AWOLNATION

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 9/5-9/11

Posted on by Kristen

Looks to be another busy week ahead…and an especially good one for The Viper Room. I’m more than a little excited to finally see Our Lady Peace perform live…and on such a tiny stage (insert squeals of delight).

I’m also really looking forward to next Friday/Saturday as it is The San Diego Music Thing. It’s basically a mini SXSW in San Diego. Panels on music related topics then evenings crowded with shows, many of them at venues in walking distance from one another. Friday night we have the likes of Queen Caveat, Kevin Martin, Purple Melon, Andy Clockwise, Nico Vega, The  Silent Comedy, Endoxi, and Eli James…whew!  It’s gonna get a tad crazy…

But enough San Diego talk (that’s Amanda’s job)! Here’s what’s happening in Los Angeles next week that gets my stamp of approval:

 

Monday: Big Black Delta FREE at The Satellite (11pm)…starting their Monday night September residency
ALSO: Fat City Reprise at The Viper Room (10pm)
ALSO: It’s a school night at Bardot featuring Nightmare the Cat and Carina Round (10:30)…FREE with RSVP

 

Tuesday: The Canyons FREE at The W Hotel in Hollywood (9pm)
ALSO: Lovers Drugs FREE at The Central (9pm)
ALSO: Eli James at Hemingways (10pm)
ALSO: Johnny Moezzi at The Foundry on Melrose (8pm)
ALSO: Ari Shrine at Saint Rocke (6pm)

 

Weds: Gabe Dixon at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: So & So at The Viper Room (9:40)
ALSO: The Muddy Reds at The Central (11pm)
ALSO: AWOLNATION on Jimmy Kimmel…if this is the only LA date they’re going to play then by golly I’m going to be there!
ALSO: Heart at Gibson Ampitheatre (7:15)

 

Thursday: Sabrosa Purr and Dead Sara at The Viper Room (10,11:15)…part of Dead Sara’s September Residency!!!
ALSO: Allen Stone at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: BethPage Black at The Mint (9:50)
ALSO: Colin Hay at Saint Rocke (10pm)
ALSO: Band of Horses at The Wiltern (8pm)

 

Friday: Taylor Locke at The Central in Santa Monica (10pm)
ALSO: Last American Buffalo and War Tapes at The Hotel Cafe (11pm)
ALSO: Hello Vegas at Bootleg Theater (10:05)
ALSO: Harris Grade at Amplyfi (?)
ALSO: Fitz and the Tantrums at The Greek Theater (7:30)

 

Saturday: Beatnik Jr. at The Viper Room (11pm)
ALSO: Amy LaVere at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Blue October at The House of Blues Sunset (7pm)
ALSO: The Kills at The Wiltern (8pm)
ALSO: Ray LaMontagne at The Greek Theater (6:30)

 

Sunday: Hello Vegas(8pm), Of Verona(9pm), Our Lady Peace (10pm) and The Shakers(11pm) at The Viper Room
ALSO: Lelia Broussard at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: The National at Hollywood Bowl (8pm)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
September 12th: Dan Wilson at Bardot
September 16th: Lobster Fest with Andy Clockwise and more
September 17th: We Barbarians at The Satllite
September 20th: Howie Day at The Hotel Cafe
September 22-24: Hotel Carolina (South Carolina)
September 22nd: Dead Sara and Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights at The Viper Room
September 22nd: Andy Clockwise and Queen Caveat at The Roxy
September 23rd: Inara George at Bootleg Bar
September 23rd/24th: Lee Dewyze at The Hotel Cafe
September 24th: The Script at Hollywood Palladium
September 24th and 25th: William Elliot Whitmore at Bootleg Theater
September 25th: The Lonely Forest at The Wiltern
September 28th: Puddle of Mudd at The Viper Room
October 11th: Rival Sons and Evanescence at Hollywood Palladium
October 14th: Butterfly Boucher at Bootleg Theater
October 22nd: The War on Drugs at The Satellite
November 7th: Lights at The El Rey
November 12th: Feist at The WIltern
November 19th: Milo Greene, The Belle Brigade, and The Civil Wars at The Wiltern
March 13th-18th: SXSW (Austin, TX)

