SXSW

Kristen’s SXSW ’12 Mix – Part 1

Posted on by Kristen

One of the things I love most about SXSW is the opportunity it provides every year to discover great new artists. The following mix reflects some of the bands and musicians I’ve added to my “watch list” as a result of SXSW 2012. Enjoy!

1. Of Monsters and Men – “Little Talks”

There is a reason why this group from Iceland is selling out venues around the country. I mean, how catchy is this song?

 

2. The Good Natured – “Skeleton”

Actually caught this band at SXSW last year, but I don’t think I remembered that until I was going through this year’s artist list and I recalled how much I enjoyed this group and this song

3. Avalanche City – “Love love love”

Everytime I hear this song, I smile

 

4. The Apache Relay– “Home is Not Places”

“Home is not places, it is love” what more needs to be said?

 

Listen! Learn! Love!

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 3/20-3/25

Posted on by Kristen

Just got back from the long drive from Austin, TX where we spent a glorious week immersed in the musical insanity that is SXSW. Check out our site for some recaps of our experience (http://www.localmusicnation.net/). Also, I did some coverage for High Voltage Magazine, so check that out as well (http://www.iamhighvoltage.com/festivals/). Due to overwhelming exhaustion, I have little sense of space and time but I made a to do list and at the top is “put out this week’s calendar” so here we go! (p.s. I am writing this wearing a bunny ears and a tiara…leftovers from some birthday shenanigans).

Some people may be all showed out after a week of non-stop concerts, but honestly, I’m already feeling some withdrawal. Fortunately this week is full of amazing musical opportunities, including some new SXSW finds like fiN, Morning Parade, and Marcus Foster. Here are my picks:

Tuesday: Ben Rector and NEEDTOBREATHE at Club Nokia (8pm)
ALSO: Harper Blynn at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: Of Monsters and Men at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: The War on Drugs and Sharon Van Etten at The Avalon (8pm)
ALSO: The Driftwood Singers at The Satellite (9pm)

 

Weds: Tournament of Hearts, Satellite, Boyce Avenue at The Avalon (7pm)
ALSO: Paul McDonald at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: Of Monsters and Men at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Wicker at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: The Watkins Family Hour at The Largo (8:30)
ALSO: The Naked and Famous at The Wiltern (8pm)
ALSO: The Ting Tings at The El Rey (9pm)

 

Thursday: The Lumineers at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Morning Parade, The Other Side of Morning, Zero1, Oedipus at The Roxy (7pm)
ALSO: Eddie Cohn at Genghis Cohen (9pm)
ALSO: The Ting Tings at The El Rey (9pm)

Friday: Brian Wright and Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour (9, 10)…this is last Truth & Salvage show in LA before the band moves to Nashville
ALSO: Marcus Foster, The Lumineers and Whispertown Record Release Show with Buddy, Haim, Jonathan Rice, etc. (7, 9, 11)
ALSO: Juke Kartel and fIN at The Viper Room (11, 12)
ALSO: The Nervous Wreckords and Robert Schwartzman at The Satellite (9pm)

 

Saturday: Marcus Foster and Jesse Thomas at The Hotel Cafe (7, 9)
ALSO: Run Run Run at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: Allen Stone at The Troubadour (10:15)

 

Sunday: Allen Stone at The Troubadour (10:15)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
March 30th: All American Rejects at The Troubadour
March 31st: Tyrone Wells at The Roxy
April 1st: Charlotte Martin at The Bootleg Bar
April 4th/5th: Dan Layus (of Augustana) at The Hotel Cafe
April 10th: Neon Trees at The Troubadour
April 11th: Mike Doughty at Bootleg Theater
April 12th: Joseph Arthur at The Largo
April 18th: Dar Williams at The Largo
April 19th: Foxy Shazam at The Roxy
April 13th-15th AND 20th– 22nd: Coachella
April 24th: The Milk Carton Kids at The Largo
April 25th: Ben Kweller at The El Rey
April 26th: Jasmine Ash at The Roxy
April 26th: Zoe Keating at The Largo
April 27th: Ingrid Michaelson at The Troubadour
May 2nd: Cage the Elephant at The Mayan
May 3rd: James Morrison at The Avalon
May 8th: Snow Patrol at The Hollywood Palladium
May 10th: Jay Nash at The Hotel Cafe
May 11th: Imagine Dragons at The Troubadour
May 19th: Eric Hutchinson and Graffiti6 at The Troubadour
May 30th: Eve 6 at The Troubadour
June 3rd: Deas Vail at The Troubadour
June 5th: Ben Howard at The Troubadour
June 13th and 14th: Phantom Planet at The Troubadour
June 16th: Thrice at Club Nokia

