New Band Love: Irontom

Posted on by Kristen

“I think tonight I’ll be head banging in my sleep” – friend after seeing Irontom for the first time

The quote is particularly relevant as it came from someone who’s last shows with me were Joshua Radin, Rachael Yamagata, and Ryan Cabrera.  Irontom is…well, not like that.

Yes, this band is full of young promising talent. Yes, the music is fresh and exciting. Yes, there are quite a few bands that could be described as such. What sets Irontom apart is the seductive energy that comes through every rockin’ guitar lick or dramatic flick of frontman Harry Hayes’ hands. There is something about the band that can make just about anyone feel the groove and start to dance. They are that band that the more you listen to, the more you crave.

I’ve seen the band twice in the last week, so my craving is pretty extreme. Fortunately, the band is playing again next week opening for The Parlotones: Monday (May 6th) in San Diego at The Griffin and Tuesday (May 7th) at The Roxy.

If you can’t make it to Southern California, here are some other links to help you get more familiar with Irontom. Their The Loose EP can be downloaded on iTunes and the band has a new EP coming out something this month. Friend, follow, etc the band to get the details!

website

facebook

twitter

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~ Kristen

 

Kristen’s SXSW ’13 Mix – Part 3 – Kassidy, Kid Karate, Kill It Kid

Posted on by Kristen

SXSW is my favorite time of the year for collecting new artists to watch. Far be it from me to keep these gems to myself. Here are some of bands and songs I discovered this year:

7. Kassidy – “One Man Army” 

My SXSW moment with Kassidy is one of my favorites (see top 10 sets). I’m looking forward to hearing their new “mini album” People Like Me which will hopefully make its appearance on American iTunes in the near future…there is just not enough music available from these guys!

 

8. Kid Karate – “Two Times”

This song strikes me as having a very “Jack White” quality. I like that. I like this song.

 

 9. Kill It Kid – “Pray on Me”

Another British rock band that makes my list (I do have my proclivities). I love the dueling male and female vocals and the unique sound which Wikipedia amusingly labels blues/grunge/Americana.

 

~ Kristen

Kristen’s SXSW ’13 Mix – Part 2 – CHVRCHES, Everything Everything, Emma Louise

Posted on by Kristen

SXSW is my favorite time of the year for collecting new artists to watch. Far be it from me to keep these gems to myself. Here are some of bands and songs I discovered this year:

4. Chvrches – “Lies” 

Another band I was looking forward to seeing in Austin, but every time I tried, the line out the door was a bit too much of a deterrent. This Scottish electro-pop group sold out the Troubadour in June so fast that the added a second LA show at The Fonda (!). Rising stars for sure.

 

5. Everything Everything – “Duet”

They ended up cancelling their SXSW gigs, but I was incredibly grateful they kept their LA date at The Roxy. This song took this band from one I’d like to see to one I needed to see.

 

 6. Emma Louise – “Jungle”

This catchy pop tune from Australian singer Emma Louise caught my ear upon first listen…and didn’t let go. You have been warned.

 

~ Kristen

Kristen’s SXSW ’13 Mix – Part 1 – Moon Taxi, The Virginmarys, Young Guns

Posted on by Kristen

SXSW is my favorite time of the year for collecting new artists to watch. Far be it from me to keep these gems to myself. Here are some of bands and songs I discovered this year:

1. Moon Taxi – “Mercury”

Moon Taxi was the first band I saw this year and they made a lasting impression. Went out of my way to see them again later in the week and this song transformed me into a dancing fiend!

 2. The Virginmarys– “Dead Man’s Shoes”

This Virginmarys was that one band I just didn’t quite get to see, despite multiple “almosts”. They were part of one of my favorite showcases from Wind-Up Records which also featured Civil Twilight, Young Guns, Jillette Johnson, and another fun new discover, Crobot.  I was fortunate enough to see these British rockstars when they came through LA and they lived up to all the hype and went beyond to play one of the more rockin’ sets in my recent memory. New band love!

