For more information contact:
Anna Giuliani
512-422-0193
anna@...
Kim Francis
512-299-0843
kim@...

New Austin, TX-based Music & Activism Website Launches:
www.girlstownproductions.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------
February 9, 2005, AUSTIN, TX: Texan activists and music lovers have
a new website to bookmark to keep themselves updated on the latest
indie music and progressive political issues:
www.girlstownproductions.com. The website contains album & live
show reviews, an event calendar, an advice column, weblogs,
political news, and features on bands and nonprofit
organizations that focus on the Austin community and beyond. The
first "issue" will feature reviews of new albums by Ms. Led, Smoosh,
and Manda & The Marbles among others, and exclusive interviews with
new-wavers and Sub Pop recording artists Frausdots and Executive
Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Texas Kae McLaughlin.

www.girlstownproductions.com is the brainchild of Anna Giuliani and
Kimberly Francis, DIY gals, feminists and long-time music lovers.
Their decision to create a site that combines music and activism
grew out of their past involvement with art, music and film festival
Ladyfest Texas. The name for the site was inspired by one of
Francis' favorite movies, Girlstown (dir. Jim McKay, 1996). It also
seemed to fit with the Ladyfest-based philosophy of presenting an
alternative to the typical "boystown" of indie rock and punk rock.

"Music is a natural conduit for activism. It draws people together
and is an ideal forum for personal and political expression,"
explains Giuliani. "Plus, you get to rock and drink beer!" Francis
adds, "We wanted to continue to work towards some of the goals we
set out to accomplish with Ladyfest, such as supporting a community
of artists and musicians that don't always get the press that they
deserve. We hope Girlstown will be a central location where people
can read about independent music, progressive politics, and how to
get involved with what's happening in Austin."

The Launch Party for Girlstown Productions will take place on
Thursday, March 10th from 7-10pm at Church of The Friendly Ghost.
Local Austin pop wunderkinds What Made Milwaukee Famous will play
and Girlstown advice columnist Brea Grant will DJ. Please stop by
for music and cupcakes.

Giuliani has written for the St. Louis Riverfront Times, Austin-
American Statesman, Venus, Bitch and http://www.rocket-fuel.com and
is on the Board of Directors for NARAL Pro-Choice Texas. Seattle-
transplant Francis has worked on women's rights issues for fifteen
years, is a consultant to nonprofit organizations, and is currently
pursuing her PhD in Sociology from the University of Texas-Austin.
Giuliani prefers Sierra Nevada and Duvel, while Francis likes a nice
pint of Guinness. The website was created by Nick Aster's 646
Industries with Moveable Type.

Bands should send CDs & singles to Girlstown Productions @ 7915
Brockman; Austin, TX; 78757 for consideration and should feel free
to email with news, upcoming shows and events.

###