This One Band Shows How Interconnected Houston's Music Scene Is
Ancient Cat Society members from left, Tom Lynch (keys), Austin Sepulvado (vocals, guitar), Sergio Trevino (vocals, guitar, primary songwriting), Tank Lisenbe (drums), Haley Lynch (vocals), and Marshall Graves (bass).
Despite what you might have heard, Houston’s music scene is as vibrant as they come. It’s also incredibly interconnected, with many musicians splitting their time between multiple bands and solo projects. To help you visualize just how tight-knit the community is, we’ve put together a graphic that shows all of the bands that can be created from local folk act Ancient Cat Society, whose members once joked that they could put on a five-band concert by simply reshuffling their positions onstage—plus or minus a few additional players, of course. We’re looking forward to that concert.
Dollie Barnes
American folk act Dollie Barnes is led by Haley Lynch. The band’s ’70s-inspired soundscape is accented nicely by Lynch’s unique, Dolly Parton–esque voice.
Haley Lynch vocals, primary songwriting // Austin Sepulvado vocals, guitar // Marshall Graves bass // Tom Lynch keys // Tank Lisenbe drums
Meet Cute
Tom and Haley Lynch met when Tom booked Dollie Barnes for a show at Ladybird’s. They eventually started dating and are now married.
Vodi
Led by Tom Lynch, this ’80s-inspired band, whose sound was once described by Houstonia as Fleetwood Mac meets the Stranger Things soundtrack, produces übernostalgic indie rock. Other members: Dave Lasko (keys)
Tom Lynch vocals, guitar, primary songwriting // Haley Lynch vocals // Austin Sepulvado vocals, guitar // Marshall Graves bass // Tank Lisenbe drums
Tank About Town
In addition to playing for Dollie Barnes, Vodi, and Ancient Cat Society, Tank Lisenbe is also the drummer for Robert Ellis, Tan Kin (a solo project), and Wandering Bufaleros (with Tom Lynch).
Mister Data
Upbeat indie rock band Mister Data is led by Austin Sepulvado. The band, whose sound feels very R.E.M.-like, released its debut album this past spring. Other members: Jack Gordon (bass), Ellen Story (keys), Gus Alvarado (drums)
Austin Sepulvado vocals, guitar, primary songwriting // Marshall Graves guitar
Bux Buds
Haley Lynch met Sergio Trevino and Austin Sepulvado in 2010 when she became a member of Buxton.
Buxton
Indie rock band Buxton was originally formed in 2003 by Sergio Trevino. The band is releasing a remastered version of their popular 2008 album this fall. Other members: Chris Wise (bass), Jason Willis (lead guitar), Justin Terrell (drums)
Sergio Trevino vocals, guitar, primary songwriting // Austin Sepulvado lead guitar
Mister Busy
Austin Sepulvado, a prolific local musician, is a member of all five bands.
