Local Music Nation

New Music Tuesday 4/16 (and beyond) featuring The Neighbourhood, Arcane Roots, Andrew Ripp

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Kristen

So, this is kind of cruel, but most of the albums I’m getting excited about today aren’t actually being released today. My inbox this morning was full of upcoming musical goodness, and I felt inspired to share. There are actually quite a few high-profile albums out today that I’ll eventually get around to checking out, but honestly, what I can’t seem to get past are the following musical teasers. I also have a couple musical suggestions if you need new music now…

The Neighbourhood – I Love You

This album will come out next Tuesday (April 23^rd), but the stream was released today via Rolling Stone and I can’t stop listening. The band is playing LA tonight, opening for Foals at The El Rey. The show is sold out, but listening to the album, I got a bit overexcited and stalked Craigslist and Ticketmaster until I came up with an available ticket (happy late birthday present to me!). Seriously, the idea of having more than the brilliant 5 song EP makes me giddy.

Go here to listen and here to pre-order.

Arcane Roots – Blood & Chemistry

I’ve been waiting for more music from this British rock outfit for a few months now. Their first full-length album, Blood & Chemistry comes out in the UK May 6^th…not sure what that means for us poor folk in the US, but this album teaser makes me think I might be importing this one…

Their first single off of the album makes me a bit dizzy, but in a feels like I’m at the show bouncing around kind of way…

Andrew Ripp– Won’t Let Go

Ever since a friend shared Andrew Ripp’s track “Dresden Wine”, I have been a fan of this singer/songwriter, currently from Nashville. I’m looking forward to diving in to this newest release of his.

Itunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wont-let-go/id632774958

NCIS: LA TV Show Soundtrack – Various Artists

There were too many great artists on this soundtrack not to check it out…especially since it was streaming here. It’s quite the variety of music and yes, just about every song would work to ramp up the emotional intensity of a dramatic scene. Artists include Daughtry, Allen Stone, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Alex Clare, Jakob Dylan, etc. My favorite tracks were the ones from The Wild Feathers, Adrian Lux f. The Good Natured, and a slow/sad one from Gaslight Anthem (below)

Other albums released today worth checking into:

Fall Out Boy – Save Rock N Roll
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Mosquito
Sarah Brightman – Dreamchaser
Iron & Wine – Ghost on Ghost
Jessie Ware – Devotion
Charlie XCX – True Romance
The Summer Set – Legendary
Olly Murs – Right Place, Right Time

~ Kristen

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

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Kristen

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

~ Kristen

Kristen’s Top 5 Acts to See at Coachella 2013

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Kristen

It’ s that time again! California’s favorite two weekend desert music festival is almost upon us. I’m (sadly) not attending this year, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t listen to all of the artist and compile a short list of the artists I would most want to see. Plus, you know, there’s the livestream! http://www.youtube.com/coachella

But if you’re venturing out to Indio this year, here’s who I’d recommend making the time to see:

1. Biffy Clyro

I almost completely rearranged my schedule and budget when I saw my beloved Scottish rockers on the line-up this year. I implore you to go see them in my stead. Their live show is one of my absolute favorites. Their new album, Opposites, is back in my car player in honor of the “so close yet so far” status. In between weekends the band is opening for Muse on the east coast.

Video from their most recently single:

2. The Neighbourhood

Every chance I get to see this band, I’m there. I saw them a couple times at SXSW and it almost felt like I was saying goodbye. I think they are becoming too big for me to see on the regular. They don’t even have a proper album out yet. So, if you haven’t seen or heard The Neighbourhood, Coachella would be the perfect opportunity to check them out!

3. Reignwolf

I know Coachella can get a bit warm, but if you’re looking for a proper face melting experience, look no further than Reignwolf. Listening to the bands on this year’s line-up, I felt that what was lacking was some solid straight-up rock music. If you feel the same, you don’t want to miss out on this one.

4. The Postal Service

I’d be remiss if I didn’t include the band that gave us the still ubiquitous “Such Great Heights”. I mean, they haven’t toured in ten years and rumor has it new music is on the horizon. Aren’t you curious? I sure am!

5. Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Have you heard the stream of their new album? Enough said.

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 4/8-4/14

Posted on April 7, 2013 by Kristen

Watching some season 1 Veronica Mars in honor of the super successful Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the VM movie. I’m excited (and yes, I pledged). I’ve seen these episodes so many times, it’s the perfect background for getting some work done.

