Local Music Nation

Kristen’s 2016 Music Mix

Posted on December 30, 2016 by Kristen

Not as much music reached my ears this year, but that doesn’t mean my 2016 wasn’t defined by it’s musical highlights. Here are some of the songs and bands that meant the most to me in 2016.

Scroll to bottom to listen to Spotify playlist

Lukas Graham – Better Than Yourself (Criminal Mind, Pt. 2)

I knew going into SXSW that I was going to like Lukas Graham, but I didn’t realize at the end of the year they were going to be my #1 band discovery of 2016. They first time I saw Lukas Graham, they opened with this song. It was love at first note.

Biffy Clyro – Wolves of Winter

When your most beloved band releases a new album, you get excited. When this is the first single they drop, giddiness ensues. 2016’s Ellipsis wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, but if it were, it wouldn’t be a Biffy Clyro album now would it? My dearest wish for 2017 is that the band will return to Los Angeles and play.

Badflower – Drop Dead

My favorite release this year was Badflower’s Temper EP. This band continues to improve and with new songs like “Drop Dead”, I don’t see this trajectory leveling off any time soon.

Jamie N Commons – Not Gonna Break Me

This was my theme song for much of 2016 as I continued to endure a myriad of setbacks in my journey towards a PhD. I was not bested, however, and by the end of the year I finally (finally!) was able to defend my dissertation and graduate. Thank you Mr. Commons!

Dear Boy – Alluria

I saw Dear Boy more than any other band live this year including a particularly memorable Halloween show. In 2016 the band released more music (Parts of a Flower EP) and “Alluria” is my favorite song from the new offerings.

The Hunna – You & Me

This song makes me smile. It brings to mind all the best parts of 2016; backstage shenanigans, time spent with friends, discovering amazing new music, and ping pong!

The Struts – Kiss This

Let’s just dedicate this song to 2016. It was a tough year for a variety of reasons, but as much as I look forward to putting the year behind me, I would also like to remember the good times…like that time I saw The Struts do a TV taping and the audience was so into it, they clapped through the entire set!

Young Rising Sons – Simple Life

Young Rising Sons always manage to be part of my most memorable concert experiences. 2016 brought some great shows, but one memory that is most vivid is a two-day extravagance at The Troubadour that included Young Rising Sons, The Moth & The Flame, Mainland, Dreamers, and Night Riots. All I need are times like that…a Simple Life indeed!

Dreamers – Sweet Disaster

Dreamers only came into my life in 2016, but it feels like I’ve known this band for years. Their debut full length, This Album Does Not Exist, was released this year and there is not a single song on it that couldn’t be a radio hit. One of my favorites for dancing, singing, and general good times.
The Wrecks – Favorite Liar

At the beginning of the year, I interviewed The Wrecks when they opened for Nothing But Thieves at The Troubadour. They were a new band, full of potential and seemingly boundless energy. I loved them! By the end of the year, they had toured the country and signed a label deal. I’d say 2016 was their year, but let’s just see where they go next!
Walking On Cars – Flying High Falling Low

In 2016, Walking On Cars released their album, Everything This Way, and came to play LA not once, but twice! This band is an experience and their music elicits “all the feels” as a dear friend and fellow WOC fan would say.
The Americans – I’ll Be Yours

I caught this band a couple of times this year and each time, this song really stuck. I tracked it down and put it on whenever I feel a little blue. I find the song and it’s tempo changes quite hopeful.
Joseph – Lifted Away

This trio of sisters opened for James Bay at Humphrey’s, one of the most unexpected and amazing show adventures of my year down in San Diego. When Noisetrade offered one of their EPs, I snatched it up and was swept away by the glorious vocal harmonies.
BANNERS – Gold Dust

I spent a lot of time in Starbucks this year, writing away. I was very excited when I realized one of my SXSW faves was picked up for regular rotation at my store. What speaks volumes about my love for this band is that after hearing this song over and over and over during some of the more trying times of my year, I still love it!
Highly Suspect – My Name is Human

One of my favorite bands from last year came back in 2016 with another album, another Grammy nomination, and a couple killlller shows at The Troubadour. I don’t think it’s possible for this band to disappoint, especially in the live setting.
The Virginmarys – Push the Pedal

Highlights of my 2016 would not be complete without mentioning time spent with these gentlemen and their music. They were one of the interviews I did for a video series with High Voltage and their 2016 album, Divides, spent a lot of time in my car stereo which probably wasn’t the best idea as songs like “Push the Pedal” don’t exactly encourage safe driving practices.
Lapsley – Hurt Me

