Sonobeat's historical archives

Sonobeat's vault – sealed for decades until Sonobeat Historical Archives opened it up in 2004 – holds Sonobeat's hundreds of original master tape recordings, photographs, and documents that provide an evocative flashback to the dynamic and diverse Central Texas music scene from 1967 through 1976, when Austin was just beginning to stake its claim as "The Live Music Capital of the World". The vault door is open, so join us on a journey back in time.

You better Watch Out!

The spectacular digital remaster of Lavender Hill Express' Watch Out makes a great treat with that holiday iTunes gift card you received. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Watch Out is classic southern rock by one of Austin's premiere '60s bands. Originally released as a vinyl 45 RPM single in June 1968, this was Lavender Hill Express' second Sonobeat release. Our 2018 remaster restores its super sonics! Get Watch Out now on digital download and streaming services worldwide.

A Picture of Me, reframed

A Picture of Me by one of Austin's hottest college party bands, the Sweetarts, launched Sonobeat Records in 1967 and became an instant garage rock classic. In celebration of the single's 50th anniversary in 2017, we lovingly reframed A Picture of Me in a shiny Mastered for iTunes digital frame that brings out its original sonic goodness. You'll find A Picture of Me and its country-rock flavored flipside, Without You, on iTunes and dozens of digital services worldwide.

Welcome to 2019!

Now that it's 2019, step back with us 50 years to take a look at Austin, Texas, the birthplace of Sonobeat Records, in 1969. And while we're reliving Austin's past, we also take a look at what's happening in '69 in Central Texas, the U.S., and the world. Things like the Beatles' last live performance, the first manned moon landing, and the U.S.'s first troop withdrawals from Vietnam. It's Yesterday Once More!

Austin's music scene started here

Where else but Austin would you find Austin City Limits, SXSW, and an A-to-Z musical night life... Back in the late '60s, Austin music is already red hot with it's unique Southern and psychedelic rock, cosmic cowboy, and Afro-jazz scenes, all fueled by more than 35,000 University of Texas students, a thriving high school garage rock scene, and the center of Texas government. Here's where it all started.

Sonobeat Seasons – Winter 1968-'69

Winter 1968 arrives in Austin, Texas, on December 21st. Before year's end, Sonobeat makes its first national label distribution deal, for Johnny Winter's Progressive Blues Experiment album, and prepares to launch into another busy year. Finishing out winter during January through March 1969, Sonobeat focuses on recording Wali and the Afro-Caravan's first album, Home Lost and Found.