Author: Kristen

Watch This! Videos from Pawnshop Roses, Lovers Drugs, Needtobreahte, Mutemath

Posted on by Kristen

Some days you just really need music to get you through. For me, today is one of those days. If you’re also having one of those days (or even if you’re not), here are some videos I’d recommend checking out!

 

Nothing cheers me up quite like listening to one of my very favorite bands. My love for Pawnshop Roses goes back quite a few years now and this song is quite simply one of the best songs ever created…especially for days like these.

 

 

I just saw Lovers Drugs last night and was reminded how much I enjoy this band. I’ve mentioned before the video project they did with their first EP. Here’s the most recent addition for the song “Velvet”. Chronologically it’s the first in the story.

 

Needtobreathe is one of the bands I’m listening to most right now. I’m slightly obsessed. Here’s a song from their new CD, The Reckoning.

 

This is just a cool video and I love Mutemath!

 

There…I feel better now…a bit…

 

~ Kristen

New Band Love: The Lumineers

Posted on by Kristen

At points, last night at the Hotel Cafe seemed akin to a raucous hoedown with all the enthusiastic clapping, group dancing, interactive sing-alongs, and people that just couldn’t stop smiling. The packed crowd seemed wholly transformed by what was going on around them. Even the usual chit chat in the back of the room was silenced.  The cause of such a scene was a band identified by the kick drum resting on the edge of the stage that read “The Lumineers.”

The Lumineers are a Denver-based folk rock band composed primarily of Wesley (lead vocals, guitar, piano), Jeremiah (drums), and Neyla (cello, piano, vocals, etc.). They are in the same vein as other LMN favorites like Aunt Martha, The Head and The Heart, and Mumford & Sons.  Prior to last night, I had not heard of The Lumineers save a friend’s mention on facebook, but that was enough to get me to go early to The Hotel Cafe and check them out. I got increasingly interested during the band’s set up as more and more instruments were piling onto the stage…mandolin, extra kick drum, cello, etc. etc. I was even more intrigued as the buzz of anticipation around me became palpable. So many excited fans itching to see one of their favorite bands perform. It’s not often I see this level of excitement anywhere in Los Angeles. I started to buzz as well.

The band began to play and about two songs into their somewhat lengthy set, as the musicians were hopping about the stage instrument-swapping, I completely understood what all the fuss was about.  I immersed myself into the sea of hand clapping/foot stomping revelry.  The Lumineers not only delivered on the tunes, both memorable and fun, but they also had the kind of lyrics that really stick with you, simple yet thought-provoking. Their messages ranged from the fun/ny (classy girls are not the ones you’ll be kissing in a bar) to the more serious (the opposite of love is indifference) and the music rang with such truth and sincerity, it would be difficult not to connect to it in some way.

My favorite moment of the set might have been when the entire band got off the stage and went into the audience, busker-style, to incite a massive sing-along for the song “Ho Hey.” Although, I was also quite moved by the song “Slow It Down” which is one of those tunes with lyrical depth that also has some movement, staring slow and then building up to a head nodding climax.

There was a moment of sadness in the set when we were told about the band’s recent misfortune of having some instruments and gear stolen out of their van. But aside from giving the audience extra incentive to buy some merch, the band wanted to make a point to express their joy and gratitude towards all the great people who were able to loan them equipment and instruments on such short notice (they were even able to play the night that the event happened). You could tell they were still a bit freshly scarred, but the spirits were not down and they played on with perhaps even more gusto. The band was even granted a rare and greatly deserved encore opportunity.

For more information on The Lumineers, please check out their webpage. You can get tour dates (they’re currently on a west coast tour, but will be hitting up the east coast in October), links to their social media sites, and information on their stolen instruments (spread the word!) as well as a place where you can leave a donation. This is such a great band, I really hope that they can fully recover from this incident and continue spreading the music love. They certainly have my heart.

Website: http://www.thelumineers.com/index.htm

 

 

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 9/20 Featuring Needtobreathe, Thrice, Will Dailey & The Rivals, Katie Herzig, etc.