 

~ Kristen

http://www.localmusicnation.net/

http://twitter.com/#%21/_localmusicnat

SXSW Recap: Saturday 3/17

Posted on by Amanda

Honestly, I’m not sure where to start this post. It might be due to exhaustion, lack of mental focus, or the blur that has been the last 5 days Honestly, I’m not sure where to start this post. It might be due to exhaustion, lack of mental focus, or the blur that has been the last 5 days catching up to me. All I can say for certain is that I had an enjoyable time.

Since I’m a little bit groggy, an in depth chat of the day will not be had. It started with Rachel Ray’s party with Bob Schneider and Imagine Dragons. It ended with an impromptu Daniel Beddingfield show (although I think Semi Precious Weapons was the proper ending). What happened in between was a blur of dancing and laughing with friends featuring bands such as; The Silent Comedy, Gary Clark Jr., K Flay, War on Drugs, Hey Marseilles, Jukebox the Ghost, Semi Precious Weapons, Husky, Ramona Falls, Graffiti 6, Nico Vega, Viva City, Tournament of Hearts, and Semi Precious Weapons again. All aforementioned bands are worthy of your attention. Let the pictures do the talking.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some sleeping to do before driving straight back to LA in the morning.

Oh and Happy Saint Patrick’s Day.

SXSW Recap: Friday 3/16

Posted on by Kristen

Today. Today was a good day. Nay, today was a great day! It seems that the severe lack of sleep and the intense physical pain of being on your feet all day that almost brought me down yesterday was nearly nonexistent today. Perhaps, my body is just adjusting to the sxsw schedule. As a result, spirits were high, adventures were had, new friends were made, and, of course, amazing musical experiences were around every corner.

Perhaps the good spirits stemmed from the fact that I got to sleep in this morning. We got up around 10:30 and made our way to the Motorola Moonshine Bar and Grill for a lovely breakfast of fried asparagus, spinach and artichoke dip, and a yogurt parfait. Of course there was also coconut water involved, because there is free coconut water at just about every event here (new trend?).

My morning musical selections were largely at Frye’s Showcase at Buffalo Billiards, with a brief interlude to the Paste Party where I was reminded of how much I enjoy The Lumineers. At BB’s, I got a taste of Tribes, my first Imagine Dragons set of SXSW, a lovely show from Honeyhoney, and a killer/blow your socks off/face melting experience with Dead Sara. The Dead Sara set marked the second afternoon mosh pit I’ve been involve with in the last two days (yesterday’s was Semi Precious Weapons).  Seeing them makes me so happy, but at the same time sad in the realization that they are soon to blow up and I’ll no longer be able to see them in such intimate venues.

Unfortunately, Dead Sara’s set started late and ended up conflicting directly with The Silent Comedy’s show at The Bayou Lounge. The upside of this was that it helped establish my afternoon plan of going over to Quantum Collective’s party on the Whole Foods Rooftop where we enjoyed eating Oogies popcorn (my fave popcorn brand) and dancing to Voxhaul Broadcast, The Silent Comedy, and Imagine Dragons. It was a little windy up on the roof and hats went flying during The Silent Comedy set, but the guys put on a great performance and sang us a new song.  A dance party broke out during Imagine Dragon’s last song…apparently this was filmed as we all had to sign waivers (who knows where an image of me looking ridiculous might end up).

