Kristen’s SXSW ’13 Mix – Part 1 – Moon Taxi, The Virginmarys, Young Guns

SXSW is my favorite time of the year for collecting new artists to watch. Far be it from me to keep these gems to myself. Here are some of bands and songs I discovered this year:

1. Moon Taxi – “Mercury”

Moon Taxi was the first band I saw this year and they made a lasting impression. Went out of my way to see them again later in the week and this song transformed me into a dancing fiend!

 2. The Virginmarys– “Dead Man’s Shoes”

This Virginmarys was that one band I just didn’t quite get to see, despite multiple “almosts”. They were part of one of my favorite showcases from Wind-Up Records which also featured Civil Twilight, Young Guns, Jillette Johnson, and another fun new discover, Crobot.  I was fortunate enough to see these British rockstars when they came through LA and they lived up to all the hype and went beyond to play one of the more rockin’ sets in my recent memory. New band love!

 

 3. Young Guns – “Bones (Acoustic)”

Going to Austin, Young Guns was one of the bands I was most excited to see. They did not disappoint. I had been introduced to them via this acoustic track, but they put on an amazingly high energy rock show. Still, I will always contend, my favorite rockers are the ones who can best pull off an acoustic take on their tracks…and seeing them play an acoustic mini-set for Record Store Day cemented this band’s talent and a place on my “watch” list.

 

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 4/15-4/21

I didn’t get to go to Coachella this weekend and I’m still quite sad about that (especially since Biffy Clyro’s set was not including on the Coachella livestream), BUT I did spend the day yesterday in the Palm Springs/Coachella area so I was able to get in some music and bask in the desert sun. The best part of the experience was the Coachella after-party, Neon Carnival. Carnival games (I won a stuffed black panther named Carly) and rides (Ferris wheel!), plus a raging dance floor where the celeb-filled party kept going into the wee hours. Let’s just say that today, I am tired. Also, I saw Clint Eastwood.

Still, excited about more music this week. I think what I’m most looking forward to (seeing that I failed to get tickets to The El Rey on Tuesday) would be the arrival of UK’s Young Guns to the LA area. Not sure I can make it to Pomona on Friday, but seeing them play acoustic Saturday afternoon at Sound Check Hollywood has the potential for greatness…

 

Monday: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring Sally Seltmann, Parade of Lights, Laura Mvula (9pm)…FREE with RSVP
ALSO: Chris Stills at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Raheem Cohen and Gavin Turek FREE at Bootleg Bar (9pm)
ALSO: The Postal Service at The Fox Theater in Pomona (8pm)
ALSO: Monday Monday FREE at Room 5 (8pm)

 

Tuesday: Foals and The Neighbourhood at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Great White Buffalo and Raheem Cohen FREE at Hemingway’s (9pm)
ALSO: Escondido at The Standard Hotel (7:30)
ALSO: Xander Smith bday show at Genghis Cohen (7:30)
ALSO: Laura Mvula at Bootleg Theater (10pm)
ALSO: Gary Clark Jr. at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Franz Ferdinand at The Fonda Theater (9pm)
ALSO: Beachwood Tuesdays FREE at The Piano Bar featuring Barnaby Saints (8pm)

 

Weds: Lelia Broussard and David & Devine at The Hotel Cafe (9:30, 10)
ALSO: NO at The Library at The Redbury Hotel …FREE with RSVP
ALSO: Jake Newton and Andy Davis at The Mint (9, 9:45)
ALSO: Holly Conlan at Room 5 (10pm)
ALSO: Tall Tales & the Silver Lining and Ferraby Lionheart at The Satellite (10pm)

 

Thursday: Atomic Tom FREE at the Rooftop of The Standard downtown LA (7:30)
ALSO: Escondido at The Hotel Cafe (10:15)
ALSO: Terra Naomi at WitZend (9pm)
ALSO: Korey Dane at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: Little Green Cars at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Against Me! at Hollywood Palladium (7pm)

 

Friday: The Brendan Hines, Jackie Does Joel, Naia Kete at The Hotel Cafe (8,9,10)
ALSO: Belmont Lights at The House of Blues (7pm)
ALSO: The Call at The Troubadour (9pm)
ALSO: Young Guns and Halestorm at Fox Theatre Pomona (6:30)

 

Saturday: Young Guns acoustic performance and in store signing at Sound Check Hollywood (3pm)
ALSO: Wakey Wakey And Tyrone Wells at The Troubadour (8:35, 9:30)
ALSO: Wheeler Brothers at Bootleg Bar (11pm)
ALSO: Justin Nozuka w/ Marty O’Reilly, London Shover, Stop Motion Poetry at The Hotel Cafe (8,9,10)