This song just digs right in. I tracked down everything I could from Lapsley after seeing her play a surprise set at SXSW and this is the track I ended up putting on repeat. If you happened to see me driving around LA singing in my car, chances are it was this song.
X Ambassadors f. Jamie N Commons – Low Life

The X Ambassadors record came through for me big time this year with songs like this and their hit, “Unsteady”. I had a particularly trying weekend where these songs were played on repeat. You cannot underestimate the healing power of music, especially when one is feeling particularly alone.
Mondo Cozmo – Shine

If we had a category for best local discovery of 2016, Mondo Cozmo would win the prize. To say I missed a chance to see Dear Boy in order to see this band again…well, that should say everything. “Shine” is an anthem to take into 2017 reminding us that, “Everything will be alright if you let it go”.

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 12/26-1/1

Posted on December 25, 2016 by Kristen

Merry Christmas!! I’m spending today with my High Voltage family playing games and watching Kings of Con. Next week is incredibly light show-wise. I’m not sure how many days I can make before the withdrawals set in, but I’m very much looking forward to the end of 2016.

Here’s what I could find:

Monday: Avi Buffalo at The Echo (8:30)

Tuesday: Sound Collective with Josh and Kira FREE at Saint Rocke (8pm)

Weds: Casey Abrams at Saint Rocke (8pm)

Thursday: We Stand for Standing Rock fundraiser at Harvelle’s f. Herbert Bail Orchestra (9pm)
ALSO: The Crazy Brave at The Hi Hat (8pm)

Friday: Remembering Bowie at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Citizen Cope at The Regent Theater (8pm)
ALSO: Mystic Braves at The Echo (8:30)
ALSO: Donavon Frankenreiter at Saint Rocke (9pm)

Saturday: Pink Martini at Walt Disney Concert Hall (7pm, 10:30)
ALSO: New Year’s Eve in Long Beach f. Citizen Cope (8pm)

Sunday: Happy New Year!

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 12/18-12/25

Posted on December 18, 2016 by Kristen

I’ve kept myself properly busy this month, successfully avoiding the bulk of the Christmastime gloom. Last week included a trip to SD with shows at The Casbah and Lestat’s and then a few holiday parties in LA including one at The Hotel Cafe where John Mayer made a surprise appearance. One simply cannot be upset with life when one is present for a jam session including John Mayer, Zane Carney, and David Ryan Harris.

Next week, once again, we have a Monday of impossible choices and a few Holiday shows then we’ll have to take a couple of days off. If you’re looking for some live music, here’s what I’d suggest:

Monday: It’s a School Night at Bardot f. Badflower (8:30)
ALSO: Dead Sara at Harvard & Stone (9pm)
ALSO: The Station Breaks at The Troubadour (7:30)
ALSO: Music Militia Night w/ Naomi and friends FREE at The Satellite f. Wrabel, Audra Mae and more (9pm)
ALSO: Nick Waterhouse at The Regent Theater (8pm)
ALSO: Monday Monday at The Hotel Cafe second stage (8pm)
ALSO: The Sunset Jam FREE at The Viper Room (9pm)

Tuesday: The Watkins Family Holiday Show at Largo (8:30)
ALSO: Lauren Ruth Ward FREE at Harvard & Stone (10pm)
ALSO: Super Tuesday’s FREE at Butter’d Up (10pm)
ALSO: Sound Collective with Josh and Kira FREE at Saint Rocke (8pm)

Weds: Holiday Fiesta fundraiser for NELA Winter Shelter for the Homeless at The Hi Hat f. Kate Nash (7pm)
ALSO: HIRSH at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: LOVEYOU FREE at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Jane Lynch’s A Swingin’ Little Christmas CD Release show at Largo (8pm)

Thursday: Stand With Standing Rock Benefit at The Hi Hat (8pm)
ALSO: Avi Buffalo at Bootleg Bar (8:30)

Friday: Fishbone at The Roxy (8:30)

Saturday:

Sunday: Merry Christmas!

~ Kristen

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

Posted on December 11, 2016 by Kristen

Mid-way through a very full week of shows, I was at The Hotel Cafe to check out LA-based singer, Adam Friedman (one to watch!). Afterwards, I wandered into the other room to see Sleeping Wolf (always a treat). I commented to Amanda that after my Hotel Cafe experience I felt refreshed. She said she didn’t realize a band could be refreshing, but that is exactly how I felt. Is that weird? Maybe it was just a particularly good week, but with each new musical act I sampled last week, I got more and more excited. It wasn’t until I finally took a night off that I had trouble sleeping and life started to feel overwhelming again.

