Author: Kristen

SXSW ’13 – Day 5

Posted on by Kristen

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

SXSW ’13 – Day 2

Posted on by Kristen

*warning: having issues uploading pictures so come back later for some photo fun!

It’s quite a bit later than I’d like it to be, but I’m still bouncing and full of energy from today’s events…everything feels good (except for my feet and over-fed stomach). I’m in my happy place. I’m at SXSW!

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Today began by picking up credentials (a breeze!) and meeting friends at The Great British Breakfast where we dined on sausage, eggs, beans, bacon, and toast. Sometime during breakfast, the Spotify line-up was announced and included twenty one pilots to play mid-afternoon. The rest of the morning was a blur of meetings and photobooths with only that one clear item on the agenda. When we approached the Spotify house and found ourselves at the end of a line that wrapped around the house and well down the street, I’d say “dismay” was an understatement for my emotional state. Luck, however, was with me and we all got in nearly 40 min. later right as the first song was starting. The twenty one pilots duo did their best not to let the heat and crowd full of industry folk deter their typically dynamic and engaging performance. The set seemed short, but it did the trick to propel me through the afternoon.

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Having a badge this year for the first time, I was able to spend some time wandering around the Trade Show where we ran into a 10 ft. astronaut, walked through a giant yam, created a post-it work of art, snacked on some delicious mini-desserts, and, of course, heard some music (including a band in a box!)…all while wearing cowboy hats.

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After a brief respite and dinner of mini burgers and fries at The German Haus, the evening started to take its musical shape. We ended up at Hype Hotel to catch a bit of Ivan & Alyosha, a SXSW favorite from last year, and eat some Taco Bell (yes, there was a lot of eating today). Afterwards we headed to The British Embassy where Lucy Rose was sitting comfortably in a chair singing with an acoustic guitar surrounded by a full rocking band. It wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, but I had no complaints. Next, we went to celebrate the two year anniversary of LMN favorite The Milk Carton Kids whose gorgeous harmonies, melancholy tunes, and unforgettably hilarious banter had the entire room at The Central Presbyterian Church completely transfixed…they received a standing ovation at the end of their set.

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I was debating staying at the church to catch Gaby Moreno, but even the short time between sets was too much for me to be without music, so I ran back to Hype Hotel to sample Irish songsters Little Green Cars (and maybe grab a burrito), then headed back to The British Embassy to close out the night. I got a boost of energy in the form of Willy Moon whose lively stage presence was infectious. Finally, perhaps the highlight of my night, after waiting well over a year, I FINALLY GOT TO SEE BASTILLE!! Before the set, I spoke with a Manchester native who told me that it would be near impossible to see this incredibly popular band over in England is such a tiny venue, let alone so close to the front of the stage. The buzz in the room before and during the set was electric and I certainly felt incredibly grateful to be there as the quartet took over the room with songs from their recently release, Bad Blood. Two hours later, and I still can’t quite shake the excitement of that set. But I can, I will, and I must, for I need to get some rest before tomorrow’s adventures.

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Here are a couple of the events I’m most looking forward to tomorrow:

Day Party: Horseshoe Casino presents a screening of Butch Walker’s Out of Focus followed by performances by artists including Butch Walker, Six60, Air Traffic Controller, and The Royalty.

Night Party: The Nikon/Warner Sound Party at The Belmont featuring The Rubens, twenty one pilots, Tegan & Sarah, Paramore

And some artist I’d love to see tomorrow:

The Virginmarys at The Blackberry House (2pm)
NO at Cheer Up Charlie’s (2:15)
Mike Mains and The Branches at The Acquarium (7:15)
Youngblood Hawke at Hype Hotel (8pm)
Holy Esque at British Music Embassy (9pm)
Middle Class Rut at Mohawk Outdoors (10pm)
The Chevin at Buffalo Billards (11pm)
BOY at Central Presbyterian Church (12:30am)
Foxes at Red Eyed Fly (1am)

 

