Author: Kristen

MORE Nico Vega Acoustic!

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Because they are just so brilliant…and there was a request, here is more of Nico Vega playing acoustic versions of their songs

This one is a cover, but it brings shivers down my spine and is probably one of my most viewed youtube videos.

And, as mentioned by boatdoll, Nico Vega live and plugged-in is a must have experience. Here is a taste:

beast

If you’re in Los Angeles, they will be a part of the Sunset Strip Music Festival playing The Key Club August 27th.

Enjoy!

~ Kristen

A Taste of Sinai

Posted on by Kristen

I mentioned them as a band to keep your eyes on. Sinai have released their first video, an acoustic take on a song called “Stockholm”. Check it out!

I am sufficiently impressed. I also think it’s an inspired choice to release this song acoustically…although, I have a weakness for rockers going acoustic. Playing acoustic also covers for the fact that the band is without a bass guitar, something that has brought forth some skepticism. Seeing that Nico Vega is one of my very favorite bands, the bass-less lineup didn’t give me pause, but it will be interesting to see how that influences the general sound of the band.

Definately looking forward to more!

~ Kristen

More Rock Goes Acoustic: Nico Vega

Posted on by Kristen

And speaking of Nico Vega and rock going acoustic, looks like my fave rockers recently did an acoustic session. What’s even more exciting is they are showcasing one of their newer tunes “Human/Animal”. Is it just me, or does this format bring out the beauty of Aja’s voice even more?

Also, I’m really loving this take on “Gravity”:

For comparison’s sake, Nico Vega’s “Gravity” music video (can you spot me or Amanda?)

~ Kristen

Warped Tour Pomona-pictures!

Posted on by Kristen

As promised, a few pics from our second Warped experience in Pomona.

The always amazing After Midnight Project (remember, the band that you’re going to go see at The Key Club on September 4th):

After Midnight Project also did an acoustic set! LOVE this.

Just a couple shots of Mayday Parade…playing on the tiniest stage, it was difficult to get up close for good pictures. Thankfully, this band emits so much energy, you don’t need to be up front to feel the music.

A few more enjoyable moments from the day:

~ Kristen

Kristen’s NPMT ’10 Mini Mix

Posted on by Kristen

As I previously mentioned, I absolutely LOVED attending North Park Music Thing (NPMT) this past weekend down in San Diego. Saturday night was especially euphoric to me as we got the unique opportunity to venue hop, sampling so many bands…and just about every single one fit on my scale somewhere between highly enjoyable and mind blowingly brilliant. So much great new music, it was overwhelming to say the least.

I was inspired to put together a new mini music mix based on the bands and artists we was able to see. Check them out!

1. Endoxi – Hero Master

2. Republic of Letters– “Stories”

3. The Silent Comedy– “Exploitation”

4. Delaney Gibson– “La Di Da”

5. Astra Kelly– “All I Got”

6. The Makepeace Brothers– “Breathe”

7. Shaimus – “Like a Fool”

8. Lady Danville– “Spoon”

9. Citizen Band– “Slide”

10. The Rescues– “Break Me Out”

And I’m so tempted to put together another list, just of the artists I wanted to see but couldn’t fit in: Dirty Sweet, Diablo Dimas, Jake Newton, Lemon Sun, Dynamite Walls, Audra Mae, etc. etc. etc.

Bottom line: let’s do this again next year!

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday!

Posted on by Kristen

It’s Tuesday…you know what that means! 

I’m excited about several albums that come out today so I thought I’d share:

Joe Firstman: Live At The Treehouse
my love for this man’s music will never cease…I’m really looking forward to hearing this album, which I hear is mostly stripped down remakes of older songs

Lissie: Catching a Tiger
go here to listen and watch some great videos

Filter: The Trouble With Angels
What has this band been up to since they were promoting the photography industry? I don’t know, but let’s find out shall we?

Darker My Love: Alive As You Are
I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about this band, so I’ll be interested to see what it’s all about

Tea Leaf Green: Looking West
these guys are playing with Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour on Oct. 2nd…might as well get pumped about their music because you know I’m going to be there!

Can’t wait to go buy some new music! If you’ve already checked them out, let me know what you think!

~ Kristen

Warped Tour Pomona

Posted on by Kristen

About a week ago, Amanda and I ventured to Pomona for Warped Tour #2. I’m so glad I went, mostly because it was another excuse to rock out with After Midnight Project, who, by the way, are coming home to LA to play the Key Club September 4th (get your tickets now!).

One of the best parts of Warped Tour Pomona, was the fact that After Midnight Project was able to do an acoustic set. The following video isn’t from Pomona, but AMP have been doing several acoustic sets, including one at the KIA tent that was captured and showcased here. I love it when rock bands break it down acoustically, but I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a band do it as well as After Midnight Project…

Other highlights for me included actually being able to see Mayday Parade, hearing some of You Me At Six’s  new songs, and being able to sample several new bands. Amanda was a big fan of Dicso Curtis who gave me a new appreciation for Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” and certainly put forth the happiest performance of the day (seriously, try to watch the band play and not smile).

Personally, I was enraptured by the Arkansas-based Deas Vail, whose soaring vocals, subtle harmonies, and piano base drew me in like a moth to a flame. I was literally walking past their stage to go elsewhere when I heard the music and HAD to stop. I kept trying to leave, but I just couldn’t…it was too beautiful to look away.

I recognized the name of the band, not because they were openers for the Owl City/Lights tour that I really wanted to see, but because I had at one point told myself NOT to like the band as they won a competition to get their video on MTVU, beating my beloved Carney. Funny how these things work sometimes…

Here’s that video:

And here’s the song that hooked me: Birds

~ Kristen

p.s. pictures to come…