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Listen To This! 01/27/17

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Kristen

Here’s what I’ve been into lately…

Album: The Kin – Modern Primitive

One of my faves released a long-awaited album today. I’ve been listening all day, enjoying songs, a good mix of power and beauty, old and new, modern and primitive(?). I keep trying to pick a favorite song, but every time I think I’ve settled on one, the next song will come on and I’ll change my mind. Certainly a record I’d recommend digging into.

Video: Arkivist – “Burnout”

If you want a band to follow from the early stages, check out Arkivist. The recently relocated to LA trio already are developing a definitive style that is very much their own. Their music speaks both to the more intellectual-minded as well as to those appreciative of the more baser notions of rhythm and melody.

Show: Zane Carney at The El Rey

I’ve been to several shows in the past couple of weeks, but this one…this one holds a very special place in my heart. Guitar maestro, Zane Carney, with his backing band (composed, in part, of LMN Band Love Carney) took the audience through a musical journey, rocking and rolling through the best of Zane’s ever growing (and improving) catalog of songs. The journey climaxed with a rendition of “Helter Skelter” that was pretty much an out of body experience. Hopefully his new music will be released soon, but until then, you simply must take every opportunity to see Zane Carey live (I’d post a video, but it wouldn’t do the experience justice).

SXSW Watch: Middle Kids

I’m making my way through the list of SXSW artists and Middle Kids were one to really catch my ear. This three-piece from Australia has an EP coming out Feb. 17th and will be at The Echo Feb. 25th. Mark your calendars!

~ Kristen

New Band Love: Walking on Rivers

Posted on January 25, 2017 by Kristen

I’m sure many people have that fantasy of going off on vacation, perhaps to a foreign land, and falling in love, having that magical night, and taking home a perfect memory that you will never forget. Well, folks, it has happened to me. I went off on an adventure to Berlin and found a new love; a band love of course!

Meet Walking on Rivers:

They bill themselves as an indie folk/pop group, which I suppose is appropriate (think older Mumford & Sons). The quartet is from Dortmund, Germany which I had to look up (it’s central west, has a football museum and a building with a giant U on top), but they sing in English. I was drawn initially to the band’s use of harmonies and piano but what sold me at the show was their energy, cohesiveness, and connection with the audience…they even came into the crowd to sing for their encore. They told me they had only been a band for a bit over a year which was surprising given the depth of well crafted songs on their set list. They have a released EP that you can check out on bandcamp, but they also have a slew of videos that I think give a great sense of the band. They mentioned that maybe next year they’ll get to The States. I sure hope so. In the meantime, I may be the only person in all of this land sporting a Walking on Rivers t-shirt. Hopefully that will change soon.

From my trip’s photo album:

Connect with the band:

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 1/23-1/29

Posted on January 22, 2017 by Kristen

Last week, I was in both Germany and Iceland, I started a new job, I participated in the Women’s March in downtown LA, and I managed to catch Ari Hest at The Hotel Cafe. I felt like I had zero down time, but I guess that is my life now. Next week is a big one, music-wise. Thursday night promises an early contender for show of the year in Zane Carney’s headlining gig at The El Rey. It was announced last week that his backing band will be none other than the guys of Carney, my first LA band love and still one of the greatest bands I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing. I could not BE more excited and I really hope to see you all there.

In other news:

Monday: Albert and his Dreamboats residency FREE at Bootleg Bar (8:30)
ALSO: Warbly Jets residency FREE at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Groves FREE at Resident (8:30)
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot f. The Outer Vibe, Leah Dou (8:30)
ALSO: Hunnypot Live FREE at The Mint (7pm)
ALSO: Monday Monday at The Hotel Cafe second stage f. Ivory Deville, Chi McClean, Josiah Leming, Mainland, Wilderado (8pm)

Tuesday: Wilderado FREE at Resident (8pm)
ALSO: The Show Ponies w/ Freddy & Francine at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Dream Phases residency FREE at Harvard and Stone f. Mars and the Massacre (9pm)
ALSO: Kristeen Young residency f. Vanessa Silberman FREE at The Hi Hat (8pm)
ALSO: Celebrating David Bowie w/ Sting at The Wiltern (7pm)
ALSO: Super Tuesday’s FREE at Butter’d Up (10pm)
ALSO: Sound Collective with Josh and Kira FREE at Saint Rocke (7pm)

