Author: Kristen

The Lonely Forest at Spaceland

Posted on by Kristen

If you recall The Lonely Forest made my SXSW ’10 mix. Tuesday night, however, marked the first time I had the opportunity to see them perform. I must say, I loved them before based solely on their tune “We Sing in Time.” But now, they are verging on new favorite band territory. Their live show was an unexpectedly rockin’ treat full of energy and even more songs that are going straight on my monthly music mix. The Lonely Forest hails from Anacortes, Washington. According to their song “I Don’t Want to Live There,” they won’t be moving to LA anytime soon, but they say they’ll be back come February.  In preparation for their return, I’ll be listening to The Lonely Forest EP on repeat. You should check it out!

~ Kristen

New Band Love: Lakes

Posted on by Kristen

It’s official. I am in love. I’ve only seen Lakes twice now, but they’ve managed to carve out a little place in my heart. What did it? Well, they have great tunes, the kind of energy on stage that will cross a room and lift you up off your chair, and a spirit that just seems to radiate joy and warmth. They are the kind of band you not only want to listen to, but just want to hang around.

What really cemented LAKES’ status as my new band love, however, was the impromptu mini set the band played outside before the show Weds night for some fans that couldn’t get into On the Rox. We were walking towards the venue and heard some music coming from a small circle that had gathered on the street. I saw an accordion rise above the heads and I knew who we’d find at the center of the gathering.

LAKES put on an amazing set later that night, but it was the tunes played out on the street, so raw and inspired, that were really the highlight of my evening…along with the prayer we all gathered to send up before the show that put the joy back in my heart and reminded me why I go out of my way to discover (and pass on to you) such musical treasures.

Definitely check out LAKES and their CD, The Agreement. And keep an eye on my calendar for upcoming shows!

 http://www.lakesband.com/

ALSO, the band just released this video for one of my fave Lake’s songs “Back in Your Head”

Listen and Love!

~ Kristen

New Band Alert!: Empires

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Empires may very well be  my new favorite local Chicago band. They opened for Biffy Clyro at The Bootleg and I’ve been listening to their CD, Bang, on repeat since I saw them. Right now, in preparation for the release of their new music video, they are giving away a free download of one of their songs. I’d highly recommend going to their site and checking it out…http://www.weareempires.com/

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 11/15-11/21

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Just got done grading a seemingly infinite number of exams…plus a few quizzes. Aside from two musical interludes, that’s all I’ve been up to all weekend. As for the interludes, tonight was The Elizabeth Kill at The Mint and Saturday was Philadelphia goes LA, hanging out with other Philly area natives and checking out some bands with Philly roots (Terrible Things at The El Rey and The Shakers at The Cat Club). All in all, I just can’t believe the weekend is coming to a close!

But as one week ends, another begins. And what a fantastic line-up of shows this week. Greatness, in the form of SD band The Silent Comedy, returns to LA this week Thursday at The Echo. I’m also really excited about The Lonely Forrest, a band that made my SXSW ’10 mix but that I’ve never seen. Plus Queen Caveat, Fitz and the Tantrums, Freelance Whales, Dynamite Walls…I’m exhausted already! Some tough choices will have to be made this week.

Maybe you can help. Here’s what I’m contemplating…

Monday: Chasing Kings FREE at The Silverlake Lounge (11pm)
ALSO: Paris Carney and Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (8,9) 

Tuesday: The Lonely Forest at Spaceland (8:30)
ALSO: Queen Caveat at The Viper Room (11:15)
ALSO: Val Emmich at The Hotel Café(8pm) 

Weds: AWOLNATION and Fitz and The Tantrums at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Mayday Parade at The House of Blues Sunset (10pm)           
ALSO: Tyler Hilton at The Roxy (10pm)
ALSO: Kate Miller Heidke and Terra Naomi at The Hotel Cafe (7,8)
ALSO: Natasha Bedingfield at The Troubadour (7pm) 

Thursday: The Silent Comedy at The Echo (8:30)
ALSO: Miniature Tigers and Freelance Whales at The Troubadour (9,10)
ALSO: Jack’s Mannequin/Something Corporate and Matt Nathanson at The El Rey (7pm)
ALSO: Joshua Radin at The Music Box (10pm) 

Friday: Dynamite Walls at The Viper Room (11pm)
ALSO: Chris Pierce at The Hotel Cafe (11pm)
ALSO: Avi Buffalo at The Echo (10pm) 

Saturday: Lelia Broussard RECORD RELEASE at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Teddy Geiger at Spaceland (10pm)
ALSO: Abbot Kinney at The Mint (9pm) 

Sunday: Dar Williams at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Eisley at The El Rey (10pm) 

To Keep in Mind: 
November 21st and 22nd: Dar Williams at The Hotel Café
December 1st: Eve 6 at The Troubadour
December 2nd: Scarlet Grey at The Troubadour
December 4th: Joe Firstman at Saint Rocke
December 11th: The Black Crowes and Truth & Salvage Co. at Hollywood Palladium
January 22nd: Guster at The Music Box 

~ Kristen

Truth & Salvage Co. Has a New Video!

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Truth & Salvage Co. is one of my fave LA-based bands…although they’ve been on the road more in this last year or so then they’ve been home. Their new video for “Pure Mountain Angel” reflects this time they’ve spent journeying around the country and the world. This is one of my very favorite songs to see/hear performed live…from any band. If you haven’t been to a T&S Co. show, I will tell you it is an unforgettable experience. Just wait ’til the very end when they play this song and the whole room is filled with people chanting the chorus…the perfect release after their typically high energy, dance-party inducing, soul-stirring sets.

Enjoy!

~ Kristen

Song in My Head: “Lost and Found”

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“sleeping with the television and all the lights on. One of us is leaving soon, but we’re both already gone…”

“Lost and Found” by Adrienne Pierce is on one of my very favorite soundtracks from the TV show Veronica Mars. The song randomly came up on my IPod the other day and ever since it has been making regular appearances on that soundtrack in my head that plays when all else is quite. This morning, I literally got out of bed singing it…took me a minute to figure out what I was singing, but when I did, I felt inspired to share.

Turns out Adrienne, a Vancouver native, has released a new CD this year entitled Oh Deer. The cover art alone makes me want to go out and get a copy. Which I should be able to do Monday November 22nd at Genghis Cohen where Adrienne will play at 9pm!

Excellent!

~ Kristen