Freelance Whales

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 10/15-10/21

Posted on by Kristen

In the middle of a bit of a work-crisis, so I’ll keep this short. Actually this whole week has kind of been one work crisis after another…and sadly I do not see the end. I did get out Wednesday night to check out rocksters, Leogun, and I am pleased to report I have a new band love from the UK.

Speaking of recent band discoveries, I have a few this week I’d really like to see. Sad Robot continues their Silverlake Lounge residency Monday night and then my favorite band from Culture Collide, Denmark’s terminal, has a show Thursday night also at Silverlake Lounge. And if we’re talking about can’t miss shows, Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers are making their last stop in the LA area before they go on an indefinite hiatus (one of my least favorite word combos). They are at Saint Rocke Saturday night. Don’t miss out!

Here are the rest of my recommendations:

Monday: Sad Robot FREE at Silverlake Lounge (10pm)
ALSO: Xavier Rudd at Fonda Theatre (8pm)
ALSO: Monday in the Round at Room 5 featuring Stephen Wrabel, Jesse Thomas, Clare Holley and Joel Eckels (9pm)

 

Tuesday: Madi Diaz, Tim Easton, Harper Blynn at The Hotel Cafe (7, 8,9)
ALSO: A Tribute to Tom Petty featuring Robert Francis, Drive He Said, The Californian and many more FREE at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Freelance Whales at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Terraplane Sun CD Release at Dakota Lounge (8:30)
ALSO: Stop Motion Poetry at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: The 9 Songwriters at WitZend (7pm)
ALSO: Ellie Goulding at The Troubadour (9:30)
ALSO: First Aid Kit at Fonda Theatre (9pm)
ALSO: Duff McKagan at The Viper Room (10pm)
ALSO: Beachwood Night at Piano Bar FREE (9pm)

 

Weds: The Young Romans and Jessie Payo at The Hotel Cafe (8,9)
ALSO: Adam Bones at Boardner’s Club Moscow (10pm)
ALSO: Irontom, Black Box Revelation and The Sheepdogs at The Troubadour (8:30, 9:15, 10)
ALSO: Ellie Goulding FREE at Amoeba Records (6:30)

 

Thursday: Terminal and Alright Alright at Silverlake Lounge (8,9)
ALSO: Tim Halperin, Griffin House, and Ernie Halter at The Hotel Cafe (7,8,9)
ALSO: The Record Company and The Whigs at Bootleg Bar (10, 11)
ALSO: Charlene Kaye at The Mint (10:15)
ALSO: Greg Holden at Room 5 (10pm)

 

Friday: Tony Lucca and Justin Hopkins at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Frightened Rabbit at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Allen Stone at The Fonda Theatre (8pm)
ALSO: Oedipus at The Viper Room (10pm)
ALSO: Barnaby Saints at El Cid (11:45)
ALSO: Maroon 5 at The Orpheum Theatre (9:30)

 

Saturday: Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers at Saint Rocke (9pm)…last LA area show before the band goes on hiatus
ALSO: The Shakers at The Viper Room (11pm)
ALSO: The Script with Tristan Prettyman at The Greek Theatre (8pm)

 

Sunday: Jake Newton, Charlie Peacock, Fleeting Heart, Branches at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: Mika at The Fonda Theatre (9pm)
ALSO: Lady Sinatra at The House of Blues (8pm)

 

To Keep in Mind:
October 23rd: Shiny Toy Guns at The Echoplex
October 24th: The Darkness at Club Nokia
October 25th: Bayside at Club Nokia
October 27th: Queen Caveat at The Roxy
October 27th: Harper Blynn Halloween at The Hotel Cafe
November 2nd: Tonic at The Hotel Cafe
November 2nd: Matt Wertz at Largo
November 2nd: NEEDTOBREATHE at Fox Theater Pomona
November 3rd: All American Rejects at The Wiltern
November 5th: LP at The Troubadour
November 6th: Jens Lekman at Fonda Theatre
November 7th: Joe Firstman at The Hotel Cafe
November 8th: The Kin at The Roxy
November 9th: Brandi Carlile at Orpheum Theater
November 10th: Mumford & Sons at The Hollywood Bowl
November 10th: Marc Broussard at The Hotel Cafe
November 11th and 12th: Jack’s Mannequin at The El Rey
November 13th-15th: Gary Clark Jr. at The Troubadour
November 15th: Blue October at House of Blues
November 16th: Joshua Radin and A Fine Frenzy at The Wiltern
November 17th: Milo Greene at The El Rey
November 20th: The Postelles and Mayday Parade at House of Blues
November 20th: Rachel Yamagata at The El Rey
December 6th: Imagine Dragons and Garbage at San Manuel Casino
December 8th: Boyce Avenue at Club Nokia
December 11th: Atlas Genius at The Troubadour
January 23rd: Muse at The Staples Center
Feb. 9th: Ed Sheeran at Hollywood Palladium

