Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers

In typical Austin fashion there are a buttload of great shows to see tomorrow night. There's night 2 of Cut Copy at Stubb's or the french electro-pop sounds of Yelle at the Mohawk. But, I'm not going to really highlight those shows, not because they don't interest me. I would be down to attend either or both of those shows but to be honest they really don't need me to draw attention to them. For one, the Cut Copy show is sold-out so even if you wanted to go it's too late now. If Yelle is not sold-out yet it probably will be by the time you read this. Also, those artists are already pretty well-established at least here in Austin.

It's for those reasons that I'd like to draw your attention to a little band called, Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers. Now, with a name like that you can bet that this band means business. Their music is brassy, sassy and has rock 'n roll balls to boot. Like most great music these days Shilpa doesn't really fit neatly in any genre boxes, the rhythm is propulsive the guitar sounds are gritty and the vocals growl, soar and purr depending on the moment. All I can tell you for sure is that if this is the first time you're hearing about Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers I can assure you that it won't be the last. If you want to have one of those stories about seeing a band before they were big then you should get yourself to Red 7 tomorrow night. Shilpa are not headlining so make sure you get there by 9 p or 10p at the latest.


Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers - Heaven in Stereo video via YouTube


Now, if you're reading this and thinking, "Oh shit! I already have tickets to both Cut Copy AND Yelle I can't make it to Red 7 for Shilpa Ray as well, don't stress. Consider yourself blessed to have such first world problems and save the day for May 5th when Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers return to Austin playing at Emo's. That show is actually an opening slot for Man Man, which should give you an idea of the career trajectory for Shilpa's Happy Hookers. Yeah, so if you want to check THAT show out you should just snag a ticket NOW because Man Man shows in Austin ALWAYS sell-out. People effing love them here.


Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers - Venus Shaver video via YouTube