Makeshift Prodigy

Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 7/29-8/4

Posted on by Amanda

Oh, Monday.  The start to my typical week. Unfortunately my dog had me up off and on from 4:15 am onward so my mental capacity is not at peak performance. Thankfully I have time to rest up before the onslaught of shows this week from Dead Feather Moon, Tom Odell, Wolfmother, Writer, and Jesse LaMonaca to name a few. Get ready cause it’s going to be one crazy week!

Also, the SDMA nominations have been announced. Get over to their site and cast your vote!

Monday: Wolfmother @ Belly Up at 9pm- SOLD OUT
AND: Fallen Riviera @ Soda Bar at 9pm 

Tuesday: Writer, Mrs. Magician @ Soda Bar at 9pm
AND: Jeff Bridges @ Belly Up at 9pm- SOLD OUT
AND: Hollywood Undead, Escape the Fate @ House of Blues at 7pm

Wednesday: Tom Odell @ House of Blues Side Stage at 7pm
AND: We The Kings, Breathe Carolina @ Soma at 7pm
AND: Jesca Hoop, Gayle Skidmore, Vanja James @ Casbah at 9pm 
AND: Albert Lee, Brawley @ Belly Up at 8pm
AND: Nikki Lang @ Lestats at 8:30pm

Thursday: Mattson 2 @ Casbah at 9:30pm
AND: Wild Cub @ Soda Bar at 9:30pm 
AND: Redlight King, Icon for Hire @ House of Blues at 7pm 
AND: Lee Koch, Low Volts @ Griffin at 8:45pm

Friday: Dead Feather Moon, Trouble in the Wind, Elijah Ford @ Casbah at 9pm
AND: Blackout Party, The Beautiful View, The Hollerin @ Soda Bar at 9pm 
AND: Son Volt @ Belly Up at 9pm
AND: From Indian Lakes, Tallhart, Makeshift Prodigy, Blacktop Royalty @ House of Blues at 8pm 
AND: Emily Elbert @ Lestats at 8pm

Saturday: Jesse LaMonaca @ Casbah at 9pm
AND: The Flowerthief @ Tin Can Alehouse at 9pm

Sunday: Kris Angelis @ Lestats at 8pm

Keep in Mind:
August 5th- The Heavy, The Silent Comedy @ Belly Up 
August 7th- Andy Clockwise @ Griffin 
August 8th- Foals @ House of Blues
August 9th- Tyson Motsenbocker, The Darrows @ Griffin 
August 13th- Plain White T’s @ Belly Up 
August 15th- Cold War Kids @ House of Blues
August 15th- Kopecky Family Band @ Soda Bar
August 16th- Deadly Birds, Get Back Loretta, Stripes and Lines @ Casbah 
August 17th- Weezer @ Del Mar Race Track 
August 25th- Courtney Love @ Belly Up
August 25th- Truth and Salvage Co., Song Preservation Society @ Griffin
August 28th- K. Flay @ Griffin 
September 6th- Dave Matthews Band @ Cricket Wireless
September 11th- Minus The Bear @ Belly Up 
September 13th- Ra Ra Riot @ Birch North Park Theater  
September 13th- The Features @ Griffin
September 13th- Milo Greene @ Casbah 
September 13th- North Park Music Thing
September 14th- North Park Music Thing 
September 16th- Bastille @ House of Blues
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 21st- FM 94/9 Independence Jam feat: Cage The Elephant, Smallpools, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., American Authors, Royal Teeth, The Colourist and Dead Feather Moon
September 22nd- Depeche Mode @ Sleep Train Amiptheatre 
September 22nd- Fall Out Boy @ Valley View Casino Center 
September 25th- The Naked and Famous @ House of Blues 
September 30th- Vampire Weekend @ SDSU Open Air Theater 
October 2nd- Jake Bugg @ House of Blues 
October 4th- Phillip Phillips @ Sleep Train Amiptheatre
October 5th- You Me At Six @ Soma
October 8th- Pet Shop Boys @ Copley Symphony Hall 
October 8th- Conor Oberst @ Belly Up 
October 9th- Tony Lucca @ Griffin
October 9th- The Pretty Reckless @ House of Blues
October 10th- Phoenix @ RIMAC Arena @ UCSD 
October 15th- Frank Turner @ House of Blues 
October 18th Jack Johnson @ Balboa Theater 
October 19th- Ms Mr, Wildcat! Wildcat! @ Casbah 
October 22nd- Passion Pit @ SDSU Open Air Theater 
October 23rd- Paramore, Metric, HELLOGOODBYE @ Viejas Arena (Cox Arena)
October 28th- The Neighbourhood @ House of Blues
October 31st- Two Door Cinema Club @ Humphrey’s
November 1st- Father John Misty @ House of Blues 
November 3rd- The 1975 @ Belly Up 
November 8th- Nine Inch Nails @ Staples Center 
November 21st- Pearl Jam @ Viejas Arena (SDSU) 