 

Sunday: The Silent War Foundation Benefit show at The Hotel Cafe featuring David & Devine, Keaton Simons, Nina Story, Curtis Peoples, Justin Hopkins, etc.  (7pm)
ALSO: The Material with Back Pocket Memory, Rival Tides, Culprit and The Goodnight at The House of Blues Sunset (7pm)
ALSO: The Heavy Guilt at Central SAPC (9pm)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
April 23rd: The Revival Tour at The El Rey
April 25th: Dear Boy at Bootleg Bar
April 26th: Chappo at The Satellite
April 27th: The Virginmarys at The Viper Room
April 27th: The Lonely Forest at The Satellite
May 2nd: Lights at The El Rey
May 2nd: Crash Kings at Saint Rocke
May 2nd: Meiko at Los Globos
May 2nd: The Rolling Stones at Staples Center
May 4th: The Brobecks at Amplyfi
May 4th: Alice Russell at First Unitarian Church
May 4th: Saint Motel at The Roxy
May 6th: Iron and Wine at The Grammy Museum
May 7th: Tom Odell at The Troubadour
May 7th: Dinner and a Suit at The Roxy
May 8th/9th: Milk Carton Kids at Largo
May 9th: Dead Sara at The El Rey
May 9th: Sara Watkins, Fiction Family, Kris Orlowski at Bootleg Theater
May 9th: Mayday Parade and You Me at Six at Hollywood Palladium
May 11th: Speak at The Roxy
May 12th: Stephen Kellogg at The Hotel Cafe
May 13th: Serena Ryder at The Troubadour
May 14th: Sara Bareilles at The El Rey
May 15th: Andrew McMahon at The Troubadour
May 18th: Dan Wilson at McCabe’s
May 18-19th: Overture Con at The Mint
May 21st: Kate Nash at The Echo
May 22nd: Youngblood Hawke at Avalon
May 24th: Sir Sly at The Troubadour
May 28th: Lissie at Masonic Lodge at The Hollywood Forever Cemetery
May 29th/30th: Imagine Dragons at Hollywood Palladium
June 1st: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at The Wiltern
June 1st: CHVRCHES at The Troubadour
June 4th: Willy Moon at The Troubadour
June 5th: Jewel at Saban Theatre
June 6th: Meg Myers and Dear Boy at The Troubadour
June 6th: Capital Cities at The El Rey
June 7th: The Boxer Rebellion at Avalon
June 8th: Bjork at Hollywood Palladium
June 25th: Rachael Yamagata at The Troubadour
August 19th/20th: Ed Sheeran at The Staples Center
September 26th: Hanson at House of Blues Sunset

~ Kristen

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Top 10 Sets of SXSW 2013

It’s been a couple weeks, but people are still asking about our SXSW highlights. We did our best to boil it all down to our top sets of the week.

Amanda’s picks: 

1. Semi Precious Weapons at The Main

I know I haven’t regaled you with the story of how I inadvertently got kicked out of the last Semi Precious Weapons show at Sayer’s Club after only two and a half songs. The gist is that I got jilted on my last Semi Precious Weapons experience and I was anxious for a full and proper show. Despite being tired, sore, and taking some time to rest before going out again the excitement of seeing Semi Precious Weapons lead to some pre-show room dancing as well as putting on some eyeliner for the occasion. Can you tell I was excited? Of course they delivered an amazing show full favorites such as “Drink” and “Free Booze” as well some new tunes like “Aviation High” we can expect to hear off their new forthcoming album. Even though they have a new sense of style, Semi Precious Weapons are as fantastic as ever. Like fellow show goer and friend Trina said, “it’s like falling in love all over again.”

2. Sir Sly at Empire Automotive

Not much is known about Sir Sly but they have to be one of the most buzzed about bands I’ve heard about lately. According to a source of mine, they are composed of session players who decided to start a band. How novel! They had a residency here in San Diego in February and my friend Lauren fell in love with them. I knew they were something I had to check out and I finally got to see them at Empire Automotive. Admittedly, I wasn’t really sure how I would feel after seeing multiple keyboards being set up on stage because really, who needs two keyboards? They were nothing like I had expected and everything I had hoped for all at once. It’s obvious all the good buzz was fully justified for this band. I can’t wait to see where they go from here.

