Amanda’s SD Show Calendar 3/14-3/21

Hey folks! This post is coming to you from the backseat of Kristen’s car. We are currently in New Mexico and on our way to SXSW. If you aren’t familiar with SXSW, don’t worry because we will be posting video from our experience daily (fingers crossed) and hopefully get to chat with some bands as well!

But I digress. Despite a lot of fantastic local music being in Austin this week, there are still some great bands to see in San Diego this week. Also, you get an extra day of my calendar this week due to SXSW.

 

Monday: Little White Teeth @ Tin Can Alehouse @930 $8
AND: Cave Singers @ Casbah @9 $12

Tuesday: The Black Heart Procession, Maren Parusel, and The Hot Moon @ Soda Bar @9 $10

Wednesday: The Paragraphs @ Bar Pink @10
AND: The Midwinters @ Soda Bar @9 $5
AND: Tapes ‘N Tapes @ Casbah @9 $15
AND: Abbey Road- A Beatles Tribute @ Belly Up @8 $12 adv/$14 day of

Thursday: Tyler Hilton and Josh Damigo @ Lestats @9
AND: 80s vs. 90s with Zoo2 (U2 Tribute Band) @ Belly Up @ 9 $10 adv. $12 day of

Friday: Get Back Loretta @ Soda Bar $7
AND: A Scribe Amidst the Lions and The Howls @ Casbah @9 $8
AND: Jackson Price @ Lestats @9
AND: Stepping Feet- Dave Matthews Tribute @ Belly Up @9 $12 adv/$14 day of

Saturday: An Evening with Tainted Love @ Belly Up @9 $17 adv/$19 day of

Sunday: Devo @ Belly Up @8 $89 adv/$94 day of

Monday: Tapedeck Mountain @ Casbah @9 $8 adv/$10 day of

 

Keep in Mind:

March 22nd- Girl Talk @ Soma
March 23rd- The Appleseed Cast @ Casbah
March 24th- Fierce Creatures and Kevin Martin @ Ruby Room
March 25th- Hoots and Hellmouth @ Soda Bar
March 26th- Endoxi @ Belly Up
March 29th- Fitz and the Tantrums @ Belly Up- Sold Out!
April 2nd- Little Hurricane @ Casbah
April 3rd- A Rocket to the Moon, Valencia, and Anarbor @ Soma @630 $13 adv.
April 4th- The Sounds @ Belly Up
April 8th- Rise Against w/Bad Religion @ RIMAC Arena- UCSD
April 9th- Pete Yorn @ House of Blues
April 14th- Billy Clyro @ Belly Up
April 14th- Brandon Flowers @ House of Blues SD
May 2nd- TV on the Radio @ 4th & B
May 3rd- James Blunt @ Humphreys
May 6th- Ghostland Observatory @ 4th & B
May 6th- Chris Cornell @ Humphreys
May 6th- Fleet Foxes @ Spreckles Theater
June 11th- Airborne Toxic Event @ House of Blues

 

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

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

Amanda’s Top 10 Discoveries of ’10- Part 1

It’s now 2011. Which means, it’s time to reflect on all the things that happened in 2010 and all the things we want to accomplish in 2011. I for one, had a wonderful time discovering and rediscovering music that I love. This particular post is part one of a list I made of my top 10 favorite musical discoveries of 2010!

10. Assemble the Skyline-

Here’s the thing about Assemble the Skyline… they picked up Kristen and I on the Sunset Strip after a Scarlet Grey show. Normally, I don’t pay much mind to bands throwing cds at me but they did more than just plug the show and give us a free cd. They took the time to engage us about our night and were so darn adorable that it was hard for us to walk away. Once we played their song and heard the phrase, “you’re such a bitch and it thrills me” we were definitely curious and decided to go to the show.

While they aren’t the typical kind of music I like, they are so fun to see that its hard not to make space in your heart for them. Actually, they are a band that would be fantastic on Warped Tour. I’d love to see that and I will keep enjoying my guilty pleasure band.

9. The Howls-

I first saw The Howls open for my favorite San Diego band, The Silent Comedy. I wasn’t really sure what to think at first but I was intrigued. The more I’ve seen them play, the better they seem to get. They are currently in the middle of recording a new record but I can’t wait to hear what they come up with. You can download some tunes like the one below for free at their website. Do it!

