New Band Love: After Midnight Project

So instead of writing up some grand summary of the events of last weekend (Nico Vega/Metric at The Hollywood Palladium, San Diego Indie Music Fest, Bamboozled), or trying to post some of the 300+ pictures I’ve taken (they’ll come up eventually on facebook), I just wanted to share with you the story of my newest band obsession, After Midnight Project.

These guys were the first band we saw Sunday at Bamboozled…such a great way to start the day! The crowd wasn’t very big so it was easy to get up front and take some pictures. The set was elevating…the band has a great dynamic and the energy on stage was transferrable to the audience (always a good sign). I instantly fell in love with the sound and the songs.

After the set we ventured over to the merch booth and met their lovely merch guy, a fellow Cardinals’ lover (I was sporting a hat showcasing my favorite baseball team).  We purchased the band’s CD, Let’s Build Something to Break, and chatted a bit with the band. Turns out they are from LA (YAY!) although they don’t really play local shows (not so yay). So, if you’re in LA and want to catch them, you’ll have to wait ‘til Warped Tour.

Next comes the amusing story. The band announced that they were going to do an acoustic set later in the day…and, as you may know, I’m a big fan of rock bands breaking it down acoustically. When we ventured over to the acoustic venue we weren’t exactly sure how it worked. I just walked in, but Amanda was stopped outside. Turned out, the acoustic set was a VIP only event. With one of us in and one of us out, what were we to do?!?

But, in case you didn’t know, Amanda is awesome. She told me to stay where I was and a set and a half later she appeared at my side…having gotten in with the band. Turns out, After Midnight Project is really great to their fans. When Amanda told them of our predicament, they were more than happy to help out!

And I’m so glad it all worked out because the After Midnight Project acoustic set was definitely the highlight of my day (well, right after seeing Something Corporate again after so many years). They even pulled off the song entitled “Scream For You” which involves screaming from both the band and the audience. After the set, we got to hang out a bit more and meet some of the After Midnight Project family.

Anyway, another band to add to my list! I haven’t stopped listening to their CD since I got it (I’m finally able to take that Biffy Clyro CD out of my car stereo). If you want to see After Midnight Project live (as you should), they are currently touring with Story of the Year so be sure to catch that show if it comes to your area. And if you go to Warped Tour be sure to check them out there. Personally, I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for a local headlining show at The Roxy or something…

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar 3/29-4/4

It’s been more years than I care to think since I last saw them, but Something Corporate is back and I still love them. I’m still not entirely back down to Earth as I write this. I also don’t know how I’m going to get any sleep tonight…I’m way too excited. Between San Diego Indie Music Fest and Bamboozled, we saw over 20 bands this weekend, most of them for the first time…I’m a bit overwhelmed with new music. Clear standouts (for me) were Far, After Midnight Project, and, of course, Something Corporate. I’m sure I’ll be detailing more of this at some point in the blog (links below), so keep checking ;).  Amanda will have her take too!
As a result of my jam-packed schedule this weekend, this week’s list might not be all inclusive. But it’s still got some amazing shows. If you can only make one this week, please please PLEASE come out to The Bootleg on Weds to check out The Silent Comedy. It will be a lovely way to break up your week!

Here’s what I’ve got going on this week:

Monday: Paris Carney at Room 5, followed by Songwriters in the Round featuring Joel Eckles, Dawn Thomas, Jay Nash, and Laura Meyer (8pm)…my new favorite way to spend Monday evenings…!!

ALSO: Warpaint at Spaceland (8:30)

Tuesday: Haiti Benefit Show featuring Jonah Matranga of Far and Gratitude (10pm)

ALSO: Northstar Session at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)…EP Release Show

Weds: The Silent Comedy at The Bootleg (9:30)

ALSO: Brooke White, Nina Storey, and Tommy King at The Hotel Cafe (8,9,10) 

ALSO: Beachwood Rockers’ Society at Crane’s

Thursday: Jonathan Taylor and the Northern Lights at The Viper Room (11pm)

ALSO: Justin Nozuka and HoneyHoney at The Hotel Cafe (9,10)

ALSO: Puddle of Mudd at Grove of Anaheim (8pm)

ALSO: Viza at The Troubadour (10:45)

Friday: Alkaline Trio and Cursive at The House of Blues (9pm)

ALSO: Andy Clockwise at The Echoplex (8:30)

ALSO: Mozella at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)

ALSO: The Silent Comedy at The Casbah in San Diego (copies of their new CD will be available at this show!)