~ Kristen

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New Music Tuesday 10/9 featuring The Script, Freelance Whales, Bad Books

Posted on by Kristen

Looking for new tunes? Here’s what’s is in my shopping basket today:

The Script – #3 

The Script is pretty solid when it comes to delivering radio-friendly pop/rock anthems. I anticipate nothing less from their newest album, #3, especially based on the reception it has already had since its release in their native, Ireland. Their first single, “Hall of Fame” features will.i.am and seems a slight departure for the pop crooners, but listening to the album (which you can do here http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/1), I have been reassured that while the band continues to grow on their musical journey (there is a bit more of this rap-interlude business), they still have plenty of that emotional, melody-driven core that drew many fans, including myself, in at the start. I’m already a fan of their next single, “Six Degrees of Separation”.

 

Freelance Whales – Diluvia 

Brooklynites, Freelance Whales, play the kind of music that might color a dreamscape; not necessarily happy, not necessarily sad, but always with a twinge of fantasy that makes it feel like you’re not quite in a reality. Streaming the new album (which can be done on their website), I’d say fan will be happy with this sophomore effort. I’ll put it on my shopping list and look forward to their next show. The band comes to the El Rey Theatre in LA October 16th.

 

Bad Books – Bad Books II

Who doesn’t love a super group? Well, at least this one between Kevin Devine and Manchester Orchestra seems to have worked out pretty well to my ears. Their second offering, Bad Books II, again does a great job of blending  the more quirky indie sensibilities of Kevin Devine with the rousing rock beats and vocals of Andy Hull and Manchester Orchestra. Check the band out live this Wednesday at The Troubadour. If you’ve seen either of these acts before, you know it’s going to be a good show.

Other CDs to check out today:

 

~ Kristen

Kristen’s ’11 Mix – Bonus 1 – Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons

Posted on by Kristen

Bonus 1. “Never Meant to Love You” – Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons 

LMN made the trek to Bonnaroo this summer. This is my favorite festival. From early morning yoga to the late night dance parties, I treasured every moment of my Bonnaroo ’11 experience. I discovered so many great bands (Aunt Martha, The Black Box Revelation, The Kopecky Family Band, Fences, JEFF The Brotherhood), saw several favorites for the first time (Scissor Sisters, Amos Lee, Neon Trees, Freelance Whales, Black Angels, Alberta Cross, Robert Plant), and enjoyed beloved bands like The Decemberists, Emimen, Deas Vail, Mumford & Sons, Nicole Atkins, The Head & The Heart, Band of Skulls, The Black Keys, etc.  Going into the event Corey Chisel and the Wandering Sons were on the top of my list of bands to check out. I ended up seeing them three times. “I Never Meant To Love You” is one of my favorite songs. I couldn’t locate a recorded version, but I tracked this bootleg. Check out the bands album, Death Won’t Send a Letter.

~ Kristen

Kristen’s 5 “Must See” Acts of Bonnaroo ’11

Posted on by Kristen

Tonight, we’re leaving for Bonnaroo!  I’ve done the usual; listen to all the artists, create my schedule, figure out how to pack a tent and a sleeping bag to take on a plane…  I don’t know what was more difficult, narrowing down the number of books I want to bring or narrowing down the number of bands to put on my top 5 “must see” acts of Bonnaroo ’11 list. But both tasks needed to be done.  There are so many acts that I’m excited to see, but here are my top:

 

  1. Deas Vail http://www.deasvail.com/

This band captured my attention at Warped Tour and I’ve been craving another helping of this Arkansas-based group ever since. Their uplifting melodies and calming vocals always manage to lift the spirit. Deas Vail is the kind of band that can take you to another, much better place. And that’s what Bonnaroo is all about (for me at least). It’s the physical representation of that mental place I go every time I see my favorite bands perform. And there is absolutely nothing better than seeing one of my favorite bands in this place…and that’s why Deas Vail is the group I’m most looking forward to seeing this year.