~ Kristen

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Kristen’s SXSW ’11 Mix: Part 1

Posted on by Kristen

This year’s SXSW experience was a little different than in years past (ie I actually got to GO instead of my usual just listening to all of the artists). Still, I wanted to maintain the spirit of my annual SXSW Mix being a list of artists that are mostly new to me that I somehow discovered or was inspired to write about due to my SXSW experience.  I am so excited about every one of these artists/groups. I can’t wait for them to come through LA and play!

I’ve broken the mix down into several parts which will be revealed over the next several days…enjoy!

 

  1. “Something In the Water” – Brooke Fraser

She may have been quite popular for several years, but only just before SXSW this year did Brooke Fraser hit my radar. This New Zealand native played several showcases in Austin including one sponsored by my favorite venue, The Hotel Cafe. Check out her third ablum, Flags, for this tune as well as my other favorite BF song, “Who Are We Fooling” featuring Aqualung.

 

2. “Coming Down That Road” – The Deaf

Came across this song while cruising the SXSW artist pages. Instantly it caught my attention, putting this band from the Netherlands on my need to see list.

 

3. “Run Back Home” – The Blue Pages

The Blue Pages was one of many acts that I discovered form the All Together Now Showcase. These Brooklyn boys put on a captivating show. If you’re in the NYC area, go check them out at Bowery Electric June 23rd!

 

4. “Sail” – AWOLNation

One of the best crowds I was in at SXSW this year was for AWOLNATION’s set at Rusty Spurs. They made my list of top SXSW sets…I really can’t wait to see these guys again. Come back to LA already!

 

more to come…

 

~ Kristen

Kristen’s Top 10 Sets of SXSW ’11

Posted on by Kristen

I’m still working on my annual SXSW Mix. It’s shaping up to be mostly new artists that I’d never heard of before or that really came to my attention at SXSW this year. As excited as I am about all my new discoveries, it occurred to me that some of my very favorite experiences of the festival aren’t represented. As such, I was inspired to make a separate list of my top 10 sets of SXSW ’11.

1. Queen Caveat at Thirsty Nickel

It was their first set at SXSW and I was just SOOOO excited that they were there and that I was there and that everything was happening. The venue itself added the additional bonus of watching Lauren masterfully deal with an awkwardly placed banister AND allowed me to watch all the people walking past, stopping, and being drawn to the window by the music…LOVE watching new people fall in love with my favorite bands! It was a SXSW moment for sure.

 

2. The Silent Comedy at Peckerheads

I saw The Silent Comedy more than any other band at SXSW. Each set they did was slightly different but their final show at Antiquiet’s The Axis of Audio showcase was the most unique, featuring some new tunes as well as other songs not found in their typical setlist. It also helps that the set was dedicated to me (and Amanda and our TSC gang).

Check out the video our dear friend Trina (The Owl Magazine) took of TSC’s newer song “Wine”

 

3. Empires at The Trophy Room

Empires was one of the bands I was most looking forward to seeing play. They had grabbed my attention when they played in LA with Biffy Clyro and seeing them in Austin reminded me why I loved them so much. The way the band, especially singer Sean Van Vleet connects to the audience, drawing them in with an intense energy…it was one of those sets in which I became completely lost in the music.

 

4. Dead Sara at Lipstick 24

After a solid day of amazing music, it was incredibly difficult for a band to completely knock me off my feet (as many highly anticipated bands failed to do). Yet Dead Sara had me head banging and rocking out with their 1am set Weds night (or I suppose Thursday morning) at Lipstick 24 like no other. I think this was the hardest I rocked out all week…

 

5. The Kin at Antone’s


You know I love The Kin. Their performance at Antone’s was one of the most memorable of the week. I finally got to hear some of their new material, the audience was completely enraptured especially when they got off the stage to come sing a song on the floor, and Isaac managed to “re-create” his didgeridoo using some sort of pipe that could be found out in the street. When they played “Waterbreaks”, I was SO happy to be seeing them play again (it had been awhile…they’re based in NYC), it brought tears to my eyes.

