Philadelphia

New Band Alert: Leogun

Posted on by Kristen

 

Leogun stormed into my life Wednesday night when they played an electrifying set at The Satellite. I don’t think this band has been around for too long (they joined facebook in April of 2012), but I’m sure it won’t take too long for their popularity to grow. They are the kind of band that demands notice. For a quick summary, their fb page gives two definitions for the term “Leogun”. The first is “a three-piece band from London, surging with a mix of blues, soul and a whole lotta rock & roll. With “bite your head off” choruses and a hunger to groove, LEOGUN mixes the musicality and heart bleeding emotion of The Racounteurs with all the sexual prowess and break-neck attitude of Queens of The Stone Age.” The second definition is “believed to be a were-lion, LEOGUN was a half man, half lion.” I think that sums up my experience of the band quite nicely.

Their debut self-titled EP comes out next week (10/16). Here are my quick thoughts on each song:

“Let’s Be Friends” – their first single, a great introduction to their rockin’ style with stand-out guitar licks, soaring yet gritty vocals, and brazen attitude all wrapped in a catchy tune.

“End of The World” – sung with abandon, it will seduce you

“You’d Better Love Me”- a blistering rock song that rightly demands the attentions of its listeners

“Everyday” – a slower-building jam that showcases the groovier side of the band but will have your head banging by the end

 

Here’s the band’s first official video:

 

Other important info to get you connected to the band:

Website: http://leogunband.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LeogunBand

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeogunBand

They are currently touring around the US. Be sure to catch them if they near a city by you!

 

DATE CITY VENUE INFORMATION
10/10/12 Los Angeles, CA The Satellite More Info
10/14/12 Phoenix, AZ Hard Rock Cafe More Info
10/17/12 Philadelphia, PA North Star Bar More Info
10/18/12 Easton, MD Nightcat More Info
10/19/2012 New York City, NY Fat Baby – CMJ Convention More Info
10/23/2012 Somerville, MA Johnny D’s Restaurant & Music Club More Info
10/31/2012 – 11/04/2012 Miami to Great Stirrup Cay Kiss Kruise II More Info
11/07/2012 Chicago, IL The Ace Bar More Info
11/08/2012 Madison , WI The Rigby More Info
11/09/2012 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry More Info
11/11/2012 Saint Louis, MO Heartbreakers Rock-N-Roll Saloon More Info
11/12/2012 Lee’s Summit, MO Jerry’s Bait Shop More Info
11/14/2012 Denver , CO Hi-Dive More Info
11/16/2012 Colorado Springs, CO Stargazers Theatre More Info
11/20/2012 Boise, ID Neurolux More Info
11/21/2012 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory Concert House More Info

Listen! Learn! Love!

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 11/7-11/13

Posted on by Kristen

I’m still recovering from the awesomeness that was last Thursday night. Between Twin Atlantic at The Music Box and all the music, dancing, and friends at the High Voltage Magazine release party at On the Rox, I’m still beat. Could be because I’m still recovering from my bout of ill health. This cold weather isn’t helping. But I suppose I need to get used to it as I’m jetting to the east coast at the end of the week.

Friday night in Philadelphia I’ll be at The TLA with IKE, Stargazer Lily, The Shakers, Zelazowa, John & Brittany, and Placid Admiral (featuring members of one of my all-time faves, Jealousy Curve). If you’re on that side of the country, please come out and say hi!

We’ve also got some great shows in LA this week. Vanaprasta starts their Monday night November residency at The Satellite accompanied this week by Rocco DeLuca and Beatnik Jr, Kill the Alarm is in town at Room 5 on Friday, and my beloved Milk Carton Kids are back opening for Over the Rhine at The El Rey Saturday night.

 

Here’s the whole list:

Monday: Vanaprasta, Rocco DeLuca, Beatnik Jr. FREE at The Satellite (9pm)…first night of Vanaprasta’s November residency
ALSO: Moderne Man and Roman Candle Wars at The Viper Room (8:15, 12:15)
ALSO: Maxim Ludwig, Little Hurricane and Fierce Creatures FREE at Bootleg Theater (8:30, 10:30, 11:30)
ALSO: Lights at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: Thrice at The Mayan Theater (10pm)
ALSO: First Aid Kit at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Hey Rosetta! At The Echo (9pm)

 

Weds: Harper Blynn and The Damnwells at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Lovers Drugs at The Mint (11pm)

 

Thursday: Irontom at Bootleg Theater (10pm)
ALSO: Lady Sinatra at The Viper (11pm)

 

Friday: Kill the Alarm at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: Queen Caveat and Unwritten Law at Saint Rocke (9, 11)
ALSO: Jack’s Mannequin and Guster at The El Rey (7pm)
ALSO: Liam Gerner and Jim Bianco at The Hotel Cafe (7,10)
ALSO: Brett Detar and Olin and the Moon at The Mint (9,10)
ALSO: The Sheepdogs at The Echoplex (10pm)
ALSO: Toy at The Roxy (6:30)