The Howls- Revival

8. Mumford and Sons-

If you aren’t familiar with Mumford and Sons, you must be living under a rock. It’s ok though. There is still time to discover how amazing they are. Mumford hails from West London and “have shared a common purpose: to make music that matters, without taking themselves too seriously.” I never thought I would be afforded the opportunity to see them as they sell out venues so fast. However, I got lucky when aforementioned band, The Silent Comedy, opened for them at The Belly Up! I wasn’t overly familiar with their music but fell head over heels for them. When I was able to see them once again in LA, my love was cemented.

7. Landon Pigg-

Landon brings back such great memories! I was familiar with him insofar as I knew his song from the mobile carrier commercials but I wasn’t really familiar with his music as a whole. Kristen on the other hand, was familiar and one day, saw a post about his upcoming west coast tour and a need for fans to merch. Kristen, knowing my deep seeded desire to merch for bands and hit the road told me about this wonderful opportunity. I replied to the request and we were able to work the show in San Juan Capistrano! The venue was great, the music was great, and the people were awesome. We made some serious buck for Landon and we hope to do it again soon.

By the way, this video totally melts me.

6. Fierce Creatures

Fierce Creatures came out of nowhere and hit me upside the head like a bag of bricks when I saw them (in the best way possible). You can check out a previous post I did on them here but I have to say, I was not prepared at all for their hurricane-like force. There was this crazy supernatural energy they emitted. Maybe it was all the banging on cans or the dancing in the crowd but I’m seriously hooked. They lived up to all the hype I heard and while I’m bummed they are up north, I can’t wait to see them play again!

Stay tuned for my top 5 discoveries!

Amanda’s Top 10 Discoveries of ’10- Part 1

It’s now 2011. Which means, it’s time to reflect on all the things that happened in 2010 and all the things we want to accomplish in 2011. I for one, had a wonderful time discovering and rediscovering music that I love. This particular post is part one of a list I made of my top 10 favorite musical discoveries of 2010!

10. Assemble the Skyline-

Here’s the thing about Assemble the Skyline… they picked up Kristen and I on the Sunset Strip after a Scarlet Grey show. Normally, I don’t pay much mind to bands throwing cds at me but they did more than just plug the show and give us a free cd. They took the time to engage us about our night and were so darn adorable that it was hard for us to walk away. Once we played their song and heard the phrase, “you’re such a bitch and it thrills me” we were definitely curious and decided to go to the show.

While they aren’t the typical kind of music I like, they are so fun to see that its hard not to make space in your heart for them. Actually, they are a band that would be fantastic on Warped Tour. I’d love to see that and I will keep enjoying my guilty pleasure band.

9. The Howls-

I first saw The Howls open for my favorite San Diego band, The Silent Comedy. I wasn’t really sure what to think at first but I was intrigued. The more I’ve seen them play, the better they seem to get. They are currently in the middle of recording a new record but I can’t wait to hear what they come up with. You can download some tunes like the one below for free at their website. Do it!

The Howls- Revival

8. Mumford and Sons-

If you aren’t familiar with Mumford and Sons, you must be living under a rock. It’s ok though. There is still time to discover how amazing they are. Mumford hails from West London and “have shared a common purpose: to make music that matters, without taking themselves too seriously.” I never thought I would be afforded the opportunity to see them as they sell out venues so fast. However, I got lucky when aforementioned band, The Silent Comedy, opened for them at The Belly Up! I wasn’t overly familiar with their music but fell head over heels for them. When I was able to see them once again in LA, my love was cemented.

7. Landon Pigg-

Landon brings back such great memories! I was familiar with him insofar as I knew his song from the mobile carrier commercials but I wasn’t really familiar with his music as a whole. Kristen on the other hand, was familiar and one day, saw a post about his upcoming west coast tour and a need for fans to merch. Kristen, knowing my deep seeded desire to merch for bands and hit the road told me about this wonderful opportunity. I replied to the request and we were able to work the show in San Juan Capistrano! The venue was great, the music was great, and the people were awesome. We made some serious buck for Landon and we hope to do it again soon.

By the way, this video totally melts me.