Weds: Joshua Radin at The Troubadour (7pm)
ALSO: Eleni Mandell Tribute Record Release show at Bootleg Theater f. Jackson Browne, Priscilla Ahn, Inara George, and more (8:30)
ALSO: Sam Morrow FREE at Love Song (8:30)
ALSO: Silversun Pickups at The Grammy Museum (8pm)

Thursday: Zane Carney w/ Corey Harper & Aly Ryan at The El Rey (8:30)
ALSO: Theo Katzman album release show at Bootleg Bar (8:30)
ALSO: Garrison Starr, Patrick Joseph at The Hotel Cafe second stage (8,9)
ALSO: Leah Dou at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: Mount Holly at The Wayfarer (8pm)
ALSO: Faulkner FREE at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Jesse Malin w/ special guests at The Roxy (9pm)
ALSO: Eric Hutchinson at The Grammy Museum (8pm)
ALSO: Maria Bettencourt w/ Sleep Machine FREE w/ RSVP at Lucky Strike Hollywood (9pm)
ALSO: The Regrettes FREE at Amoeba Records (6pm)

Friday: The Shakers, Love and a .38, Zachary Kibbee at The Viper Room (8:30) ALSO: Lemuria at The Echo (8:30)
ALSO: Jon Epcar at Genghis Cohen (8pm)
ALSO: Wild at The Hotel Cafe (11:30)
ALSO: Girlschool at Bootleg Theater f. The Bird and the Bee, The Regrettes, and more (7pm)
ALSO: Leann Rimes at The El Rey (8:30)
ALSO: Katelyn Tarver FREE at Resident (8pm)

Saturday: Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls at The Wiltern (6pm)
ALSO: SafetySuit w/ Armors at The Regent Theater (7pm)
ALSO: Dorothy at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Ghost Lit Kingdom at The Hotel Cafe (11:30)
ALSO: Bad Wolf at Amplyfi (8pm)
ALSO: Girlschool at Bootleg Theater f. Deap Valley, The Wild Reeds, and more (7:30)
ALSO: Jessie Payo FREE at Mrs. Fish (10:30)
ALSO: Kings of Leon at The Forum (7:30)

Sunday: Brian Whelan, Jack Tempchin, Brother SAL and the Devil May Care at The Hotel Cafe second stage (7, 8, 9)
ALSO: Girlschool at Bootleg Theater f. Chelsea Wolfe, ExSage, and more (7:30)
ALSO: Lucinda Williams at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Songwriter Sundays FREE at The Fox and Hounds f. Dave Green (8pm)

To Keep in Mind:
January 31st: Hawai at Resident
Feb. 1^st: Ben Grey at The Hotel Cafe
Feb. 2^nd: Mike Doughty at The Troubadour
Feb. 2^nd: Tom Chaplin at The El Rey
Feb. 2^nd: OK Go at The Grammy Museum
Feb. 2nd: Griffin House at McCabe’s
Feb. 4^th: Leroy Sanchez at The Troubadour
Feb. 8^th: The Revivalists at The Fonda
Feb. 11^th: The Griswolds w/ Dreamers at Teragram Ballroom
Feb. 14^th: David Duchovny at The Roxy
Feb. 16^th: twenty one pilots, MUTEMATH at Honda Center
Feb. 18th: The Cordovas at The Hotel Cafe
Feb. 21st: Meiko at The Hotel Cafe
Feb. 22^nd: Ruby Friedman Orchestra at The Study
Feb. 26^th: Ben Hazelwood at The Viper Room
Feb. 27^th: Jens Lekamn at Teragram Ballroom
March 1^st: Mondo Cozmo at The Troubadour
March 2^nd: Jack Savoretti at The Hotel Cafe
March 3rd: Jens Lekman at Teragram Ballroom
March 7^th: Half the Animal at The Echo
March 10^th: Stone Foxes at Saint Rocke
March 19th: The Stone Foxes at Saint Rocke
March 21st: Lake Street Dive at Theatre at Ace Hotel
March 24^th: Yellowcard at The Novo by Microsoft
March 25^th: Colony House w/ Knox Hamilton at The Troubadour
March 26^th: Biffy Clyro at Belasco Theater
March 27th: Eisley at The Troubadour
March 30th: Old 97’s at The Fonda Theatre
April 1st: Lincoln Durham at Resident
April 1st: Dawes at The Theatre at Ace Hotel
April 1^st: Passenger at The Wiltern
April 5^th: Mayday Parade at The Regent Theater
April 14^th: Simple Plan at The Wiltern
April 18^th: TFDI at The Hotel Cafe
April 27th: Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors at The El Rey
May 2^nd: Laura Marling at Mayan Theater
May 4th: Sondre Lerche at The Troubadour
May 13th: Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness at The Belasco Theater
May 13^th: Billy Joel at Dodger Stadium
May 25th: Band of Horses w/ Frightened Rabbit at The Greek Theatre
June 2nd/3rd: Vulpeck at The Regent Theater
July 20^th: Third Eye Blind at Greek Theatre

