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Amanda’s Top Acts of 2015- James Bay

Posted on by Amanda

Every year closes and there’s always a select number of events and things that stick around in my brain and really stand out as something memorable. I mean, if it wasn’t that memorable, I probably wouldn’t be able to recall it as vividly as I do after an entire year passes by. For me, 2015 was filled with a fair amount of music related trips and some really “omg this is really happening?!” moments. To be honest, you already know about these artists from our site but I’d like to share what makes them special and why going out to see a band/artist is such an awesome experience for me…

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Photo by: Megan Gotch (@thenerdygirlie)

James Bay is someone who’s name you should be familiar with from reading our site. He’s an amazing artist with a really soulful and gritty voice with lyrics that can cut you to the quick and reverberate through your soul. I was lucky enough to see him a few times this year with the standout moment being at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. Bay had been scheduled to play there back in May and I missed out on the tickets. (Drat!) Then the show had been rescheduled to August and I missed tickets again. (Bummer!) Finally, the date was rescheduled to November and I discovered it just in time to get tickets to the show in November. What luck!

Back in July I had seen James Bay sell out the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, which according to Wikipedia, holds 3,500 people for musical events. So, the opportunity to see someone who was literally selling out arenas across the US at the 600 capacity Belly Up was something truly special and unique. Also, something that wasn’t likely to happen again. Since I knew this would be a really unique opportunity to be up close and personal, I decided to get there a few hours early and wait in line. I’d say the wait paid off in spades by being part of the first line of people against the stage. There isn’t any kind of barrier at Belly Up so when I say we were there, we were right there!

It was a truly amazing experience and one that will likely never be reproduced. James was his highly amusing and entertaining self throughout the entire evening. He started the evening by saying that he was finally happy to be there after all the issues and “music industry bullshit” and he was just happy people showed up after all the jerking around. I won’t get into the minutiae of the entire evening here because that would take up entirely too much of your time. I will however give you these details (and maybe more if you ask me in person)… he played for over an hour, he played everything from Chaos and The Calm, he also played some of the songs from his previous ep, there was a sing along portion of the evening, and he did a cover of Proud Mary. He completely owned the stage. If you haven’t had the opportunity to see him yet, I urge you to get on it! He’s currently touring everywhere but here it seems so keep your eyes peeled!!



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Top Ten Sets of SXSW 2014

Posted on by Amanda

Well SXSW might be officially over but we are trying to keep the magic alive here at LMN. And can you blame us? It was an amazing good time full of great acts, good friends, much love, and lots of fun. So in the spirit of keeping things going, we present to you our top acts of SXSW 2014. This list is in no particular order because let’s face it, that’s too hard to do. Instead, think of this list as the acts that affected us the most. There will be familiar names and new names but all of them got to us at SXSW.

 

Amanda’s Picks:

1. Morning Parade at Palm Door (The Universal Music Group Showcase)

One of the things that makes SXSW so fun is the opportunity to sample new music and discover your new favorite band. Morning Parade was a band that I wanted to casually sample. You know, stay for 3ish songs and go see someone else. That was my goal for the day. However, Morning Parade threw a wrench in my plans for the day. I was so enamored by them that I stayed for their entire set and was left wanting more from them. They had their fans dancing, heads bobbing, and feet tapping the whole time, mine included. They played new stuff, old fan favorites and I loved it all. Give me more! IMG_0036

2. Beware of Darkness at Wahoo’s Fish Tacos (Wahoo’s Music Showcase)

The show that nabbed the title for the craziest rock and roll experience ever was Beware of Darkness at Wahoo’s. I had only seen Beware of Darkness a few times beforehand but those shows were nothing compared to this wonderful insanity. I’m not really sure what inspired the frequent guitar shredding trips into the crowd or the standing on a table rockstar moments from frontman Kyle Nicolaides but all of it was amazing. Truth be told, I wasn’t even going to attend this particular show because fatigue had set in, I wasn’t feeling well, and I was already in the hotel but I knew it would be my only opportunity to see some familiar faces so, I made the trek. The set was short but absolutely crazy in the best way possible. Definitely an experience that will be hard to repeat.

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3. Dear Boy at Rusty’s (Swing House Austin Occupation)

I think there’s something really special in being able to support a band out at SXSW who is there for the first time. File the relatively new band Dear Boy under that category. They had a rather light show schedule at SXSW so it was imperative for me (well, us) to make sure we caught this particular show at Rusty’s. It was their best show of SXSW, which was impressive considering it was a day show and on a very tiny stage. Their set was far too short (isn’t that how it goes at SXSW?) for my liking but they had a great energy and were really into their groove. I can’t wait to see where they go from here.