Posted on by Kristen

I can’t believe it’s Tuesday already. I’m still happily feeding off of last week’s releases (especially that Matthew Perryman Jones) and now a whole new course of music is being dangled in front of me. Of course I will partake as I’m a bit of a glutton, but the richness is a bit overwhelming. If you’re hungry for some new tunes, many great options this week. Here are some of my top picks:

 

Needtobreathe– The Reckoning 

Needtobreathe is one of the bands I am most excited about at the moment. Their show at The Hotel Cafe will certainly go down as one of the best of the year. I pre-ordered this CD that night and was so happy at midnight last night when I could start listening! Love this band. Love this album. Love love love their live show. If you have the opportunity to get to one of the “secret shows” the band has been doing across the country, DO IT!

In the meantime, you can stream the new record here

 

 

 

Or just go ahead and buy it on amazon or itunes.

 

Thrice– Major/Minor 

Hard rockers Thrice, always manage to surprise me with each new CD release. I have really enjoyed following this band on their musical journey over the last 10 years or so and I look forward to discovering where recent years have taken them. I feel in love with the more bluesy tones of their last album, Beggars, but I’d be foolish to expect more of the same from a band who seems to change it up with every album. I’m not exactly sure what to expect from Major/Minor, but I am confident that it will be a great addition to the band’s varied catalog of music.

Stream it here. Buy it here or here.

 

 

 

Will Dailey & The Rivals – Will Dailey & The Rivals

Boston singer-songwriter, Will Dailey, caught my attention the first time I heard his song, “How Can I Make You Happy”. It was love at first listen. I have followed his career ever since and I was thrilled to discover he had a new album, Will Dailey and The Rivals, coming out today. You can download one of the new songs from his website and if you live in the Boston area, be sure to catch him tonight at Newbury Comics or the 24th at The House of Blues Foundation Room.

Amazon has the album here.

 

 

Katie Herzig– The Waking Sleep  

Another week, another Ten out of Tenn artist release! Katie Herzig is one of the first artists from this Nashville collective that I started listening to (she made my SXSW ’08 mix). Especially considering how much I’m loving the recent releases from Gabe Dixon and Matthew Perryman Jones, getting this one was really a no-brainer. Plus, I’m really looking forward to her show at The Hotel Cafe in October with Butterfly Boucher and I need to be prepared!

Download the new album on Amazon or Itunes.

 

 

Other releases I’m looking forward to giving a listen:

Happy Music Day!
~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 9/19-9/25

Posted on by Kristen

This fall, High Voltage Magazine is coming back with print issues. The cover artist is Fitz & The Tantrums and inside there are interviews, playlists, reviews for new albums and more! I have the privilege of being involved with this project and I’m really excited about it. To raise some funds for the first issue, we have been running a Pledge Music Campaign with part of the proceeds going to The George Harrison Fund for UNICEF.

We have collected rare and unreleased tracks from artists such as The Silent Comedy, Taylor Locke and The Roughs, Billy Morrison, Hurricane Bells, and more. These songs form a High Voltage compilation album that can be obtained at our basic pledge value of $10. At other levels you can pledge to receive items such as a signed copy of our fall issue, tickets to a show of your choice at select venues, or the chance to be a writer for a day for www.iamhighvoltage.com.

To check out the project or to make a pledge, go here: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/highvoltage#project

 

For all the good shows going on this week, here’s my calendar:

 

Monday: Big Black Delta FREE at The Satellite (11pm)
ALSO: Beth Hart at The Echoplex (7pm)
ALSO: Jack and White FREE at Silverlake Lounge (9pm)
ALSO: Joan Osborne and Dar Williams at The El Rey (7pm)
ALSO: It’s a school night at Bardot featuring Races and Ivy (10pm)
ALSO: Abott Kinney at Molly Malone’s (8pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: Bon Iver at The Shrine Auditorium  (8pm)

 

Tuesday: Howie Day at The Hotel Cafe (9:30)
ALSO: Laura Marling at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Justin Hopkins at Cafe Boogaloo (6:30)
ALSO: Beachwood Rockers (various artists) FREE at The Piano Bar (8-??)