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 1/16-1/22

Posted on January 15, 2017 by Kristen

This week’s calendar is brought to you from Berlin, Germany where I’m enjoying a final trip before starting a new job. If you’re looking for stories of my adventures (yes, there was a concert involved), find me at one of the many excellent shows in LA next week. I’m particularly looking forward to finally seeing Jack Savoretti Thursday night at The Hotel Cafe.

Here’s my list of recommendations:

Monday: Albert and his Dreamboats residency f. Z Berg, Leslie Stevens FREE at Bootleg Bar (8:30)
ALSO: Warbly Jets residency FREE at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Juniper Winter FREE at Harvard & Stone (10pm)
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot f. Lee Dewyze (8:30)
ALSO Evol Walks at TRiP (9pm)
ALSO: The Sunset Jam FREE at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: Hamilton Leithauser at The Teragram Barllroom (9pm)
ALSO: Monday Monday at The Hotel Cafe second stage (8pm)

Tuesday: Bear’s Den at The El Rey (8:30)
ALSO: Widlerado FREE at Resident (8pm)
ALSO: Honey County & Andrew Leahey, Late Night w/ Donald Barrett at The Hotel Cafe second stage (8, 10)
ALSO: Jamie T at Bootleg Bar (8:30)
ALSO: Hamilton Leithauser at The Teragram Ballroom (9pm)
ALSO: All-Star Performances at Lucky Strike Hollywood f. Gilby Clark, Billy Morrison, Chris Chaney, Mark McGrath, and more (7pm)
ALSO: Sound Collective with Josh and Kira FREE at Saint Rocke (8pm)

Weds: King Washington at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Sam Morrow FREE at The Love Song
ALSO: DECORATOR w/ Foxtrax, The Rebel Light at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Charlie Overbey FREE at The Cinema Bar (9pm)
ALSO: DNCE at Belasco Theatre (7pm)

Thursday: Jack Savoretti at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Dan Layus at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Ari Hest, Leo Stannard at The Hotel Cafe second stage (8,9)
ALSO: Micah Jones at Lucky Strike Hollywood (8:30) FREE w/ RSVP
ALSO Smoke Season at The W Los Angeles, West Beverly Hills’ Living Room Bar (10pm)…FREE w/ RSVP
ALSO: Tal Bachman w/ Eileen Carey at The Rose (7pm)
ALSO: Super Tuesdays at Butter’d Up (10pm)

Friday: Zeke Duhon at The Hotel Cafe second stage (7pm)
ALSO: Sam Babayan, Knoup at The Hotel Cafe (10,11)
ALSO: Reverend Tall Tree FREE at Mrs. Fish (10:45)
ALSO: AFI at The Troubadour (7pm)
ALSO: Martin Sexton w/ The Accidentals at The El Rey (8:30)

Saturday: Caught a Ghost at Bootleg Bar (8:30)
ALSO: Great Good Fine Ok w/ Flor at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Aly Tadros & Katie Kuffel at The Hotel Cafe second stage (7pm)
ALSO: The Early November at The Teragram Ballroom (8pm)
ALSO: The Hangmen at The Echo (8pm)

Sunday: Cindy Alexander, Jack Tempchin, Brother SAL and the Devil May Care (7, 8, 9)
ALSO: Songwriter Sunday FREE at The Fox and Hounds (8pm)