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4. The Silent Comedy at The Tap Room at The Market (Official Showcase)

Seeing The Silent Comedy play at SXSW is always a good time. It’s an even better time when it’s at 1am, you’re tired from being up till 3am the night before, you’re in a small venue, and the stage is way higher up than you expect it to be. Sounds like a possible disaster, right? Nope. This was a crazy good time filled with some old favorites like “Prince,” “Gasoline,” and “Road Song” as well as some new tunes like, “Always Two” and “Avalanche.” Justin Buchanan, banjo and mandolin player extraordinaire gets an extra shout out for his crazy shenanigans, which involved leaving the stage to go play with the folks who thought it was safe to sit upstairs. You were wrong. I’m willing to bet there were a few folks in the crowd who fell for The Silent Comedy that night and really, who could blame them?

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5. Semi Precious Weapons at Rusty’s (Crave Online Showcase)

Semi Precious Weapons make me feel sexy. There. I said it. They were on my top picks last year and they are back again for putting on an even better show than last year. Since this was their only set at SXSW it was extremely important that this event not be missed. They had this really infectious energy about them that just bled into the audience, which kept growing and growing. The tight space gave me less dancing room but I didn’t care because being backed against a wall made it that much better. Their set included new/old favorites like “Cherries on Ice,” “Free Booze,” “That’s My Friends,” and “Drink” as well as two new songs “Vegas” and “Hands Up.” I’m happy to say that all of those songs will be on their forthcoming full-length album, Aviation. There was even a surprise visit from Lady Gaga herself who watched from the side stage. Needless to say, I left this show feeling Aviation High.

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HM: Robert John and The Wreck at Wahoo’s Fish Tacos (Wahoo’s Music Showcase)

As it goes with SXSW, you tend to meet new people at shows and chat about similar musical interests and swap names of bands worth checking out. Well, I met this guy outside of Wahoo’s when I was wandering back to my hotel and stopped by to hear the beautiful noise from the venue. He told me their name was David and Olivia and I should come see his band play there later that week. When he said his band was Robert Jon and The Wreck I immediately recognized the name as someone The Silent Comedy had mentioned they were playing with and had seen it on the bill but had never seen them before. I promised to catch their set later that week and I’m really glad I followed through. When they started playing I changed from a walking zombie of myself to an alert toe-tapping individual who was ready to do some dancing. Although I failed to nab a picture of them playing (there was a sleeping Trina on my shoulder), they were really enjoyable and I look forward to seeing them play again sooner rather than later.

 

Kristen’s Picks:

1.  We Met Tomorrow at Karma Lounge (Official Showcase)

I discovered some great talent at this year’s SXSW, but one of the most exciting for me is this young Swedish band called We Met Tomorrow. Their set at Karma Lounge was particularly sweet because I had tried and failed by mere minutes to see them earlier in the week.  This band is instantly captivating with their genre-defying sound and unique set-up. Sans drummer, beat duties are divided between singer, Rickard, who works a bass drum and snare and bassist, Emil, who takes on a foot-pedal crash cymbal.  The energy of the band easily transitions from heartfelt country/folk to frantic blues/rock making every song a new surprise.  In a week packed with new sounds, We Met Tomorrow presented something different and exciting and that, for me, elevated them above the rest. New Band Love.

P15201582. Meg Myers at Red Eyed Fly (Official Showcase)

I adore Meg Myers. Her songs have a tantalizing mix of hard and soft that give them an addictive quality. I saw her at first opportunity Wednesday at The Empire Garage, but her set was way too short and left me craving more. Suddenly, I felt the compulsion to see Meg at every possible opportunity. I rearranged my schedule and was able to make it to her Wednesday night set at Red Eyed Fly. I think I was left unsatisfied at the previous occasion because Meg didn’t end her set with the gut punching “Heart Heart Head”, a song that just leaves you devastated in the best possible way.  The set at Red Eyed Fly included more of the hard-hitting tunes like “Go” and yes, “Heart Heart Head”. I felt cleansed.

P15101903. Sam Smith at St David’s Historic Church (Communion Showcase)

I didn’t think this show was going to happen for me. Friday night, I wanted to get to St. David’s for Hozier’s set at 9:45, but I was running late and the line for badges was the longest I’d seen that week. I camped out in the Church Chapel enjoying some Yoshiki and Gungor. Afterwards, I was just going to leave, but walking back past the main hall of the church, the line had whittled down substantially and within minutes I was ushered into the church. There was no more room on the pews, so I sat myself down in front of the stage. This casual looking band was in the middle of a song. They would have easily been mistaken for a garage band had it not been for the angelic voice coming from the man on the microphone. 20 seconds in and I was so mesmerized I swear my heart stopped beating so that I could listen all the more intently. I only caught 2.5 songs of his short set, but that was enough to make it one of my most lauded performances of the week.

