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 would say that Nothing But Thieves’ self-titled album is my favorite of 2015, except that it doesn’t come out in the US until the beginning of next year. I missed their LA debut at Bardot due to a show conflict, but was very very lucky to find myself in December at an invite-only Nothing But Thieves gig at an unmarked bar on Fairfax (very LA). They played for a solid hour. It was a dream come true!

 

(sorry couldn’t find a better sounding video…)

~ 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.

If you want to know my next favorite band coming out of Los Angeles, look no further than Badflower.  I think “The Jester” was the song that tipped me over the edge from casual fan to obsessive listening. “Is there anybody out there lookin’ out for me?!?!” indeed.

~ 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 saw Frank Turner a few times this year. He released a new album, Positive Songs for Negative People, which gets my award for best album title. My favorite Frank Turner experience was an event at The Musician’s Institute where Frank regaled with tales of his past, sharing with the intimate crowd personal stories and a few songs. It was an unforgettable night.

~ 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 didn’t pay too much attention when Neon Trees released a new single this year. Then I had the opportunity to see them perform their new song live at YouTube Space LA in the CBGBs set. Tyler et al always put on a great show, but this song really spoke to me…perhaps becoming my new favorite Neon Trees tune!

 

~ Kristen (w/ NT picture by Amanda)

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.

My 2015’s most played track, “The Eye” is everything! I quickly became obsessed with the track and one of the greatest moments of my year was seeing Brandi et al perform the track in a church in Austin completely unplugged, using only the acoustics of the room to carry the sound. I also think that Brandi’s 2015 album, Firewatcher’s Daughter is her best yet.

 

~ 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.

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