~ Kristen

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

Posted on by Kristen

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

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 3/11-3/17

Posted on by Kristen

A teensy bit overwhelmed by everything I still have to do for SXSW. We’re leaving tomorrow. I’ve got my incredibly overwhelming schedule, my extra pair of comfy shoes, and my camera so I should be good, right? Oh, did I mention I got sick last week and lost my voice? Still recovering from that so…yay. Tonight is The Silent Comedy at The Casbah down in San Diego. I’m sad The Silent Comedy boys won’t be at SXSW this year, but I couldn’t be more grateful for an SD show conveniently booked the night before I need to catch a plane from SD…also, I have plenty of other artists to track down in Austin (my top picks list should be coming out tomorrow).

If you’re staying in LA this week, you have a lot to look forward to as well. There are some really good residencies this month. Sad Robot Tuesdays at Hemmingway’s, David & Devine at The Hotel Cafe Weds nights, and Sonia Rao and Elliot Yamin at WitZend every Thursday. Don’t let the month pass you by without seeing all of these great acts.

Here are the rest of my musical suggestions:

Monday: Lucy Rose at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring MO and Mikhael Paskalev (9pm)
ALSO: Monday Monday FREE at Room 5 featuring Scott Mellis, Erin Willett, Jackie Does Joel and MORE (8pm)

 

Tuesday: Sad Robot and The Ten Thousands at Hemmingways (9pm)
ALSO: Madi Diaz and Robert Francis at The Hotel Cafe (8,9)
ALSO: MO and CHVRCHES at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: Broken Anchor at The Satellite (11pm)
ALSO: Beachwood Tuesdays FREE at The Piano Bar (8pm)

 

Weds: Meiko and David & Devine at The Hotel Cafe (8, 10)
ALSO: Frightened Rabbit at The Fonda Theatre (9pm)

 

Thursday: Belmont Lights at The Roxy (9pm)
ALSO: Sonia Rao and Elliot Yamin at WitZend (9, 10)
ALSO: Rocco DeLuca at The Viper Room (9pm)

 

Friday: Anais Mitchell at McCabe’s (8pm)
ALSO: Chris Stills at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: The Ten Thousand with The Vim Dicta at Bootleg Bar (9pm)…EP Preview Party
ALSO: Northern Youth at Casey’s (10pm)
ALSO: Maroon 5 with Neon Trees and Owl City at Staples Center (8pm)

 

Saturday: Katrina Parker at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)

 

Sunday: Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
March 19th: Ivan & Alyosha at The Echo
March 19th: Everything Everything at The Roxy
March 19th: Foxes at Bootleg Bar
March 20th: Nico Vega, Atlas Genius, and Imagine Dragons at The Wiltern
March 20th: Charlotte Church at The Troubadour
March 21st: The Rubens and Finish Ticket at The Hotel Cafe
March 24th: Janis Ian at McCabe’s
March 25th: Dinner and a Suit at The Hotel Cafe
March 27th: Mika at The El Rey
March 27th: Milk Carton Kids at Largo
April 3rd: William Beckett at The Hotel Café
April 4th: NO at The Troubadour
April 9th: Andrew Ripp at The Hotel Café
April 16th: The Neighbourhood at The El Rey
April 17th: Lelia Broussard at The Hotel Cafe
April 18th: Little Green Cars at The Troubadour
April 20th: Tyrone Wells and Wakey!Wakey! at The Troubadour
April 23rd: The Revival Tour at The El Rey
April 26th: Chappo at The Satellite
May 2nd: Lights at The El Rey
May 2nd: Crash Kings at Saint Rocke
May 4th: The Brobecks at Amplyfi
May 7th: Tom Odell at The Troubadour
May 8th/9th: Milk Carton Kids at Largo
May 18-19th: Overture Con at The Mint
May 22nd: Youngblood Hawke at Avalon
May 29th/30th: Imagine Dragons at Hollywood Palladium
June 1st: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at The Wiltern
June 5th: Jewel at Saban Theatre
June 6th: Capital Cities at The El Rey
August 19th/20th: Ed Sheeran at The Staples Center

~ Kristen

http://www.localmusicnation.net/

https://twitter.com/_localmusicnat

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New Music Tuesday 3/5/13 Featuring Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, Semi Precious Weapons, and k.s. Rhoads

Posted on by Kristen

There aren’t too many new releases I’m excited about today, that doesn’t mean I don’t have some new music to share!

