Austin post-punk band Llano debuts video, builds audience ahead of Cactus Cafe show
January 16, 2026
- What: Llano released a music video for their song "Llano" and are preparing to play a show at the Cactus Cafe; their debut album arrived Dec. 12.
- Who: Llano, an Austin-based post-punk group; members include bassist Brooks Johnson, a radio-television-film junior, and guitarist Lucas Hendrix.
- Why it matters: The band has grown its Spotify reach to more than 10,000 monthly listeners, signaling rising local and online interest in Austin's independent music scene.
Llano, an Austin-based post-punk outfit, published a new music video for the song "Llano" on Tuesday, marking the next push after the band released its first full-length record on Dec. 12. The visual arrives as the group ramps up for a live appearance at the Cactus Cafe, where they plan to showcase tracks from the new album.
I spoke with bassist Brooks Johnson and guitarist Lucas Hendrix about the release and their plans. Johnson, who studies radio-television-film, balances classes with rehearsals and promotional work, while Hendrix focuses on arranging the guitar parts that anchor the band's sound. Both described the video drop as a milestone in the album's rollout.
Since the album landed in December, Llano has seen a notable uptick in online listenership. The band's Spotify profile now shows more than 10,000 monthly listeners, reflecting increased streams and playlist placements. That growth has translated into louder interest for local shows and a bigger audience at recent performances.
The Cactus Cafe gig is the next chance for the band to connect with listeners in person. Venue shows have served as a testing ground for the new material, and the band views the performance as an opportunity to refine songs and build rapport with fans. Organizers and venue staff say smaller, focused shows help emerging acts expand their followings.
Johnson and Hendrix outlined practical next steps: continue releasing visual material, book more regional dates, and lean into the momentum from streaming platforms. They credited collaborative effort within the band and support from friends and local venues for helping push the album into new ears.
As Llano moves forward, the combination of recorded output, video content, and live dates provides a multi-pronged approach to growing their presence in Austin and beyond. The band’s progress illustrates how local groups can use digital platforms and intimate local stages to build a regional audience.
Sources
- Interview with band members
- Music video release
- Spotify artist metrics
- Cactus Cafe event information