6. Fierce Creatures

Fierce Creatures came out of nowhere and hit me upside the head like a bag of bricks when I saw them (in the best way possible). You can check out a previous post I did on them here but I have to say, I was not prepared at all for their hurricane-like force. There was this crazy supernatural energy they emitted. Maybe it was all the banging on cans or the dancing in the crowd but I’m seriously hooked. They lived up to all the hype I heard and while I’m bummed they are up north, I can’t wait to see them play again!

Stay tuned for my top 5 discoveries!

Fierce Creatures

I’m not sure how many of you have heard of this little band from Fresno called Fierce Creatures but I remember the moment I first heard about them…

I was on Facebook one night (being bored or something) and watching as it went from all’s quiet to a flurry of status updates from members of The Silent Comedy exclaiming how amazing this band Fierce Creatures was. I was intrigued but it was time for bed, I would have to investigate the next morning. I awoke to a “like suggestion” on Facebook for the band from Tim. I knew this band had gotten to the guys in a good way and that I must check them out.

The following morning I listened to their single “Satan is a Vampire” while I was in the midst of doing 50 million other things. I enjoyed the song but I was soon lost in other work and Fierce Creatures had turned to an after thought. I kept hearing how awesome Fierce Creatures was but thought I wouldn’t get the opportunity to see them for awhile. They are from Fresno after all.

Well, it turns out the guys from The Silent Comedy picked up Fierce Creatures to do a little West Coast Tour. I was lucky enough to snag a copy of their ep I Mostri Feroci and I can honestly say that I’m looking forward to their set tonight in San Diego. Check them out on Myspace!

Also, here is a FREE DOWNLOAD of Satan Is a Vampire courtesy of the band!

Amanda’s Show Calendar 11/8-11/14

I don’t know about you but mind body is still having a hard time with this “fall back” business. I keep waking up thinking I’m late and having to remind my body that I’m not but in fact I have another hour to sleep and should be happy. Alas, no such luck.

I have an upcoming post about some snazzy bands I found in Vegas but for now, you will have to settle with this week’s concert calendar. It’s chock full of goodness on Friday and Saturday! 🙂

Monday: The Howls @ The Casbah @9 $8
AND: Circle Pit @ Soda Bar @9 $7

Tuesday: Relax 🙂

Wednesday: 91X Snow Jam Pre Party w/ Nervous Wreckords @ The Belly Up @ 9 $12
AND: Sean Hayes @ Soda Bar @9 $12

Thursday: The Silent Comedy, Andy Clockwise, Fierce Creatures @ The Casbah @9 $10 adv/$12 day of

Friday: Tyler Hilton and Trevor Davis @ Lestats @9 $?
AND: Skyline Union @ Bar Eleven @10 $5
AND: Republic of Letters @ Epicentre @6:30 $8 adv/$10 day of
AND: Illuminauts @ Soda Bar @9 $8
AND: KT Tunstall @ House of Blues SD @730 $22.50 adv/$26 day of

Saturday: Gayle Skidmore @ The Ruby Room @8 $8
AND: The Soft Pack @ The Casbah @9 $13 adv/$15 day of
AND: Endoxi @ Winstons @8 $FREE
AND: Scheff’s Beer, Bands, and BBQ @ Bar Pink @1-4 $10
AND: FM 94.9 8th Anniversary with The Hold Steady and The Night Marchers @ 4th & B  @7 $26
AND: Josh Damigo @ Lestats @9 $?

Sunday: Blonde Redhead @ House of Blues San Diego @7:30 $22

Keep in Mind:

November 15th- Joey Ryan and Meg and Dia @ Epicentre @6:30
November 16th- Mayday Parade @ House of Blues SD
November 18th- Echo Revolution and Wendy Bailey @ Bar Eleven @9
November 18th- Get Back Loretta @ The Casbah @10 $8
November 20th- Cartel, Hey Monday, and The Ready Set @ Epicentre @6 $15
December 2nd-The Dead Kennedys- House of Blues San Diego
December 5th- Passion Pit @ Soma
December 10th-  Delta Spirit @ House of Blues San Diego
December 15th- Wrex the Halls w/Smashing Pumpkins, My Chemical Romance, Bad Religion, Jimmy Eat World, Anberlin, Switchfoot, A Day to Remember