Saturday: Amie Miriello and the so and sos at Molly Malone’s (10pm)

ALSO: Nonpoint and Cold at The Roxy (8pm)

ALSO: Bad Religion at The House of Blues (8:30)

ALSO: JR Richards at The Hotel Cafe (10:30)

Sunday: HAPPY EASTER!!

To Keep in Mind:

April 6th: Paper Tongues at The Troubadour

April 9th: Lights and Owl City at Club Nokia

April 9th: Cary Brothers CD Release with Joey Ryan AND Truth & Salvage Co. at The Hotel Cafe

April 12th: Butch Walker at El Rey

April 16th: George Stanford CD release at The Hotel Café

April 16th-19th: Coachella

April 21st and 22nd: The Glee Tour at Gibson

May 15th: Carney at The El Rey   

May 15th: 30 Seconds to Mars at The Greek Theater

May 22nd: Frightened Rabbit at The Casbah (in SD)

June 6th: Mumford & Sons with The Silent Comedy at BellyUp (in SD)

June 10-13th: BONNAROO (in Tennessee)

~ Kristen

Kristen's LA Concert Calendar 3/29-4/4

It’s been more years than I care to think since I last saw them, but Something Corporate is back and I still love them. I’m still not entirely back down to Earth as I write this. I also don’t know how I’m going to get any sleep tonight…I’m way too excited. Between San Diego Indie Music Fest and Bamboozled, we saw over 20 bands this weekend, most of them for the first time…I’m a bit overwhelmed with new music. Clear standouts (for me) were Far, After Midnight Project, and, of course, Something Corporate. I’m sure I’ll be detailing more of this at some point in the blog (links below), so keep checking ;).  Amanda will have her take too!

As a result of my jam-packed schedule this weekend, this week’s list might not be all inclusive. But it’s still got some amazing shows. If you can only make one this week, please please PLEASE come out to The Bootleg on Weds to check out The Silent Comedy. It will be a lovely way to break up your week!

Here’s what I’ve got going on this week:

Monday: Paris Carney at Room 5, followed by Songwriters in the Round featuring Joel Eckles, Dawn Thomas, Jay Nash, and Laura Meyer (8pm)…my new favorite way to spend Monday evenings…!!

ALSO: Warpaint at Spaceland (8:30)

Tuesday: Haiti Benefit Show featuring Jonah Matranga of Far and Gratitude (10pm)

ALSO: Northstar Session at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)…EP Release Show

Weds: The Silent Comedy at The Bootleg (9:30)

ALSO: Brooke White, Nina Storey, and Tommy King at The Hotel Cafe (8,9,10) 

ALSO: Beachwood Rockers’ Society at Crane’s

Thursday: Jonathan Taylor and the Northern Lights at The Viper Room (11pm)

ALSO: Justin Nozuka and HoneyHoney at The Hotel Cafe (9,10)

ALSO: Puddle of Mudd at Grove of Anaheim (8pm)

ALSO: Viza at The Troubadour (10:45)

Friday: Alkaline Trio and Cursive at The House of Blues (9pm)

ALSO: Andy Clockwise at The Echoplex (8:30)

ALSO: Mozella at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)

ALSO: The Silent Comedy at The Casbah in San Diego (copies of their new CD will be available at this show!)

Saturday: Amie Miriello and the so and sos at Molly Malone’s (10pm)

ALSO: Nonpoint and Cold at The Roxy (8pm)

ALSO: Bad Religion at The House of Blues (8:30)

ALSO: JR Richards at The Hotel Cafe (10:30)

Sunday: HAPPY EASTER!!

