What to do on Valentine’s Day

Ava Broussard
Music Journalist

Although it seems New Year’s was only yesterday, another holiday is peering around the corner. If you’ve gotten tired of the same old Valentine’s Day routine, whether it be a simple date night with your special valentine, or sitting on the couch eating the chocolates your mom got you, here are a few local bands playing on the 14th to spark your night full of love, passion, and wonderful music.

Die Spitz

Playing at the Mohawk in Austin, Texas, doors open at 8PM with music starting at 9PM. Die Spitz is an all female punk/grunge/hard rock band originating from Austin, Texas. Ava Schrobilgen is the rhythm guitarist and vocalist, Chloe Andrews is the main drummer, Ellie Livingston is on guitar and vocals, and Kate Halter playing bass and backing vocalists. With inspiration from Bikini Kill, L7 (which they opened for in 2022), Black Sabbath, Nirvana, Meat Puppets, and more, their sound produces a classic take on the punk rock scene. Farmers Wife and P*ssy Gillette will be joining Die Spitz at Mohawks. Farmers Wife is an Austin, Texas band influenced by ’90s rock and ’60s psychedelic rock, molding their sound into psychedelic/alternative rock/grunge. Molly Masson is the lead singer, Jude Hill and Derek Ivy guitarists, Jacob Masson is the bassist, and Jaelyn Valero is on drums. P*ssy Gillette is a female fronted punk rock band based in Austin, Texas. Masani Negloria is the front woman and bassist, Brent Prager plays the drums, and Nathan Calhoun plays guitar. The Mohawks is in downtown Austin with an excellent sound system, two bars downstairs and one upstairs, two mezzanines, and large outdoor venu and small indoor venue.

Memoria, Deerspine, Gulfwar gameboy, Sulk ii, Feelings Left Outside

Each of these bands will be performing at Alchemy Records in San Marcos, Texas starting at 7pm. Based out of Denton, Texas, Memoria is a heavy rock/screamo/metal band, with their first EP out just last December. The members include Luke Shiv, Danny, Ryan Veith, and Misa. Deerspine’s rock/screamo sound takes root in Austin, Texas. Gulfwar Gameboy is also from Austin, Texa, classifying themselves as emo chiptune/hyper pop-punk. Sulk ii is an upcoming metal/screamo/midwest emo band from Austin, Texas, with members Darrel, Tessa, and Lukas. Feelings Left Outside is a rock/emo/screamo band led by a transgender musician who’s latest album released December 12th, 2024 with collaborating band My Dad Died.

If you feel so inclined to celebrate this Valentines amongst metal/screamo musicians, Alchemy Records is the place to be on the upcoming day of love.

Team Trust, Lady Monday, Retro Cowgirl, Deepstate, Okay Quest

With doors opening at 8PM, Honeymoon at 21st St Co-op in Austin, TX is hosting these local bands, along with drag performances by Sir Beau Elliot, Scarlet Ribbons, and Atlas Mars. Team Trust is an Austin, Texas indie/soft rock band with their first EP out last July. Lady Monday is an R&B/neo soul/pop duo local to Austin, Texas, with lead singer Aden Botchway as persona Lady Monday, and instrumentalists Nico Medel as persona NICOCORE. Retro Cowgirl is a Texas based rock band whose members include lyricist and lead vocalist Lucky Steele, lead guitarist Luis Fiallos, rhythmic guitarist Salvatore Sissa, Gabe Jimenez on bass and Jonluca Biagini on drums. One milestone for this Texas band is their music video sponsored by Topo-Chico and their feature in the brands #TopoPremire campaign. Okay Quest is an ambient/techno/experimental DJ sound starting in 2023. The co-ops tend to meet maximum capacity quickly, since it is first come first serve, arriving early is recommended.

Continue to support local bands by attending gigs and showing love, and may your Valentines be filled with exceptional music!