 

Saturday: Experience No Ho Arts Festival featuring Taylor Locke and The Roughs, Maxim Ludwig, The Nervous Wreckords, and many more FREE at The Federal Bar (12-8pm)…for more info about the festival http://nohoartsdistrict.com/experience-noho/
ALSO: Purple Melon at The Central (11pm)
ALSO: Feist at The Wiltern (8pm)

 

Sunday: Honeyhoney at The Troubadour (10:30)
ALSO: Milk Carton Kids and Over the Rhine at The El Rey (7pm)
ALSO: Empire at TRiP Santa Monica (7:30)
ALSO: Elliot Yamin at The Hotel Cafe (9:30)
ALSO: Kyle Nicolaides at Room 5 (10pm)

 

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
November 14th: The Silent Comedy at Bootleg
November 15th: Augustana at The Hotel Cafe
November 16th: The Stone Foxes at The Viper Room
November 17th: Marketa Irglova at The Troubadour
November 19th: Milo Greene, The Belle Brigade, and The Civil Wars at The Wiltern
November 19th: Semi Precious Weapons at The Roxy
November 29th: Rachel Yamagata at The Troubadour
December 2nd: Fair to Midland at The Troubadour
December 2nd: Allen Stone at The Echo
December 2nd: Priscilla Ahn at The El Rey
December 2nd: Camp Freddy at The Roxy
December 9th: Camp Freddy at The Roxy
December 14th: Deas Vail at The Roxy
December 16th: Camp Freddy at The Roxy
December 16th: Oh Land at The El Rey
December 23rd: Camp Freddy at The Roxy
Feb. 2nd: Mutemath at Club Nokia
March 9th: William Fitzsimmons at The Troubadour
March 13th-18th: SXSW (Austin, TX)

 

~ Kristen

 

http://twitter.com/#!/_localmusicnat

Twin Atlantic: new single, contest, and US tour dates!

Posted on by Kristen

This morning I was casually listening to a live internet chat with two of the members from Scottish alt rock band, Twin Atlantic. Sam (vocals) and Ross (bass) spend some time answering random questions from fans and then played a couple of tunes from their record, Free. One of the songs played was “Make a Beast of Myself” which, incidentally, is one of my favorites from the album and their newest single.  The band just released a video for this song. What’s more is that if you watch this video and can find and click on the hidden link, you’re entered into a contest to win a guitar that was used by Sam in the “Time For You To Stand Up” music video.

I think this idea for a contest is genius! Even if you don’t win the guitar, you can still get a free song download.

Here’s the video. The hint for the contest is that Sam likes to paint…

 

Even more exciting than the potential to win a guitar, is the guarantee to see these gents live during their upcoming US tour with AWOLNATION (another band that made my SXSW ’11 mix).  They come to LA in a little over a month! November 3rd at The Music Box.

 

 

Finally, in case you were wondering, my favorite question asked during the chat session: “What is your favorite Biffy Clyro song?”

Answer: Ross: “Bubbles” (off Only Revolutions)
Sam: “Eradicate The Doubt” (off  The Vertigo of Bliss)

There is no such thing as too much Biffy in one’s life…:)

 

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 8.16.11: The Milk Carton Kids, Bird by Bird, The War on Drugs, Ten Out of Tenn, and more!

Posted on by Kristen

Another Tuesday, another barrage of new music. There are a few I’m looking forward to getting my hands on this week so I thought I’d share.

 

The Milk Carton Kids– Prolouge  

This is one of the BEST CDs currently in my player. I’ve said it before, but Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale (AKA The Milk Carton Kids) are the second coming of Simon & Garfunkel…if Simon & Garfunkel could make you both laugh to the point of crying. There is no excuse for anyone not to get this CD as it is being offered for free on The Milk Carton Kids website. Pay close attention to the tour dates because this show is one you don’t want to miss.

“Michigan” is the first song off the album. It was days before I could move on to track to because I just had this one on repeat.

 

 

Bird by Bird– While You Sleep

Bay area rockers, Bird by Bird, were in town on Saturday playing On the Rox. I’ve been looking forward to seeing this duo of Jonathan Devoto and Ross Traver, but of course Saturday was the day of a million shows and I couldn’t make it. Guess I’ll have to go the download route (http://birdbybird.bandcamp.com/) on this one as the only shows the band have scheduled are up in Nor Cal. Even though I’ll have to wait a bit longer to see them live, at least now I have something new for the ears.