3. Moon Taxi at Sennheiser + Paste Interactive Studio and Lounge at The Blackheart

With a name like Moon Taxi, one conjures up images of a psychedelic synth oriented band full of ooooohs and aaaaahhhh. Or maybe it’s just me. However, Moon Taxi was the first band I saw of SXSW and they were a great way to kick off the week of music. With vocals reminiscent of early Kings of Leon combined with a pop rock edge, they were a fun and groovy band to dance with.  While admittedly I adore the singer’s smiling eyes and gorgeous hair, I was really enamored with their lyrics. My favorite song of their was “Mercury” but their whole set was fun. I enjoyed them so much that I made sure to catch another set.

4. Willy Moon at the Skype Party at The Belmont

The name Willy Moon didn’t register at all in my brain. I was sitting at the Belmont waiting for The Neighbourhood and was enjoying his set while sitting inside. It wasn’t until I heard his song from the iPod commercial that I jumped up and realized I knew who this was! I was even more surprised to see him in a fashionable suit dancing and jumping around while he was singing. It was his last show of SXSW but I never would have guessed it with his crazy live energy. I was really impressed with his show and love his genre bending tunes. I can’t wait for him to get back here so I can see a full set and enjoy the show properly and without walking induced foot pain.

5. Butch Walker at Rachel Ray’s Feedback at Banger’s

I knew of Butch Walker only in passing as an artist’s artist and as the guy who had produced and written for other bands and artists I loved. Earlier that day I caught the screening of his documentary so I had some knowledge of the man behind the music but this was my first time seeing him play. I adored his story telling between songs and of various songs. That’s always a characteristic I enjoy in an artist. I recognized some of his songs from the documentary I saw earlier which made it all the more enjoyable. After seeing him play, I’m making it a point to acquire his music. Such a great artist!

HM: Blackout Party

San Diego’s own Blackout Party made the trek to SXSW to tear up the place. I only managed to catch their last show at Wahoo’s Fish Taco’s (random right?) but they brought their A game! The set ended with a broken guitar after using it to play on a cymbal. No big deal.

Kristen’s Picks:

1. Leogun at VEVO TV Control Room

This show was so good I found myself doing the eyes closed sway. It was perhaps my 5th time seeing British rockers Leogun since I declared them an LMN band love back in October and it was the best (and longest) set I’ve seen them do. The venue was ideal and the audience was in a jovial mood, the last official night of SXSW. My feet had numbed to the walking-induced pain and were ready and willing to dance…and dance I did with a couple of my friends experiencing the band for the first time. Afterwards, I didn’t feel pressure to run off to another show so I hung out for a bit with friends both new and old. It was an idyllic SXSW experience.

2. twenty one pilots at The Nikon/Warner Sound Party at The Belmont

twenty one pilots was my number one band going into the SXSW experience and my number one coming out. I saw them three times and each show was a heart-stopping, fist pounding experience better than the last. The genre-defying duo may have a bit of a shtick, but to me it never gets old. Instead, it becomes the challenge to memorize and capture…I’m pretty sure I took more pictures of this band than everyone else combined.  I’d have to say the set at the Nikon/Warner Sound Party at The Belmont was my favorite.  At one point twp singer, Tyler Joseph, suddenly appeared on ledge of the balcony I was standing on, shocking me into propelling my arms forward into the guy perilously traversing an 8 inch ledge…thankfully he was too “in the zone” to even notice. Also, this venue seemed to have more “fans” and the energy and enthusiasm in the room was a proper fit for a twenty one pilots show.

3. Kodaline at place unknown

I only caught the last two songs of the set from this Dublin-based group, but those two songs (one being the heart-lifting “All I Want”) made my week. I had planned on seeing a proper Kodaline set a day or two before at The Hype Hotel. I got terribly lost and was running late, but I was relieved when I got to the venue to find the band hadn’t started yet. The relief turned to frustration which turned to panic as about an hour after the band was supposed to begin, they had yet to play a note. I had other places I had to be! I stuck it out for the first song and it only took about 20 seconds for me to fall in love with the band whose music can best be described as “soul-warming”. It was very hard to leave and I would have been haunted by that decision had it not been for the happiest of accidents when I wandered past a venue (still unknown) with Kodaline unexpectedly playing on the patio. This moment best exemplifies what I love most about SXSW.

