Happy Anniversary…. To Us!

Posted on by Amanda

The best and worst thing about time is that is has this tendency to fly by and before you know it, it’s been 4 years since you and a friend hatched this harebrained idea to make a music blog. Honestly, I wouldn’t have known it had been 4 years if Twitter hadn’t sent me an email wishing us a Happy Anniversary a few days ago. We get really busy here with our own lives outside of the music realm but the email gave me some pause and time to think about what it is we’ve accomplished and done over the last four years. We’ve been the first to bring you New Band Alerts, our weekly concert calendars, New Music Tuesdays, and so much more. I’m really happy with all we’ve done and I can’t wait to do more.

 

~Amanda and Kristen

New Music Tuesday 5/6/14 featuring Thomas Dybdahl, Natalie Merchant, Morning Parade, and Hunter Hayes

Posted on by Kristen

Here is what we’re listening to this week…

Thomas Dybdahl – What’s Left is Forever 

This is the one I’ll have on repeat all week. If you’re in Los Angeles, this Norwegian singer-songwriter has a residency this month at The Hotel Cafe.

Natalie Merchant – Natalie Merchant 

I listen to this album and I am taken back to the 90s. There is a sense of comfort I feel while listening to Natalie Merchant’s pleading vocal. This is her first solo effort with all new material in over a decade. Definitely worth a listen. You can stream it here 

Morning Parade– Pure Adulterated Joy

If you kept up with us during SXSW you would know they were one of my favorite new discoveries from this year. Admittedly, I’m not well versed in their discography but I really enjoyed what I heard out there in Austin. I also enjoyed the songs they said were new, which always lessens my pause to pre-order an album from iTunes from a band I’m not super familiar with. They are currently the single of the week on iTunes so if you want to check them out but don’t want to commit just yet, there’s your opportunity.

Hunter Hayes– Storyline

I’ve been a longtime fan of Hunter Hayes since I first heard his single “Storm Warning” on the radio. I fell even more head over heels with “Wanted” and have been waiting for a follow up to his debut album. He shies away from the typical country cliches like pickup trucks, beer drinking, partying, and the like so if you’re not really into country (or want to dip your toe in), you should give him a try. He’s a talented musician and songwriter which always strikes my fancy. I’m excited to hear what’s next from him.

Also of interest:

  • The Lovebirds – Breakup Shmakeup
  • Liam Finn – Nihilist
  • Sarah McLaughlin- Shine On
  • Hamilton Leithauser – Black Hours
  • Kina Grannis – Elements
  • Lily Allen – Sheezus
  • Lykke Li – I Never Learn
  • MONEY- The Shadow Of Heaven
  • tUnE-yArDs – Nikki Nack 

 

~ Kristen and Amanda

Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 5/5-5/11

Posted on by Amanda

Last week I only managed to make it out to watch a bunch of friends play Willie Nelson covers all night long. The rest of my week was filled with trying to not get blown away by the insane winds we had (thank you Santa Ana winds) for those 3 days, and trips to the vet for my dog who is currently anemic and we don’t yet know why. This week promises to be super busy as we go into tech and final dress for the dance show which is Thursday to Sunday so getting out to any show seems unlikely. This means you have to go out for me!

 

Monday: Josh Damigo and The Freeloaders @ House of Blues at 7pm
AND: Mariachi El Bronx @ Belly Up at 8pm

Tuesday: Manchester Orchestra, Balance and Composure, Kevin Devine & The Goddamn Band @ House of Blues at 7:30pm

Wednesday: Sister Speak, Hollow Wood, Gayle Skidmore @ Casbah at 9pm
AND: Inspired and The Sleep @ Tin Can Alehouse at 9:30pm

Thursday: Tom Jones, Lee Coulter @ House of Blues at 7:30pm
AND: Midnight Pine @ Tin Can Alehouse at 9:30pm
AND: Black Prairie @ Soda Bar at 9:30pm
AND: Old 97’s, Nikki Lane @ Belly Up at 8pm
AND: Tom Freund, Dave Brogan, Garren Benfield, Paul Renna @ Lestats at 9pm

