2015 was not the best of years, but it certainly had its moments…most of the good ones involved music. Here are a few of the songs that had an impact on my year.

2015 break out, James Bay, was another SXSW top pick. My favorite James Bay story is when I went to a festival at The Santa Monica pier without a ticket and somehow made it in just in time to get to the front and see James Bay…the man sings and every bone in my body seems to melt.

~ Kristen

2015 was not the best of years, but it certainly had its moments…most of the good ones involved music. Here are a few of the songs that had an impact on my year.

Irontom continues to have a huge presence in my life. 2015 marks the year they left LA to go on tour opening for Awolnation. I saw them at The House of Blues in San Diego, front row at The Palladium, and in Pomona where they also shared the stage with Meg Myers (one of the best show not only of my year but of my life).  Although they sadly graduated from their monthly residency, 2015 also featured a handful of more intimate Irontom shows and a very memorable time at SXSW. Their Gorrilaz cover can make anyone feel good!

~ Kristen

2015 was not the best of years, but it certainly had its moments…most of the good ones involved music. Here are a few of the songs that had an impact on my year.

Imagine Dragons’ follow-up to their smash debut did not get the praise I feel it rightly deserved. I suppose that’s what happens when you reach the very top (people try to bring you down).  Seeing the band play at a tour announcement show at The Mayan was a highlight of my 2015, especially the moment “I’m So Sorry” was played for the first time. Decidedly my favorite off the album, this song captures all the explosive power and emotion I love about Imagine Dragons, especially in their live form.

~ Kristen

2015 was not the best of years, but it certainly had its moments…most of the good ones involved music. Here are a few of the songs that had an impact on my year.

I was grateful that Dead Sara finally was able to release a new album this year, mostly because new material meant they would be playing shows! Live Dead Sara shows are legendary and I got a few in this year including a particularly memorable one in Pomona at The Glass House. This band blows me away every time.

~ Kristen

2015 was not the best of years, but it certainly had its moments…most of the good ones involved music. Here are a few of the songs that had an impact on my year.

Tony Lucca came back in a big way this year with new music. I saw Tony twice, including at the album release party at The Hotel Cafe. His new songs hearken back to the Tony I love from years ago. “Imagination”, in particular references that time when a bunch of my favorite singer-songwriters were together in California creating magic.

~ Kristen

2015 was not the best of years, but it certainly had its moments…most of the good ones involved music. Here are a few of the songs that had an impact on my year.

Remember that time when I hoped into a van with this British guy and went to San Francisco to see him play at The Fillmore? Sometimes life works in very unexpected but truly awesome ways. Jamie N Commons (and his fabulous backing band) helped craft one of my favorite 2015 adventures – broken down vehicles included.

~ Kristen