Michael Bernard Fitzgerald – Firecracker EP

Firstly, I do love the Firecracker EP released today by Canadian Michael Bernard Fitzgerald. I saw Michael play the Hotel Cafe a month or so ago and was compelled not just by his performance, but by the songwriting showcased so well on this teaser of an EP.

you can stream the EP on Spotify here: http://open.spotify.com/album/2LByR1fHgu1GFIEfTX0nye

Here’s an acoustic take on the EP title track, “Firecracker”:

I also have a couple videos that came out most recently and hint and some excellent music to come:

Semi Precious Weapons – “Aviation High”

Semi Precious Weapons have been a bit MIA lately, but it looks like they’ve been busy gearing up for a massive re-launch, hinted at by this video for their new single, “Aviation High”. If you’re in Los Angeles tonight, the boys take the stage at the exclusive Sayers Club for their first public performance in quite a while. Don’t miss it!

k.s. Rhoads– “Orphaned”

Multi-talented Nashville-based artist, k.s. Rhoads has a new album coming out later this month aptly titled The Wilderness. Here is a cool video for his new song “Orphaned” where he explore the wilderness of Nashville in a space suit.

Listen! Learn! Love!

 

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 3/3-3/11

Posted on by Kristen

I’m putting my calendar together from a wonderful little cafe in Santa Monica. It’s a very calming place that has comfy chairs, pink ginger lemonade and good music. What more do I need?

With SXSW music week just around the corner, LA is getting some great out of country acts stopping in this week on their way to Austin. By way of Germany we have Fetsum and indie pop darlings Boy playing Bardot and The Troubadour.  Australia’s Jack Carty, The Trouble With Templeton, and Emma Louise all have at least one show this week. If you want to rock out, try Canada’s Mother Mother at The Viper Room or New Zealand’s Six60 at Los Globos. Also from Canada, Said The Whale and Wake Owl will be at The Hotel Cafe. Finally, the UK has a couple outstanding troubadours in town with Marcus Foster and Frank Turner. You won’t get many chances to see any of these artists, so if you dig ‘em, be sure to go see ‘em!

For more details and more music recommendations, keep reading!

Monday: Deadly Birds at The Viper Room (11pm)
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring Fetsum (9pm)
ALSO: Drive He Said FREE at Silverlake Lounge (9pm)
ALSO Monday Monday FREE at Room 5 (8pm)…a sampling of local singer-songwriters

 

Tuesday: Mother Mother and Lolove at The Viper Room (10,11)
ALSO: Armada and Sad Robot and at Hemmingway’s (9,10)…Sad Robot residency!
ALSO: Semi Precious Weapons at Sayer’s Club (10pm)
ALSO: Chi McClean at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: Marcus Foster with Sean Rowe and Ruston Kelly at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Robert Francis and Broken Anchor at The Hotel Cafe (9:30, 10:30)
ALSO: Beachwood Tuesdays FREE at Piano Bar featuring The Filthy Souls (12am)

 

Weds: Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls at The Roxy (7pm)
ALSO: Hey Marsilles at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Beware of Darkness at The Central SAPC (10pm)
ALSO: Gayle Skidmore, Sweet Talk Radio, and David & Devine at The Hotel Cafe (7, 9, 10)

 

Thursday: Frank Turner, Noah Gundersen, Wake Owl, and Said The Whale at The Hotel Cafe (7, 8, 9:30, 11:30)
ALSO: The Mowgli’s and Youngblood Hawke at The Troubadour (9,10)
ALSO: Sonia Rao and Elliot Yamin at WitZend (9, 10)
ALSO: Buckcherry at The Viper Room (9pm)