Next week, similar to last, starts off with a Monday that has way too many bands I want to see playing on the same evening. This trend continues throughout the week, but if there is one show above all that I’d recommend it would be the Hotel Cafe holiday show which is always one of my favorite events of the year.

Here’s what else I’d suggest looking into:

Monday: Badflower FREE at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Mondo Cozmo at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)…free with RSVP
ALSO: The Shelters w/ Dear Boy at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot f. The National Parks, Morgxn, Incan Abraham (8:30)
ALSO: The Sunset Jam w/ Dig the Kid FREE at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: Duniven’s Annual Holiday Hoopla at The Hi Hat (8pm)
ALSO: Glass Animals w/ Judah & The Lion at The El Rey (8:30)
ALSO: Fitz & The Tantrums w/ The Arkells at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Carah Faye w/ Weathers at The Echoplex (8pm)
ALSO: Hunnypot Live FREE at The Mint (7pm)

Tuesday: Wild Child at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Eagles of Death Metal at Teragram Ballroom (8pm)
ALSO: The Sounds at The Belasco (6:30)
ALSO: Super Tuesday’s FREE at Butter’d Up (10pm)
ALSO: Sound Collective w/ Josh and Kira FREE at Saint Rocke (8pm)

Weds: Rooney at The El Rey (8:30)
ALSO: Royal Teeth w/ Kolars at The Hi Hat (8pm)
ALSO: Sara Watkins at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: The Afghan Whigs w/ Carina Round at Teragram Ballroom (8pm)
ALSO: The Sounds at The Belasco (6:30)

Thursday: The Hotel Cafe Holiday Show at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: The Mowgli’s w/ Dreamers at Teragram Ballroom (8:30)
ALSO: Band of Merrymakers at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: The Dustbowl Revival at The Hi Hat (8pm)
ALSO: Heaps N Heaps at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Metallica at The Fonda (9pm)

Friday: The Elizabeth Kill at Molly Malone’s (8:30)
ALSO: Marie Digby, Paul McDonald & Friends at The Hotel Cafe (8,11)
ALSO: Royal Machines at The Roxy (9pm)
ALSO: Michael Blume at Bootleg Theatre (8:30)
ALSO: The Dandy Warhols w/ Telegram & Warbly Jets at The Fonda (9pm)

Saturday: Arkivist at The Study (9pm)
ALSO: Ghost Lit Kingdom at The Mint (7:30)
ALSO: Royal Machines at The Roxy (9pm)
ALSO: James Supercave, SWIMM at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Chris Robinson Brotherhood at The Fonda (9pm)
ALSO: Dennis Quaid and The Sharks at Saint Rocke (8pm)

Sunday: Maria Taylor, Matt Costa FREE at The Federal Bar (11am)
ALSO: We Rock With Standing Rock at The Fonda (8pm)
ALSO: Select Songwriter Sundays FREE at The Fox and Hounds (9pm)

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 12/5-12/11

Posted on December 4, 2016 by Kristen

Last week was a blur of music and French fries ending with a lovely birthday party at a park where there were cupcakes, live music, balloon animals, some coloring with markers…okay, the party was ostensibly for a 2 year old and the live music involved a few creative rounds of “Wheels on the Bus”, but I was given ginger beer which made me feel like the party was for me too!

Next week, The Shadowboxers are in town, the stream of holiday shows begin, and I’m having a very difficult time deciding on a game plan for Monday night. Why do all the good free shows have to be on the same evening?!?

Anyway, here is what I am thinking for this week:

Monday: Kaleo at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: The Shakers FREE at Harvard & Stone (8:30)
ALSO: ExSage residency w/ Bones FREE at Bootleg Bar (8:30)
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot f. Sundara Karma (8:30)
ALSO: Peppina at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Andrew Bird at The Grammy Museum (8pm)
ALSO: The Sunset Jam FREE at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: Johnny Gates, Monday Monday at The Hotel Cafe second stage (7,8)

Tuesday: The Shadowboxers at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Spurs at Bootleg Theater (8:30)
ALSO: Miike Snow w/ Morgxn at The El Rey (8:30)
ALSO: The Pretty Reckless at The Mayan (6:30)
ALSO: CRX at Teragram Ballroom (9pm)
ALSO: Super Tuesday’s FREE at Butter’d Up (10pm)
ALSO: Sound Collective w/ Josh and Kira FREE at Saint Rocke (8pm)
ALSO: Emo Nite at The Echo + Echoplex f. Tyson Ritter & Nick Wheeler (All-American Rejects) and more (8:30)

