Mingo Fishtrap: The Soulful Horn-Powered Groove of Austin

Mingo Fishtrap is an eight-piece powerhouse band from Austin, Texas, renowned for their explosive live shows and a potent blend of soul, funk, and rhythm & blues. Since their formation, the group has built a formidable reputation through relentless touring and critically acclaimed independent releases, cementing their status as a must-see act on the American roots music circuit.

Early career

The band's origins trace back to the late 1990s at the University of North Texas, where future frontman Roger Blevins Jr. and several members studied jazz. They officially formed as Mingo Fishtrap in 1996, quickly developing a reputation for their tight, horn-driven sound and dynamic stage presence. Their early independent releases, including the 2002 album "Mingo Fishtrap," laid the groundwork for their signature style, leading to a dedicated regional following in the Southwest.

Breakthrough

The band's national profile rose significantly with the release of their 2010 album, "On Time." This record, released on their own label, showcased their matured songwriting and production, earning widespread critical praise and extensive radio play on adult album alternative (AAA) and non-commercial stations. This period marked their transition from a regional favorite to a nationally touring act, sharing stages with major names and performing at premier festivals across the country.

Key tracks

On Time — The title track from their breakthrough album is a masterclass in soulful groove, featuring Blevins' commanding vocals and the band's impeccable horn arrangements.

Talk to You — A fan favorite and live staple, this track highlights their funk influences with a driving bassline and infectious call-and-response energy.

Sweet Thing — This song demonstrates their versatility, blending Memphis soul warmth with a modern rock edge, showcasing their sophisticated musicality.

Keep It Simple — A testament to their songcraft, this track offers a more melodic, pop-inflected side of their soul and R&B foundation.

Their subsequent albums, including 2014's "Plastic Hamburger" and 2017's "Tall Texas Tales," further solidified their artistic vision. These releases saw the band delving deeper into Southern rock and Americana influences while maintaining their core funk and soul identity, earning them slots on prestigious cruises like The Rock Boat and repeated invitations to festivals like Jazz Aspen Snowmass.

Fans of Mingo Fishtrap's high-energy, horn-laden soul and funk should also explore the sounds of St Paul And The Broken Bones, who share a passion for revivalist soul with a powerful frontman. The New Orleans-inspired funk of Galactic offers a similar instrumental prowess and dance-floor focus. For the blend of Southern rock and soul, check out Tedeschi Trucks Band, another large ensemble celebrated for its live potency. The genre-bending, brass-fueled rock of Lake Street Dive also resonates with a similar eclectic and upbeat spirit.

Mingo Fishtrap's vibrant catalog receives regular spins on a variety of radio formats featured on this website, particularly on stations dedicated to adult album alternative (AAA), soul, and blues. Their music is a fixture on independent music radio stations and online streams that champion authentic, groove-based rock and soul music, making them a perfect fit for programmers seeking energetic, expertly performed tunes.

You can experience the dynamic sound of Mingo Fishtrap by tuning into the radio stations available on onairium.com, where their soulful anthems and funky rhythms are featured in regular rotation for listeners to discover and enjoy.