Friday: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart @ Casbah at 9pm
AND: Ingrid Michaelson @ Humphrey’s at 8pm
AND: Cherry Poppin’ Daddies @ Syucan Casino at 8pm
AND: Johnny Clegg Band, Jesse Clegg @ Belly Up at 9pm
AND: Dawn Mitschele, Kai Brown, Scarlett Rabe @ Lestats at 9pm
AND: Channel 933 Summer Kickoff with Fall Out Boy, Ed Sheeran, Paramore, and more @ Sleep Train Ampitheater at 6pm

Saturday: Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, The Paragraphs @ Belly Up at 9pm
AND: We Are Scientists @ Casbah at 9pm
AND: Jesse Daniel Edwards & Super Inc., Sasha Evans, Kelsea Little @ Lestats at 9pm

Sunday: Erika Davies @ Sycamore Den at 9pm
AND: Cleopatra Degher @ Lestats at 9pm
AND: Wild Wild Wets, Rose Windows @ Soda Bar at 9:30pm

 

Keep in Mind:
May 15th- Journey and Steve Miller Band @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre
May 15th- Transfer @ 207 at The Hard Rock
May 17th- Augustana @ House of Blues
May 19th- Band of Skulls @ House of Blues
May 21st- The Unlikely Candidates @ Soda Bar
May 23rd- Against Me! @ House of Blues
May 24th- HELLOGOODBYE @ The Irenic
May 26th- Jamestown Revival @ Soda Bar
May 28th- Wildcat!Wildcat!, The Chain Gang of 1974 @ Casbah
May 30th- X-Fest @ Sleep Train Ampitheatre
June 1st- Pete Yorn @ Casbah
June 2nd- One Republic, The Script @ Sleep Train Ampitheatre
June 2nd- Lady Gaga @ Viejas Arena
June 6th- Neon Trees @ Humphreys
June 5th- Vance Joy @ Casbah
June 6th- Sunset Sessions Rock @ Belly Up
June 7th- Sunset Sessions Rock @ Belly Up
June 7th- Little Hurricane @ House of Blues
June 12th- Crash Kings @ Casbah
June 15th- Electric Six @ Casbah
June 22nd- The Milk Carton Kids @ Belly Up
June 25th- Vans Warped Tour @ Sleep Train Ampitheatre
June 30th- Devo @ Belly Up
July 12th- La Roux @ House of Blues
July 30th- Mötley Crüe @ Sleep Train Ampitheatre
August 1-3- Lollapalooza @ Grant Park
August 6th- Arctic Monkeys @ Cal Coast Credit Open Air Theater
August 11th- The Head and The Heart @ North Park Theater
August 27th- Panic! at the Disco, Walk the Moon, Youngblood Hawke @ SDSU Open Air Theater
August 30th- Jack Johnson @ RIMAC Field
September 16th- Linkn Park and 30 Seconds to Mars @ Sleep Train Ampitheatre

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 5/5-5/11

Posted on by Kristen

This past week, well, it was a week. Full of highs and lows and more emotional turmoil than I’m comfortable with. Fortunately, I feel like the universe was looking out for me by presenting me with some fabulous musical opportunities/escapes. I saw one of the best shows of my year with Augustana at The Troubadour, I danced with Franz Ferdinand and reveled in special acoustic sets from Youngblood Hawke and All-American Rejects. I rocked out to Irontom, caught up with Tournament of Hearts, and got the opportunity to chat with Ryan Daly from Parade of Lights and Max Collins from Eve 6.

Speaking of Max, he has a solo album coming out this week and a residency this month at The Viper room with Jody Porter (Fountains of Wayne). Also, of note this week, Dead Sara begins their tour of LA venues. I heard them practicing yesterday and they are ready to tear up the town. Finally, LMN Band Loves NEEDTOBREATHE and twenty one pilots are both playing shows at The Wiltern.