To Keep in Mind:
January 24th:Freddy & Francine at The Troubadour
January 25^th: Joshua Radin at The Troubadour
January 26^th: Zane Carney at The El Rey
January 27th-29th: GIRLSCHOOL 2017 at Bootleg Theater
January 28^th: Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls at The Wiltern
January 28^th: SafetySuit at The Regent Theater
January 28^th: Dorothy at The Troubadour
January 31st: Hawai at Resident
Feb. 2^nd: Mike Doughty at The Troubadour
Feb. 2^nd: Tom Chaplin at The El Rey
Feb. 2nd: Griffin House at McCabe’s
Feb. 4^th: Leroy Sanchez at The Troubadour
Feb. 8^th: The Revivalists at The Fonda
Feb. 11^th: The Griswolds w/ Dreamers at Teragram Ballroom
Feb. 14^th: David Duchovny at The Roxy
Feb. 16^th: twenty one pilots, MUTEMATH at Honda Center
Feb. 18th: The Cordovas at The Hotel Cafe
Feb. 21st: Meiko at The Hotel Cafe
Feb. 27^th: Jens Lekamn at Teragram Ballroom
March 3rd: Jens Lekman at Teragram Ballroom
March 19th: The Stone Foxes at Saint Rocke
March 21st: Lake Street Dive at Theatre at Ace Hotel
March 24^th: Yellowcard at The Novo by Microsoft
March 25^th: Colony House w/ Knox Hamilton at The Troubadour
March 27th: Eisley at The Troubadour
March 30th: Old 97’s at The Fonda Theatre
April 1st: Lincoln Durham at Resident
April 1st: Dawes at The Theatre at Ace Hotel
April 5^th: Mayday Parade at The Regent Theater
April 27th: Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors at The El Rey
May 4th: Sondre Lerche at The Troubadour
May 13th: Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness at The Belasco Theater
May 25th: Band of Horses w/ Frightened Rabbit at The Greek Theatre
June 2nd/3rd: Vulpeck at The Regent Theater

~ Kristen

Listen to This!

Posted on January 12, 2017 by Kristen

I’ve told myself for some time now that once I finished up my PhD work, I could focus more on posting on this site. The amount of music I sift through on a weekly basis whether it be from live shows, press releases, in preparation of my weekly calendar, or just word of mouth suggestions is…well it can be a lot. I thought, to get back into the swing of things, I’d bring back my List to This column and share some of the sights and sounds that have grabbed my attention.

So here we go!

Foy Vance – The Wild Swan

I’ve finally got around to absorbing this album that came out last May. It’s amazing how Foy’s songs can at once feel so effortless and emotionally resonant. Here’s one of my favorites from the album:

MONA – “In the Middle”

Love this band! So happy to see them back at it with a new EP (In the Middle) that came out towards the end of last year. They are hitting the road with July Talk and will be at Soda Bar in San Diego on January 28^th and at Bootleg Theater in LA on the 31^st. Catch them if you can!

Warbly Jets

The “Jets” are doing a residency at The Satellite this month. Their second night happened to be my first show of the year (shocking, I know). If I look past the theatrics (lights! smoke! dramatic curtain drop!), I feel like there is a compelling musical force that is sure to get attention from music aficionados everywhere.

Wildwood Kin – “Warrior Daughter”

More SXSW artists were announced this week, so I have lots of listening to do, but I’ve got 400+ already down and this UK act is one of my favorites so far.

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 1/9-1/15

Posted on January 8, 2017 by Kristen

I was reminded earlier today that the Golden Globes are tonight so I’ve stopped my Night Manager binge to tune in (gooooo Sing Street and Westworld!). I’ve been a bit discombobulated this week as I’ve been overly focused on planning a last minute trip to Berlin (yes, you read that right…I’m going to Europe!). I’ve also been driving all over town putting up posters and baseball cards to promote Zane Carney’s El Rey show on Jan. 26th. It’s been a really fun way to explore different parts of the city. Also, be sure to get your tickets to Zane Carney at The El Rey January 26th!

As far as this week goes, there are many shows to be excited about, but top on my list are Ray Little’s second show ever at The Echo with opener Aja Volkman (from Nico Vega!) and the second Coffee Shop Arena Rock night at The Hotel Cafe hosted by 80’s/90’s arena rock aficionado Curtis Peoples.

Here’s the rest of my picks:

Monday: Warbly Jets residency FREE at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Albert and his Dreamboats residency FREE at Bootleg Bar (8:30)
ALSO: It’s A School Night at Bardot f. The Technicolors (8:30)
ALSO: Swerve FREE at Harvard & Stone (10pm)
ALSO: Vanessa Silberman FREE at Silverlake Lounge (8pm)
ALSO: The Sunset Jam f. Fire FREE at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: Hunnypot Live FREE at The Mint (7pm)
ALSO: Monday Monday at The Hotel Cafe second stage (8pm)

Tuesday: LP at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: Wilderado w/ Zach Porter FREE at Resident (10pm)
ALSO: Anna Ash w/ Andrew St James at Bootleg Bar (8:30)
ALSO: Christina Castle at The Hotel Cafe second stage (8pm)
ALSO: Sound Collective with Josh and Kira FREE at Saint Rocke (8pm)
ALSO: Super Tuesdays at Butter’d Up (10pm)

