Here it is, the mix of songs that helped define my 2014.

Sir Sly finally released their debut album, You Haunt Me, this year. I interviewed the guys before their big headlining show at The El Rey and that interview turned into my first cover story for High Voltage Magazine!

 

~ Kristen

Here it is, the mix of songs that helped define my 2014.

This band spent more time than any other in my car stereo. I’ve been a Nightmare And The Cat fan for a while, but their debut album, Simple, finally came out this year. Sadly, 2014 marks both a beginning and an end for this band as they broke up by year’s end. “Undercover” became my favorite driving song.

 

~ Kristen

Here it is, the mix of songs that helped define my 2014.

Dear Boy is one of the most exciting bands coming out of Los Angeles these days. They have the power to take rock music and make it trendy again. “Hesitation Waltz” was their big single this year and it’s probably my favorite Dear Boy song (so far). How could it not make my best of list?

 

~ Kristen

Here it is, the mix of songs that helped define my 2014.

Live Irontom is like a drug. It’s hard to pass up an opportunity to see these guys do their thing and I made quite a few of their shows this year. “Your Mother” has been an important part of any Irontom set (often a closer), and I was thrilled that it was finally recorded and released! This year the band also debuted a video on Rolling Stone featuring a cameo from Charlie Sheen.

~ Kristen

Here it is, the mix of songs that helped define my 2014.

At the beginning of 2014, Queen Caveat celebrated the release of a new EP with a residency at The Satellite. I made every single one of those shows. I tagged along with the band when they made their Warped Tour debut this summer. When it came time to create a music video for their single, “Breathe”, I was there! I’m not sure what the future holds for this band, but I will be there too…

 

 

~ Kristen

Here it is, the mix of songs that helped define my 2014.

This song, on Vance Joy’s amazing album, Dream Your Life Away, came out in the fall and quickly worked its way up to my most played song of the year.  I saw Vance Joy at SXSW playing in a church. It was the same showcase as Hozier and Sam Smith so to say it was the place to be that night is a bit of an understatement. If I could give out the music awards, “Red Eye” would get record of the year for 2014.

 

~ Kristen

Here it is, the mix of songs that helped define my 2014.

Going into SXSW, Hozier was one of my top picks to check out. By the end of the year, this guy had a hit album, played on TV, sold out tours, and was generally the talk of the town (or at least my office). I’m just glad I got so see him front row in a tiny room. What an experience! “Work Song” is the song I remember him playing live that really got me. It’s still one of my favorites.

~ Kristen