d The armadillo has been associated with the Austin music scene since the late 1960s but came to full prominence as the namesake and mascot of Armadillo World Headquarters, the iconic Austin music hall that opened in summer 1970. The distinctive illustrations of the armor-shelled mammal that adorned Armadillo World Headquarters are the creation of legendary Austin artist Jim Franklin.
The beginning of the Austin music scene
(Re)discover the roots of Austin music

Shindig! digs The Conqueroo
The January 2021 issue (#111) of the UK's retro-music magazine Shindig! reviews our newly-restored and remastered digital edition of The Conqueroo's 1968 Sonobeat single 1 To 3 b/w I've Got Time. Calling out band members for their unique talents, Shindig! recognizes The Conqueroo as Austin underground music pioneers.*

The beginning of the Austin music scene
Sonobeat Records launches in 1967, just as Austin's nascent music scene is feeling its first growing pains. Through hundreds of recordings of Austin, Central Texas, and national and international acts, Sonobeat documents one of the most exciting eras in Austin music history. Join us on a trip back to the beginning of the Austin music scene.

Back in time 50 years...
As we celebrate the beginning of 2021 (whew, glad 2020's over), join us in a quick trip back to Austin, Central Texas, the nation, and the world 50 years ago, when things were, well, different but the same. Let's look back at some crazy facts and figures, pop culture and trends, and history-making moments. It's yesterday once more...