Where to see them:  Friday 2:30 at Cafe Where

 

2. Eminem http://www.eminem.com/

One of my favorite things about Bonnaroo (and music festivals in general) is being able to see so many big acts that I would never pay to see individually (I go to way too many shows to pay big bucks for any one artist). There are quite a few big names I’m looking forward to this year, but none more than Eminem. I was never a huge fan of Eminem, but then I saw him perform at another festival (Epicenter). This man has a gift. I’ve been hesitant of big name rappers at Bonnaroo ever since that whole Kanye debacle of ’08, but I know Eminem will be more embracing of the Bonnaroo spirit and put on a show worthy of the event. Now that I’ve had a taste of this live performance, I cannot wait to get more!

Where to see him: Saturday 11pm at the What Stage

 

 

3. Lelia Broussard vs. The Sheepdogs
http://leliabroussard.com/ http://www.thesheepdogs.com/

I’ve been keeping tabs on the whole Rolling Stone unsigned artist cover competition. Although my faves, Chicago rockers Empire, are sadly no longer in the running, there are still two fantastic acts left. I’ve been going to Lelia Broussard shows for years now and have always enjoyed her songs and charming delivery. The Sheepdogs were introduced to me through this competition, but I pegged them early as one to watch (I have a weakness for southern rock). I’m excited to see them both perform and bring about a conclusion to this competition.

Where to see them: Saturday 2pm at This Tent

 

 

4. Mumford and Sons http://www.mumfordandsons.com/

As amazing as their album, Sigh No More, can be, the live Mumford and Sons performance is even better! As these English folk rockers continue to grow in popularity around the world, their performances become increasingly coveted. I don’t know if I could ever beat the front row at The Belly Up, but Mumford and Sons + Bonnaroo is an ideal combination and I am really looking forward to seeing them again.

Where to see them: Saturday 6:15 at Which Stage

 

 

5. Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons http://www.corychisel.com/

What would be the point of a big music festival, if I didn’t walk away discovering a great new band. I mean Bonnaroo is the event in where I first heard one of my LA faves, Carney. Listening to all the acts unbeknownst to me, I heard a lot of promise in Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons. Will they live up to my expectations? Will another unknown act steal my heart? I guess we’ll all have to wait and see.

Where to see them:
Thursday 7:15 at The Solar Stage
Friday 9:20 at The On Tap Lounge

 

 

 

 

Other Highly Anticipated Acts for Bonnaroo ‘11

 

Hope to see you at the ‘Roo!

~ 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

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 11/8-11/14

Posted on by Kristen

I Love Nico Vega!! It must be said. Again. Saturday night I impulsively drove up to Santa Barbara to see them play the New Noise Music Festival. I had just gotten through a horrid week…so bad towards the end it was almost funny how many things were going wrong. Then, just in time, Saturday night was one of those evenings that made me once again realize that life is worth living. Danced and sang into the wee hours with some of my favorite people, heard amazing music from a local Santa Barbara band, Verna Beware, as well as an LA fave, Killola. And then, of course, there was Nico Vega. I don’t know if I felt like it was one of Nico Vega’s best performances because it was or because I so desperately needed it…but does it really matter?