After stuffing my bag with the delicious free snacks lying around (granola bars, pirate’s booty, popcorn, coconut water- of course) we headed back over to the east side for our evening. I rocked out to a couple songs from Bethpage Black before venturing to Stubb’s to see Ed Sheeran. Not only did I completely fall in love with this Brit and his tunes, I somehow ended up in the photo pit and was finally able to put to use my press pass on my camera. After Ed, I raced over to Rusty’s to catch a bit of Queen Caveat rock the main stage before heading to ND to enjoy Free Energy (one of the best dance parties in town!). My final planned stop of the night was the ATN Showcase at The Bayou Lounge to do some more dancing with Queen Caveat and Wicker. While there, I met up with a friend I hadn’t seen in nearly 15 years. She is a huge fan of Wicker so seeing them and then meeting members of the band simply made her day. I don’t know what was more fun, seeing some great music or watching my friend talking to a fave band for the first time.

At this point, I thought my day was over. However, there was one more adventure to be had. I was walking back to the apartment when I heard a familiar tune hit my ears. I paused, turned direction, and headed towards the music. I ended up at Band HQ jumping up and down front row for Saint Motel. After their set was over, I chatted with a couple friends for a minute and headed home. Then I spent the next couple of hours recapping my day and catching up with my lovely roommates who had sxsw adventures of their own.  Now it’s time to get some sleep and do it all over again tomorrow. Here are some of the events I’m looking forward to for Saturday:

  • 10:30: Rachael Ray’s Party at Stubb’s featuring Imagine Dragons (11:30) and Of Monsters and Men (12:30).
  • Quantum Collective’s Whole Foods Rooftop Party featuring Allen Stone (12:30), The Lumineers (2pm), Ume (2:45), Graffiti6 (3:30), Rachel Yamagata (5:45)
  • 4pm: Semi Precious Weapons at The SoHo Lounge
  • 7pm: The Hotel Café Showcase at St. David’s featuring Rosie and Me, Erin McLaughlin, Elizabeth and the Catapult, Michal P Hinson, The Milk Carton Kids, Jesse Thomas, The Lumineers, Madi Diaz, FIrehorse, Whispertown, LP, Rachel Yamagata
  • 11pm: Maverick Sabre at The British Embassy (Latitude 30)
  • Late night at the Pure Volume House featuring Shiny Toy Guns (1:45), Electric Touch (2:30), Youngblood Hawke (3am)

 

I can’t believe it’s almost over…also, Happy St. Patty’s Day!!

Also, got some sweet swag today:

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 3/5-3/11

Posted on by Kristen

Last week, my evenings were largely devoted to SXSW prep. I’d like to say the same for this week, but there are just too many good shows. Dan Wilson (my fave songwriter) is playing three shows at The Hotel Cafe along with Rachel Yamagata, Queen Caveat has their EP release show Thursday, and Friday night The Strip delivers the powerful one, two punch of Twin Atlantic at The Viper Room and Nico Vega with Street Drum Corps at The Roxy. And honestly, that’s just the beginning of the great shows this week in LA. Here are the rest of my suggestions:

Monday: Dan Wilson and Rachel Yamagata at The Hotel Cafe (two shows 7 & 10:30)
ALSO: Ivan and Alyosha and NO FREE at The Echo (9pm)…start of a March residency for NO
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring Madi Diaz, Robert Francis, Peach Kings (9pm)…FREE with RSVP http://www.itsaschoolnight.com/losangeles/
ALSO: Scars on 45 at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Maniac FREE at Harvard & Stone (10:30)
ALSO: The Janks FREE at Bootleg Bar (10pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: The Silent Comedy and Daniel Bedingfield at The Hard Rock Cafe (8:30)…SXSW kickoff party
ALSO: Dan Wilson and Rachel Yamagata at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)

 

Weds: Leah Siegel of Firehorse, Adrianne (record release show), and Infantree at The Hotel Cafe (8,9,10)

 

