Jasmine Jew-Mendez – Nurturing the Future of Austin Music

My interactions with Jasmine have been few but each time fulfilling. She is a very kind and dedicated musician who wears many hats. As the Director of Operations of the Austin School of Music, she is dedicated to keeping Austin the “Live Music Capital of the World.” She, and the other musicians that teach there are nurturing the future of Austin’s musical talent. Jasmine is a fine example of Austin talent.

I first caught her and her husband in September 2021, at Come and Take It Live. I once again caught her in 2022 at Kick Butt Coffee. She does justice to the bass and has a beautiful voice. Jasmine, tell your story.

1. Who is Jasmine?

Jasmine was born and raised in Brownsville, Tx, but moved to Austin in 2007 to pursue art as a career. She was very shy and reserved as a young person but had dreams of having the confidence to sing on stage one day. Jasmine was gifted a Yamaha 4 string bass by her friend Ricky in 2012 and she started learning to play here and there. In 2013 the opportunity to perform with local band Tombstone Union arose and she had 6 weeks to learn 6 songs to play at Dirty Dog Bar on 6th St. Jasmine accepted the challenge and really started to take bass playing more seriously and joined the band. In 2015 Tarantula Mountain became a side project band, but in 2020 became her full time music gig.

Jasmine fills her time with all things art and music related. She is the Director of Operations at Austin School of Music since 2019 where she runs Rock Camp Atx for the young local rockers. She paints pet and people portraits in many styles and dabbles in a variety of crafty things.

2. Tell me about your projects.

Tarantula Mountain is my baby. My husband JB Mendez started this project as a solo instrumental loop project in 2013, but in 2015 we started working on some songs together as a side project to Tombstone Union. In 2016, we officially began performing as that band. 2020 was the birth of a new era for Tarantula Mountain. I took over lead vocals as well as bass playing. It was a struggle, but a dream come true. I really used 2020 to develop the confidence I needed to get on stage. We did live streams and recorded short videos of songs on my phone so I could get used to hearing my voice. I couldn’t just hide behind my bass anymore, I had something to say! We completed the writing and recording of our first album within the year and released several music videos. Second album is due in 2024.

3. Give me your interpretation of the Austin Music Scene of the past, present, and your hope for the future.

I’ve been a part of the music scene since 2010, primarily as an attendee of shows and then a performer, supporting the local heavy rock and metal scene. It’s been really interesting to watch some of the venues that really made Austin, “Austin,” close. I know I got here late in the game but I am grateful to have experienced the old Emos and 6th Street when it was way more metal. I do feel like it’s coming back around and people are getting excited about live music again. Live stream options that developed out of necessity over 2020 was a game changer! It extends the reach of local Austin shows to a wider audience! I watch the Kick Butt Coffee live streams whenever I can’t make it to a show in person. Grateful to Kick Butt Coffee, Come and Take It Live, Anderson Mill Pub, Hanover’s, and House of Torment for hosting local original acts!! It’s also been incredible to network with so many photographers, videographers, promoters all going out to support the bands to help get Austin back to its musical roots. In my professional gig at Austin School of Music I’m doing my best to build up the music scene for the next generation of rockers! We host summer camps to help get them ready to perform on stage at big name venues in town! So much fun. 

4. A.I. and music, your thoughts.

I think it might be a fun gimmick but nothing will ever replace the real feel of a live musician and their emotions. I’d probably enjoy it more if I had robot ears.

5. What is the question you are never asked?

What my favorite pop tart is? It’s the S’mores one firstly, then the brown sugar cinnamon, and then the unfrosted strawberry.