Self proclaimed “brothers in beard” Jason Kloess and James Mason are gearing up for the release of their debut record The Greatest Thing You Will Ever Learn, out April 22. More soulful kindred spirits than pop stars, Kloess and Mason met in Austin where they bonded immediately over a mutual love for Ryan Adams, Joe Cocker and, most importantly, making music. Now based in Nashville, the duo made the drive over to Austin for SXSW this year where they managed to play for a handful of packed houses. Watch them give life to dance, drink, play with puppies and indulge in nearly every kind of random activity you’d expect from a band at SXSW.
1 of 44
![]()
Our SXSW schedule.
The Roosevelts
2 of 44
![]()
Setting up for the Wreckroom Records showcase at Arlyn Studios.
Jeff Adamczyk
3 of 44
![]()
The control room at Arlyn Studios. This place is amazing! Definitely coming back to record here.
Jeff Adamczyk
4 of 44
![]()
Piano room at Arlyn Studios where our keys player had a late night jam session with Adrian Grenier.
Jeff Adamczyk
5 of 44
![]()
Hayden Cotcher setting up for the Wreckroom Records show at Arlyn Studios.
The Roosevelts
6 of 44
![]()
Jason's gear - Epiphone Sheraton, Gibson Les Paul, Fender amps, Eastman mandolin.
The Roosevelts
7 of 44
![]()
The Roosevelts' gear at Arlyn Studios. Dragging this all over Austin for a week was a delight!
The Roosevelts
8 of 44
![]()
List of bands playing the Wreckroom Records showcase that day.
The Roosevelts
9 of 44
![]()
View from the stage at Saint David's church where we had our official showcase.
Jeff Adamczyk
10 of 44
![]()
Panorama view of 6th street from the Balcony TV taping at Cheer's Rooftop Bar.
Jeff Adamczyk