Sphynx, Hank and Cupcakes

Cory Dennis, Todd Harris, and Aaron Miller's first glimpse of success came in high school with The El Guapos, an indie-rock outfit that disbanded after three years of packed Austin venues, a capacity performance at the 2009 NAMM SXSW-Underage showcase, and a botched European record deal. While Miller and Harris studied at The University of Texas, Dennis honed his recording and production skills, founding Indie Fort Studios and working with many local and regional artists. The three remained best friends and it wasn't long before they embarked on another musical project, this time experimenting with pop and electronic music. They called it Sphynx.

Propelled by several Austin artist collectives, Sphynx's debut single, "Razberry Wine," was released on two local compilations and picked up by University of Texas radio station, KVRX. Sphynx gained more momentum with the February 2011 release of their debut EP, 'Human Beast.' Critics applauded the EP's "elaborate synth pop," and proclaimed that "here we've got a new breed" who "recycles a bit of history and puts a bit of soul to their songs." During the summer of 2011, 'Human Beast' charted in the top 30 on radio stations in Canada, Alaska, New York, Michigan, Florida, California, Louisiana and Texas. In September of 2011, Sphynx was the featured artist on the website of nationally syndicated radio program, Loveline. The three continued to navigate their way through the world of music and in December of 2011, Sphynx released a full-length version of 'Human Beast,' in Japan on Thistime Records (The Posies, Anoraak, College). During SXSW of 2012, Sphynx was named one of the top 10 best new bands in Austin at The Austin Music Awards, presented by The Austin Chronicle. Dennis received acclaim at the Austin Music Awards as well and he was named one of Austin's top 10 producers. In their SXSW 2012 Awards, Unique Squared named Sphynx the "most shocking wall of sound from a 3-piece" seen at SXSW. Sphynx released their second EP, 'Pre Wild,' in October 2012, garnering praise from reputable sites like AOL Spinner, The Burning Ear, and Pop'stache. The band followed the release with a month-long US tour that included 3 dates supporting Tilly and The Wall and a sold out CMJ showcase at Mercury Lounge in Manhattan. In their review of 'Pre Wild,' Austin-based music blog, Ovrld, called Sphynx "one of the best pop acts coming out of Austin right now."

Sphynx's energetic and bizarre live show "brings together musical elements of punk and glam rock to create a big sound and a live experience worthy of an arena." The group has toured the US consistently since late 2011 and have been official performers at SXSW Festival, CMJ Festival, Bunbury Festival, 35 Conferette Festival (35 Denton), Chaos in Tejas, and more. They've supported Wavves, Tilly and The Wall, Art vs. Science, Baths, Japanther, Maps and Atlases, Holy Fuck, White Denim, El Ten Eleven, Peelander-Z, and The Octopus Project. Despite their busy touring schedule, Sphynx has continued to perform in Austin regularly, becoming one of the city's most flamboyant live acts and selling out Austin venues like The Mohawk, The Scoot Inn, Hotel Vegas, and Lambert's BBQ. Their songs can be heard on independent radio stations around the US and their music video for 'Sha Dynasty' has been played in Tower Records stores throughout Japan. Sphynx is currently recording their debut full-length album.

They dynamic drum/bass duo are returning to Brooklyn Bowl to cap off their upcoming fall tour!