chance. Who knows you may stumble upon your next favorite song, artist, or band, Hell maybe even all three." Being able to meet Leo and Carlos they really put a lot into these shows not for themselves, but for the community as well. This week's feature is Sauce House, @saucehousetx
We start off by learning a bit about Leo and Carlos the individuals behind Sauce House as they share what they enjoy about The Valley,
Leo: I enjoy the unique culture and scene. There are tons of great local bands and artists down here, which makes planning and throwing shows exciting.
Carlos: The scene we have down here is so special and chock full of amazing artists. The scene is rich with history and is constantly growing and expanding.
There really is! From Palmview, Mcallen, Weslaco, to Brownsville there is so much to see and learn! So many different art styles and bands as well. Does it ever make you wonder by the artists in specific counties/cities that each one has it's own style it makes up? Food for thought.
They continue by giving out a few shout outs as well,
Leo: We have to shout out Carlos' parents for allowing us to throw the shows in the first place for sure.
Carlos: Definitely. My parents have always been supportive, despite not knowing much about the local art and music scene.
Shout out to them for sure! My parents don't know much either, but when I tell them they get very interested in it. Especially my dad with the music.
As Leo and Carlo mentioned "The scene is rich with history and is constantly growing and expanding." Well, what's the history behind Sauce House as they explain "It seems so long ago that we were coming up with the idea of Sauce House, but the general idea of wanting to start a DIY space was that our band at the time (TV Flesh) was having a bit of a problem getting booked for shows. Our first show actually happened before we even had the name 'Sauce House'. The first step was to get local acts who were willing to play a show in a stranger's garage. After getting the lineup locked in, all that was left to do was wait and see how many people would show up. To our surprise, we had a solid crowd show up that night." So TV Flesh came first then Sauce House. I've been recently reading a book called "Death To The Bullshit Artists Of South Texas" and touches base on the Rio Grande Valley music scene. It's a collection of punk rock fairy tales, and just reading "our band at the time (TV Flesh) was having a bit of a problem getting booked for shows" it reminds of the stories in the book because when I read that it just sounds like hell if you won't book us we will and we'll book other bands that don't get booked too! To play at Sauce House (which they made) with other local bands. It increases the exposure to TV Flesh, Sauce House, and everyone else. It certainly is a good combo. They basically solved their own problem! The history behind Sauce House.
From the history behind Sauce House what's the mission statement behind it as they say "Respect the house, and everyone in it. To showcase and promote new artists both locally and any who are willing to make the trip down to the 956. We've had several artists/bands come down who have never even been this far south and it's such a heartwarming feeling to be able to make touring acts feel welcome in our scene." Being by the border sure we don't get what other places may get, but honestly it's been great! Having our local artists mix with others is always amazing to see. Even our hometown bands open up for touring bands must be a great feeling for those opening up to them. It's truly something to see and it's nice.
As continue to learn more about Sauce House what was the first show they held and how was it put together? "After coming up with the name 'Sauce House' and creating all of our social media accounts, we reached out to some other acts and were noticing that some bands were even reaching out to us about wanting to play here. We booked Yruama, ERROR!, 2 Crying Iced Cats, Astral Lotus, and Lil Rashy. This show ended up having one of the larger crowds that we've had since we started throwing shows and it was exciting to be able bring so many people together." Just reading some of these names "ERROR!, 2 Crying Iced Cats, and Astral Lotus." There's just something about that, that well just made me smile. Like these are bands wanting to play and they have a chance to. Having the community come together sharing a couple of beers and supporting one another. There certainly has been growth for sure!
From their first show to their most recent how has Sauce House changed or grown as they explain "The Sauce House itself hasn't changed much actually. Other than minor re-arranging of the area where bands set up, it has stayed relatively the same. What has changed however, is the crowd. The more shows we've thrown, the more diverse the crowd has gotten. At first we'd only see mutual friends and band members from the other bands in the crowd, and now we are seeing different people from different sub-scenes come out."
