Give me music or give me death, or whatever Patrick Henry said all those years ago. I know you’re tired from work, but the weekend’s almost here. How can you live in the Live Music Capital of the World and not make the most of it? We’ve got a hefty list of album releases and some B-list celebrities cruising through the city. It’s a blast from the past, but Soulja Boy and MGMT’s Andrew VanWyngarden will both be hanging around the Red River Cultural District this weekend. If those two worlds collide, the city of Austin may implode.
Thursday
TC Superstar EP release at Blazer Tag
TC Superstar, fronted by Connor McCampbell, is a performance group with a troupe of onstage dancers who execute sweeping choreography for every song. The pop collective is releasing a new EP entitled “DANCER” with a show at Blazer Tag on Thursday. Entry gets you into the show, and also, two hours of laser tag. TC recently put out a new single “DANCER 3” from their upcoming EP. Game on!
Info: All ages, $20, eventbrite.com
Slurp The World album release at 29th Street Ballroom
Austin alt-rock quartet Slurp the World will be releasing their first full-length album called “Noctuary” with support from Strawberry Milk Cult. So far, the band has put out three singles for their new drop: “Buncle,” “Plastic Leaf” and “Pool Rudd.” Slurp wrote on Instagram, “We are honored to finally be able to share our thoughts and feelings with you all in the form of a beautiful cohesive project.”
Info: All ages, $12, etix.com
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Friday
Water Damage record release at 29th Street Ballroom
Austin’s Water Damage is releasing a new record called “Instruments” alongside More Eaze, Claire Rousay and Font. The band put out the single “Reel 25” and performed at Austin Psych Fest in April. Water Damage is going overseas for a summer tour in Europe. Last year, they released an album called “In E” which included the songs “Reel E,” “Reel Ee” and “Reel Eee.” The fourth track’s name? “Ladybird.”
Info: All ages, $20, etix.com
Soulja Boy’s the Swag Tour at Empire Garage
Get ready to hop up out of bed and turn your swag on, Soulja Boy is coming for “The Swag” tour. He’s already put out a handful of new singles in 2025 and dropped a new album titled “The Influence” on February 7. His most recent release was “Go Get Some Money Pt. 2” on April 4, shortly before he was found liable in an assault and battery case against his former assistant. If his late 2000’s “Pretty Boy Swag” doesn’t appeal to you anymore, that’s understandable, but if you’re still looking to “Crank That,” come down to Empire for a nostalgia trip in your best baggy outfit.
Info: All ages, $25 and up, wl.seetickets.us
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Saturday
The Damned at Radio/East
Remember the Damned? If you do, you’re either wearing a dog collar necklace or collecting social security, or both. This late-’70s London punk band is still touring, even after the passing of their founding guitarist Brian James on March 7. The touring lineup that’s coming to Radio/East consists of their ’80s configuration: Dave Vanian on vocals, Paul Gray on bass, Captain Sensible on guitar and the return of Rat Scabies on drums. The band put out a concert album “AD 2022 — Live in Manchester” last September. It was recorded at their O2 Apollo Manchester show in November 2022.
Info: All ages, $45 and up, wl.seetickets.us
A. Deeplove (Andrew VanWyngarden of MGMT) at Kingdom
Andrew VanWyngarden took over the 2000s indie music scene alongside Ben Goldwasser as MGMT. That in itself makes him a contemporary music hero. So prepare to bow on bended knee when he comes to play a DJ set at Kingdom as A. Deeplove on Saturday with Fatherseed. Lately, VanWyngarden has been releasing remixes of songs, like “Bon Bon” by Fcukers and Pond’s “So Lo.” He also was recently featured on Cola Boyy’s posthumous album “Quit to Play Chess,” set to come out on May 23. On the MGMT side of things, the duo released a new album in 2024 called “Loss Of Life” which garnered positive critical reviews.
Info: 21 and up, $20, wl.seetickets.us
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Sunday
SIMS 30th Anniversary Celebration Concert at Empire Control Room & Garage
The SIMS Foundation, a local nonprofit that provides low-cost mental health counseling and addiction recovery resources to Austin musicians, is celebrating their 30th anniversary with a local music showcase. The family-friendly event will feature music from FastBall, Heartless Bastards, Nolo, Quiet Company, the Bros Fresh, Parker Woodland, Night Glitter, the Point and more. Ticket proceeds will go directly to the SIMS Foundation’s programs, which support the emotional wellness of Austin’s music community.
Info: All ages, $45 and up, wl.seetickets.us
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This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Top concerts in Austin: Soulja Boy, A. Deeplove, SIMS 30th anniversary and more
Reporting by Mars Salazar, Austin American-Statesman / Austin American-Statesman
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