4. Bastille at The British Music Embassy

I feel like I’ve been waiting a very very long time to see Bastille. SXSW 2013 marked the first time the band has played in the US and the entire room was a-buzz with anticipation. I think it was mostly Brits who knew what an amazing deal it was to see this band in such a small space, but regardless, the mood was electric and incredibly energizing. Then the band came on and exceeded my already lofty expectations. I heard all the songs I wanted to hear. I saw the most amazing shirt of the week. Actually, upon reflection, the whole set was a bit like a dream. I’m not entirely sure it happened as it was too good to be true. In my memory, the experience is just a bright glowing orb of happiness.

5. Kassidy at The British Music Embassy

Kassidy was one of the many bands I listened to in preparation for SXSW that went on my “to check out” list. The plan was to squeeze in a few songs from their set at The British Embassy in between Atlas Genius and CHVRCHES….I mean, the venue was en route. I’d been doing a pretty good job sampling bands, a couple songs here and a couple there, but half a song into Kassidy’s set I was completely hooked and knew I wasn’t going anywhere. I mean, I tried. I even walked to the back of the room at one point, but I couldn’t seem to leave the building and slowly drifted back up front. It was like a gravitational pull. There was something about the four gentlemen on stage with their acoustic guitars and harmonies…they didn’t even need drums! I’m not sure how much of the set I caught, but it was one of my favorites. Bonus points for the guy in the band wearing my watch, also on the wrong hand…

HM: The Stone Foxes at Rusty’s

The Stone Foxes put on one of the most engaging and energetic live shows, it’s impossible not to have a good time. This particular set, I ended up providing background vocals for a song. It was quite a memorable moment.

Other Notable Sets:

SXSW ’13 – Day 5

You know SXSW is nearly over when your evenings go from hitting up 2-3 venues/hour to getting to one show/hour to finding one venue and staying there all evening. Well, tonight, my feet decided they were done with the crazy walking so I went to Blackheart and there I stayed for three sets in a row. Wow. Even though all the music was good, my mind regrets all that could have been had I had the capacity to venue hop all night.

But I shouldn’t complain. I did get to see a few bands today. After a brief stop for Irish Breakfast at BD Riley’s, I started my day at The Quantum Party at Whole Foods where I got to catch one of my new favorites, The Wild Feathers. I also briefly popped across the street for one of my old favorites, Frightened Rabbits (I really am loving their new album). Afterwards, I ventured back to Filter’s party at Cedar Street Courtyard where I was able to dance with Brodka and Haerts. Then I simply crossed the street to a cool bar called Oil Tin Harry’s where I caught a bit of Philly’s Zelazowa. It’s a shame that not many people joined me as the brothers of Zelazowa had some great new tunes…

Frightened Rabbit at Waterloo The Wild Feathers

The absolute highlight of my day happened when I was leaving Oil Tin Harry’s to meet Amanda at J. Black’s for The Dunwells. For some backstory, the biggest disappointment of my yesterday was the fact that The Hype Hotel was running over an hour late and I was only able to catch a couple songs of Irish band Kodaline. This wouldn’t be a huge issue except all it took was about 20 seconds of one song for me to fall in love with the band. Leaving was difficult. Then today, a SXSW miracle occurred when I walked past Kodaline playing in a small bar. I still wasn’t able to catch more than a couple of songs, but now at least in total, I’ve almost seen half a set!

Kodaline

The rest of my afternoon included a lovely set by the always charming The Dunwells, singing every word along with Andrew McMahon for Something Corporate’s “I Woke Up In a Car”, and an invigorating walk back to the East side to catch some of the Swinghouse event at Rusty’s and a little Reignwolf at Peckerheads. Somehow, at The Swinghouse event I ended up back-up singer for The Stone Foxes (as long as there is no video evidence, I say that was kinda awesome). So, I guess this marks my SXSW singing debut…

Andrew McMahonThe Stone Foxes

After a happy hour at Moonshine, I decided the best course of action was to sit for a bit in some comfy chairs on the 18th floor of the Hilton Garden inn and listen to Irishman, Declan O’Rourke. Then I took a deep breath and began my night. We caught Sir Sly at Empire Automotive and a second round of Young Guns at Dirty Dog Bar (which, I must say, it not one of my favorite venues) before I headed to Blackheart for the one, two, three punch of Glossary, Jim Lockery & The Solemn Sun, and Frank Turner who, as expected, was an amazing performer. It was the perfect way to close the day and I can’t wait to do it again tomorrow.