To Keep in Mind:

April 6th: Paper Tongues at The Troubadour

April 9th: Lights and Owl City at Club Nokia

April 9th: Cary Brothers CD Release with Joey Ryan AND Truth & Salvage Co. at The Hotel Cafe

April 12th: Butch Walker at El Rey

April 16th: George Stanford CD release at The Hotel Café

April 16th-19th: Coachella

April 21st and 22nd: The Glee Tour at Gibson

May 15th: Carney at The El Rey   

May 15th: 30 Seconds to Mars at The Greek Theater

May 22nd: Frightened Rabbit at The Casbah (in SD)

June 6th: Mumford & Sons with The Silent Comedy at BellyUp (in SD)

June 10-13th: BONNAROO (in Tennessee)

~ Kristen

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar 3/22-3/28

As everyone is recovering from their trip to Texas, the shows are coming back to LA. So, many options this week including one of the bands I discovered listening to all the SXSW acts, The Paper Raincoat, who are playing with Joey Ryan Thursday at The Hotel Cafe! More amazing SXSW discoveries to come in the upcoming weeks…and someday, my official list.
In the meantime, here are my personal selections for this week:

Monday: Paris Carney and Lelia Broussard at Room 5 (8,9)

ALSO: Ernie Halter at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)

Tuesday: Patrick Park at The Hotel Cafe (11pm)

ALSO: Taylor Locke at the Roughs (album release) at Bordello (11pm)

ALSO: Honeyhoney at The Roxy (8pm)

ALSO:  Curt Smith (of Tears for Fears) at Largo at the Coronet (8pm)

ALSO: Christopher Dallman at Room 5 (8pm)

ALSO: The Asteroids Galaxy Tour at The Echo (8:30)

Weds: The Low Anthem at Largo at the Coronet (8pm)

ALSO: Smile Empty Soul at The Key Club (10pm)

ALSO: Beachwood Rockers’ Society at Crane’s

Thursday: The Paper Raincoat and Joey Ryan at The Hotel Cafe (9, 10)

ALSO: Matthew Jordan at Cafe Was (9:30)

ALSO: The Low Anthem at Bootleg (11pm)

ALSO: Jamie Cullum at The Avalon (8pm)

ALSO: She & Him at The El Rey (8pm)

ALSO: The Miniature Tigers at The Troubadour (8pm)

Friday: Nico Vega and Metric at The Hollywood Palladium (7pm)

ALSO: Greg Holden at Room 5 (9pm)

Saturday: The Like at The Smell (9pm)

ALSO: San Diego Indie Music Fest in Northpark, San Diego (noon)

ALSO: Bamboozled Left featuring AFI at The Angels Stadium in Anaheim (2pm)

ALSO: The Gin Blossoms at The Coach House in SJC (8pm)

Sunday: Bamboozled Left featuring Something Corporate at The Angels Stadium in Anaheim (1pm)

ALSO: Nelly McKay at Alex Theater in Glendale (9pm)

To Keep in Mind:

March 31st: The Silent Comedy at Bootleg

April 2nd: The Silent Comedy at The Casbah

April 6th: Paper Tongues at The Troubadour

April 9th: Lights and Owl City at Club Nokia

April 12th: Butch Walker at El Rey

April 16th: George Stanford CD release at The Hotel Café

April 16th-19th: Coachella

April 21st and 22nd: The Glee Tour at Gibson

May 15th: Carney at The El Rey   

May 15th: 30 Seconds to Mars at The Greek Theater

May 22nd: Frightened Rabbit at The Casbah

June 6th: Mumford & Sons with The Silent Comedy at BellyUp (in SD)

June 10-13th: BONNAROO

~Kristen

Want more? For up-to-date concert information, show recaps, pictures, new tunes, and other musical musings, keeping checking this blog I’m maintaining with my friend Amanda!

http://thelocalmusicla.wordpress.com/

http://localmusicnation.tumblr.com/

Kristen's LA Concert Calendar 3/22-3/28

As everyone is recovering from their trip to Texas, the shows are coming back to LA. So, many options this week including one of the bands I discovered listening to all the SXSW acts, The Paper Raincoat, who are playing with Joey Ryan Thursday at The Hotel Cafe! More amazing SXSW discoveries to come in the upcoming weeks…and someday, my official list.