 

Weds: John and Brittany at The House of Blues Voodoo Lounge (8pm)…PHILLY BAND ALERT!
ALSO: OddUs and The Makepeace Brothers at The Mint (8pm)
ALSO: Watkins Family Hour featuring Joe Purdy and Jackson Browne at Largo at the Coronet (9pm)
ALSO: Johnny Moezzi at Three Clubs (9pm)
ALSO: Toy Bombs at Silverlake Lounge (10pm)
ALSO: Liam Gerner at Room 5 (10pm)

 

Thursday: Lovers Drugs, Queen Caveat, Andy Clockwise at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO:  Red Circle Underground and Jonathan Tyler and The Northern Lights at The Viper Room (8, 10)
ALSO: The Lonely Forest at The Wiltern (7pm)
ALSO: The Janks at The Bootleg Theater (10:30)
ALSO: Joseph Arthur at The Troubadour (10pm)

 

Friday: Soul Puppet at Molly Malone’s (10pm)
ALSO: Inara George at The Bootleg Theater (10pm)
ALSO: Lee Dewyze at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: The Features at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Bobby Long at McCabe’s (8pm)

 

Saturday: Lee Dewyze at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: William Elliot Whitmore at The Bootleg Theater (9:45)
ALSO: Fat City Reprise at The Foundation Room at the House of Blues Sunset (midnight)
ALSO: The Script at Hollywood Palladium (8pm)

 

Sunday: William Elliot Whitmore at The Bootleg Theater (8:45)
ALSO: TarFest FREE at The La Brea Tar Pits featuring Infantree (1pm), A House For Lions (2pm), Obi Best (3pm), Everest (4pm), and Saint Motel (5pm)

 

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
September 28th: Puddle of Mudd at The Viper Room
October 5-9th: Culture Collide Festival
October 8th: Michael Tolcher at The Hotel Cafe
October 9th: Michael Tolcher at Saint Rocke
October 11th: Rival Sons and Evanescence at Hollywood Palladium
October 14th: Butterfly Boucher at Bootleg Theater
October 17th: Youngblood Hawke and Imagine Dragons at The Satellite
October 19th: Melissa Ferrick at The Hotel Cafe
October 22nd: The War on Drugs at The Satellite
November 7th: Lights at The El Rey
November 8th: Thrice at The Mayan Theater
November 8th: First Aid Kit at The Troubadour
November 12th: Feist at The WIltern
November 17th: Marketa Irglova at The Troubadour
November 19th: Milo Greene, The Belle Brigade, and The Civil Wars at The Wiltern
November 29th: Rachel Yamagata at The Troubadour
March 13th-18th: SXSW (Austin, TX)

~ Kristen

http://twitter.com/#!/_localmusicnat

New Music Tuesday 9/13 featuring Ben Rector, Matthew Perryman Jones, Atomic Tom, Melissa Ferrick, etc.

Posted on by Kristen

A TON of new music released today that I’m curious about. But I certainly can’t buy them all so here are my top picks:

 

Ben Rector- Something Like This http://www.benrectormusic.com/

I’ve been talking a lot about Ben Rector lately…and with good reason! This singer-songwriter from Nashville writes songs that will both warm your heart and make you dance…I just can’t get them out of my head! His last CD, Into The Morning, makes frequent appearances on my music player and based on the new tunes I heard last month at Ben’s Hotel Cafe show, Something Like This will follow in its footsteps.

Buy it on amazon or itunes.

 

Matthew Perryman Jones – Until The Dawn Appears http://mpjmusic.com/

Another Ten Out of Tenn artist releases a CD! Until The Dawn Appears is actually a collection of the songs Matthew has played over the years that he still feels passionate about (he calls it a “retelling”). Personally, I can’t stop listening to this CD…especially the new version of “Save You”.  Matthew Perryman Jones has a hypnotizing voice that is both soothing and uplifting. With the addition of the piano and the strings, the beauty of this song is almost overwhelming. The rest of the record follows suit. A must have for you collection!

Get Until the Dawn Appears on Amazon or Itunes 

 


Atomic Tom – In Parallel  http://www.atomictom.com/

Atomic Tom blew me away at The Bootleg when I saw them at the beginning of the year. They have a new EP coming out today with a couple of new songs so adding it to my shopping cart is a no brainer. Sample the EP then if you haven’t already, be sure to get their full length album, The Moment.

“Red Light Warning Sign” is the band’s most recent single off The Moment but can also be found on the In Parallel EP.

Download the tunes on Amazon or Itunes 

 

 

Melissa Ferrick- Still Right Here http://www.melissaferrick.com/

So many CDs out today, I listened briefly to a song or two from each and Melissa Ferrick’s Still Right Here stuck out above the rest for me. I’ve always loved Melissa for her passion. It’s easy to connect to her songs and her spirit and I’m looking forward to getting to know all of these new tunes.