 

 3. Young Guns – “Bones (Acoustic)”

Going to Austin, Young Guns was one of the bands I was most excited to see. They did not disappoint. I had been introduced to them via this acoustic track, but they put on an amazingly high energy rock show. Still, I will always contend, my favorite rockers are the ones who can best pull off an acoustic take on their tracks…and seeing them play an acoustic mini-set for Record Store Day cemented this band’s talent and a place on my “watch” list.

 

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 4/30/13 Featuring Keaton Simons and Lights

Posted on by Kristen

It’s a new Tuesday, so there is new music. Here’s what I’ve picked up this week:

Keaton Simons  – Beautiful Pain

This album has been a loooong time coming in my book as I have been a Keaton Simons fan for many years and am already familiar with many of the songs. To finally have tunes like “Is There Any Other Way”, “Other Side”, and “Inspiration” in CD form is beyond thrilling. These, in addition to songs I already see as classics like the rockin’ “The Medicine” CD opener “Thrill of It All” and one of my favorite songs (ever), the heart-melting “Beautiful Pain”. Keaton is such a talent as a songwriter, guitar player, performer, etc. Beautiful Pain is a must have for any collection.

 

Lights – Siberia Acoustic

You know how I love it when bands go acoustic. Lights has a gorgeous voice which is generally surrounded by an electronic-tinged chorus of instrumentation. With Siberia Acoustic, songs from her last album are stripped back, augmenting the power and beauty of the vocal and the lyrical strength of the songs. I love it.

 

Others to look into:

  • The Postelles – & It Shook Me
  • Airbourne Toxic Event – Such Hot Blood
  • Daughter – If You Leave
  • Hanni El Khatib – Head in the Dirt
  • Alice Russell – To Dust
  • Big Black Delta – Big Black Delta
  • Beady Eye – BE

~ Kristen

Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 4/29-5/5

Posted on by Amanda

San Diego had a lot of awesome shows over these past few days. I know our friend Marissa over at Of Shows and Burritos made it out to a few of them whilst I was away in LA. Hopefully some of you managed to get out there as well. I’m currently back home after my jaunt to LA and while I do miss some of the glitz of LA, I’m happy to be back. We have some pretty awesome shows this week including hosting the epic Prince at the Hard Rock Hotel. Get out there people!

 

Monday: I’m sure you still have to recover from your weekend…

Tuesday: Dirty Sirens, Deadly Birds, Okapi Sun @ Griffin at 8:30pm
AND: Vietnam @ Soda Bar at 8:45pm

Wednesday: The Killers @ Honda Center at 8pm
AND: Helmet, Ape Machine @ Griffin at 8:30pm
AND: Chad Valley @ Soda Bar at 8:45pm

Thursday: Lauren Ruggles Presents- Yellow Red Sparks, Tyson Motsenbocker, Lowly Spects @ Griffin at 8:30pm
AND: Queen Caveat @ Bar Pink at 9pm
AND: The Lovebirds, Sister Speak @ Ruby Room at 9pm
AND: Al Howard @ Riviera Supper Club at 9pm
AND: CJ Ramone (of the Ramones) @ Soda Bar at 9pm

Friday: Maps & Atlases, Young Man, Torches @ Soda Bar at 8:30pm
AND: Prince @ Hard Rock Hotel Legends Ballroom at 7pm/10:30pm
AND: The Gregory Page Show @ Lestats at 8:30pm

Saturday: Crash Kings, Chris Wilson and Planet Earth @ Griffin at 9pm
AND: Prince @ Hard Rock Hotel Legends Ballroom at 7pm/10:30pm
AND: Little Fowl @ Bar Pink at 9pm
AND: El Monte Slim, River City @ Soda Bar at 8:30

Sunday: Built to Spill @ Casbah at 9pm (Sold Out)
AND: Beat Connection @ Soda Bar at 9pm

 