Here’s what else, I’d recommend this week:

 

Monday: The Lovebirds FREE at Genghis Cohen (7pm)
ALSO: Max Collins and Jody Porter at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring Thomas Dybdahl, Waters, Plague Vendor, and Rey Pila (8pm)…FREE with RSVP http://itsaschoolnight.com/losangeles/
ALSO: Haminton Leithauser w/ Javier Dunn and My Name Is You at The Hotel Cafe (7, 9)
ALSO: In the Valley Below FREE at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: Ray Lamontagne at The Cathedral at Immanuel Presbyterian (7pm)
ALSO: Hunnypot Radio FREE at The Mint featuring Elizaveta (7pm)
ALSO: Monday Monday FREE at Room 5 featuring Sunday Lane, Angel Taylor, Joel Eckels Music, and more (8pm)

 

Tuesday: Foy Vance and NEEDTOBREATHE at The Wiltern (7pm)
ALSO: Dead Sara with Vanaprasta at The Echo (9pm)
ALSO: The Alternate Routes and Hamilton Leithauser at The Hotel Cafe (8, 9:30)
ALSO: Secret Someones, Max and the Moon, Lovelife at Bootleg HiFi (8pm)
ALSO: Kina Grannis with Imaginary Future at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Ray Lamontagne at The Cathedral Sanctuary at Immanuel Presbyterian (7pm)

 

Weds: Thomas Dybdahl at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Los Angeles Grammy Showcase at The Mint featuring Andy Allo, Halo Circus, Rose’s Pawn Shop, and Sad Robot (7pm)
ALSO: The Basement Sessions FREE at Hemingway’s featuring Sad Robot and decoded (9pm)
ALSO: Taylor Locke and Wild Roses at Saint Rocke (8pm)
ALSO: The Filthy Souls at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: Ingrid Michaelson with Sugar & The Hi-Lows and Storyman at The Wiltern (6:30)

 

Thursday: The Elizabeth Kill at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: Korby Lenker and Tyler Lyle at The Hotel Cafe (7, 9)

 

Friday: twenty one pilots with Hunter Hunted and NONONO at The Wiltern (7pm)
ALSO: Jesse Thomas and Ely Rise Presents: Creepshow 13 at The Hotel Cafe (8, 10)
ALSO: Komox Kids at El Cid (10:15)
ALSO: Cheers Elephant at Bootleg HiFi (9pm)
ALSO: We Are Scientists at The Troubadour (9pm)
ALSO: Old 97’s with Nikki Lane at The El Rey (9pm)
ALSO: Chuck Ragan & the Camaraderie and The White Buffalo at Fonda Theatre (7:30)

 

Saturday: The North at Molly Malone’s (11:30)…CD release party
ALSO: Puscifer, A Perfect Circle and Failure at Greek Theatre (8pm)
ALSO: KISS FM’s Wango Tango f. Maroon 5, Ed Sheeran, OneRepublic, Paramore, A Great Big World, Rixton, and more (2:30)

 

Sunday: Puscifer, A Perfect Circle and Failure at Greek Theatre (8pm)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
May 14th: Dead Sara at The Echo
May 15th: Royal Blood at The Roxy
May 16th: Queen Caveat at The Viper Room
May 17th: Birdy at The Wiltern
May 19th: James Blunt at The Balasco Theater
May 20th: Hozier at The Troubadour
May 21st: Nickel Creek at The Wiltern
May 21st: Dead Sara at The Satellite
May 22nd: Nathaniel Ratliff at The Echo
May 23rd: Ben Sollee at Largo
May 24th: William Fitzsimmons at The Troubadour
May 24th/25th: Against Me! at The Roxy
May 28th: First Aid Kit at El Rey Theatre
May 31st: Ron Pope at The Roxy
June 5th: OneRepublic and The Script at Hollywood Bowl
June 7th: Make Music Pasadena
June 14th: The Both at El Rey Theatre
June 18th: Matt Nathanson at Greek Theatre
June 19th: Dan Wilson at Largo
June 21st: The Milk Carton Kids at Japan America Theatre
July 24th: The Neighbourhood at Greek Theatre
August 10th: Iron and Wine and Glen Hansard at Hollywood Bowl
August 25th: Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden at Hollywood Bowl
August 26th: Youngblood Hawke at Greek Theatre