Weds: Ray Little w/ Aja Volkman at The Echo (8:30)
ALSO: JD Eicher & Matt Brown, David Luning at The Hotel Cafe second stage (7, 9)
ALSO: John Paul White at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Sam Morrow FREE at The Love Song (8:30)
ALSO: Teenage Wrist at Resident (8pm)…FREE w/ RSVP
ALSO: The Album Leaf at The Hi Hat (8pm)
ALSO: The Watkins Family Hour at Largo (8:30)
ALSO: Lord Huron at The Teragram Ballroom (9pm)

Thursday: Dar Williams at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Valley Queen w/ Lost Beach at Saint Rocke (8pm)
ALSO: Scavenger Hunt at Resident (8pm)
ALSO: Grant-Lee Phillips and Sara Watkins at Largo (8:30)
ALSO: Lord Huron at The Teragram Ballroom (9pm)

Friday: The White Buffalo w/ The Deltaz at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Luke Wade, Taylor John Williams & The Crooked Hand at The Hotel Cafe (9,10)
ALSO: Ghost Lit Kingdom at Silverlake Lounge (10pm)
ALSO: Joyce Manor at The Regent Theater (8pm)
ALSO: The Regrettes album release party at The Echo (6:30)
ALSO: Lord Huron at The Teragram Ballroom (9pm)

Saturday: Sleeping Wolf, Coffee Shop Arena Rock !! hosted by Curtis Peoples at The Hotel Cafe (8, 10:30)
ALSO: Garrison Starr at The Hotel Cafe second stage (9pm)
ALSO: Love Trumps Hat benefit f. Silversun Pickups, James Supercave, Nick Waterhouse, and more at Bootleg Theater (7:30)
ALSO: Bones Muhroni record release at The Hi Hat (8pm)
ALSO: Joyce Manor at The Regent Theater (8pm)
ALSO: Matthew Morrison at The Broad Stage (7:30)
ALSO: The California Honeydrops at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Lord Huron at The Teragram Ballroom (9pm)

Sunday: Jack Tempchin, Brother SAL and the Devil May Care (8,9)
ALSO: Lord Huron at The Teragram Ballroom (9pm)
ALSO: Shelby Lynn at Au Lac (8pm)
ALSO: Songwriter Sunday FREE at The Fox and Hounds (8pm)

To Keep in Mind:
January 17^th: Bear’s Den at The El Rey
January 18^th: DNCE at The Belasco Theatre
January 19th: Jack Savoretti at The Hotel Cafe
January 24th:Freddy & Francine at The Troubadour
January 25^th: Joshua Radin at The Troubadour
January 26^th: Zane Carney at The El Rey
January 27th-29th: GIRLSCHOOL 2017 at Bootleg Theater
January 28^th: Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls at The Wiltern
January 28^th: SafetySuit at The Regent Theater
January 28^th: Dorothy at The Troubadour
January 31st: Hawai at Resident
Feb. 2^nd: Mike Doughty at The Troubadour
Feb. 2^nd: Tom Chaplin at The El Rey
Feb. 2nd: Griffin House at McCabe’s
Feb. 4^th: Leroy Sanchez at The Troubadour
Feb. 8^th: The Revivalists at The Fonda
Feb. 11^th: The Griswolds w/ Dreamers at Teragram Ballroom
Feb. 14^th: David Duchovny at The Roxy
Feb. 16^th: twenty one pilots, MUTEMATH at Honda Center
Feb. 18th: The Cordovas at The Hotel Cafe
Feb. 21st: Meiko at The Hotel Cafe
Feb. 27^th: Jens Lekamn at Teragram Ballroom
March 3rd: Jens Lekman at Teragram Ballroom
March 19th: The Stone Foxes at Saint Rocke
March 21st: Lake Street Dive at Theatre at Ace Hotel
March 24^th: Yellowcard at The Novo by Microsoft
March 25^th: Colony House w/ Knox Hamilton at The Troubadour
March 27th: Eisley at The Troubadour
March 30th: Old 97’s at The Fonda Theatre
April 1st: Lincoln Durham at Resident
April 1st: Dawes at The Theatre at Ace Hotel
April 5^th: Mayday Parade at The Regent Theater
April 27th: Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors at The El Rey
May 4th: Sondre Lerche at The Troubadour
May 13th: Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness at The Belasco Theater
May 25th: Band of Horses w/ Frightened Rabbit at The Greek Theatre
June 2nd/3rd: Vulpeck at The Regent Theater

~ Kristen