Here’s where you can buy the new CD on Itunes

 

Other CDs I’m sampling today:

New music! New music! YAY!
~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 9/12-9/18

Posted on by Kristen

Currently sitting in the back of a conference room listening to a panel on music marketing at The San Diego Music Thing. I love this conference, both for the informative day-time panels and the nights jam packed with fantastic local bands. I just have to say that my brain is a bit mushy right now because Friday night I saw two of my very favorite bands, Nico Vega and The Silent Comedy, in the same evening and I’m pretty sure my mind was so completely blown that it is no longer fully functional. If I have time, I’ll do a more complete post about this fantastic event.

There are several shows I’m particularly looking forward to this week. Songwriter extraordinaire, Dan Wilson, is in town for it’s a school night at Bardot Monday night and mind-melters, The Silent Comedy, are doing a free show Thursday at Villian’s Tavern downtown. I also don’t want to miss SXSW find Tailor Made Fable from Montreal (Tuesday, Viper Room) and last week’s new music recommendation The Horrible Crowes (Weds, Troubadour).

But there are tons of great shows. Here’s what I’d suggest:

 

 

Monday: Big Black Delta FREE at The Satellite (11pm)
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring Gaby Moreno and Dan Wilson (10:30)…free with RSVP http://www.itsaschoolnight.com/
ALSO: Red Circle Underground and Fat City Reprise FREE at Silverlake Lounge (10,11)
ALSO: Kopecky Family Band and GIVERS at The Troubadour (9,10)
ALSO: New Liberty at The Viper Room (11:15)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: We Are Augustines at The Bootleg (10:30)
ALSO: Tailor Made Fable at The Viper Room (7:30)
ALSO: The Shakers at Molly Malone’s (9pm)
ALSO: Justin Hopkins at Café Boogaloo in Hermonsa Beach (6:30)
ALSO: Beachwood Rockers Night at The Piano Bar (8:30)…FREE music all night

 

Weds: The Horrible Crowes at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: The White Buffalo at The Bootleg (9:30)
ALSO: Cracker at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Some Hear Explosions and Nightmare the Cat at Club Moscow (9pm)
ALSO: Juke Kartel at The Hotel Cafe (9:30)
ALSO: Edie Carey at Genghis Cohen (7pm)
ALSO: Fleet Foxes at The Greek Theater (7:30)

 

Thursday: The Silent Comedy FREE at Villian’s Tavern (8pm)
ALSO: Curtis Peoples and Boyce Avenue at The Music Box (7pm)
ALSO: Brian Wright at The Foundry on Melrose (9pm)
ALSO: Robbers on High Street at The Roxy (10pm)
ALSO: Lex Land at The Echo (7pm)
ALSO: Lady Antebellum at The Troubadour (8pm)…need to win tickets through a radio station (Country 105FM), but this would be an awesome show!

 

Friday: Lobster Fest featuring Andy Clockwise (9:15)… http://lobsterfest.com/music/
ALSO: Kyle Nicolaides, Jason Diaz, and Muddy Reds and at The Bootleg (9,10,11)
ALSO: Viza at The Key Club (10pm)
ALSO: Michael Johns at The Viper Room (9pm)

 

Saturday: We Barbarians at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Lobster Fest featuring Eastern Conference Champions, Shadow Shadow Shade, He’s My Brothers, She’s My Sister, and more! (1pm)

 

Sunday: Nightmare & The Cat at Hemmingway’s Lounge (10pm)
ALSO: Of Verona and White Lights at The Viper Room (9,10)

 

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
September 20th: Howie Day at The Hotel Cafe
September 22-24: Hotel Carolina (South Carolina)
September 22nd: Dead Sara and Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights at The Viper Room
September 22nd: Andy Clockwise and Queen Caveat at The Roxy
September 23rd: Inara George at Bootleg Bar
September 23rd/24th: Lee Dewyze at The Hotel Cafe
September 24th: The Script at Hollywood Palladium
September 24th and 25th: William Elliot Whitmore at Bootleg Theater
September 25th: The Lonely Forest at The Wiltern
September 28th: Puddle of Mudd at The Viper Room
October 11th: Rival Sons and Evanescence at Hollywood Palladium
October 14th: Butterfly Boucher at Bootleg Theater
October 17th: Youngblood Hawke and Imagine Dragons at The Satellite
October 22nd: The War on Drugs at The Satellite
November 7th: Lights at The El Rey
November 8th: First Aid Kit at The Troubadour
November 12th: Feist at The WIltern
November 17th: Marketa Irglova at The Troubadour
November 19th: Milo Greene, The Belle Brigade, and The Civil Wars at The Wiltern
November 29th: Rachel Yamagata at The Troubadour
March 13th-18th: SXSW (Austin, TX)

