it's all about the music

Show: An Evening of Cock Rock (Imaad Wasif w/ Avi...

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:34:00 -0800

Show: An Evening of Cock Rock (Imaad Wasif w/ Avi Buffalo)
Band: Avi Buffalo
Venue: Spaceland
Date: Thursday Feb. 18, 2010
Style: Alt. Rock
Highlights: ”What’s In It For” -Best Song Ever !

This was the second time that I’ve seen Avi Buffalo since moving in September. The first time was in a backyard for a cool FMLY event but i couldn’t wait to see then in a more traditional venue and it seemed way too perfect when I found out they were opening up for Imaad Wasif at Spaceland. While they seem pretty young, they have an awesome vibe and some really catchy songs, including What’s In It For- the song I mentioned in the highlights section. I love how some of the songs sound a little vintage and the fact that the keyboard player and the drummer are both cool girls is awesome too. Some of the songs are pretty mellow but they really know how to rock out, something I always appreciate. Definitely catch Avi Buffalo if you’re looking for something a little different and it looks like there will be a ton of opportunities all over the country in the next few months!

Upcoming Shows:
Mar 4 2010 8:00P First Unitarian Church with Rogue Wave Philly, PA
Mar 5 2010 8:00P Nightclub 9:30 with Rogue Wave Washington DC
Mar 6 2010 8:00P Cat’s Cradle with Rogue Wave Carrboro, North Carolina
Mar 8 2010 8:00P The Loft with Rogue Wave Atlanta, Georgia
Mar 9 2010 8:00P Mercy Loung with Rogue Wave Nashville, Tennessee
Mar 10 2010 8:00P Bottletree with Rogue Wave Birmingham, Alabama
Mar 12 2010 8:00P Harvest of Hope with Rogue Wave Elkton, Florida
Mar 13 2010 8:00P The Social with Rogue Wave Orlando, Florida
Mar 15 2010 8:00P One Eyed Jacks with Rogue Wave New Orleans, Louisiana
Mar 16 2010 8:00P Warehouse Live with Rogue Wave Houston, Texas
Mar 17 2010 8:00P The Loft with Rogue Wave Dallas, Texas

Show: Dios Record Release Show w/ The Henry...

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:58:00 -0800

Show: Dios Record Release Show w/ The Henry Clay People
Band: Dios
Venue: The Troubadour
Date: Tuesday Feb. 16, 2010
Style: Folk / Rock / Experimental
Highlights: Pink Floydish vibe going on.

Ok I have to make this quick because I have to pack! I’m moving into my own apartment in the next couple of days and I have so much shit to do!

So Dios played a free show at the Troubadour last Tuesday to honor their record release. Aparently they have been working on perfecting the album for a few years now and so this event really meant a lot to them and it definitely showed. Each song was beautifully crafted and something they should definitely be proud of. I was very stuck on how much they reminded me of a modern Pink Floyd, I mean really, could I pay them a bigger compliment than that? Joel Morales, the mastermind behind Dios, is an incredibly talented songwriter and musican and I love how local he is. The kid is from Hawthorne! Check out Dios asap, they are so epic.

Upcoming Shows:
Mar 19 2010 4:00P SXSW (with Those Darlins, Jason Collett) AUSTIN, TX

Show: Dios Record Release Show w/ The Henry...

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:59:00 -0800

Show: Dios Record Release Show w/ The Henry Clay People
Band: The Henry Clay People
Venue: The Troubadour
Date: Tuesday Feb. 16, 2010
Style: Alt. Rock

I’d heard of The Henry Clay People from a few reliable sources around town so I was stoaked when I was able to catch them opening up for the Dios record release show last tuesday. I’m so happy I was finally able to see them play because they rocked and I’m now a huge Henry Clay People fan. Their music is simple, fun and full of passion, just the way rock is supposed to be. It was danceable but could never be classified as pop, the lyrics were catchy but not cheesey. Joey and Andy, the front men, are like two peas in a pod and the layered vocal effect makes their sound 10x more interesting than any standard rock song. My advice to LA music lovers is this… keep a close eye on The Henry Clay People because they aren’t going anywhere except up.