Weds: Sleeping Wolf at The Hotel Cafe second stage (10pm)
ALSO: Polaris Rose at The Lexington (9:30)
ALSO: Adam Friedman w/ Will Champlin at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Cold War Kids w/ The Shelters at The El Rey (8:30)
ALSO: The Lumineers at The Fonda (9:30)
ALSO: Venus and the Moon, Chris Stills at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: The Japanese House at The Echo (8:30)

Thursday: The Americans at The Hotel Cafe (9:30)
ALSO: Bones FREE at Harvard and Stone (10pm)
ALSO: flor, lostboycrow at Bootleg Theater (8:30)
ALSO: Reverend Tall Tree FREE at Mrs. Fish (10pm)
ALSO: Kidneythieves at The Viper Room (9pm)

Friday: David Ryan Harris & Gabe Dixon at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: The Soft White Sixties at Fais Do Do (10:30)
ALSO: The Beta Machine, 8MM at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: Chris Pierce at Genghis Cohen (8:15)
ALSO: Benjamin Francis Leftwich at The Roxy (8:30)
ALSO: Sego at The Hi Hat (8pm)
ALSO: Jim James at The Orpheum Theatre (8:30)
ALSO: Conor Oberst at The Cathedral Sanctuary at Immanuel Presbyterian (7pm)

Saturday: Jackie Greene w/ The Cordovas at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: KT Tunstall FREE at One Colorado (7:30)
ALSO: Distant Cousins, Ninet at The Hotel Cafe (8,9)
ALSO: Sløtface at Bootleg Bar (8:30)
ALSO: Conor Oberst at The Cathedral Sanctuary at Immanuel Presbyterian (7pm)
ALSO: Anderson .paak & The Free Nationals at Hollywood Palladium (7pm)
ALSO: Riot Grill fest at The Regent Theater (6pm)
ALSO: KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas at The Forum (5pm)

Sunday: Maria Taylor w/ Ben Lee and Cillie Barnes at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt f. Jackson Browne, Grace Potter, Dawes, Sara & Sean Watkins, and more (8pm)
ALSO: Select Songwriter Sundays FREE at The Fox and Hounds (8pm)
ALSO: KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas at The Forum (5pm)

To Keep in Mind:
December 12^th: The Shelters w/ Dear Boy at The Troubadour
December 12^th: Badflower at The Satellite
December 12^th: Glass Animals, Judah & The Lion at The El Rey
December 12^th: Fitz & The Tantrums, Arkells at The Roxy
December 12^th: Michael Kiwanuka at The Fonda
December 14^th: Sara Watkins at The Troubadour
December 14^th: Rooney at The El Rey
December 14^th: Royal Teeth at The Hi Hat
December 14^th: Carina Round at Teragram Ballroom
December 15^th: The Mowgli’s w/ Dreamers at Teragram Ballroom
December 15^th: Band of Merrymakers at The Troubadour
December 16^th/17^th: Royal Machines at The Roxy
January 11^th-14^th: Lord Huron at Teragram Ballroom
January 12^th: Dar Williams at The Troubadour
January 13^th: The White Buffalo at The Troubadour
January 17^th: Bear’s Den at The El Rey
January 18^th: DNCE at The Belasco Theatre
January 19h: Jack Savoretti at The Hotel Cafe
January 25^th: Joshua Radin at The Troubadour
January 26^th: Zane Carney at The El Rey
January 28^th: Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls at The Wiltern
January 28^th: SafetySuit at The Regent Theater
Feb. 2^nd: Mike Doughty at The Troubadour
Feb. 4^th: Leroy Sanchez at The Troubadour
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. 27^th: Jens Lekamn at Teragram Ballroom
March 24^th: Yellowcard at The Novo by Microsoft
March 25^th: Colony House w/ Knox Hamilton at The Troubadour

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 11/28-12/4

Posted on November 27, 2016 by Kristen

Can we talk about those Gilmore Girls episodes?? If you’ve seen them, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I spent about an hour after watching “Fall” sitting in stunned silence trying to process the stunning array of emotions I enduring throughout the day…and those final words (?!?!). By the time I emerged from the processing, I had sadly missed my window for going out to a show. I did make a couple of good ones last week including what might be one of my favorite shows of the year, Lukas Graham at The Wiltern.