Speaking of work, it’s been overtime for me lately, so I haven’t been going to as many shows. There are some good ones next week too. I’m most excited about Curtis Peoples’ record release show on Wednesday at The Roxy. Then of course, if you’re lucky enough to have tickets, week 1 of Coachella is this weekend. Please go and enjoy Biffy Clyro for me…

Here’s what else I’d recommend:

Monday: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring Escondido and The Dustbowl Revival (9pm)…FREE with RSVP
ALSO: Audra Mae FREE at The Central SAPC (8pm)
ALSO: Abbot Kinney FREE at Silverlake Lounge (11pm)
ALSO: The Diamond Light at Gavin Turek FREE at Bootleg Bar (10pm)
ALSO: Thao & The Get Down Stay Down at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Monday Monday FREE at Room 5 (8pm)

Tuesday: Mackenzie Bourg at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Juliet Simms at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Death of a Star at House of Blues (9:30)
ALSO: Toy Bombs and Eastern Conference Champions at Bootleg Bar (9pm)
ALSO: Beachwood Tuesdays FREE at The Piano Bar (8pm)

Weds: Curtis Peoples at The Roxy (10pm)…album release show!
ALSO: David & Devine at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: Andy Davis at The Mint (8pm)…residency alert!

Thursday: Caitlin Crosby and Wild Feathers at The Hotel Cafe (9,10)…start of Caitlin Crosby Residency
ALSO: The Watkins Family Hour at Largo (8:30)
ALSO: Korey Dane at Room 5 (9pm)

Friday: The Elizabeth Kill, 28 North, and Badwater at El Cid (9:30, 10:15, 11)
ALSO: Father Tiger at The Virgil (9pm)
ALSO: Shane Alexander and Brother Sal at The Hotel Cafe (9, 10)…Shane Alexander Record Release Show
ALSO: OWL at The Roxy (10pm)
ALSO: Coachella!

Saturday: Langhorne Slim and Lucero at The Echoplex (9pm)
ALSO: The Honey Trees at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: The Rocket Summer with The Classic Crime and Joe Brooks at Chain Reaction (7:30)
ALSO: Coachella!

Sunday: Tic Tic Boom! at The Satellite (11pm)
ALSO: Coachella!

To Keep in Mind:
April 16^th: The Neighbourhood at The El Rey
April 17^th: Lelia Broussard at The Hotel Cafe
April 18^th: Little Green Cars at The Troubadour
April 20^th: Tyrone Wells and Wakey!Wakey! at The Troubadour
April 23^rd: The Revival Tour at The El Rey
April 25^th: Dear Boy at Bootleg Bar
April 26^th: Chappo at The Satellite
April 27^th: The Virginmarys at The Viper Room
April 27^th: The Lonely Forest at The Satellite
May 2^nd: Lights at The El Rey
May 2^nd: Crash Kings at Saint Rocke
May 2^nd: Meiko at Los Globos
May 4^th: The Brobecks at Amplyfi
May 4^th: Alice Russell at First Unitarian Church
May 4^th: Saint Motel at The Roxy
May 7^th: Tom Odell at The Troubadour
May 7^th: Dinner and a Suit at The Roxy
May 8^th/9^th: Milk Carton Kids at Largo
May 9^th: Dead Sara at The El Rey
May 9^th: Sara Watkins, Fiction Family, Kris Orlowski at Bootleg Theater
May 11^th: Speak at The Roxy
May 12^th: Stephen Kellogg at The Hotel Café
May 14^th: Sara Bareilles at The El Rey
May 15^th: Andrew McMahon at The Troubadour
May 18-19^th: Overture Con at The Mint
May 21^st: Kate Nash at The Echo
May 22^nd: Youngblood Hawke at Avalon
May 24^th: Sir Sly at The Troubadour
May 29^th/30^th: Imagine Dragons at Hollywood Palladium
June 1^st: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at The Wiltern
June 1^st: CHVRCHES at The Troubadour
June 4^th: Willy Moon at The Troubadour
June 5^th: Jewel at Saban Theatre
June 6^th: Capital Cities at The El Rey
June 7^th: The Boxer Rebellion at Avalon
June 25^th: Rachael Yamagata at The Troubadour
August 19^th/20^th: Ed Sheeran at The Staples Center
September 26^th: Hanson at House of Blues Sunset

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 4/1-4/7

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Kristen

Happy Easter! After a long and tiring week, it is really nice to relax and celebrate. When I moved to Los Angeles 5 years ago, one of the things I knew I would miss would be sharing these big holidays with my family, but I’m pretty sure that first year celebrating Easter in LA was when I realized what a great new family I had made here. And in the subsequent years this gathering has become my yearly reminder of how many wonderful and inspiring people I have since met and claimed as my own. I’m pretty sure this year is our largest gathering yet. I mean, the leg of lamb my roommate brought home yesterday…well, I wasn’t even sure it would fit in the oven!