New Music Tuesday 11/6/12 Featuring Sad Robot, Makeshift Prodigy, Mrnorth

Posted on by Kristen

I’m a bit behind on all of this, but hey, better late than never, no? Here’s the new music I’ve been listening to this last week or so…

Sad Robot – 1.0 

I wasn’t able to post about this when it came out, but I’ve been listening to this debut album from LA rockers, Sad Robot for a couple weeks now and I am loving it! With traces of Nico Vega, this female-fronted power trio takes rock to another level, reaching out beyond the tunes to convey a message of hope and strength that is much needed in my life right now. After an October residency at The Silverlake Lounge and song placement in the TV show, Bones, this band seems to be picking up some steam. I am really looking forward to seeing where they will go next.

Makeshift Prodigy – Illuminate EP 

Chicago’s Makeshift Prodigy made an impact on me a couple years ago with their stirring single, “Alive” off their 2010 album, mathematica.  The band had a new EP come out this week and from what I’ve heard of it, they seem to deliver on the rousing rock anthems that initially caught my ear.

Mrnorth – This Isn’t Just Lightening 

In 2007, Mrnorth’s album Fear & Desire blew my mind. I think I had “Sleeping Dogs” on repeat for weeks. A couple weeks ago the now NYC-based rock band released a live double album.   I haven’t heard much from this band lately, but I was tickled to see that they had so much new music for me to digest in this double disc live album recorded form. Easy download decision.

 

Also to look into:

  • Mike Doughty – The Flip is Another Honey
  • Rumer – Boys Don’t Cry
  • Kate Rusby – 20
  • Joshua James – From The Top of Willamette Mountain
  • Aerosmith – Music From Another Dimension!
  • Skye –  Back to Now
~ Kristen

Kristen’s SXSW ’11 Mix: Part 2

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!

Here’s part 2 of my mix (part 1 can be found here):

5. “Weatherman” – Dead Sara

I fell in love with this band before SXSW. They will surely be featured in a “Band Love” post in the near future, but I couldn’t leave them off this list. This band blows me away every time I see them. Singer Emily looks so unassuming, but by the end of the set you find yourself headbanging to “Weatherman” and realize that she (and the rest of the band) have put you under some sort of spell

 

6. “Big Enough” – Taddy Porter

This Oklahoma based band caught my attention when I was listening to the list of SXSW artists. Apparently they caught the attention of Kid Rock as well as they played his showcase in Austin. Check out their album, Long Slow Drag and be sure to see them when they roll through a town near you!

 

7. “Alive” – Makeshift Prodigy

Bandcamp did a really cool thing this year for SXSW. They made a mix of all of the artists registered to their site that were going to SXSW. It listened to this mix in the background for days. Makeshift Prodigy was one of the artists that made me stop and pay attention. I immediately fell in love with this song, “Alive”, that you can download for FREE on their website.  Just one more Chicago band to add to my growing list of reasons to go back to the windy city.

 

8. “Life is Strange” – The Gallery

The Gallery had been brought to my attention in the Rolling Stone cover artist competition and I promptly added them to my SXSW schedule. I was so happy to be able to catch the band’s set at Rusty Spurs. They did not disappoint!

 

part 3 next up…

 

~ Kristen

New Band Alert: Toy

Posted on by Kristen

Alana Grace + 3/4 of After Midnight Project = Toy. That’s enough to sell me. I still remember being impressed with Alana Grace back in 2008 when I first saw her at Bonnaroo. Her song “Domino” was stuck in my head for days. And, of course, After Midnight Project is one of my favorite LA bands of more recent years. Their CD, Let’s Build Something to Break, still gets play time in my car stereo. I can’t say I’d put this combo together, but I’m excited to see where it will go.

According to their bio, Alana wanted to go a little heavier with the rock and add an electronic edge. She called upon Spencer Bastian, Christian Meadows, and Ryan Folden, friends from Warped Tour, to work with her on creating this sound. They’ve already been booked on a major nation-wide tour opening for  Styx and Yes. They have a song up on facebook called “Get Out of My Head.” Like their page and have a listen.

If you like what you hear (as I did), go vote for Toy for the Summerfest emerging artist series. They are competing with some of my favorite up and coming artists like Makeshift Prodigy, The Republic of Letters, Atomic Tom, and Tailor Made Fable among others.

And, there you go! Another great band to discover and follow. You’re welcome!

 

~ 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