Thursday: The Dollyrots and Queen Caveat (EP release) at The Viper Room (9, 11)
ALSO: The Active Set, Bethpage Black, Crash Kings at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Harper Blynn, Rocco Deluca (record release), and The Gallery at The Hotel Cafe (9, 10, 11)
ALSO: Chris Wilson and Filligar at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: So & So at WitZend (9pm)

 

Friday: William Fitzsimmons at The Troubaour (10pm)
ALSO: Vanaprasta at The Bootleg Bar (11pm)
ALSO: Harris Grade at Amplyfi
ALSO: Javier Dunn at Room 5 (10pm)
ALSO: Justin Hopkins at WitZend (10pm)

 

Saturday: Twin Atlantic at The Viper Room (9:30)
ALSO: Nico Vega and Street Drum Corps at The Roxy (10:30)
ALSO: The Material at Amplyfi (10:30)
ALSO: Rosie and Me at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: Punch Brothers at The El Rey (8pm)

 

Sunday: The Aussie BBQ at The Echo featuring Austrailian music and free BBQ (12:30pm)… http://www.attheecho.com/2012/02/02/sunday-03-11-12-aussie-bbq-echo/

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
March 13th-18th: SXSW (Austin, TX)
March 14th: The Pretty Reckless at The HOB Sunset
March 16th: Guster at Largo
March 18th: Dia Frampton at The Troubadour
March 20th: Needtobreathe and Ben Rector at Club Nokia
March 20th: War on Drugs at Avalon
March 21st: Boyce Avenue and Tournament of Hearts at Avalon
March 22nd: The Lumineers at The Hotel Café
March 23rd: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour
March 24th: Ani DiFranco at The Orpheum Theater
March 24th and 25th: Allen Stone at The Troubadour
March 30th: All American Rejects at The Troubadour
March 31st: Tyrone Wells at The Roxy
April 1st: Charlotte Martin at The Bootleg Bar
April 10th: Neon Trees at The Troubadour
April 11th: Mike Doughty at Bootleg Theater
April 12th: Joseph Arthur at The Largo
April 19th: Foxy Shazam at The Roxy
April 13th-15th AND 20th– 22nd: Coachella
April 25th: Ben Kweller at The El Rey
April 27th: Ingrid Michaelson at The Troubadour
May 2nd: Cage the Elephant at The Mayan
May 8th: Snow Patrol at The Hollywood Palladium
May 10th: Jay Nash at The Hotel Cafe
May 11th: Imagine Dragons at The Troubadour
June 3rd: Deas Vail at The Troubadour
June 5th: Ben Howard at The Troubadour
June 13th and 14th: Phantom Planet at The Troubadour
June 16th: Thrice at Club Nokia

 

~ Kristen

http://www.localmusicnation.net/

http://twitter.com/#%21/_localmusicnat

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 2/27-3/4

Posted on by Kristen

This week’s concert list is brought to you from an Academy Awards viewing party. So far, Hugo is winning a lot more than I anticipated, but I’m still pulling for The Artist for the win. I did pretty well seeing all but one of the best picture nominees (sorry War Horse, not gonna happen). I’m sad that there weren’t more original song nominations…and that we aren’t going to see a live performance of “Man or Muppet”. Although, I am enjoying the live music playing out to commercials (was that an electric guitar?).

I can’t believe next week we enter the month of March! It’s almost SXSW time!! In preparation, I may be a little light on show-going next week. Alternatively there are some great shows on the West Side this week which will really save me on travel time. Mind the Gap/Maniac at The Central and The Makepeace Brothers at WitZend on Tuesday and a fantastic lineup at Harvelles on Thursday with Garrison Starr, Jamestown Revival, Jake Newton and Satellite. Here are the rest of my recommendations:

 

Monday: Indians and Dead Sara at The Viper Room (9, 10)
ALSO: A House for Lions and Milo Greene FREE at The Satellite (9, 11)
ALSO: It’s a School Night FREE at Bardot featuring Haim (9pm) http://www.itsaschoolnight.com/losangeles/
ALSO: Paris Carney and Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (8, 9)

 