This is the last Monday in November so if you have yet to get to The Satellite to see King Washington, I wouldn’t miss this one! Here are the rest of my musical options this week:

Monday: King Washington residency w/ Brothers Zmed FREE at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: It’s A School Night at Bardot f. Night Talks, Leon Else (8:30)
ALSO: Alina Bea residency FREE at Bootleg Bar (8:30)
ALSO: Aurora at The Fonda (8:15)
ALSO: The Sunset Jam 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: My Name is You at El Cid (9:30)
ALSO: Coby Brown, The Fair Wells at The Hotel Cafe second stage (9, 10)
ALSO: Dana Williams at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Lo Moon at Bootleg Theater (8:30)
ALSO: Ramonda Hammer residency w/ The Knitts FREE at The Hi Hat (8pm)
ALSO: Sound Collective with Josh and Kira at Saint Rocke (8pm)
ALSO: Super Tuesday’s FREE at Butter’d Up (10pm)

Weds: Mondo Cozmo w/ Matt Maeson, Drew Taubenfield and Friends at The Hotel Cafe (7, 10)
ALSO: Javier Dunn at The Hotel Cafe second stage (10pm)
ALSO: Aeges, State to State at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: Oliver Riot and Zeke Duhon at Resident (8pm)
ALSO: Two Door Cinema Club w/ Broods and Polica at Shrine Auditorium (8pm)
ALSO: An Acoustic Christmas with Over The Rhine at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Dragonette at The Roxy (8:30)
ALSO: Daughter at The Wiltern (8pm)

Thursday: Charming Liars at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: Pacific Radio FREE at Club Moscow (8pm)
ALSO: Lydia at The Troubadour (7pm)
ALSO: Alicia Witt at The Hotel Cafe second stage (7pm)
ALSO: James Vincent McMorrow at The Wiltern (7pm)
ALSO: Gary Clark Jr. at The Theatre at Ace Hotel (7:30)

Friday: Bobby Long w/ Dylan Melody, Dinosaur Parade, The Shadow Heist at The Hotel Cafe (7, 9, 11)
ALSO: Nightjacket at The Echo (9pm)
ALSO: Gill Landry at Bootleg Bar (8:30)
ALSO: Gary Clark Jr. at The Theatre at Ace Hotel (7:30)

Saturday: South Lake Holiday celebration in Pasadena f. Caught a Ghost, Leftover Cuties, Run River North (1pm)
ALSO: Jagged Little Pill Covers Night at The Hotel Cafe (9:30)
ALSO: Night Moves and Haley Bonar at Resident (8pm)

Sunday: The Shadowboxers at LA Hangar Studios (6:30)
ALSO: Jack Tempchin w/ Special Guests at The Hotel Cafe second stage (7pm)
ALSO: Songwriter Sundays FREE at The Fox and Hounds (8pm)

To Keep in Mind:
December 5^th: Kaleo at The Roxy
December 6^th: The Shadowboxers at The Troubadour
December 6^th: The Pretty Reckless at The Mayan
December 7^th: The Lumineers at The Fonda
December 7^th: Cold War Kids at The El Rey
December 8^th: The Americans at The Hotel Cafe
December 9^th/10^th: Conor Oberst at The Cathedral Sanctuary at Immanuel Presbyterian
December 10^th: Jackie Greene, The Cordovas at The Troubadour
December 12^th: The Shelters w/ Dear Boy at The Troubadour
December 12^th: Badflower at The Satellite
December 12^th: Glass Animals, Judah & The Lion at The El Rey
December 12^th: Fitz & The Tantrums, Arkells at The Roxy
December 12^th: Michael Kiwanuka at The Fonda
December 14^th: Sara Watkins at The Troubadour
December 14^th: Rooney at The El Rey
December 14^th: Royal Teeth at The Hi Hat
December 14^th: Carina Round at Teragram Ballroom
December 15^th: The Mowgli’s w/ Dreamers at Teragram Ballroom
December 15^th: Band of Merrymakers at The Troubadour
December 16^th/17^th: Royal Machines at The Roxy
January 12^th: Dar Williams at The Troubadour
January 17^th: Bear’s Den at The El Rey
January 18^th: DNCE at The Belasco Theatre
January 19h: Jack Savoretti at The Hotel Cafe
January 25^th: Joshua Radin at The Troubadour
January 26^th: Zane Carney at The El Rey
January 28^th: Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls at The Wiltern
January 28^th: SafetySuit at The Regent Theater
Feb. 2^nd: Mike Doughty at The Troubadour
Feb. 4^th: Leroy Sanchez at The Troubadour
Feb. 14^th: David Duchovny at The Roxy
Feb. 16^th: twenty one pilots, MUTEMATH at Honda Center
Feb. 27^th: Jens Lekamn at Teragram Ballroom
March 24^th: Yellowcard at The Novo by Microsoft

~ Kristen