Appearance wise Sauce House is well Sauce House. I've been there a couple of times now and whenever I bring someone new they just don't believe how all these bands are allowed to play here until midnight basically along with everything else that comes included in a Sauce House show. From my first show experience to my most recent the crowd has grown diverse. From seeing mutual friends to seeing new faces each time. Hey we're all there for a reason!
How do they wish to grow with Sauce house?
"The ideas never stop, whether its to expand as a booking/production company or allowing other promoters to organize shows here, we don't want Sauce House to end. " As they say "allowing other promoters to organize shows here" Do I hear an Outinthe956 x Sauce House show? We shall see. It's good to hear that Sauce House is open to be used to throw a show.
@diseasefreak and @halfclearlungs and TV Flesh, @tvfleshband
When it comes to a night of a show. Looking at the crowd and all the cars in the neighborhood. How does that make them feel? Seeing the community pull through as they explain "It is unbelievable. It's literally just my parent's garage. I've lived there for 20 years and to say that it feels surreal is an understatement. Also, it makes me wish more people would carpool. Lol" I remember when me and friends would be able to park close to Sauce House, but last time haha I was farther, but I ain't complaining! Might need to start building a parking zone and valet parking for Sauce House 2.0
Pillowsnake, @pillowsnake956
Any future artists they wish to have play at Sauce House? "Our main goal is to keep showcasing up and coming local bands. That is our priority first and foremost. However, whenever we get the opportunity to bring a band down to the Valley, we will always welcome them with open arms." That's what it's all about! If we eat the homies gotta eat too as they say. If I had a line up for Sauce House it would be _____, ______, _____, _____ with some ______. What would your local line up be and what would you include?
What are their thoughts on the local D.I.Y locations growing in the valley? "It's sick. The underground scene is where everything interesting is happening, and the more venues we have for these artists to perform, the more growth our scene will see." It's great seeing more spots opening up or people turning their current business to include space for bands to play! There really has been growth and may there be more to come!
What kind of feedback have they received when it comes to their space?
"People like it! It is a completely different vibe than playing at a traditional venue and is more accessible to artists to get in touch with us to get on a show. We are always thinking of ways to make our space more safe and welcoming to people of all backgrounds so we are always open to any feedback and/or discussion of how we could do so." That's really good feedback especially on how accessible it is and communicative they can be with you as an artist. You aren't talking to just a venue owner, but someone like yourself. From artist to artist. From someone who also wants to perform and understands how it may feel having a problem getting on a set list when you're just starting out to just wanting to play.
Feb, 25th at Tropicasa
What's the sort of experience you wish to give to those who come to Sauce House as they say "The greatest thing you could ever hear after doing stuff like this is, "Wow, I never knew stuff like this even happened in the Valley!" People are unfortunately still quite ignorant of the vibrant and thriving music and art scene here in the Valley, so hearing that someone found out about a local band or the scene in general for the first time is quite special." Preach it brother. I hear that. Putting on local music and hearing someone say "Yo where they from, like L.A?" and it's like no dude they're from Mission, Mcallen, Pharr, and so on. It's good to hear that they like it. I used to be this way when I started out. I thought Maddy was an artist outside of the valley, I thought one band wasn't from here, but they actually were! As I began to learn and go through numerous Instagram pages. Each one leading me to something new to see and to listen to it's eye opening to see that THIS is what we HAVE and as they say it's "vibrant, and thriving music and art scene in the Valley." I won't forget my first experience and I hope other people have theirs soon too at any local show! Either a backyard or anywhere else.
Feb, 26th at Sauce House
Leo and Carlos share their thoughts on the local Valley scene,
I love the local scene. It will forever hold a place in my heart. We have amazing artists living here in the Valley and it is important that we make sure that they feel valued and are given a platform to share their work and express themselves.
They also give us one final comment,
Carlos : I'd just like to say thanks to everybody who has supported Sauce House and any other project that I have been a part of. An extra special shoutout to everyone who has been there since that first show we did.
Leo : Find God
Comments