 

 

6. Doll and The Kicks at Antone’s

I had NO CLUE that Doll & The Kicks was even going to be at SXSW, let alone be playing at the British Invasion showcase I was attending on Thursday. It was the best surprise of the week! Their new song “Skeleton” is fantastic and must be downloaded now…!

 

7. AWOLNATION at Rusty Spurs

I had never seen AWOLNATION before, but I’d been enjoying their tunes. I liked the band, but what really gets this set on my top 10 list was the intensity of the audience. I love being swept up in that kind of energy…it was insane without me ever feeling physically threatened. The perfect audience. When they played “Sail”, I was taken to another place…and I couldn’t even really see the stage!

here’s a taste:

 

 

8. Twin Atlantic at Antone’s


Most of the bands on this list are ones I’d seen (or at least known) before SXSW. It’s easier to really get into a set if you know the songs. But Twin Atlantic I had never really heard of before arriving in Austin. I had come across one of their tunes and that was enough to put them on my watch list. By the end of their set at Antone’s, they were my fave new discovery from SXSW.

 

 

9. Viva City at The Dart Music International House


Tuesday afternoon, before the music festivities officially began, we gathered to go see Viva City at The Dart Music International House. I saw this UK act several times over the course of my stay in Austin, and each time it was a crazy fun dance party, but this very first set marked the beginning of my SXSW experience and it will never be forgotten.

 

 

10. Brian Wright at St. David’s Sanctuary

That whole evening at St. David’s Sanctuary (one of the Hotel Cafe showcases) was quite magical (see story), but I think my favorite set of the bunch was Brian Wright’s. It’s hard to describe why the set moved me so much. I have seen Brian play plenty of times, but something about this place and time and my specific mood really elevated his performance and songs. It was truly a perfect SXSW moment.

 

Seriously, is it time for SXSW 2012 yet?

 

~ Kristen

SXSW Day 1: Quick Recap

Posted on by Kristen

Day 1 at SXSW was a rousing success! Don’t have time to write an entire post (as we’re about to start day 2), but here are some of the highligts

* following suggestion of fellow band passenger to go see The Head and The Heart (from Seattle)…they were fantastic! (very Mumford and Sons)

* seeing The Kin (TWICE). They have all new songs that are fantastic. Isaac also used a random pole for a substitute didgeridoo

* discovering the lineup at Lipstick 24 (The Stone Foxes, Empires, Saint Motel, Dead Sara, etc…)

* The Silent Comedy tearing it up at The San Diego Hoe Down

* the massive dance party we created at The Silent Comedy show at The Austin Rox Showcase

* finally seeing AWOLNATION (and living through the riot they nearly brought to Rusty Spurs)

* meeting new people who suggested new bands to check out

* being interviewed by All Together Now Showcase about this website

* ending the evening in a Dead Sara mosh

 

Today is Saint Patrick’s Day so I’m guessing today will be particularly insane. Who am I most looking forward to? SOOOO Many, but let’s go with Mother Mother who play at Lipstick 24 at 2:30 for the All Rights Reserved Showcase.

 

 

~ Kristen

SXSW Day 0: A Story

Posted on by Kristen

If you don’t know anything about SXSW, you might, at first glance think that it is all about the music. But you’d be wrong. SXSW is really all about networking. You might think that someone only peripherally involved in the music industry (AKA The Scientist who moonlights as a music enthusiast) would not benefit as much from this aspect of the conference, but you’d be wrong.

