Featured Articles

Lifestyle Journalism • 13th April 2025

Hill Country Flyer train ride offers vintage vessel for old-fashioned connection

By John Melendez

While riding aboard a restored train car built in 1950, a certain timeless adage feels all the more at home within the confines of vintage corridors and the stuffy air of decades-old carpet.

11th February 2025

22nd Annual Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival hosts hundreds of artists from around the country

By John Melendez

Above the low buzz of his tattoo gun and the soft roar of the convention crowd at the Palmer Events Center in Austin, Texas, Ohio-born tattoo artist and recent transplant, Taylor Roy, 33, attributed his decade-long career to the serendipity of God.

5th December 2024

Director Vanessa Pla controls chaos through surreal music videos

By John Melendez

You’re looking down the barrel of a fully loaded revolver held by a striking, red-and-yellow clad cowgirl staring straight into your soul.

Medium • 2nd May 2025

El Pasoans seek beloved border-style cuisine in Austin

By John Melendez

As I sat alone at my table anxiously awaiting the arrival of my food, the cozy sense of place inside of El Perrito ATX in Austin, Texas, allowed my eyes to lightly wander around the restaurant.

The Daily Texan • 1st February 2019

In depth at Utalent Records: Tommy Sanchez

By John Melendez

To most college students, the countless fliers and posters lining campus and city streets have long since blended into the background. For Thomas “Tommy” Sanchez, a Utalent Records flier pinned to a light post on his way to class was the difference between a simple hobby and a childhood dream.

The Daily Texan • 23rd January 2019

In depth at Utalent Records: Darien Bernard

By John Melendez

From a young age, music has played a fundamental role in exercise science junior Darien Bernard’s life. Now that he is signed to Utalent Records, he’s one step closer to fulfilling his musical aspirations.

The Daily Texan • 13th September 2018

Rising student rapper Ariea Bastami pushes hip-hop boundaries and inspires others

By John Melendez

When he began writing raps at the age of eleven, Ariea Bastami never imagined he would begin his musical career through dorm room freestyles and UT retweets.

The Daily Texan • 4th October 2018

SIMS Foundation provides mental health and addiction recovery to Austin music professionals

By John Melendez

When Delaney Gibson, one half of the Austin-based electro pop duo SIGNY, entered into a major depressive episode she could not get out of, she said she felt scared.

The Daily Texan • 24th September 2018

Mac Miller tribute celebrates artist’s legacy, raises mental health awareness

By John Melendez

The Austin community came together last Friday in honor of hip-hop artist Mac Miller, who died earlier this month.

29th October 2024

Don Toliver delivers high-octane psych-rap and rock fusion to Moody Center

By John Melendez

It began with a scorching guitar solo.

22nd October 2024

Nuclear Daisies, SRSQ and Lovelorn spike The 13th Floor with noisy, moody show

By John Melendez

Doors opened to the dim hallway of The 13th Floor on Red River last Thursday night, October 17, to reveal a three-act show laced with dark, atmospheric melodies.