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4. Parade of Lights at The Brew Exchange (The Green Room by Beautiful Buzzz and The Most Definitely)

Parade of Lights is my break-out band of SXSW 2014. I ended up seeing them 3 times over the week. It would have been four had they not had to cancel their super late-night set on Thursday. I am a long-time fan of this band, but SXSW 2014 proved to me that they have really gotten to a place with their line-up and their tunes that has elevated them to be worthy of the big leagues. They are so electric! You see them once and you simply must see them again. The Parade of Lights set at The Brew Exchange was the first I caught that week and really reminded me of my band love.  I was surrounded by friends, all dancing and falling in love with the music. The moment was perfection!

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5. Queen Caveat and The Kin at Whole Foods Rooftop (Quantum Collective Party)

I’m not cheating here including two bands in order to get more of my favorites mentioned on the list. Although both Queen Caveat and The Kin are longtime loves, what made this a truly unique and spectacular SXSW moment, was the pairing of favorites I would not expect to ever find on the same bill. Another standout feature of this “set” was the audience. The rooftop was full of families and fans who really seemed to connect to both bands. Queen Caveat drew in a bunch of younger girls looking up to rock star frontwoman, Lauren Little, in complete awe. Then I spent quite a bit of time post-show chatting with newly minted The Kin fans who were enraptured by the Aussie brothers’ vocal harmonies and ear candy tunes as well as percussionist, Shakerleg’s unique hands on approach to creating a beat.

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HM: Heymoonshaker at Trinity Hall (French Tech Party)

This band gets the award for most unique act of the week. They are a combination beat-box/blues band. Seriously, let that sink in for a minute. The duo not only has a unique and very compelling style, but they have serious stage presence and get additional points for audience participation (there was some hard core hip-shaking going on).  This particular set was also special due to the SXSW miracle that needed to occur for me to get in to see it. Let’s just say I owe huge thanks to my new “friend” who was standing at the door.

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Top 10 Sets of SXSW 2013

Posted on by Amanda

It’s been a couple weeks, but people are still asking about our SXSW highlights. We did our best to boil it all down to our top sets of the week.

Amanda’s picks: 

1. Semi Precious Weapons at The Main

I know I haven’t regaled you with the story of how I inadvertently got kicked out of the last Semi Precious Weapons show at Sayer’s Club after only two and a half songs. The gist is that I got jilted on my last Semi Precious Weapons experience and I was anxious for a full and proper show. Despite being tired, sore, and taking some time to rest before going out again the excitement of seeing Semi Precious Weapons lead to some pre-show room dancing as well as putting on some eyeliner for the occasion. Can you tell I was excited? Of course they delivered an amazing show full favorites such as “Drink” and “Free Booze” as well some new tunes like “Aviation High” we can expect to hear off their new forthcoming album. Even though they have a new sense of style, Semi Precious Weapons are as fantastic as ever. Like fellow show goer and friend Trina said, “it’s like falling in love all over again.”

2. Sir Sly at Empire Automotive

Not much is known about Sir Sly but they have to be one of the most buzzed about bands I’ve heard about lately. According to a source of mine, they are composed of session players who decided to start a band. How novel! They had a residency here in San Diego in February and my friend Lauren fell in love with them. I knew they were something I had to check out and I finally got to see them at Empire Automotive. Admittedly, I wasn’t really sure how I would feel after seeing multiple keyboards being set up on stage because really, who needs two keyboards? They were nothing like I had expected and everything I had hoped for all at once. It’s obvious all the good buzz was fully justified for this band. I can’t wait to see where they go from here.

3. Moon Taxi at Sennheiser + Paste Interactive Studio and Lounge at The Blackheart

With a name like Moon Taxi, one conjures up images of a psychedelic synth oriented band full of ooooohs and aaaaahhhh. Or maybe it’s just me. However, Moon Taxi was the first band I saw of SXSW and they were a great way to kick off the week of music. With vocals reminiscent of early Kings of Leon combined with a pop rock edge, they were a fun and groovy band to dance with.  While admittedly I adore the singer’s smiling eyes and gorgeous hair, I was really enamored with their lyrics. My favorite song of their was “Mercury” but their whole set was fun. I enjoyed them so much that I made sure to catch another set.

4. Willy Moon at the Skype Party at The Belmont

The name Willy Moon didn’t register at all in my brain. I was sitting at the Belmont waiting for The Neighbourhood and was enjoying his set while sitting inside. It wasn’t until I heard his song from the iPod commercial that I jumped up and realized I knew who this was! I was even more surprised to see him in a fashionable suit dancing and jumping around while he was singing. It was his last show of SXSW but I never would have guessed it with his crazy live energy. I was really impressed with his show and love his genre bending tunes. I can’t wait for him to get back here so I can see a full set and enjoy the show properly and without walking induced foot pain.

