Local Music Nation

2013 was another excellent year for music. I put together a little mix of some of the songs and artists that meant something to me this year. Enjoy!

Irontom is the band I saw more than any other in 2013. This is due in part to their playing the first Friday of every month at a bar not too far from where I live and in part due to the perhaps unhealthy compulsion I’ve developed to get the live Irontom experience. Singer Harry Hayes is fast becoming one of my favorite front men with his on-stage consumption by his own songs and no matter what mood I am in, Irontom will make me dance and life will be better.  When I go too long without an Irontom fix, I do silly things like write poetry using Irontom song names…

Irontom

Your Mother, Tinkerbell,
was not very large
but she had something to say
about What Will Happen To All The Indie Stars

“Take charge, Boy Born
but don’t gloat, I’m Better
or the next thing you’ll say is
the Lady Got Me
and I let her”

So, My Brothers,
if you find yourself Goin Slow
think Mind My Halo
and go NITRO!

~ Kristen

2013 was another excellent year for music. I put together a little mix of some of the songs and artists that meant something to me this year. Enjoy!

Twenty one pilots is my band obsession of 2013. Their self-titled album is my favorite release of the year and spent an inordinate about of time in my car stereo (even more than Biffy!). Their LA show at The Troubadour along with New Politics and Echosmith will go down as one of the best shows I’ve ever attended (yes I mean ever). My SXSW experiences surrounding the band were nothing short of epic. I can’t get enough of their unique mash-up of styles, crazy energetic live show, and lyrics worth thinking about.

~ Kristen

2013 was another excellent year for music. I put together a little mix of some of the songs and artists that meant something to me this year. Enjoy!

Jealousy Curve was one of those Philly bands that basically helped define my very existence. They stopped playing three years ago, but decided to put on “one final show” in September. I used it as an excuse to go back east and visit so many great friends and family. I guess the band continues to define my life…or at least my travel plans. That show, which also featured the great Silvertide, brought back only the best of memories and won’t soon be forgotten.

 
go here to listen to the track

 
~ Kristen

2013 was another excellent year for music. I put together a little mix of some of the songs and artists that meant something to me this year. Enjoy!

Much to my great dismay, Biffy Clyro did not play a single date in Southern California this year. They did, however, release a new album, Opposites, which I had specially imported so I wouldn’t have to wait an extra couple months for it to be released in the US. The CD then spent the first half of the year in my car stereo. Biffy Clyro is still #1 in my book.

~ Kristen

2013 was another excellent year for music. I put together a little mix of some of the songs and artists that meant something to me this year. Enjoy!

I knew when I heard “Flaws” a few years ago that these guys would be going somewhere. SXSW 2013 marked the first time they played in the US and they exceeded my expectations. I interviewed Bastille’s mastermind, Dan Smith, for a High Voltage article and the interview will go down as one of my favorites due to Dan’s attitude and amazing energy. I was slightly alarmed when I saw them play later in the year at The Troubadour and the audience was full of young and overly enamored girls, but that can only be a sign of just how big they will continue to become.

~ Kristen

2013 was another excellent year for music. I put together a little mix of some of the songs and artists that meant something to me this year. Enjoy!

Young Harry and Alfie made my SXSW wish list, but I didn’t get to see them until they came to LA in May. In one night I got to see my favorite Aussie brothers, The Kin, and my new favorite Irish brothers, Hudson Taylor. Two guys with two guitars harmonizing beautifully really is all you need to get my heart hooked. Hudson Taylor is my favorite musical discovery of 2013.

~ Kristen