University Star

L.A.X.’s mud-filled set at ACL proved dancing shoes are an accessory – going barefoot in the sludge works just fine.

The Austin-based dance band took stage at the festival Sunday morning, welcoming dancers and fans making their way through the remains of Saturday’s showers.

L.A.X. began in 2005 as an electro duo with Andrew Collins, keyboardist and vocalist, and Erin Jantzen, vocalist.

Recently, the two members became six, with special appearances for bigger shows. Yadira Brown, vocalist, Jonny Oz, drummer, Rory Allen Phillips, guitarist, and Chris Green, bassist, are the newer additions who Jantzen said equals to “the more the merrier.”

“There’s more of a reaction (with the new members),” Collins said. “We’re trying to make production bigger and bigger.”

The band had a temporary eight members for ACL, including Santiago Vela on percussion.

Zelae, a local hip-hop artist, made a guest appearance, creating a crowd-pleasing effect. The members said having more musical talent in the band adds to  the already-established “dream team.”

“There’s a really good understanding of everyone’s roll in the band,” Collins said. “It starts off with the songwriting and the vocals, and the musicians you see outside of us three are adding a whole different dimension. But at the same time, they’re not calling shots. The songs are already written.”

Phillips, who was front man for Rory and the Artificial Heart, has been prevalent in the Austin music scene and plans to help L.A.X. with future recordings.

“He’s someone who has done things and knows what he’s doing,” Jantzen said. “He’s easy to work with and really fun. We all just like to hang out.”

L.A.X. said their name brings about commonly asked questions, and it comes from a brainstorm that worked for who they are.

“Plus, we are all certified pilots,” Brown said jokingly.

The 10-song L EP is the precedent to what the band hopes will be a 12-song album this spring, following their presence at Fun Fun Fun Fest.

ACL was the band’s largest appearance, and they attribute the recent growth to bigger sound and new relationships.

“We’ve formed really good relationships with a lot of local people, and they help us as we help them,” Jantzen said.

Brown credited the original members for the platform they started as a duo.

“The sound is bigger and definitely a lot crazier, but they put in a lot of work before the rest of us got here to fully develop it,” Brown said.

Fans took note of their change in sound and size, and Lindsay Clause, English junior, thinks it is an improvement.

“I love them,” Clause said. “I’ve been following them since they started. I was actually listening to their first album last night and I think it’s drastically better. They have matured a lot in their sound.”

Collins, Texas State student, said it is hard work balancing between being a musician and studying.

“I have a test on Monday,” Collins said. “I’ve been at Texas State since 2002, on and off. Being a student is necessary, but being a musician is awesome, too.”

Having to delay graduation for a music career is not something that worries Collins.

“I hope we get an offer and it’s another three years before I graduate,” Collins said laughing.

“A house beat making love with synth” is the self-described sound of L.A.X. The band said to be on the look out for their new album with upcoming touring dates.

“I have really high hopes for it,” Jantzen said.