Also, the idea that the bar is the best place to mix and mingle (a concept I’ve never really warmed up to) might not be entirely correct.  I feel like the van rides back and forth from the hotel to the conference center downtown might be the new “bar”. Last night’s transport back, lead us into conversation with a professional “foodie” (from the food network) and someone who works at Bryn Mawr College of all places (my alma mater). So I may not have been able to whisper the names of my favorite bands into some big executive’s ear over a couple of whiskey sours, but I know the best place to go eat in downtown Austin AND I got some top secret intel regarding my 5 year college reunion coming up in May.

Such random encounters really gets me excited about the unknown and unexpected possibilities for the rest of the week!

 

But back to the music, TONS to look forward to today! The Kin, The Silent Comedy, Twin Atlantic, Oh Land, AWOLNATION, The Blue Pages…all on my list for today.

 

AWOLNATION plays 10pm at Rusty Spurs for the AustinROX showase…

 

~ Kristen

Gearing up for SXSW: Kristen’s 10 “Must See” Artists

Posted on by Kristen

TOMORROW, we leave for Austin. I’m in the midst of frenzied preparations. I haven’t been posting much these last couple of weeks, in part, due to the fact that every spare second I have managed to accumulate has gone to listening to artists I may get the chance to see at SXSW and preparing my lists and schedules.

I thought I’d share some of the artists I’m most looking forward to (a combination of old favorites and new discoveries). So, here it is. My 10 “Must See” Artists at SXSW ’11:

1. The Silent Comedy

These San Diego boys have been on my must see list for awhile now. Their growing popularity means they’ve been spending more time away from Southern California so I relish even more every chance I get to see them.

When to see them: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=208828575799105

2. Queen Caveat

I’ve gotta go support my favorite up-and-coming LA band. For those of you not in LA, don’t miss one of the first opportunities to see Queen Caveat play outside of their hometown. SO much love for this band!

When to see them: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=109420832465650&ref=ts

 

3. The Kin

These Australian brothers are favorites of mine from back east. One of the exciting things about SXSW is that it brings together favorite artists from all over the country/world. Also, be sure to follow The Kin on twitter so that you’ll know where they plan to do their next musical robbery on Saturday in Austin.

where to see them: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=184993854877046

 

4. Empires

One of my favorite bands out of Chicago. I’d been itching to see them again since they opened for Biffy Clyro at Bootleg Theater.

where to see them: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150171769950225&set=a.499768780224.291271.62617580224&theater

 

5. Dash & Will

Two girls from Australia whose tunes caught my ear immediately. I’m even more excited to see them and buy their music, because finding their tunes to download in the US= nearly impossible.

where to see them: http://www.facebook.com/dashandwillofficial?sk=events

6. Dead Sara

I’ve seen them three times in LA in the last month or so and I can’t remember the last time a band has blown my mind quite this much. Any chance I’ll get to see Dead Sara, I’m taking!

where to see them: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dead-Sara-Official/124013447614437?sk=app_2405167945

 

7. SINAI

I’ve been wanting to see this new band out of Philly since its inception at the end of last year. I’ve been very jealous of all my Philly friends who have gone to their shows. Now it’s my turn!

where to see them: Friday 8pm: Austin Music Hall (208 Nueces) at the Monster Energy Showcase

8. The Lonely Forest

I adore this band out of Washington. They were actually on my SXSW ’10 mix. I was terribly sad to miss them play The Echo last week. I only justified my absence with the thought of seeing them play multiple times at SXSW.

where to see them: http://www.facebook.com/thelonelyforest?sk=app_178091127385

 

9. Twin Atlantic

They’re from Scotland and they’ve opened for Biffy Clyro. What more do I need? Oh, I also am loving this tune…

where to see them: http://twinatlanticonline.com/2011/02/25/twin-atlantic-to-play-sxsw-scotland-stage-in-texas/

ALSO: Weds 4pm at The PureVolume House (504 Trinity St)

 

10.Mother Mother

A band from Canada that I fell in love with a couple years ago thanks to the song “Hayloft”. I keep missing them when they come through LA, so I’m not going to miss out in Austin!

where to see them: http://mothermothersite.com/live/

 

