Mother Mother

New Music Tuesday 9/25 featuring The Chevin, Mother Mother, Mumford & Sons

Posted on by Kristen

I know it’s a little late, but hey, I’ve been a little busy. I just submitted a manuscript so now I’m ready to celebrate with some new music!

The Chevin – Borderland

This band from The UK has been crafting this record in Los Angeles and I have had the pleasure of seeing them play several times over the last several months. The first time I saw them at The Satellite, it was like a breath of fresh air, rock and roll air. The more time I spent with The Chevin, the more I have fallen in love with their music. I cannot wait to get my hands on this record!

 

Mother Mother – The Sticks 

One of my favorite Canadian bands from recent years, Mother Mother made an impression on me with their song “Hayloft” off their debut album O My Heart (2008). I’ve been keeping tabs on the dynamic and somewhat quirky five-piece alt rock group ever since. You can stream their new album, The Sticks, here http://exclaim.ca/MusicVideo/ClickHear/mother_mother-sticks_album_stream. I did and I quickly became hooked! Not sure when you’ll be able to get it from amazon or itunes, but you can get it from the band’s website: http://mothermothersite.com/store

 Mumford & Sons – Babel 

From what I’ve heard, this record is making a play for my record of the year….

 

Other’s to look into:

 

~ Kristen

Amanda’s Top Ten Musical Experiences (cont.)

Posted on by Amanda

I bet you thought I forgot all about this! Well, the truth of the matter is… I haven’t been home to write and when I am home, I’m sleeping. I’ve been out making new musical experiences for 2012! As such I’m giving you three more of my top musical experiences and I promise the top 2 won’t be far behind.

 

5.SXSW- I don’t really know how to describe SXSW to anyone other than calling it a musical orgy of sorts. There is so much to see and do whilst in Austin, Texas that it’s hard to keep your head on straight. Last year was my first year and I hope to be going every year after. The cool thing about SXSW is you really only need money for a place to stay and some food. We never went to any official shows (which is what badges are required for) and we had a hard time keeping up with all the musical options out there. During our time at SXSW we saw; Fierce Creatures, Viva City, Purple Melon, AWOLNATION, Neon Trees, The Head and The Heart, The Kin, Dead Sara, Fitz and The Tantrums, Tailor Made Fable, Keaton Simons, Liam Finn, Atomic Tom, Ivan and Alyosha, Queen Caveat, The Gallery, Sabrosa Purr,  The Greenhornes, The Silent Comedy, Mother Mother, Agnes Obel, Brian Wright, Brooke Fraser, Cary Brothers, Holly Conlan, Jim Bianco, Joey Ryan, Kenneth Pattengale, Laura Jansen, Little Red Radio, OK, The Milk Carton Kids, Deluka, Hugo, Meriwether, My Cousin The Emperor, Sinai, Taylor Locke & The Roughs, The Good Natured, Augustana, Doll and The Kicks, Empires, Lenka, Twin Atlantic, and The Stone Foxes. Well, you get the idea…

 

4. Blink-182- I was never a huge fan of Blink. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t change the radio station when their music came on or anything but nothing about them made me have a burning desire to see them live. In 2011, I saw them not once but twice and they will always have a warm spot in my heart. The first time I saw them was for the Honda Civic Tour. I was working with Kevin and Rebecca Joelson and doing some shooting of the event which means I was in the pit for the first few songs and was able to be side stage for the rest of their set. I was surprised at just how many Blink-182 songs I knew and Rebecca and I sang along from the sidelines. What really blew my brain was when they ‘finished’ their set and this giant rig comes down from the batons where all the lights are. I had been staring at it all night trying to figure out what it was. Well, it was a giant arm with a drum set attached! Travis got on this rig and was taken out over the audience while he played a solo for a few minutes. The rig would tilt down, back up and move around. It was mind blowing!!!! Needless to say, I was a fan after that.

 

3. Bonnaroo- In 2011, Bonnaroo was what Coachella should have been lineup wise. If you’ve ever been to or know about Coachella, think of Bonnaroo as the cooler sister who is both hippie and hip. Bonnarro is also held in a giant field and while it lacks the artistic attractions like the wandering robot and the giant hand that can kill a car, it has yoga and it’s own post office. Bonnaroo also has this giant fountain which I’ve been told gets painted different colors every year but it’s a great way to stay cool in the heat. Coachella doesn’t have that. Granted Coachella is easier to get to, but flying out gave us the chance to hang out in Tennessee and check out Nashville for a day or two. Our highlights from Bonnaroo were already posted on this site but we had a blast watching Eminem, The Head and The Heart, Portugal. The Man, Neon Trees, Kopeckey Family Band, Mumford and Sons, Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons, Alberta Cross, The Black Angels, and The Decemberists. Bonnaroo is a new tradition in my book and I can’t wait to see the lineup for 2012!