 

Friday: Boy at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Emma Louise and Mariah McManus at The Hotel Cafe (7,8)
ALSO: Joshua James at Bootleg Theatre (10:30)
ALSO: Jack Carty at WitZend (10pm)
ALSO: Badwater at El Cid (10:15)
ALSO: Erin McKeown at McCabe’s (8pm)
ALSO: Buckcherry at The Viper Room (9pm)

 

Saturday: Andy Clockwise and Irontom at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Nightlands at The Echoplex (9pm)
ALSO: Zookeeper’s Palace at Good Hurt (9pm)
ALSO: Jack Carty at Talking Stick Lounge
ALSO: The Trouble With Templeton at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Buckcherry at The Viper Room (9pm)

 

Sunday: Aussie BBQ at The Echo featuring Jack Carty, Trouble With Templeton, and more (event starts at noon)
ALSO: Six60 and Mind The Gap at Los Globos (7pm)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
March 11th: Lucy Rose at The Hotel Cafe
March 12th: CHVRCHES at The Echo
March 13th: Frightened Rabbit at The Music Box
March 14th: Belmont Lights at The Roxy
March 15th: Anais Mitchell at McCabe’s
March 19th: Ivan & Alyosha at The Echo
March 19th: Everything Everything at The Roxy
March 19th: Foxes at Bootleg Bar
March 20th: Nico Vega, Atlas Genius, and Imagine Dragons at The Wiltern
March 20th: Charlotte Church at The Troubadour
March 21st: The Rubens and Finish Ticket at The Hotel Cafe
March 24th: Janis Ian at McCabe’s
March 25th: Dinner and a Suit at The Hotel Cafe
March 27th: Mika at The El Rey
March 27th: Milk Carton Kids at Largo
April 3rd: William Beckett at The Hotel Café
April 4th: NO at The Troubadour
April 9th: Andrew Ripp at The Hotel Café
April 16th: The Neighbourhood at The El Rey
April 18th: Little Green Cars at The Troubadour
April 20th: Tyrone Wells and Wakey!Wakey! at The Troubadour
April 23rd: The Revival Tour at The El Rey
April 26th: Chappo at The Satellite
May 8th/9th: Milk Carton Kids at Largo
May 18-19th: Overture Con at The Mint
May 22nd: Youngblood Hawke at Avalon
May 29th/30th: Imagine Dragons at Hollywood Palladium
June 1st: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at The Wiltern
June 5th: Jewel at Saban Theatre
June 6th: Capital Cities at The El Rey
August 19th/20th: Ed Sheeran at The Staples Center

~ Kristen

http://www.localmusicnation.net/

https://twitter.com/_localmusicnat

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New Music Tuesday 2/26/13 featuring Boy, Finish Ticket, Escondido

Posted on by Kristen

Looking for new music? Here are some recommendations from music coming out today…

Boy – Mutual Friends

This German duo was an instant music love for me. Their debut album, Mutual Friends is one of my favorite albums to be released this year. Their dreamy pop vocals almost betray a layered and more complex depth to their songs which just get better and better upon each listen. Get your tickets now for their show at The Troubadour March 8th.

 

Finish Ticket– Tears You Apart

San Francisco’s indie rock group Finish Ticket has been tickling my ear buds with singles like “Doctor” and “Tranquilize” for weeks now in anticipate of the release of their first full length album, Tears You Apart. This is the album I’ve been listening to all day. On repeat. Check out the album stream and buy the album on itunes. The band will be in LA at The Hotel Cafe March 21st.

Here’s one of my favorites, “Tranquilize”:

 

Escondido – The Ghost of Escondido

Tyler James and Jessica Maros are two Nashville-based artists who have gotten together to record a beautiful record. I got a taste with the duo’s EP released last year and I’m looking forward to hearing more with The Ghost of Escondido.

 

Other albums to check out:

 

~ Kristen