11/4/25 ADDS
CURRENT
UPCOMING
RECENT
LIVE
ABOUT
BIG BILL
Sick Myth(TODO)
Add date: 11.18.2025
Release date: 11.21.2025
Austin's Big Bill has spent over a decade forging their darkly comedic brand of philosophical art-rock, captivating audiences nationwide with their raucous live shows and evolving sound. Formed in 2012, they quickly gained a following for their raw energy and endlessly catchy punk songs that defied easy categorization. Maximum Rocknroll Magazine praised their early recordings with a resounding "Weird as hell, quirky-ass rock!" "A cacophony of feverish, chaotic punk and absurdist humor," is how The Austin Chronicle described their live shows in 2018. And as Kevin Curtin of The Austin Chronicle aptly noted, "If Big Bill were from Bristol, Brighton, or London, NME would've long ago run articles effusively praising their peculiar strain of punk and proclaiming them the next-big-thing." This critical acclaim extends to their recording output, culminating in their 2024 album Strawberry Seed (their first without co-founder Cody Braden), which earned accolades for its broadened sonic landscape. They were awarded Best Punk Band at the 2025 Austin Music Awards and named KUTX Artist of the Month in July 2024.
Big Bill's distinctive sound draws from early punk bands like Big Boys and Dead Milkmen to New Wave stalwarts Talking Heads and The B-52's, yet remains truly singular. Eric Braden, the band's primary songwriter, contributes vocals once described as sped-up Buddy Holly, coupled with a singularly weird point of view. His lyrics toe the line between smart and dumb, sprayed over manic, fun-house riffs and intricately relentless drums. The evolving lineup features Braden on vocals, Alan Lauer on bass, Alex Riegelman on guitar, and former White Denim drummer Jeff Olson on drums, reflecting a journey from raw outsider punk into much more sonically varied territory. Lindsey Parker of Yahoo! Music described their early sound as "serving Sparks/Dickies realness with their nervy, punky new wave," while Carys Anderson, reviewing Strawberry Seed for The Austin Chronicle, called that album "an ornate, textured project complete with acoustic guitar, glimmering synths, and classical piano.”
The band's legendary live performances are characterized by Braden's unpredictable stage presence. The Austin Chronicle review highlighted this, saying, "Eric Braden leads his bandmates – dressed in matching tracksuits or coordinated primary colors – with a heightened, climbing-up-the-rafters energy." Pop Press International noted after a 2016 SXSW performance, "With their commitment to oddity, Big Bill won't be able to endear themselves to every listener, but no one will be able to forget attending a live performance.” Georgina Cook of 98.9 KUTX Austin also added, "Their quirky, vibrant punk has gained them a loyal following and a reputation as a must-see live act.” Their compelling live show has led them to tour all over the United States and Canada multiple times, including as direct support for Norwegian art-rockers Pom Poko in January 2025 and opening for the acclaimed Japanese punk rock band Tsushimamire in August 2025. They have also shared the stage with an impressive list of acts such as Gustaf, Bodega, Harlem, Being Dead, The Chats, TV Girl, Surfbort, Snooper, Shannon and the Clams, Omni, and Peaches. Their fourth full-length album, Sick Myth, due out November 2025 on Todo Records, promises to represent Big Bill distilled to its very essence.