 

See you soon for my top 2!

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 6/6-6/14

Posted on by Kristen

The list may look a little long this week and that’s because I’m going to be internet-less next weekend and well…I don’t want that to leave everyone concertless. Of course, the reason I’ll be without connection to the world is because we’re going to that magical place called Bonnaroo and I refuse to spend my energies on finding power and WiFi…I’m not even bringing my computer (*gasp*). I’m sure we’ll be updating everyone on our journey via twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/_localmusicnat). At least until I have to choose between charging my phone and running to the next set (you can guess what will win).

 

I’ll working on a “most anticipated acts of Bonnaroo” post, so keep your eyes out. In the meantime, for those of you not venturing to Tennessee, LA still has a lot to offer this week in terms of live music. Enjoy!

 

 

Monday: Band of Skulls at Bootleg Theater (11pm)
ALSO: The Californian at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: Death Cab for Cutie and The Lonely Forest at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Band of Skulls at Bootleg Theater (11pm)
ALSO: Fat City Reprise at Rhino Records Pop Up Store in Santa Monica (8pm)  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=201749359870269
ALSO: Indians at La Cita (10pm)

 

Weds: Endoxi at The Roxy (8pm)

 

Thursday: ??

 

Friday: Lakes at The Hotel Cafe (11:30)
ALSO: Belle Brigade at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Filthy Souls, Jordan Cook, and Boy Hits Car at The Viper Room (8,9,11)
ALSO: Maxim Ludwig at The Echo (8:30)

 

Saturday: I’m sure something will come up!

 

Sunday: So & So presents Artists Who Give featuring Keaton Simons, Amie Miriello, etc. (9pm)…artist performing songs from Neil Young’s Harvest Album
ALSO: Sunday Lane at The Mint (9:50)
ALSO: Justin Hopkins Songwriter Round (7pm)
ALSO: The Ataris acoustic at The Airliner (8pm)
ALSO: Tony Lucca at Cabana Club for the 3rd Annual Music Night

 

Monday (6/13): Armada at The Viper Room (11:15)…as part of their June Viper residency
ALSO: Florence and The Machine at The Greek Theater
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday (6/14): Haim at The Troubadour (8:30)
ALSO: Mother Mother and Andy Clockwise at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: The Civil Wars at Amoeba (7pm)
ALSO: Marc Broussard and Matt Hires at The El Rey (8pm)

 

 

 

To Keep in Mind:

June 15th: Augustana at The House of Blues Sunset
June 17th: Nico Vega at The House of Blues Anaheim
June 24th: Rooney at The El Rey
June 25th: The Silent Comedy at The Roxy
June 29th: Brooke Fraser at The Music Box
July 14th: Parade of Lights at The Viper Room
July 19th and 21st: Alkaline Trio at The Troubadour
July 22nd: Langhorne Slim at The Echo
July 26th: The Indigo Girls at The Troubadour
July 28th: A Perfect Circle at Gibson Auditorium
August 12-14th: Outside Lands in San Francisco
August 18th: The Veronicas at The Viper Room
August 18-20th: SSMF
September 22-24: Hotel Carolina (South Carolina)

~ Kristen

 

Song of the Day: “Mother Mother” by Tracy Bonham

Posted on by Kristen

Since its release, I’ve been listening to a lot of Hugo’s Old Tyme Religion. It’s a great CD and I’ve been enjoying it…but driving into work the other day, my roommate and I made the decision that the general tone of the album was just too positive for our current state. Posing questions like “what in the world were you born to do” was just too much…

I needed to find a song that more accurately reflected my current outlook on life. I flipped through my Ipod until I landed on this song. Tracy Bonham’s “Mother Mother” fit so perfectly I put it on repeat.  Tracy may scream “everything’s fine” but we all know what she really means. Plus, it’s highly cathartic to join in.

