The beginning of the Austin music scene
An integral seed of the Austin music scene from 1967 to 1976, Sonobeat’s prodigious output introduced Johnny Winter, Eric Johnson, Rusty Wier, James Polk, and dozens of luminary Texas musicians to the world.
Sonobeat was there...
The 1960s. Austin, Texas. State capital. The University of Texas. Bergstrom Air Force Base. North Austin vs. South Austin. Colorado River, Lake Austin, City Park, Zilker Park & Barton Springs, Lake Travis & Hippie Hollow, and bluebonnets everywhere. Rock ’n’ roll radio (KNOW-AM & KAZZ-FM). Country radio (KVET-AM & KOKE-AM). Hot fraternity parties with live bands. Hot night clubs with live bands.
Club Saracen, Swingers a Go-Go, Jade Room, IL Club, The Afro, Chequered Flag, 11th Door, New Orleans Club, Broken Spoke, Club Seville, and The Vulcan Gas Company. The Fabulous Chevelles, The Wig, Baby Cakes, Leo and the Prophets, Jerry Jeff Walker, Janis Joplin, Sweetarts, Georgetown Medical Band, Ernie Mae Miller, James Polk, 13th Floor Elevators, Lavender Hill Express, Johnny Winter, The Conqueroo, Shiva’s Headband, New Atlantis, Willie Nelson, and more... Happenin’ sounds.
Sonobeat was there to document the birth of the Austin sound in the ’60s.
In the Spotlight
Who’s Who
Over the course of its nine active years, Sonobeat recorded more than 70 acts – bands, combos, duets, and solos – comprised of more than 210 individuals. Who’s Who catalogs all the acts and individuals we’ve identified through the Sonobeat archives, internet research, and help from Sonobeat family and friends. Even you may be listed!
Shiva’s Headband
In April 2025, we lost one of Austin’s music icons, Shawn Siegel, who played keyboards on Sonobeat’s 1967 and ’68 recordings of legendary Shiva’s Headband. Headed by Spenser Perskin on amplified violin, Shiva’s was a favorite and the de facto house band at The Vulcan Gas Company, Austin’s first hippie music venue. Even though Sonobeat never released its Shiva’s Headband recordings, we continue to celebrate the band’s legacy and lasting impact on the Austin music scene.
Additional Sonobeat features to explore
From how a tiny but influential Austin FM station helped launch Sonobeat to Sonobeat’s connection to psychedelic music pioneers The 13th Floor Elevators to the unique Sonobeat custom 45 RPM singles picture sleeves, we offer fun and informative special features that give you insights into Sonobeat Records and the Austin music scene during the 1960s and ’70s, an epic era in Texas music.
