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
I’m happy to say that one of my first sets of the New Year belonged to rocker’s 8MM. 8MM is primarily husband and wife due of Sean and Juliette Beavan. Sean brings the rock pedigree and versatile guitar and Juliette brings the voice, the sparkle, and the charm. They were joined by a full band that included guest guitarist Johnny Radtke (Filter, Kill Hannah). All together, they produced sexy, dance-inducing beats, seducing the room towards the stage for a night not soon forgotten.
They began their show with my favorite 8MM tune, the gutsy “Kin”. They had a seven song set which also included the country tinged, “Between The Devil and Two Black Hearts”, the hip moving “Around the Sun”, and ended with the more progressive “Give It Up” featuring Sean on vocals. The band, per usual, felt very comfortable on the stage, interacting with each other and the audience. Juliette kept the crowd invested as Sean took his “tuning breaks” and took the time to wish everyone a Happy New Year. The good times were felt all around. 8MM fills this seeming void these days of straight up rock music. They prove that rock can still feel relevant, be versatile, and is, at least in my opinion, the go-to genre for a fun time.
For more on 8MM, check out their website. For musical recommendations, their EP, Between The Devil and Two Black Hearts is my favorite, but they also have some pretty nifty remixes available for those more included to that sort of thing. No shows on the horizon, but we’ll be sure to keep tabs on the band for our concert calendars.
~ 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
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