Local Music Nation

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

I first came upon this band from Sweden in my listening for SXSW. This song in particular put them on my “must see” list. Tracking them down proved a bit of a challenge and in my first encounter with the band I might have frightened them with my unbridled enthusiasm. They made their return to the US in October for Culture Collide where I got to see them three times and did a fun interview. The piece I wrote from this interview became one of the most clicked articles on our site all year!

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~ Kristen

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

Here’s another one that I’m happy I got to see at SXSW before he blew up. Sam Smith’s album, In the Lonely Hour, is a bit hit and miss for me, but I still contest that he has the voice of an angel as evidences by the acoustic version of “Latch” off his Nirvana EP.

 

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~ Kristen

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

The best show of the year award goes to Augustana at The Troubadour. To think I almost didn’t go to this show makes me shiver. The band released a fantastic new album this year, Life Imitating Life, but the show packed in everything. All the hits from all the albums. Song after song of breath-taking musical beauty. It was an elevating experience.

 

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~ Kristen

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

Their song “Golden” was all over the NBC coverage of The Olympics, but I prefer this song off the Golden EP. Parade of Lights was one of our first LMN Band Loves. I’m so happy to see where this band is going and that they’re still making music! *waves hands in the air*

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~ Kristen

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!

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~ 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.

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~ 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?

 

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~ Kristen