Here’s to hoping that this next week won’t be so dreadful and that I’ll be able to get out and see some music! Here are my preferred options (some really good ones this week!!):

Monday: Makepeace Brothers at Aviator Nation in Venice (9pm)
ALSO: Chasing Kings FREE at Silverlake Lounge (11pm)
ALSO: Florence and The Machine at The Wiltern (7:30)
ALSO: A Perfect Circle at Avalon (7:30)
ALSO: Street Sweeper Social Club at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Paris Carney and Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (8,9) 

Tuesday: Allen Stone and Lenka at The Hotel Cafe (9,10)
ALSO: Brian Wright at Bootleg Theater (10pm)
ALSO: Ari Hest at Room 5 (8pm)
ALSO: A Perfect Circle at Avalon (7:30) 

Weds: ANT Management Presents On The Rox featuring Kyle Nicolaides, The Right Coast, Lakes, and Pan America (8pm)
ALSO: A Perfect Circle at Avalon (7:30)
ALSO: Elle King at Bootleg Theater (8:30) 

Thursday: Austin Hartley Leonard (CD RELEASE!) and Alex Dezen at The Hotel Cafe (9,10)
ALSO: Sabrosa Purr at Silverlake Lounge (11pm)
ALSO: KT Tunstall at the Music Box (8pm)
ALSO: Volcano Dolls at The Viper Room (midnight)
ALSO: Kurt Vile and the Violators at The Echoplex (8:30) 

Friday: Teitur at Bootleg Theater (10pm)
ALSO: Over the Rhine at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Nonpoint at The Whiskey (10pm) 

Saturday: Terrible Things and Mae at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Darren Criss and Charlene Kaye at The Mint (2:45, 4pm)
ALSO: Tyrone Wells at The Hotel Cafe TWO shows (8,11)
ALSO: The Shakers and Fat City Reprise FREE at The Cat Club 

Sunday: The Elizabeth Kill at The Mint (8pm)
ALSO: Joey Ryan and Meg & Dia at Saint Rocke (8:20,9:10) 

To Keep in Mind:
November 16th: The Lonely Forest at Spaceland
November 17th: Tyler Hilton at The Roxy
November 18th: The Silent Comedy at The Echo
November 18th: Freelance Whales at The Troubadour
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

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 11/1-11/7

Posted on by Kristen

I hope you’re all enjoying your holiday weekend! After Nico Vega’s witch hunt on Friday and a haunted housewarming Saturday, I’m all Halloweened out. Well…an early morning meeting tomorrow + the overwhelming amount of work I am behind on is kinda forcing me to stay in and avoid the crazy. At least I’m celebrating by watching season 3 of Supernatural whilst I work…still getting my fill of vamps, demons, ghosts, dark lighting and creepy music.

Anyway, I’m taking a little break from the excel spread sheets, to bring you my fantasy concert list for the week. I hope someone will be able to get something out of it…

Monday: Chasing Kings at Silverlake Lounge (11pm)
ALSO: Paris Carney and Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 featuring Joel Eckels, Brother Sal, Austin Hartley Leonard (8,9)
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring Dan Layus and a special guest (10:30)…FREE with RSVP (http://www.itsaschoolnight.com/)

 Tuesday: Ingrid Michaelson at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Kaki King and Northstar Session at The Hotel Cafe (7,9)

 Weds: 8mm at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Donavon Frankenreiter at The Roxy (9pm)
ALSO: Voxhaul Broadcast at Spaceland (8:30)
ALSO: Beachwood Rockers Society at Crane’s 

Thursday: Matt Hires and Five for Fighting at The Brixton (8pm)
ALSO: Jake Newton and Alex Denizen at The Hotel Cafe (7,10)
ALSO: Nellie McKay at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Emily Wells at Largo at Coronet (8:30) 

Friday: My Own Machine at Molly Malone’s (9pm)
ALSO: Anna Nalick at The Mint (9pm)
ALSO: Bayside at The Troubadour (10:30)
ALSO: Paula Cole at Largo (8pm)
ALSO: Dr. Dog at The Wiltern (7pm)

 Saturday: Florence + The Machine at The Wiltern (7:30)

Sunday: Florence + The Machine at The Wiltern (7:30)

 

To Keep in Mind:
November 8th-10th: A Perfect Circle at Avalon
November 12th: Teitur at Bootleg Theater
November 13th: Terrible Things and Mae at The El Rey
November 16th: The Lonely Forest at Spaceland
November 17th: Tyler Hilton at The Roxy
November 18th: Freelance Whales at The Troubadour
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 

~ Kristen
https://twitter.com/_localmusicnat