Kristen’s 2019 Music Mix: B-Sides

Because one album’s worth of songs describing my year is never really enough, here are some B-Sides:


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  1. Deal Casino – “French Blonde” – A little quirky and a lot of awesome, this band with two Joes knows how to rock. Spent a bit of their unexpected UK tour with them, so clearly bonded for life.
  2. Donna Missal – “Girl” – Donna Missal is an inspiration. The message of this song I find particularly relevant.
  3. Avril Lavigne – “Head Above Water” I saw Avril Lavigne at The Grammy Museum and she blew me away playing songs from her new record (as well as a few oldies). This song was put on repeat.
  4. Jamie N Commons – “Heartbreak” – one of my favorite voices released a new EP, Fever Dreams.
  5. The Wrecks – “Freaking Out” – A music mix would not be complete without a song from my boys, The Wrecks, who I didn’t get to see as much this year aside from a dynamic set at the beach.
  6. Frank Turner – “The Lioness” – Frank Turner can do no wrong. His intimate storytelling tour in support of his album, No Man’s Land, was a departure from his usual mosh-inducing sing-alongs, but one of the most memorable and inspiring shows of the year.
  7. Matt Nathanson – “Used to Be” – I unexpectedly found myself at a Matt Nathanson show this year, reminding me of how brilliant (and fun) this artist was, and continues to be.


  8. SUR – “Only Road” – New SUR music! Must listen!
  9. Maverick Sabre – “Let Me Go” – 2010: The year I discovered Maverick Sabre 2019: the year I finally saw him live. Also, the show at which I got to play with a new camera phone (Pixel 3).
  10. Meg & Dia – “Lit Match” – Another old favorite reunites! Their show at The Troubadour was full of nostalgia, but they also released new music this year (Happysad) and this one got me.
  11. Dermot Kennedy – “Dancing Under Red Skies” – I love everything about Without Fear, Dermot Kennedy’s debut full length album. Here’s a deeper cut that I kept coming back to.
  12. Feeder – “Feeling a Moment” – I hadn’t thought about this band in years until I had the opportunity to see them in the UK. I took the opportunity and was transported back in time. Definitely felt that moment.
  13. Dean Lewis – “Half A Man” – Dean Lewis has come a long way since I saw him play The Moroccan Lounge a couple of years ago. With the release of A Place We Knew, I had the pleasure of seeing him several times this year, including a headlining gig at The Wiltern.


  14. Charlotte OC – “Satellite” (acoustic) – Charlotte OC came back into my life in 2019, reminding me that this powerful and passionate singer is one to watch.
  15. Barns Courtney – “99” – Regardless the stage, Barns Courtney will give his all. This year I saw him rock both The Fonda and a small Christmas event in Pasadena. He also released a new album, The 404.
  16. The Hunna – “IGHTF” – 2019 was a quieter year for The Hunna, but they released this song which was SUCH a crowd pleaser at the show they played at The Fonda.
  17. Tones and I – “Johnny Run Away” – This may be the artist I’m most looking forward to seeing in 2020.
  18. Joseph – “Fighter” – The harmonies on this alone make it a standout on the most excellent 2019 release from this sister trio (Good Luck, Kid).
  19. K.Flay – “Good News” – K.Flay has come a long way, this year releasing a new album (Solutions) and headlining The Wiltern!
  20. Banners – “Supercollide” – From the 2019 album Where The Shadow Ends, this guy continues to be one of the nicest and most talented around.
  21. Meg Mac – “Didn’t Wanna Get So Low But I Had To” – 2019: The year I finally saw Meg Mac!