Austin nightlife just got a little bigger–and a little brighter. Fresh off a luminous label showcase series in London, Austin-based record label Big Indie is set to make a splash on their side of the pond with the Dec. 16 debut of Big Nights: a recurring event where the local label shows off their biggest, brightest talents, and does what they do best: provide a stage to artists powering Texas. The Sunday, Dec. 16 event will begin at 6 p.m. at Antone’s, headlined by newly signed artist Jackie Venson. It’s the perfect kickoff to an event that’s sure to show how much creativity and sheer talent the label and its talented cadre of creators will bring to the Texas music scene and beyond. Doors to Big Indie Big Nights open at 5 p.m. with live music at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and can be purchased here.
“We’re very excited to bring Big Indie, Big Nights home to Austin. After experiencing great success with sold-out shows and great press around the event in London, it is a privilege to be able to host this series in such a legendary venue like Antone’s with a native Austinite, Jackie Venson, as our first signing for the U.S. program,” said David Pennington, co-founder at Big Indie Records. “We are thrilled to be able to bridge these two music cities closer together, and look forward to discovering new talent to export to world.”
Soulful singer-songwriter Jackie Venson, who has signed to a label for the first time in her career for the release of this single, will be center stage and her bring her signature flair and phenomenal talent. Venson’s veritable blend of blues, rock, R&B and soul is a combustible cocktail that, when mixed with her raw power and emotion, always makes for an unforgettable performance. Her distinct style, tantalizing talent and undeniable charm has invited comparisons to Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse and fellow Austin native Gary Clark, Jr. Big Nights is the ideal stage for Venson, as it allows her to showcase her soon-to-be-legendary talent at a legendary venue like Antone’s, all while showing what makes Austin music a must-hear for every Texas denizen.
“Playing at Antone’s is always special to me; it feels like a second home at this point. To have such a big moment in my career celebrated here really means a lot,” said Venson.
It’s also a homecoming of sorts. She’s signed with Big Indie, marking a new chapter for both artist and label.
“As an independent artist, I’ve been very careful about who I’ve partnered with in my career. When I met with David and Richard from Big Indie and we talked about this deal and working together, it felt right and I’m really excited about building our relationship and seeing where it takes us all.”