Tuesday: Mind the Gap and Maniac at The Central (10, 11)
ALSO: Ruby Friedman and Abbot Kinney at The Hotel Cafe (7, 11)
ALSO: The Muddy Reds FREE at The Echo (9pm)
ALSO: The Jealous Sound at The Satellite (11pm)
ALSO: The Makepeace Brothers at WitZend (9pm)
ALSO: Foxy Shazam at The SIidebar in Fullerton (8pm)

 

Weds: Milow and Infantree at The Hotel Cafe (8, 10)
ALSO: Dana Williams at Room 5 (10pm)

 

Thursday: Garrison Starr, Jamestown Revival, Jake Newton, and Satellite at Harvelles (8pm)
ALSO: Harper Blynn and Madi Diaz at The Hotel Cafe (9, 10)
ALSO: Taylor Locke & The Roughs and Purple Melon at The Viper Room (9, 10)
ALSO: He’s My Brothers, She’s My Sister at The Echo (11pm)

 

Friday: Joe Purdy, Brian Wright and Brother Sal at The Hotel Cafe (10:30)
ALSO: Jackie Greene at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Ilsey Juber at Room 5 (9pm)

ALSO: Armada at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: Justin Hopkins at WitZend (9pm)

 

 

Saturday: The Shakers at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: The Elizabeth Kill at Molly Malone’s (9pm)
ALSO: Kevin Martin at On the Rox (9pm)
ALSO: O’Brother at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Ty Segall at The Troubadour (10:45)

 

Sunday: Miniature Tigers at The Troubadour (9:45)

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
March 5th: Scars on 45 at The Troubadour
March 5th-6th: Dan Wilson and Rachel Yamagata at The Hotel Cafe
March 8th: Crash Kings at The Troubadour
March 9th: Vanaprasta at The Bootleg Bar
March 9th: William Fitzsimmons at The Troubadour
March 10th: Nico Vega at The Roxy
March 10th: Twin Atlantic at The Viper Room
March 13th-18th: SXSW (Austin, TX)
March 14th: The Pretty Reckless at The HOB Sunset
March 16th: Guster at Largo
March 18th: Dia Frampton at The Troubadour
March 20th: Needtobreathe and Ben Rector at Club Nokia
March 20th: War on Drugs at Avalon
March 22nd: The Lumineers at The Hotel Café
March 23rd: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour
March 24th: Ani DiFranco at The Orpheum Theater
March 24th and 25th: Allen Stone at The Troubadour
March 31st: Tyrone Wells at The Roxy
April 1st: Charlotte Martin at The Bootleg Bar
April 11th: Mike Doughty at Bootleg Theater
April 12th: Joseph Arthur at The Largo
April 19th: Foxy Shazam at The Roxy
April 13th-15th AND 20th– 22nd: Coachella
April 25th: Ben Kweller at The El Rey
April 27th: Ingrid Michaelson at The Troubadour
May 2nd: Cage the Elephant at The Mayan
May 8th: Snow Patrol at The Hollywood Palladium
May 11th: Imagine Dragons at The Troubadour
June 3rd: Deas Vail at The Troubadour
June 13th and 14th: Phantom Planet at The Troubadour

 

~ Kristen

http://www.localmusicnation.net/

http://twitter.com/#%21/_localmusicnat

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 2/20-2/26

Posted on by Kristen

Today a homeless man insisted on giving me money. I’m not sure what this means, but it can’t be good if someone who has so little thinks that you have less. Did I really look that frazzled? I was in the midst of planning my week when he interrupted me so I’m sure my brow was quite furrowed.