You can listen to a stream of the album on AOL’s Music Page: http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/13

 

 

 

The War on Drugs– Slave Ambient  

My Philadelphia brethren, The War on Drugs, have a new album. I’ve only heard bits of it, but some of my favorite musicians are associated with this band, so you’d better bet I’m going to go out and get it! Their 2008 album, Wagonwheel Blues, boasted tunes like “Taking The Farm” and “Arms Like Boulders” which still find their way onto my playlists. The War on Drugs is coming to The Satellite October 22nd.

Listen here to The War on Drugs live on NPR!

And an interview with Filter Magazine

Buy Slave Ambient here

 

 

 

Ten Out of Tenn– Volume 4 

Ten Out of Tenn is a collective of artists based in Nashville, TN. Individually they are all amazing singer-songwriters, Butterfly Boucher, Andrew Belle, Trent Dabbs, Katie Herzig, etc. Together, the ten (or so) artists travel around the country together playing their music and combining their skills to form a sort of super group. Their albums, including today’s release, Volume 4, come across as compilation CDs, giving the listener a taste of each individual voice. I love this concept! Ten Out of Tenn is currently out on tour. I wouldn’t miss it…

Tour: http://www.10outoftenn.com/home#/tour

 

Itunes link

Because I just saw him last Friday, here is Ten Out of Tenn featuring Andrew Belle’s “The Ladder”

 

 

Other CDs coming out today:

  • Blue October has a new one out today called Any Man in America. I am a huge fan of this band’s debut album and am looking forward to see what they sound like these days. Their album today is only $3.99 on Amazon.com…this does not sound like a bad deal to me…
  • Fool’s Gold is a band based in LA I keep meaning to check out. Maybe having their new album, Leave No Trace, will encourage me to do so. They are playing at The Amoeba in Hollywood tomorrow, August 17th, at 7pm
  • The Parson Red Heads is another LA based band. I saw them open for Truth & Salvage Co. and I recall enjoying their performance. I’m hoping their CD, Yearling,  is equally enjoyable!

 

Happy New Music Day!

 

~ Kristen

Live Concert Streaming: The End of The Show or A Great New Beginning?

Posted on by Kristen

Okay, I was skeptical of this concept when it first came out. Why would I want to watch a show online when I could go out and see one live? I still feel that what I love most about the live performance simply cannot come across through a video camera. I also feel that having a show streaming for all to see really takes something away from the people lucky enough to be there. But as I sit here giddy in my office chair watching my fave Chicago rockers, Empires, stream a performance live on www.audiotreemusic.com, I realize that I am slowly becoming a convert to these computer concerts.

Watching Empires rock out in a studio actually marks the third time I’ve sat in front of my computer to hear “live” music just in the past week or so. For the past several Sundays fellow Philly to LA transplant, George Stanford has broadcast live from his home, playing requests, chatting with anyone who comes into the chat room or just…talking. Also last week 2/3rds of TFDI, Matt Duke and Tony Lucca, did some video hobnobbing mixed with a few live tunes (again, mostly requests).

What I like about the current state of live music streaming is that is has evolved beyond a simple transmission of a concert. I’m watching Empires performing in a studio, something that would be nearly impossible in any other circumstance. I find myself excited to hear the band’s answers to questions ranging from the typical (what album has inspired you), the more interesting (describe being out on the road in two words), to the absurd (what color and shape would you be). I would be far less titillated by a previously recorded video, similar in nature. With the live stream, I feel an energy akin to watching a sporting event. I find myself anxious. What song will they play next? How silly will the next question be? How will everyone respond??

The unedited band interaction is also something that has previously been unique to a live concert experience. One of the reasons I love acts like TFDI, almost as much as the music itself, is the interaction between the artists. Seeing Tony and Matt’s playful banter as they respond to questions and play tunes captures an element of a live show that you don’t often get in a recording. The immediate fan to musician contact is also unique and exciting. Even at a live show you’re not going to get a hello from Tony’s adorable daughter, Sparrow, or Matt’s equally adorable, visually challenged cat. The chat service also connects fans from all over as they debate the best tune or live show while their favorite musician sings away.

So where is this all going? While I think that streaming live shows or having live chats with your favorite artists is veeery far away from replacing the actual event, I hope that it doesn’t deter people from going out and actually experiencing the music. I had someone remark recently that they were much happier watching Lady Gaga from the comforts of their home with their XL TV screen and surround sound than they would have been seeing the spectacle from a distance dealing with the crowds and the traffic. All this live streaming of major concert festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza has allowed many people from all over the world to “attend” these events, but I’ve heard from avid concert goers that they now feel they never need to go to a festival again. Remarks like these concern me…

Another thing I’m unsure about is the new trend of having artist charge money for a “private” live show via the computer. Tickets for an online event? Really? Hrrrmm….  While I feel that this venue is great for getting the word out the about who you are and what you do, and I appreciate the artists’ ingenuity in finding a way to use technological advances to make money, I know I’m certainly not at the point where I’d be willing to pay for such an experience. I think asking for donations or whatnot is great, but I hope I never find myself wanting to buy a ticket for an online show.  I just see this going down a terrifying path into the depths of the haunted woods; dark shadows, spooky sounds, etc. etc. Maybe when I’m once again living in a music wasteland or in another year when selling tickets for online shows becomes the norm, I’ll change my tune, but for now, call me unnerved.