In the meantime, here are my personal selections for this week:

Monday: Paris Carney and Lelia Broussard at Room 5 (8,9)

ALSO: Ernie Halter at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)

Tuesday: Patrick Park at The Hotel Cafe (11pm)

ALSO: Taylor Locke at the Roughs (album release) at Bordello (11pm)

ALSO: Honeyhoney at The Roxy (8pm)

ALSO:  Curt Smith (of Tears for Fears) at Largo at the Coronet (8pm)

ALSO: Christopher Dallman at Room 5 (8pm)

ALSO: The Asteroids Galaxy Tour at The Echo (8:30)

Weds: The Low Anthem at Largo at the Coronet (8pm)

ALSO: Smile Empty Soul at The Key Club (10pm)

ALSO: Beachwood Rockers’ Society at Crane’s

Thursday: The Paper Raincoat and Joey Ryan at The Hotel Cafe (9, 10)

ALSO: Matthew Jordan at Cafe Was (9:30)

ALSO: The Low Anthem at Bootleg (11pm)

ALSO: Jamie Cullum at The Avalon (8pm)

ALSO: She & Him at The El Rey (8pm)

ALSO: The Miniature Tigers at The Troubadour (8pm)

Friday: Nico Vega and Metric at The Hollywood Palladium (7pm)

ALSO: Greg Holden at Room 5 (9pm)

Saturday: The Like at The Smell (9pm)

ALSO: San Diego Indie Music Fest in Northpark, San Diego (noon)

ALSO: Bamboozled Left featuring AFI at The Angels Stadium in Anaheim (2pm)

ALSO: The Gin Blossoms at The Coach House in SJC (8pm)

Sunday: Bamboozled Left featuring Something Corporate at The Angels Stadium in Anaheim (1pm)

ALSO: Nelly McKay at Alex Theater in Glendale (9pm)

To Keep in Mind:

March 31st: The Silent Comedy at Bootleg

April 2nd: The Silent Comedy at The Casbah

April 6th: Paper Tongues at The Troubadour

April 9th: Lights and Owl City at Club Nokia

April 12th: Butch Walker at El Rey

April 16th: George Stanford CD release at The Hotel Café

April 16th-19th: Coachella

April 21st and 22nd: The Glee Tour at Gibson

May 15th: Carney at The El Rey   

May 15th: 30 Seconds to Mars at The Greek Theater

May 22nd: Frightened Rabbit at The Casbah

June 6th: Mumford & Sons with The Silent Comedy at BellyUp (in SD)

June 10-13th: BONNAROO

~Kristen

Want more? For up-to-date concert information, show recaps, pictures, new tunes, and other musical musings, keeping checking this blog I’m maintaining with my friend Amanda!

http://thelocalmusicla.wordpress.com/

http://localmusicnation.tumblr.com/

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar 3/15-3/21

Howdy Folks!
There are two very important things happening this week. First is the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. This is one of the biggest music (and film) festivals of the year. So many of my favorite bands are going to be there…unfortunately this means, not so many are going to be around this week. And this is incredibly unfortunate considering important thing #2 which is that this Thursday is my birthday! Life would be perfect if I were in Texas this week, but alas that is not my fate. Instead, I will be listening to all the artists that will be playing in Austin via the internet and compiling my best of SXSW ’10 list (last year’s introduced me to bands such as Nico Vega and The Crash Kings!!).

There are still some excellent shows this week if you’re looking for some live music! And if you’re looking to get me something for my birthday…just forward to me the names of some of your favorite bands (especially if you think I haven’t heard of them)…new music is the best gift! 🙂

This week’s shows:

Monday: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at House of Blues Anaheim (8pm)

ALSO: Paris Carney at Room 5 (8pm)

ALSO: Andy Clockwise at The Troubadour (8pm)

ALSO: She & Him at Largo at the Coronet (8pm)

Tuesday: The Swell Season at Largo at the Coronet (8:30)

ALSO: The Classic Crime at Chain Reaction in Anaheim (8pm)

Weds: Kingsize at The Silverlake Lounge (9pm)

ALSO: Brooke White, Nina Storey, and Tommy King at The Hotel Cafe (8,9,10)

ALSO: The Shakers at Kibitz Room (Canter’s Deli)…part of their residency (11pm)

ALSO: Beachwood Rockers’ Society

Thursday: Watkins Family Hour at Largo at the Coronet (8pm)…fave Nickel Creek siblings Sara and Sean Watkins with special guests!