Speaking of my week, the ideal plan would be to simply live at The Hotel Cafe and see a host of amazing artists that have packed the schedule at my favorite venue.  Highlights include a couple CD releases (Jasmine Ash, Rob Giles), some out of town faves (Harper Blynn, Will Dailey, Ari Hest), a few local treasures (Mariah McManus, Infantree, Andy Clockwise), and an American Idol contestant (Paul McDonald). I certainly intend to retain my Foresquare mayorship of The Hotel Café this week…

As for the complete list of my recommendations:

Monday: Haim and Milo Greene FREE at The Satellite (8,11)
ALSO: Wires in the Walls FREE at The Silverlake Lounge (9:30)
ALSO: Adam Bones at The Viper Room (8:15)
ALSO: It’s a School Night at Bardot featuring Hey Rosetta! FREE with RSVP http://www.itsaschoolnight.com/ (9pm)
ALSO: Paris Carney and Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (8,9)

 

Tuesday: Jasmine Ash (Record Release), Ben Sollee, Anya Marina, and Paul McDonald at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: Beachwood Rocker’s featuring Daniel Ellsworth and Lyndsay Rae Spurlock FREE at The Piano Bar (8pm)
ALSO: Makepeace Brothers Presents- Acoustic Nights at WitZend (8:30)

 

Weds: Millow, Mariah McManus, Will Dailey, Infantree at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Terraplane Sun, Imagine Dragons, and Queen Caveat at The Viper Room (8,9,10)
ALSO: The Watkins Family Hour at Largo (8:30)

 

Thursday: Ari Hest, Harper Blynn, Kyler England at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Rock is a Girl’s Best Friend Presents: LA for LA Charity Event featuring Little Red Lung, Wires in the Walls, and Telstar (9, 10, 11)
ALSO: The Drama Club at The Viper Room featuring Art Alexakis (Everclear), Max Collins (Eve 6), and Chris Taylor Brown (Trapt) (10:30)
ALSO: Cursive FREE at Amoeba Records (7pm)
ALSO: Mat Kearney at The Mayan (8pm)

 

Friday: Javier Dunn, Rob Giles & All New People (Record Release), Michelle Featherstone, Andy Clockwise at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: The Howls at Bootleg Bar (9pm)
ALSO: Down Down Down at Molly Malone’s (10pm)
ALSO: Ume and Cursive at The Troubadour (9:15, 10)
ALSO: The Brian Travis Band at The Chocolate and Art Show at The Monk Space (9pm)

 

Saturday: Electric Touch, Cady Groves, and Hot Chelle Rae at The Roxy (6pm)

 

Sunday: The Oscars!! Bootleg Bar is doing a FREE livestream of the event if you’re looking for a place to go watch and people to watch with…

 

To Keep in Mind:
Feb. 27th: Dead Sara at The Viper Room
March 5th: Scars on 45 at The Troubadour
March 5th-6th: Dan Wilson and Rachel Yamagata at The Hotel Cafe
March 8th: Crash Kings at The Troubadour
March 9th: Vanaprasta at The Bootleg Bar
March 9th: William Fitzsimmons at The Troubadour
March 10th: Nico Vega at The Roxy
March 10th: Twin Atlantic at The Viper Room
March 13th-18th: SXSW (Austin, TX)
March 14th: The Pretty Reckless at The HOB Sunset
March 16th: Guster at Largo
March 18th: Dia Frampton at The Troubadour
March 20th: Needtobreathe and Ben Rector at Club Nokia
March 20th: War on Drugs at Avalon
March 22nd: The Lumineers at The Hotel Café
March 23rd: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour
March 24th: Ani DiFranco at The Orpheum Theater
March 24th and 25th: Allen Stone at The Troubadour
March 31st: Tyrone Wells at The Roxy
April 1st: Charlotte Martin at The Bootleg Bar
April 11th: Mike Doughty at Bootleg Theater
April 12th: Joseph Arthur at The Largo
April 19th: Foxy Shazam at The Roxy
April 13th-15th AND 20th– 22nd: Coachella
April 25th: Ben Kweller at The El Rey
April 27th: Ingrid Michaelson at The Troubadour
May 2nd: Cage the Elephant at The Mayan
May 8th: Snow Patrol at The Hollywood Palladium
May 11th: Imagine Dragons at The Troubadour
June 3rd: Deas Vail at The Troubadour
June 13th and 14th: Phantom Planet at The Troubadour

 

~ Kristen

http://www.localmusicnation.net/

http://twitter.com/#%21/_localmusicnat