Keep in Mind:
May 6th- The Parlotones @ The Griffin
May 7th- Sara Watkins, Kris Orlowski @ Griffin
May 8th- Minus The Bear @ USCD Price Center Ballroom West
May 9th-12th- Bottle Rock Festival @ Napa Valley Expo
May 10th/11th- Mayday Parade, You Me At Six @ Soma
May 12th- The Milk Carton Kids @ Belly Up
May 17th- Jimmy Eat World @ House of Blues
May 17th- The Burning of rome, Low Volts, New Kinetics @ Casbah
May 18th- Wayward Sons @ Belly Up
May 19th- The Appleseed Cast @ Casbah
May 22nd- Bloc Party @ House of Blues
May 23rd- Jay Nash @ Soda Bar
May 23rd- The Neighbourhood @ House of Blues Side Stage
May 25th- Cold War Kids @ Belly Up
May 27th- Cold War Kids @ Belly Up
May 29th- !!! @ Casbah
May 30th- The Tilt @ Belly Up
June 1st- Imagine Dragons @ SDSU Open Air Theater
May 31st- Little Hurricane, The Stone Foxes, The Hollerin @ Belly Up
June 2nd- CHVRCHES @ Belly Up
June 3rd- Mumford and Sons @ Sleep Train Amphitheater
June 7th- Newfound Glory @ House of Blues
June 8th- SPF 94/9 – Matt & Kim, Younblood Hawke, Capital Cities, Family of the Year, The Mowgli’s, The Palace Ballroom
June 16th- They Might Be Giants @ Belly Up
June 19th- Warped Tour @ Sleep Train Ampitheater
June 20th- Sea Wolf and Savior Adore @ Belly Up
June 21st- She and Him @ SDSU Open Air Theater
July 2nd- Summerland Tour feat: Everclear, Live, Filter, Sponge
July 10th- Portugal. The Man @ House of Blues
July 11th- Say Anything, Eisley, I the Mighty @ House of Blues
July 21st- The Postal Service @ SDSU Open Air Theater
July 24th- Matchbox Twenty and The Goo Goo Dolls @ Valley View Casino Center
July 28th- Peter Murphy @ Belly Up
September 6th- Dave Matthews Band @ Cricket Wireless
September 20th- X-Fest feat: Blink 182, 30 Seconds to Mars, The Offspring Silversun Pickups, Fitz and the Tantrums, Atlas Genius, Capital Cities, New Politics
September 20th- Young Dubliners @ Belly Up
September 22nd- Depeche Mode @ Sleep Train Amiptheatre
September 22nd- Fall Out Boy @ Valley View Casino Center
October 4th- Phillip Phillips @ Sleep Train Amiptheatre

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 4/29-5/5

Posted on by Kristen

No, I didn’t get into The Rolling Stones warm up show at The Echoplex on Saturday. As epic as that experience would have been, I honestly had other plans that I was more excited about and seeing SXSW standout’s The Virginmarys at The Viper Room was the highlight of my week!

There have been quite a few last minute shows from major acts lately. Barring any further pop ups, here’s what I’m contemplating this week:

Monday: The Heavy Heavy Hearts FREE at Los Globos (9:45)
ALSO: Jessie Payo and Abbot Kinney FREE at Silverlake Lounge (8, 11)
ALSO: Barnaby Saints at Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring Big Black Delta Album Launch Party (9pm)…FREE with RSVP http://www.itsaschoolnight.com/losangeles/
ALSO: Monday Monday at Room 5 featuring Scott Mellis, Michael Doman, Joel Eckels, Casey Abrams, and more (8pm)

 

Tuesday: FM Radio at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: The Spreewells, Irontom, and The Echo and The Sound at Silverlake Lounge (9pm)
ALSO: The Record Company at The Mint (9pm)
ALSO: Beachwood Tuesdays FREE at The Piano Bar (8pm)

 

Weds: The Dead Ships, So Many Wizards, and NO at Bootleg Bar (9,10,11)
ALSO: Old Crow Medicine Show at The El Rey (7pm)
ALSO: Kitten and Paramore at The Wiltern (7pm)

 