~ Kristen

http://www.localmusicnation.net/

http://twitter.com/#!/_localmusicnat

New Music Tuesday 9/6/11 Featuring Joe Firstman, Aunt Martha, Moderne Man, Jon McLaughlin, The Horrible Crowes

Posted on by Kristen

It is a VERY exciting day for new music. I spent just about my entire month’s CD budget on music today.  Hugh Laurie has a CD coming out today. Yeah, that guy from House can sing! He’s playing a show at The Mint September 30th. Lindsey Buckingham also has new music and who doesn’t love this Fleetwood Mac troubadour?!? Also, True Blood and music fans alike should rejoice in the release of the TV show’s soundtrack: volume 3.

However, I will be filling my shopping basket with some of my favorite, perhaps lesser known artists who have discs coming out today…so while you’re busy music shopping, I have a few recommendations. Check them out!

 

Joe Firstman – Swear It Was A Dream 

Joe Firstman has been one of my favorites for years now. He has a new album out today…this is cause for celebration! Upon quick listen, Swear It Was a Dream seems to reflect Joe’s more country roots…slide guitars, mandolins, and violins are plentiful. So far tracks I’m lovin’ include the more piano-driven opener, “Take the Rain,” “Who’s Turnin’ Your Light Out,” and “Standin’ on the Porch.”

Steam the album here: http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds#/11
Buy Swear It Was a Dream on Itunes

But as all Joe fans know, where the man really shines is in his live performance. Joe is once again on the road, but he’s touring with a new group, The Cordovas. I had the extreme pleasure of seeing The Cordovas this past Saturday at The Hotel Cafe and I was blown away. Joe rockin’ out on the guitar and singing harmoniously alongside Jaron Lowenstein (remember Evan and Jaron?). They do a killer version of Joe’s “Standing on The Porch” a breathtaking song in acapella, and a closing song so much fun, I’d dare you not to smile.

To see when The Cordovas are coming to a town near you: http://thecordovas.com/

 

Aunt Martha– Norway, ME

I fell in love with Aunt Martha at Bonnaroo this past June. I am a big fan of their EP, Bloodshot, and am very excited about this full length effort.  You can download this album for FREE at their website.

Here’s a video for “Starter” off the new record:

 

Moderne Man– Moderne Man   

Do you remember the band, Until June? No? Well, they were one of my favorite bands in Los Angeles for a while. They aren’t really playing any more, but a couple of their members have a new group called Moderne Man. I keep meaning to get out to one of their shows, but it hasn’t happened. However, their self-titled debut album comes out today and I fully intend on checking it out.

buy Moderne Man on Itunes

 

Jon McLaughlin– Forever If Ever 

I have been a fan of Jon McLaughlin since Indiana found my ears sometime in 2007. I was excited to see he had a new CD coming out, his first since 2008’s Ok Now. If Forever If Ever is anything like its predecessors, I know I’m going to like it. If you’re a fan of singer-songwriters who enjoy rocking it up a bit on the piano, I’m sure you’ll like it too!

You can listen to clips of the new songs on Jon’s website, but here is the first single off Forever If Ever:

buy the album on itunes or amazon

 

The Horrible Crowes– Elsie 

Listen to the track, “Behold the Hurricane” on The Horrible Crowes’ website and you might think it sounds a tad familiar. That would be the voice of Brian Fallon, better known as the frontman of Gaslight Anthem.  Fallon has teamed up with his Gaslight Anthem guitar tech Ian Perkins for this new side project and their CD, Elise, comes out today!  Seeing that they already have over 10,000 facebook likes and a European Tour booked before their CD is even released, I’d go ahead and say it is probably worth checking out. You can listen to the CD in its entirety on the Rolling Stone website: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-album-stream-horrible-crowes-cinematic-debut-elsie-20110901

Check them out in LA next Weds (Sept. 14th) at The Troubadour or if you’re in New York City they play Bowery Ballroom this Thursday (Sept. 8th).

Buy Elise on itunes or amazon 

 

Happy Listening!

~ Kristen