Sir Sly Frank Turner

Speaking of the last official day of SXSW, here are some of my recommendations for Saturday the 16th: 

11am- The Never Clock Out Party featuring Ivan & Alyosha (12:30), BOY (1:30), Bernhoft (2:30), The Wild Feathers (3pm), and Civil Twilight (3:30)

4pm- Super Water Sympathy at Firehouse Lounge

5:15- Kassidy at Doc Motoworks

8:15- The Neighbourhood at The Belmont

9:20- Free Energy at The Iron Bear

10pm- Bronze Radio Return at Rebels Honkey Tonk

10:45- Leogun at VEVO TV Control Room

12:50- Frank Turner at Cedar Street Courtyard

 

Did I just plan your day for you? I think I did…

Whatever you end up doing, make the most of your last day at SXSW!

~ Kristen

Kristen’s Top 10 Acts to See at SXSW ’13

I’ve listened to over 1600 bands, RSVPed to countless parties, and have a schedule that is twenty some pages long. It’s impossible to see everything you want during SXSW, so in order to help keep me sane, I’ve selected a few bands that I hope to prioritize in the coming week.

 

1. twenty one pilots

This band is my current obsession after seeing them play in LA at The Troubadour. Their unexpected yet compelling songs and insane live energy make them a can’t miss and I intend to see them upon every opportunity.

Where to catch twenty one pilots:

Wednesday at 4pm at Waterloo Records Outdoor Stage (600 N Lamar)…playing with the also buzz-worthy Tegan & Sara and Macklemore & Ryan so be sure to get there early

Wednesday at 5:30 at The Warner Sound Party at The Belmont (305 W 6th St)

At some point in the week at The Spotify House click here for more information and to RSVP for this pop up show: http://spotifyhouse.splashthat.com/

 

2. BOY

Boy’s album “Mutual Friends” is my favorite album to come out this year so far.  After seeing them live at The Troubadour last week, they have firmly cemented themselves as one of my top picks for SXSW.

Where to catch BOY:

Wednesday 3pm at The Radio Day Stage at The Austin Convention Center

Wednesday 12:30am at The Central Presbyterian Church (200 E 8th St)

Friday 12am at Hickory Street (800 Congress Ave)

Saturday 1:30 at Never Clock Out Day Party at Peckerheads (402 E 6th St)

 

3. Leogun

If you’ve been reading any LMN lately, you know I’m in love with this band from the UK. And one day I will see them play “Drunk Enough” live…

Where to catch Leogun:

Thursday 10pm at StubHub Live Showcase at Old School (401 E 6th St)

Saturday 10:45 at VEVO TV Control Room (304 W 4th ST)

 

4. Frank Turner

I had to miss Frank Turner at The Roxy last week due to illness…sigh. I will not make that mistake again at SXSW. Frank is an amazing performer and has a new album coming out in April which means new songs!!

Here’s the video for the first single off the forthcoming album, Tape Deck Heart:

Where to catch Frank Turner:

http://frank-turner.com/blog/2013/03/south-by-south-madness/

 

5. Bastille

Bastille’s “Flaws” made one of my end of year mixes two years ago and the guy has yet to play a city that I can get to. Sure, he’s from the UK, but still…I’ve been waiting far too long to miss out on a Bastille show.

What to catch Bastille:

Tuesday 1am at The British Embassy/Latitude 30 (512 San Jacinto)

Wednesday 10pm at Club DeVille (900 Red River Rd)

Thursday 1pm at The Filter at Cedar Street Courtyard Party (208 W 4th)

 

6. Young Guns – of all the bands I listened to, Young Guns was probably my favorite of those I’d never heard before
See them Thursday 3:30 at The Wind Up Records Party at Empire Control Room (606 E 7th St)

7. Sir Sly – after finally getting a sense of who these guys are last month at their Echo residency, I’m just craving more
See them Thursday 1pm at The Hype Hotel (301 Brazos St)

8. The Milk Carton Kids – hands down one of my favorite live performances come from this acoustic duo
See them Saturday 10pm at The Central Presbyterian Church (200 E 8th St)

9. Andrew McMahon – because Something Corporate will always hold a very special place in my heart
See him Friday 3:05 at Quantum Collective’s Whole Foods Rooftop Showcase (525 N Lamar)

10. Lions In The Street  – I’ve been wanting to see this Vancouver band for more years than I care to admit…SXSW’13 will mark the first time we’ve been in the same city at the same time!
See them Saturday 1am at BD Riley’s (204 E 6th St)

 

I could go on…but follow LMN on twitter (@_localmusicnat) to see what we’re up to all week and stay tuned here for nightly recaps of our adventures!

 

~ Kristen