~ Kristen

http://www.localmusicnation.net/

https://twitter.com/_localmusicnat

http://www.facebook.com/localmusicnation

New Music Tuesday 4/29/14 featuring New Empire, The Milk Carton Kids, Strange Talk

Posted on by Kristen

Looking for some new tunes? Here are a few suggestions….

New Empire – In A Breath

In the onslaught of new albums, singles, videos that have come through my inbox in the last week, this album by Aussie pop/rock band, New Empire, stood out like a breath of fresh air. It’s easy and enjoyable and will be a fast favorite for those who enjoy the likes of The Fray, The Script, and Augustana. The soothing vocals, piano melodies, and uplifting tones are drawing me in and I’m falling more in love with each listen.  I’ll be on the lookout for New Empire when they journey to North America later this year.

 

The Milk Carton Kids – Live From Lincoln Theatre DVD

I know I’ve already mentioned this one, but it’s that good. The joy of this folk duo lies in their live performance which is captured quite well on this DVD. I’ve already watched it several times and the only problem is that it leaves me wanting more. The Milk Carton Kids being their largely sold out North American tour today, so if you don’t have tickets and still need your fix, the DVD’s a somewhat suitable substitute.

Strange Talk – Cast Away 

Jury has been out on this synth/pop band from Australia, but I’m finding their debut album very danceable, which is decidedly a good thing. I especially like the song, “Young Hearts”.

 

Other releases I’m hoping to check out:

  • Ray Lamontagne – Supernova
  • Damon Albarn – Everyday Robots
  • Brody Dalle – Diploid Love
  • Chris Robinson Brotherhood – Phosphorescent Harvest 
  • Howlin’ Rain – Live Rain 
  • Old 97’s – Most Messed Up
  • Pixies – Indie Cindy
  • Rodriogo y Gabriela – 9 Dead Alive 
  • Johnnyswim – Diamonds 
  • Wye Oak – Shriek 
  • Neil Young – A Letter Home 
  • Saliva – Rise Up 

 

~ Kristen

Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 4/28-5/4

Posted on by Amanda

Last week was a rather crazy one for me and it’s only ramping up from here. I’m in a dance show at school and we have been having rehearsal and yesterday was dry tech where we run through the pieces. Thankfully my piece was up early enough that I could leave after and make it down to Soma for the Augustana show. What a joy that show was! It’s one of those show that just makes your soul happy. From there, I bounced over to U-31 to catch Brother Grimm before calling it a night. I’m really happy I have some time left to get out and enjoy some music to get away from the dance show madness.

Tonight I’m getting out again to see a bunch of great local musicians do Willie Nelson covers. I’m not much of a cover band gal, but when it involves people from bands like Get Back Loretta, The Silent Comedy, Dead Feather Moon, Deadly Birds, and more, I think I can make an exception.

 

Monday: Willie Nelson Under Cover @ The Office Bar at 8pm
AND: O.A.R. @ Belly Up at 8pm- SOLD OUT
AND: David J and The Gentlemen Thieves, The Midnight Pine @ Soda Bar at 9pm

Tuesday: Sleeper Agent, Holychild @ The Irenic
AND: O.A.R. @ Belly Up at 8pm- SOLD OUT
AND: The Bleecker Street Company @ Tin Can Alehouse at 9pm
AND: Dana Falconberry @ Soda Bar at 9:30pm

Wednesday: Howler @ Soda Bar at 9:30pm
AND: Michael Nesmith @ Belly Up at 8pm
AND: Simon Townshed @ Lestats at 9pm