5. Butch Walker at Rachel Ray’s Feedback at Banger’s

I knew of Butch Walker only in passing as an artist’s artist and as the guy who had produced and written for other bands and artists I loved. Earlier that day I caught the screening of his documentary so I had some knowledge of the man behind the music but this was my first time seeing him play. I adored his story telling between songs and of various songs. That’s always a characteristic I enjoy in an artist. I recognized some of his songs from the documentary I saw earlier which made it all the more enjoyable. After seeing him play, I’m making it a point to acquire his music. Such a great artist!

HM: Blackout Party

San Diego’s own Blackout Party made the trek to SXSW to tear up the place. I only managed to catch their last show at Wahoo’s Fish Taco’s (random right?) but they brought their A game! The set ended with a broken guitar after using it to play on a cymbal. No big deal.

Kristen’s Picks:

1. Leogun at VEVO TV Control Room

This show was so good I found myself doing the eyes closed sway. It was perhaps my 5th time seeing British rockers Leogun since I declared them an LMN band love back in October and it was the best (and longest) set I’ve seen them do. The venue was ideal and the audience was in a jovial mood, the last official night of SXSW. My feet had numbed to the walking-induced pain and were ready and willing to dance…and dance I did with a couple of my friends experiencing the band for the first time. Afterwards, I didn’t feel pressure to run off to another show so I hung out for a bit with friends both new and old. It was an idyllic SXSW experience.

2. twenty one pilots at The Nikon/Warner Sound Party at The Belmont

twenty one pilots was my number one band going into the SXSW experience and my number one coming out. I saw them three times and each show was a heart-stopping, fist pounding experience better than the last. The genre-defying duo may have a bit of a shtick, but to me it never gets old. Instead, it becomes the challenge to memorize and capture…I’m pretty sure I took more pictures of this band than everyone else combined.  I’d have to say the set at the Nikon/Warner Sound Party at The Belmont was my favorite.  At one point twp singer, Tyler Joseph, suddenly appeared on ledge of the balcony I was standing on, shocking me into propelling my arms forward into the guy perilously traversing an 8 inch ledge…thankfully he was too “in the zone” to even notice. Also, this venue seemed to have more “fans” and the energy and enthusiasm in the room was a proper fit for a twenty one pilots show.

3. Kodaline at place unknown

I only caught the last two songs of the set from this Dublin-based group, but those two songs (one being the heart-lifting “All I Want”) made my week. I had planned on seeing a proper Kodaline set a day or two before at The Hype Hotel. I got terribly lost and was running late, but I was relieved when I got to the venue to find the band hadn’t started yet. The relief turned to frustration which turned to panic as about an hour after the band was supposed to begin, they had yet to play a note. I had other places I had to be! I stuck it out for the first song and it only took about 20 seconds for me to fall in love with the band whose music can best be described as “soul-warming”. It was very hard to leave and I would have been haunted by that decision had it not been for the happiest of accidents when I wandered past a venue (still unknown) with Kodaline unexpectedly playing on the patio. This moment best exemplifies what I love most about SXSW.

4. Bastille at The British Music Embassy

I feel like I’ve been waiting a very very long time to see Bastille. SXSW 2013 marked the first time the band has played in the US and the entire room was a-buzz with anticipation. I think it was mostly Brits who knew what an amazing deal it was to see this band in such a small space, but regardless, the mood was electric and incredibly energizing. Then the band came on and exceeded my already lofty expectations. I heard all the songs I wanted to hear. I saw the most amazing shirt of the week. Actually, upon reflection, the whole set was a bit like a dream. I’m not entirely sure it happened as it was too good to be true. In my memory, the experience is just a bright glowing orb of happiness.

5. Kassidy at The British Music Embassy

Kassidy was one of the many bands I listened to in preparation for SXSW that went on my “to check out” list. The plan was to squeeze in a few songs from their set at The British Embassy in between Atlas Genius and CHVRCHES….I mean, the venue was en route. I’d been doing a pretty good job sampling bands, a couple songs here and a couple there, but half a song into Kassidy’s set I was completely hooked and knew I wasn’t going anywhere. I mean, I tried. I even walked to the back of the room at one point, but I couldn’t seem to leave the building and slowly drifted back up front. It was like a gravitational pull. There was something about the four gentlemen on stage with their acoustic guitars and harmonies…they didn’t even need drums! I’m not sure how much of the set I caught, but it was one of my favorites. Bonus points for the guy in the band wearing my watch, also on the wrong hand…

HM: The Stone Foxes at Rusty’s

The Stone Foxes put on one of the most engaging and energetic live shows, it’s impossible not to have a good time. This particular set, I ended up providing background vocals for a song. It was quite a memorable moment.

Other Notable Sets: