Austin, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The British indie-rock band English Teacher recently captivated audiences at the 29th Street Ballroom in Austin, Texas. With their unique sound and engaging stage presence, they performed tracks from their debut album, including politically charged anthems and a tribute cover. Opening act Guiding Light showcased their talents, contributing to an unforgettable night of music that left both local fans and visitors eager for more. The excitement of the event highlights the thriving indie music scene in Austin.
Austin
The British indie-rock band English Teacher thrilled audiences at the 29th Street Ballroom in Austin, Texas, during a recent performance. The band, hailing from Leeds and Lancashire, England, showcased their unique sound, appealing to both local fans and visitors. The group’s lineup includes Lily Fontaine on vocals, Lewis Whiting on guitar, Douglas Frost on drums, and Nicholas Eden on bass, with a special touch added by their tour companion, Blossom Caldarone, who plays the cello and piano.
Formed in 2018 and having played their first show in 2020, English Teacher recently gained significant recognition with their debut album, This Could Be Texas, released in 2024. This standout work earned them the prestigious 2024 Mercury Prize, affirming their status in the indie music scene.
Opening for English Teacher was the Austin-based band Guiding Light. This group consists of Elise Cook on vocals, John Morales on guitar and synth, Rachel Kirk on bass, and Charles Powell on drums. Guiding Light recently made waves with their debut EP titled S/T EP, released in August 2024.
The performance by Guiding Light featured songs like “Stimmen” and “Spiegelbild”, which translate to “Voices” and “Reflection” in German, contributing to an eclectic atmosphere. Due to stage space limitations, Cook engaged with the audience by performing on the floor in front of the stage, enhancing the intimacy of the show. The band concluded their set with “Sterb Doch,” another German song that explores themes of being overwhelmed and self-doubt.
English Teacher continued the night with their own impressive set, featuring the politically charged track “Not Everybody Gets to Go to Space,” which critiques the current class system. They also paid tribute to fellow artist MJ Lenderman with a cover of “She’s Leaving You.” The concert culminated in a two-song encore that included the collaborative performance of “R&B” with an audience member and finished with their popular hit “Good Grief” from their debut EP Polyawkward (2022).
The band’s sound, often compared to influences from The Velvet Underground and Black Box Recorder, was well-received during the concert, suggesting their acclaim and awards are indeed warranted. The evening proved to be a memorable one for all in attendance, showcasing the burgeoning talent of both English Teacher and Guiding Light.
FAQs
Where did English Teacher perform?
The British indie-rock band English Teacher performed at the 29th Street Ballroom in Austin, Texas.
What is the background of the band English Teacher?
English Teacher consists of four members: Lily Fontaine (vocals), Lewis Whiting (guitar), Douglas Frost (drums), and Nicholas Eden (bass). They are joined on tour by Blossom Caldarone (cello and piano). The band has been together since 2018 and performed their first show as English Teacher in 2020.
What notable achievements has English Teacher accomplished?
In 2024, they released their debut album titled This Could Be Texas, which won the 2024 Mercury Prize.
Who opened for English Teacher at the concert?
The opening act for English Teacher was the Austin-based band Guiding Light, which released their debut EP, S/T EP, in August 2024.
What were some standout songs performed during the concert?
English Teacher’s performance included the song “Not Everybody Gets to Go to Space,” and they also did a cover of MJ Lenderman’s song “She’s Leaving You.” Guiding Light performed songs titled “Stimmen” and “Spiegelbild.”
Key Features of the Concert
| Band | Performance Highlights | Awards/Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| English Teacher | “Not Everybody Gets to Go to Space,” cover of “She’s Leaving You,” encore including “R&B” and “Good Grief” | 2024 Mercury Prize for debut album “This Could Be Texas” |
| Guiding Light | Performed “Stimmen” and “Spiegelbild”; intimate floor performance by Elise Cook | Debut EP “S/T EP” released in August 2024 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Austin Schools Implement Turnaround Plans to Avoid State Takeover
Additional Resources
- LoudHailer Magazine
- Wikipedia: English Teacher
- Austin Chronicle
- Google Search: English Teacher Austin
- Hilltop Views
- Google Scholar: English Teacher
- Axios
- Encyclopedia Britannica: English Teacher
- AJC
- Google News: English Teacher
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