Thursday: Travis Luce, Tacky Little Hatshop, Ashley Pond @ Lestats at 9pm
AND: The New Kinetics, Hit Dog Hollar @ The Hideout at 7pm

Friday: Tokyo Police Club, Geographer, Said the Whale @ Belly Up at 9pm

Saturday: SRH Fest with Unwritten Law, Mickey Avalon, and more @ House of Blues at 7pm
AND: The Palace Ballroom @ Tin Can Alehouse at 9pm
AND: Dan Croll, Panama Wedding @ Casbah at 9pm
AND: Hills Like Elephants @ Bar Pink at 9pm

Sunday: Chiodos @ Soma at 7pm

 

Keep in Mind:
May 6th- Manchester Orchestra @ House of Blues
May 9th- Cherry Poppin’ Daddies @ Syucan Casino
May 15th- Journey and Steve Miller Band @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre
May 17th- Augustana @ House of Blues
May 19th- Band of Skulls @ House of Blues
May 21st- The Unlikely Candidates @ Soda Bar
May 23rd- Against Me! @ House of Blues
May 24th- HELLOGOODBYE @ The Irenic
May 26th- Jamestown Revival @ Soda Bar
May 28th- Wildcat!Wildcat!, The Chain Gang of 1974 @ Casbah
May 30th- X-Fest @ Sleep Train Ampitheatre
June 1st- Pete Yorn @ Casbah
June 2nd- One Republic, The Script @ Sleep Train Ampitheatre
June 2nd- Lady Gaga @ Viejas Arena
June 6th- Neon Trees @ Humphreys
June 6th- Sunset Sessions Rock @ Belly Up
June 7th- Sunset Sessions Rock @ Belly Up
June 7th- Little Hurricane @ House of Blues
June 12th- Crash Kings @ Casbah
June 15th- Electric Six @ Casbah
June 22nd- The Milk Carton Kids @ Belly Up
June 25th- Vans Warped Tour @ Sleep Train Ampitheatre
June 30th- Devo @ Belly Up
July 30th- Mötley Crüe @ Sleep Train Ampitheatre
August 1-3- Lollapalooza @ Grant Park
August 6th- Arctic Monkeys @ Cal Coast Credit Open Air Theater
August 11th- The Head and The Heart @ North Park Theater
August 27th- Panic! at the Disco, Walk the Moon, Youngblood Hawke @ SDSU Open Air Theater
August 30th- Jack Johnson @ RIMAC Field
September 16th- Linkn Park and 30 Seconds to Mars @ Sleep Train Ampitheatre

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 4/28-5/4

Posted on by Kristen

I spent most of the weekend at work (in fact I’m sitting at my desk right now), so it hasn’t felt much like a weekend, but I’m surrounded by music and heavily creamed tea and a seemingly endless supply of bagels so I’m not really complaining. My playlist today has featured the likes of The Head and The Heart, new material from NEEDTOBREATHE, Augustana, and Paolo Nutini, and a couple songs by Highasakite that I’ll just put on repeat (new obsession!).

As usual, we’ve got some great shows this week. My show pick for the week is the incredibly intriguing double headliner of All American Rejects and Youngblood Hawke at The El Rey Thursday night. I wouldn’t necessarily expect these bands on the same bill, but what they do have in common are amazing live energy and performance so it’s going to be a great night. Come early and catch openers like In the Valley Below and The Lonely Wild. It’s a charity event so also come to support the fight against Lyme Disease.

