'Native New Yorker' Premiering Now

The lead track from Booker T.'s forthcoming solo record is exclusively premiering now on The Huffington Post, along with Booker's commentary about air guitar and recording with Neil Young.

Potato Hole (ANTI-), Booker's first solo record in twenty years, drops April 21, 2009, days after he plays Coachella with the Drive By Truckers.

Mavis, Booker Sampler Tracks for Free

You can check out the track 'Warped Sister' from Potato Hole, Booker T's first solo album in 20 years, for free right now on ANTI's 2009 Label Sampler. Also included is a track from Mavis Staples' landmark live record, November 2008's Mavis Staples Live: Hope at the Hideout, as well as tracks by Neko Case, Jolie Holland and Bob Mould.

Meanwhile keep an eye out for new North American and European tour dates for Booker T. with his all-new, all-rock, two-guitar, four-piece backing band.

GZA, No Age, Vegans to Judge Holy Hail @ SxSW

Holy Hail is one of eight bands selected to rumble in The Dickie's Upstart Battle of the Bands, to be held outdoors on Friday, March 20, 2009 at The Compound (1300 East 4th Street between Attayac and Navasota Street) in Austin, TX from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. The winner of the Battle will be named after input from judges GZA, No Age and Brooklyn Vegan (in conjunction with audience response) and will win $10,000.

Admission is 21+ and free; for VIP entry to the Dickies Battle, please email your name and affiliation to: battle@dickiesupstart.com.

Holy Hail is also showcasing on the SESAC showcase at midnight on Wednesday March 18, Volume, 614 E 6th St (image).