Thursday: Joe Firstman (Ojos) and Daniel Bedingfield at The Viper Room (9,10)
ALSO: Alice Russell FREE at Amoeba Records (6pm)
ALSO: Crash Kings at Saint Rocke (10pm)
ALSO: Korey Dane at Room 5 (9pm)…last night of his month-long residency
ALSO: Justin Hopkins at El Cid (9pm)
ALSO: Meiko at Los Globos (10pm)
ALSO: Lights at The El Rey (7pm)
ALSO: The Felice Brothers and The Killers at Los Angeles Sports Arena (8:45)

 

Friday: Holly Conlan, Kiven at The Hotel Cafe (9,11)
ALSO: The Young Romans at Molly Malone’s (8:55)
ALSO: The Heavy Heavy Hearts FREE at TRiP (8pm)
ALSO: The White Buffalo at Saint Rocke (10pm)
ALSO: Raheem Cohen and Great White Buffalo at Bootleg Bar (9pm)

 

Saturday: Vegan Beer Fest at The Roxy featuring Saint Motel, Janks, Branches (1pm)
ALSO: K’s Choice, Keaton Simons at The Hotel Cafe (7, 10:30)
ALSO: The Brobecks and Picture Atlantic at Amplyfi (6pm)…late show at 9pm sold out
ALSO: Wise Cub at The Mint (9pm)
ALSO: The Cerny Brothers at Bootleg Bar (10pm)
ALSO: Alice Russell at First Unitarian Church (8pm)
ALSO: Wilson Phillips at Saban Theatre (9pm)

 

Sunday: The Lot Party at PCI City Parking Lot (1633 Wilcox) featuring Semi Precious Weapons, Nico Vega, Crash Kings, Andy Clockwise, and more (noon- 10pm)
ALSO: Grand Ole Echo FREE at The Echo featuring The Dahls (5pm)

 

To Keep in Mind:
May 6th: Iron and Wine at The Grammy Museum
May 7th: Tom Odell at The Troubadour
May 7th: Dinner and a Suit at The Roxy
May 8th/9th: Milk Carton Kids at Largo
May 9th: Dead Sara at The El Rey
May 9th: Sara Watkins, Fiction Family, Kris Orlowski at Bootleg Theater
May 9th: Mayday Parade and You Me at Six at Hollywood Palladium
May 11th: Speak at On the Rox
May 11th: Creepshow at The Hotel Cafe
May 12th: Stephen Kellogg at The Hotel Cafe
May 13th: Serena Ryder at The Troubadour
May 14th: Sara Bareilles at The El Rey
May 14th: The Kin at The Viper Room
May 15th: Andrew McMahon at The Troubadour
May 18th: Dan Wilson at McCabe’s
May 18-19th: Overture Con at The Mint
May 21st: Kate Nash at The Echo
May 21st: The Postelles at Bootleg Theater
May 22nd: Youngblood Hawke at Avalon
May 23rd: The Mowgli’s at The Roxy
May 24th: Sir Sly at The Troubadour
May 24th: Jay Nash at McCabe’s
May 28th: Lissie at Masonic Lodge at The Hollywood Forever Cemetery
May 29th/30th: Imagine Dragons at Hollywood Palladium
May 31st: CHVRCHES at Fonda Theater
June 1st: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at The Wiltern
June 1st: CHVRCHES at The Troubadour
June 4th: Willy Moon at The Troubadour
June 5th: Jewel at Saban Theatre
June 6th: Meg Myers and Dear Boy at The Troubadour
June 6th: Capital Cities at The El Rey
June 7th: The Boxer Rebellion at Avalon
June 8th: Bjork at Hollywood Palladium
June 13th: Fall Out Boy at The Wiltern
June 23rd: Guster, Barenaked Ladies, and Ben Folds Five at The Greek Theatre
June 25th: Rachael Yamagata at The Troubadour
June 27th: Bernhoft at The Troubadour
July 1st: Anberlin at The Roxy
July 23rd/24th: The Postal Service at The Greek Theatre
August 19th/20th: Ed Sheeran at The Staples Center
September 4th: Tegan and Sara at The Greek Theatre
September 26th: Hanson at House of Blues Sunset

~ Kristen

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