Honestly there are SO many excellent bands I’m looking forward to seeing at SXSW…can we say “scheduling conflicts”..Here are a few more (still not even half of what’s on my list)

We Barbarians
Fitz & The Tantrums
Hoots & Hellmouth
Joey Ryan
Atomic Tom
Jamestown Revival
Andy Clockwise
Hollerado
Hugo
Chelsea Automatic
Jukebox the Ghost
AWOLNATION
The Blue Pages
The Gallery
UME
Saint Motel
Brooke Fraser
The Stone Foxes
Augustana
Allen Stone
Semi Precious Weapons
Fierce Creatures
Lelia Broussard
Halos
Nicole Atkins
Taylor Locke and The Roughs
Dan Wilson
Meriwether
Taddy Porter
Forrest Day
Scars on 45
Little Red Radio
Toy Bombs
Andrew Belle
The Deaf
Brett Dennen
American Bang
Ram’s Pocket Radio
Admiral Fallow
Makeshift Prodigy

 

We shall see how many of these bands make my final SXSW ’11 mix!

to check out last year’s mix click here

See you in Austin!

 

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 11/15-11/21

Posted on by Kristen

Just got done grading a seemingly infinite number of exams…plus a few quizzes. Aside from two musical interludes, that’s all I’ve been up to all weekend. As for the interludes, tonight was The Elizabeth Kill at The Mint and Saturday was Philadelphia goes LA, hanging out with other Philly area natives and checking out some bands with Philly roots (Terrible Things at The El Rey and The Shakers at The Cat Club). All in all, I just can’t believe the weekend is coming to a close!

But as one week ends, another begins. And what a fantastic line-up of shows this week. Greatness, in the form of SD band The Silent Comedy, returns to LA this week Thursday at The Echo. I’m also really excited about The Lonely Forrest, a band that made my SXSW ’10 mix but that I’ve never seen. Plus Queen Caveat, Fitz and the Tantrums, Freelance Whales, Dynamite Walls…I’m exhausted already! Some tough choices will have to be made this week.

Maybe you can help. Here’s what I’m contemplating…

Monday: Chasing Kings FREE at The Silverlake Lounge (11pm)
ALSO: Paris Carney and Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (8,9) 

Tuesday: The Lonely Forest at Spaceland (8:30)
ALSO: Queen Caveat at The Viper Room (11:15)
ALSO: Val Emmich at The Hotel Café(8pm) 

Weds: AWOLNATION and Fitz and The Tantrums at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Mayday Parade at The House of Blues Sunset (10pm)           
ALSO: Tyler Hilton at The Roxy (10pm)
ALSO: Kate Miller Heidke and Terra Naomi at The Hotel Cafe (7,8)
ALSO: Natasha Bedingfield at The Troubadour (7pm) 

Thursday: The Silent Comedy at The Echo (8:30)
ALSO: Miniature Tigers and Freelance Whales at The Troubadour (9,10)
ALSO: Jack’s Mannequin/Something Corporate and Matt Nathanson at The El Rey (7pm)
ALSO: Joshua Radin at The Music Box (10pm) 

Friday: Dynamite Walls at The Viper Room (11pm)
ALSO: Chris Pierce at The Hotel Cafe (11pm)
ALSO: Avi Buffalo at The Echo (10pm) 

Saturday: Lelia Broussard RECORD RELEASE at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Teddy Geiger at Spaceland (10pm)
ALSO: Abbot Kinney at The Mint (9pm) 

Sunday: Dar Williams at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Eisley at The El Rey (10pm) 

To Keep in Mind: 
November 21st and 22nd: Dar Williams at The Hotel Café
December 1st: Eve 6 at The Troubadour
December 2nd: Scarlet Grey at The Troubadour
December 4th: Joe Firstman at Saint Rocke
December 11th: The Black Crowes and Truth & Salvage Co. at Hollywood Palladium
January 22nd: Guster at The Music Box 

~ Kristen