I hope to extend my celebratory mood into the week with the help of some excellent shows. I think the two I’m most looking forward to are the amazing string of acts at The Hotel Cafe Wednesday and Sunday nights. People often ask me what my favorite venue in LA is and I have to say The Hotel Cafe because there is no other venue that can so consistently put together solid lineups from front to back. As much as I venue hop, sometimes it’s nice to see a bunch of your favorites all in one place…

Monday: Western Scene FREE at Bootleg Bar (9:30)
ALSO: 8MM FREE at The Viper Room (11pm)…performance after a video screening of Tapeheads at 8pm
ALSO: Stonefeather FREE at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Monday Monday FREE at Room 5 featuring Garrison Star, AG, Broken Anchor, Whispertown, etc. (8pm)

Tuesday: Basement Sessions FREE at Hemmingway’s featuring The Gallery and Great White Buffalo (9:30)
ALSO: Matt Hires at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Low at The Troubadour (9:30)
ALSO: Beachwood Night FREE at The Piano Bar (8pm)

Weds: William Beckett w/ Jillette Johnson, Tyler Hilton, David & Devine at The Hotel Cafe (7, 9:30, 10:30)
ALSO: Glen Hansard at The Grammy Museum (8pm)
ALSO: Bronze Radio Return at Bootleg Bar (10pm)
ALSO: Armada and Red Circle Underground at Silverlake Lounge (9, 10)
ALSO: Fortress Social Club at Harvard and Stone (11:30)
ALSO: Air Dubai and For The Foxes at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Goo Goo Dolls at The Troubadour (8pm)

Thursday: NO at The Troubadour (10:15)
ALSO: Justin Furstenfeld (Blue October) and Joe Firstman at The Hotel Cafe (7:30, 10:30)
ALSO: Kopecky Family Band at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Zero 1 at The Viper Room (10pm)
ALSO: Colin Hay at Largo (8:30)

Friday: The Rescues at The Hotel Cafe (9:30)
ALSO: George Stanfrod at Harvelle’s (8:30)
ALSO: Blackberry Smoke at House of Blues Sunset (8pm)
ALSO: Soul Asylum with The Bolts, A Mayfield Affair, Still The Sky’s Limit at The Roxy (8pm)

Saturday: The Rescues at The Hotel Cafe (9:30)
ALSO: Keaton Simons and Lee Dewyze FREE at Universal City Walk (8pm)
ALSO: Meiko at The Hapa Festival at the Japanese American National Museum (7:30)
ALSO: Solwave FREE at TRiP (8pm)
ALSO: Taddy Porter at The Viper Room (10pm)
ALSO: Jill Sobule at McCabes (8pm)

Sunday: Scott Mellis, Zane Carney, Ernie Halter and Friends w/ Keaton Simons, Curtis Peoples, etc. at The Hotel Cafe (7, 8, 9)
ALSO: Zookeeper’s Palace at The Viper Room (9pm)

To Keep in Mind:
April 9^th: Andrew Ripp at The Hotel Cafe
April 10^th: Curtis Peoples at The Roxy
April 13^th: Langhorne Slim at The Echoplex
April 16^th: The Neighbourhood at The El Rey
April 17^th: Lelia Broussard at The Hotel Cafe
April 18^th: Little Green Cars at The Troubadour
April 20^th: Tyrone Wells and Wakey!Wakey! at The Troubadour
April 23^rd: The Revival Tour at The El Rey
April 25^th: Dear Boy at Bootleg Bar
April 26^th: Chappo at The Satellite
April 27^th: The Virginmarys at The Viper Room
May 2^nd: Lights at The El Rey
May 2^nd: Crash Kings at Saint Rocke
May 2^nd: Meiko at Los Globos
May 4^th: The Brobecks at Amplyfi
May 4^th: Alice Russell at First Unitarian Church
May 7^th: Tom Odell at The Troubadour
May 7^th: Dinner and a Suit at The Roxy
May 8^th/9^th: Milk Carton Kids at Largo
May 9^th: Dead Sara at The El Rey
May 9^th: Sara Watkins, Fiction Family, Kris Orlowski at Bootleg Theater
May 12^th: Stephen Kellogg at The Hotel Café
May 14^th: Sara Bareilles at The El Rey
May 15^th: Andrew McMahon at The Troubadour
May 18-19^th: Overture Con at The Mint
May 21^st: Kate Nash at The Echo
May 22^nd: Youngblood Hawke at Avalon
May 24^th: Sir Sly at The Troubadour
May 29^th/30^th: Imagine Dragons at Hollywood Palladium
June 1^st: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at The Wiltern
June 1^st: CHVRCHES at The Troubadour
June 5^th: Jewel at Saban Theatre
June 6^th: Capital Cities at The El Rey
June 7^th: The Boxer Rebellion at Avalon
August 19^th/20^th: Ed Sheeran at The Staples Center

~ Kristen