 

Monday: Augustana with Twin Forks and The Tragic Thrills at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Mosco Rosco FREE at The Satellite (11pm)
ALSO: Justin Nozuka at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: Jason Isbell with Holly Williams at The Roxy (7:30)
ALSO: Music Mondays FREE at Room 5 (8pm)

 

Tuesday: Franz Ferdinand with Cate Le Bon at The Wiltern (7pm)
ALSO: Augustana with Twin Forks and The Tragic Thrills at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Kid Karate at The Echo (9pm)
ALSO: Girl on Fire at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: Badass Band Blog Presents at Silverlake Lounge f Percy & The Gunslingers (9pm)
ALSO: Deluka FREE at Loaded Hollywood (9:30)
ALSO: Heaps N Heaps FREE at Harvard & Stone (10pm)
ALSO: Eric Hutchinson with Saints of Valory at The House of Blues (7pm)
ALSO: Justin Nozuka at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: The Cerny Brothers FREE at The Mint (9pm)
ALSO: Drive-By Truckers at The Grammy Museum (8pm)
ALSO: George Stanford FREE at The Piano Bar (10pm)

 

Weds: Beware of Darkness and Kiven FREE at Hemingway’s (9pm)
ALSO: Satellite at WitZend (10pm)
ALSO: The Gallery at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: A Tribute to Eleni Mandell f. Inara George, Jackson Browne, and more at Largo (8:30)

 

Thursday: All-American Rejects and Youngblood Hawke at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Adam Arcuragi at The Bootleg (10pm)
ALSO: Gun Hill Royals FREE at TRiP (9pm)
ALSO: Amie Miriello at The Viper Room
ALSO: Tyler Lyle at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Tokyo Police Club with Geographer and Said The Whale (8pm)

 

Friday: The Brothers Zmed and Irontom FREE at O’Brien’s (9:30, 10:30)
ALSO: The Young Romans, The Record Company at The Hotel Cafe (8, 10)
ALSO: Morgan Karr and Taylor Locke at The Mint (8:30, 10:15)
ALSO: O.A.R. at The Troubadour (9pm)
ALSO: Pancakes and Booze Art Show at Lot 613 featuring music by Beatnik Jr, Percy & The Gunslingers and more (8pm)…also, all you can eat pancakes!

 

Saturday: Tournament of Hearts at Molly Malone’s (11:15)
ALSO: Manchester Orchestra at The House of Blues (7pm)
ALSO: Abbot Kinney EP Listening Party at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: O.A.R. at The Troubadour (9pm)
ALSO: Pancakes and Booze Art Show at Lot 613 featuring music by Plus, That Noise, and more (8pm)…again, all you can eat pancakes

 

Sunday: O.A.R. at The Troubadour (9pm)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
May 6th: NEEDTOBREATHE at The Wiltern
May 6th: Dead Sara at The Echo
May 7th: Ingrid Michaelson at The Wiltern
May 9th: twenty one pilots at The Wiltern
May 9th: We Are Scientists at The Troubadour
May 10th: Ed Sheeran at StubHub Center
May 14th: Dead Sara at The Echo
May 15th: Royal Blood at The Roxy
May 16th: Queen Caveat at The Viper Room
May 17th: Birdy at The Wiltern
May 19th: James Blunt at The Balasco Theater
May 20th: Hozier at The Troubadour
May 21st: Nickel Creek at The Wiltern
May 21st: Dead Sara at The Satellite
May 22nd: Nathaniel Ratliff at The Echo
May 23rd: Ben Sollee at Largo
May 24th: William Fitzsimmons at The Troubadour
May 24th/25th: Against Me! at The Roxy
May 28th: First Aid Kit at El Rey Theatre
May 31st: Ron Pope at The Roxy
June 5th: OneRepublic and The Script at Hollywood Bowl
June 7th: Make Music Pasadena
June 14th: The Both at El Rey Theatre
June 18th: Matt Nathanson at Greek Theatre
June 19th: Dan Wilson at Largo
June 21st: The Milk Carton Kids at Japan America Theatre
July 24th: The Neighbourhood at Greek Theatre
August 10th: Iron and Wine and Glen Hansard at Hollywood Bowl
August 25th: Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden at Hollywood Bowl
August 26th: Youngblood Hawke at Greek Theatre

~ Kristen

http://www.localmusicnation.net/

https://twitter.com/_localmusicnat

http://www.facebook.com/localmusicnation