ALSO: Terra Naomi at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)

ALSO: Mississippi Man at The Roxy (8pm)

ALSO: New Found Glory at the House of Blues (8:30)

Friday: Brian Fallon (of Gaslight Anthem) at The Troubadour (9pm)

Saturday: The Elizabeth Kill at The Cat Club (10:30)

ALSO: Beth Hart at The Echo (7pm)

Sunday: Tears for Fears at The Wiltern (6:30)

To Keep in Mind:

March 26th: Nico Vega and Metric at Hollywood Palladium

March 27th: San Diego Indie Fest featuring Metric

March 27th/28th: Bamboozled Left featuring Something Corporate and AFI

March 31st: The Silent Comedy at Bootleg

April 6th: Paper Tongues at The Troubadour

April 9th: Lights and Owl City at Club Nokia

April 12th: Butch Walker at El Rey

April 16th: George Stanford CD release at The Hotel Café

April 16th-19th: Coachella

May 15th: Carney at The El Rey   

June 10-13th: BONNAROO

~ Kristen

Kristen's LA Concert Calendar 3/15-3/21

Howdy Folks!

There are two very important things happening this week. First is the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. This is one of the biggest music (and film) festivals of the year. So many of my favorite bands are going to be there…unfortunately this means, not so many are going to be around this week. And this is incredibly unfortunate considering important thing #2 which is that this Thursday is my birthday! Life would be perfect if I were in Texas this week, but alas that is not my fate. Instead, I will be listening to all the artists that will be playing in Austin via the internet and compiling my best of SXSW ’10 list (last year’s introduced me to bands such as Nico Vega and The Crash Kings!!).

There are still some excellent shows this week if you’re looking for some live music! And if you’re looking to get me something for my birthday…just forward to me the names of some of your favorite bands (especially if you think I haven’t heard of them)…new music is the best gift! 🙂

This week’s shows:

Monday: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at House of Blues Anaheim (8pm)

ALSO: Paris Carney at Room 5 (8pm)

ALSO: Andy Clockwise at The Troubadour (8pm)

ALSO: She & Him at Largo at the Coronet (8pm)

Tuesday: The Swell Season at Largo at the Coronet (8:30)

ALSO: The Classic Crime at Chain Reaction in Anaheim (8pm)

Weds: Kingsize at The Silverlake Lounge (9pm)

ALSO: Brooke White, Nina Storey, and Tommy King at The Hotel Cafe (8,9,10)

ALSO: The Shakers at Kibitz Room (Canter’s Deli)…part of their residency (11pm)

ALSO: Beachwood Rockers’ Society

Thursday: Watkins Family Hour at Largo at the Coronet (8pm)…fave Nickel Creek siblings Sara and Sean Watkins with special guests!

ALSO: Terra Naomi at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)

ALSO: Mississippi Man at The Roxy (8pm)

ALSO: New Found Glory at the House of Blues (8:30)

Friday: Brian Fallon (of Gaslight Anthem) at The Troubadour (9pm)

Saturday: The Elizabeth Kill at The Cat Club (10:30)

ALSO: Beth Hart at The Echo (7pm)

Sunday: Tears for Fears at The Wiltern (6:30)

To Keep in Mind:

March 26th: Nico Vega and Metric at Hollywood Palladium

March 27th: San Diego Indie Fest featuring Metric

March 27th/28th: Bamboozled Left featuring Something Corporate and AFI

March 31st: The Silent Comedy at Bootleg

April 6th: Paper Tongues at The Troubadour

April 9th: Lights and Owl City at Club Nokia

April 12th: Butch Walker at El Rey

April 16th: George Stanford CD release at The Hotel Café

April 16th-19th: Coachella

May 15th: Carney at The El Rey   

June 10-13th: BONNAROO

~ Kristen