 

As long as it’s free and easy, however, I think I’m becoming a fan of these live events. While I would much prefer Empries’ front man, Sean Van Vleet, singing in my face and getting the opportunity to have a brief one-on-one conversation with guitarist/producer, Max Steger, after a show, I’d take this over nothing at all. Especially considering that the band is from Chicago and does not travel out to Los Angeles that often. I’m getting to hear new songs, I know which band member likes The Smashing Pumpkins and which considers himself a diamond…who likes to answer ridiculous questions and really who just wants to be out on the road…I find myself wishing more of my favorite bands, especially those stuck in distant cities, would do things like this (Philly bands do you hear me?).

While I’m still getting to know what sites are best for streaming and which bands put on the most ridiculous shows, here are a couple on my radar. I’m hoping to use this as another new way to both promote and discover great new music! Let me know if you have any suggestions…

 

Sites that offer live streaming:

http://www.audiotreemusic.com/audiotree_live.html (where I just watched the Empires set)

http://www.vokle.com/ (where Tony and Matt conducted their chat with the help of Rockridge Music)

http://www.facebook.com/GeorgeStanfordMusic?sk=app_142371818162 Livestream where George Stanford plays some Sunday afternoons at 3pm

http://www.ustream.tv/ (where Chris Wilson of Endoxi hosts his Wilson Wednesdays: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/wilson-s-room#utm_campaign=www.facebook.com&utm_source=8134646&utm_medium=social

http://www.justin.tv/ (where I was once caught singing back up on stage…thinking it was just to the friends I had in the small room…ha)
ALSO where San Diego music guru Lauren Scheff (ScheffXP) often streams. Monday nights with the incredibly entertaining Kevin Martin. (http://www.justin.tv/scheffxp)

 

~ Kristen

 

because I couldn’t resist:

Kristen’s SXSW ’11 Mix: Part 5

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 the final part of the official mix:

 

17. “Dominos” – Electric Touch

For a hot minute, Electric Touch was in LA and I discovered their music here. Then they moved to Austin, so I had to wait ’til SXSW to see them again. Now, they’ve played Coachella and seem to be doing a bit of Warped Tour this year. Keep your eyes open for this band, ’cause your ears will be happy if you do! Here are some tunes including my favorite, “Dominos”.

 


 

18. “Amalgam” – Halos

Ok, I saw this band at The Viper Room well before SXSW…but they were there and this is the perfect excuse I’d been looking for to mention how much I enjoy them. Check out their album, Living Like Kings in Confined Spaces.

 

19. “American Dream” – Sinai

Phildelphia’s golden boys, SINAI, gave one of their rare performances at SXSW this year. It was one of my most anticipated performances of the week as I’d been waiting to see this band, comprised of some of my favorite musicians, play since they announced their formation. They certainly didn’t disappoint. I love this video for “American Dream” because quite a bit of it was taken at their Austin performance.

 

20. “Remove Money Maker” – Viva City

These Brits were a big part of my SXSW experience. The more I see them, the more I love them. Check out their CD, Phobia, which features this song as well as other dance-able hits.

 

~ Kristen

 

and you think we’re done but wait…

Kristen’s SXSW ’11 Mix: Part 3

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 3 of my mix:

 

9. “All Those Pretty Lights” – Andrew Belle

This is a beautiful song. I wish I could have seen Andrew Belle while we were both in Texas, but sadly it did not happen. If you’re on the east coast, Andrew will be out your way soon so check out his tour schedule. In the meantime, his full length album, The Ladder, is definitely worth investigating.

 

10. “1+2” – Rams Pocket Radio

Another discovery from bandcamp’s handy dandy SXSW playlist. I had never heard of Rams Pocket Radio before. Apparently, Rams Pocket Radio is Peter McCauley from Northern Ireland. I absolutely love “1+2” and can’t wait to explore more from this artist.

 

11. “Free” – Twin Atlantic

One of my favorite discoveries from SXSW, Scotland’s Twin Atlantic was one of the few “new” bands I rearranged my schedule to see. They played several tunes from their new album Free which was finally made available at the beginning of this month. This is their most recent single from that album.

 

12.  “Aye Julian” – Meriwether

Another favorite from the ATN Showcase, turns out these gents are from my former home of Philadelphia!

 

not done yet…

 

~ Kristen