I’ve seen The Veronicas do a version of this song live. Jess does a fine job with the screaming…

 

 

~ Kristen

SXSW Day 2: Another brief recap

Posted on by Amanda

Once again we find ourselves with little time for a true post but we figure it’s best to keep you cool cats in the loop (even if it’s not an extensive one). Also, you can expect us to write a more detailed post at the end of all this madness…

Our day started off in search of Twin Atlantic who somehow did not end up playing the previous day when they were supposed to. But we got an even better surprise, Doll and the Kicks! Check out this rather cool set list….

 

* Also, finally being able to see Twin Atlantic was a huge highlight!

* Dancing along to Purple Melon was pretty awesome. I always forget how good they are because they don’t have any music out 🙁

* Going to the Beaver Party and seeing Jodi Foster talk about the movie and Anton Yelchin in the crowd coupled with good food made this a really memorable party. We were sad to leave but had to move on.

* Finally getting to see Mother Mother and Empires play!

* Also, Augustana, while not what was expected, was a lovely treat.

* Seeing The Silent Comedy play (yes, again).

* Also, getting to sample tons of music and see favs Queen Caveat play twice in one day was pretty cool.

* The new discovery of Tailor Made Fable was great especially since an event like this is all about finding new band loves.

* Our day ended with a bang when we saw Lenka, Fitz and the Tantrums, Neon Trees, Taylor Locke, and Fierce Creatures play. Whew, what a day 🙂

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: 2/14-2/20

Posted on by Kristen

I should be writing to you now about what an amazing time I had this weekend both at Saint Motel’s Zombie Prom and at the Semi Precious Weapons Grammy after party. Instead, all I really have to report from this weekend is the fact that I am really looking forward to new episodes of Mr. Sunshine (Allison Janney throwing children at ax wielding clowns?!? I’m in!).  I suppose I overdid it a wee bit last week between movie premieres, secret Foo Fighters shows, and an assortment of other amazing concerts. Doesn’t really surprise me that I ended up getting sick.

Anyhoo, let’s hope I feel better soon! In the meantime, here’s what I suggest all you able-bodied folk invest your time in this week:

Monday: It’s a School Night at Bardot FREE with RSVP featuring Lucinda Williams and Augustana
ALSO: Greenroots Valentine’s Day featuring Austin Hartley-Leonard, Jenni Alpert, Keaton Simons, and many many more at Room 5 (8pm)
ALSO: Everest and Red Cortez FREE at The Satellite (10pm)

Tuesday: Mother Mother at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Jonathan Clark and Satellite at Molly Malone’s (8,9)
ALSO: Mountain Men at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Madi Diaz and Joseph Arthur at The Bootleg (9pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

Weds: Scars on 45 at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Nicole Atkins and The Sea at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Indians at Bordello (10pm)
ALSO: Satellite at Club Central (9:30)

Thursday: Boyce Avenue at The Roxy (10pm)
ALSO: Jake Newton at Whiskey a Go Go (8pm)
ALSO: Moderne Man at The Troubadour (9:15)

Friday: My Own Machine at Molly Malone’s (10pm)
ALSO: Prohibition Rose at The Viper Room (10pm)
ALSO: Matt Jordan at Genghis Cohen (9pm)
ALSO: Carl Broemel (of My Morning Jacket) at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)

Saturday: 100 Monkeys at The Roxy (9pm)
ALSO: Eli’s Creepshow at The Hotel Cafe featuring Ferras, The Canyons, etc. (9:30)

Sunday: Jordan Cook and Dead Sara at The Viper Room (10, 12)
ALSO: Beth Hart at The Echoplex (6pm)

To Keep in Mind:
Feb. 21st: Joe Firstman at The Hotel Cafe
Feb. 22nd: Sick of Sarah at The Roxy
Feb 26th: Josh Ritter and Scott Hutchinson (Frightened Rabbit) at The Music Box
Feb 26th: Young the Giant at The Roxy
March 1st: Biffy Clyro at The Troubadour
March 1st: Queen Caveat and The Silent Comedy at Saint Rocke
March 3rd: Civil Twilight at The Troubadour
March 4th: After Midnight Project at The Roxy
March 8th: Vertical Horizon at The Roxy
March 9th: Jay Nash at Saint Rocke
March 17th: Alkaline Trio and Dead Country at The Mayan
March 21st: Joe Firstman at The Hotel Cafe
March 22nd: War on Drugs at The Troubadour
March 26th: Lady Danville at The Troubadour
May 27th: The Script at Club Nokia
September 22-24: Hotel Carolina

~ Kristen