Upcoming Shows:
Mar 17 2010 8:00PSXSW AUSTIN
Mar 18 2010 8:30PSXSW - Billions Showcase @ Club de Ville AUSTIN, Texas
Mar 19 2010 8:00PSXSW AUSTIN
Mar 20 2010 8:00PSXSW AUSTIN
May 7 2010 8:00P Avalon Ballroom w/Drive-By Truckers Hollywood, California
May 8 2010 8:00P The Fillmore w/Drive-By Truckers San Francisco, California

Playlist by Lucy Luv Photography

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:53:14 -0800

Playlist by Lucy Luv Photography:

This is a playlist I’ve created on Myspace featuring all the amazing bands I’ve had the pleasure of seeing live and photographing recently. Check it out!

Show: Animal Liberation Orchestra (ALO) Venue: Saint Rocke,...

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:35:55 -0800

Show: Animal Liberation Orchestra (ALO)
Venue: Saint Rocke, Hermosa Beach
Date: Friday February 12, 2010
Style: Jam Band
Highlights: dance party

I was hooked up last friday with tickets to see the infamous Animal Liberation Orchestra at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach and it was an amazing show. Saint Rocke is a very cool spot that offers cheap drinks, a little escape from the hipster scene and im always impressed with the bands it seems they are able to book. In case you haven’t heard of ALO they are a mild jam band that play with the likes of The John Bulter Trio and Ben Harper at music festivals and they never fail to get super funky and have the ability to get entire crowds moving. I discovered them on Pandora last year and this was actually the first time that I had the chance to see them live and I was very impressed. They played a few songs from their new album, which is much more pop than their older stuff, but it was definitely the old jams like Maria that affected the crowd the most. I loved every second of this show and hope to catch ALO again this summer at a festival!

Upcoming Shows:
Feb 21 2010 8:00P Humboldt Brews Arcata, California
Feb 24 2010 8:00P The Nightlight w/ Galactic Bellignham, Washington
Feb 25 2010 8:00P Whistler Live! w/ Galactic Whislter, BC Canada
Feb 26 2010 8:00P Showbox w/ Galactic Seattle, Washington
Feb 27 2010 8:00P Roseland Theatre w/ Galactic Portland, Oregon

Show: The Passports Venue: Spaceland Date: Thursday...

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:16:13 -0800

Show: The Passports
Venue: Spaceland
Date: Thursday February 11, 2010
Style: Rock / Pop
Highlights: Free CD’s!!!

So by now I’m sure you guys know how I feel about The Passports but there’s no way I’d pass up an opportunity to talk about them, especially since they are one of my favorite bands right now. Their show at Spaceland was very intimate and totally goofy as usual. Casey and Rob have such an ease up on stage, it seems like they’ve been doing it for years, so I was super suprised when I found out that they have only been together for a few months. The smooth four part hamonies make me smile everytime and by the end of the show I’m always dancing and singing along. It’s such a loving tribute to old school Beatles and The Beach Boys that it’s impossible to feel anything but pure joy when you’re listening. They played all my favorites (as usual) and they are such cool guys that they were pretty much throwing free CDs into the crowd. This summer as you are driving along the coast with the windows down, you’re going to want to be blasting the The Passports. Trust me.

Upcoming Shows:
Mar 4 2010 8:00P The Mint - ALL AGES SHOW! Los Angeles, California
Jul 23 2010 8:00P International Pop Overthrow Los Angeles, California

So first off I would like the apologize to all of my loyal...

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:53:45 -0800

So first off I would like the apologize to all of my loyal readers for being such a slacker lately. I have so many pictures to post that every time I’ve had a chance to sit down and post something I get overwhelmed and have to stop. Haha and besides, I am having so much fun right now and the weather has been so nice, that I can’t justify spending all day in front of the computer. Anyway, I’d also like to apologize for the horrible quality of some of my recent pictures. The lighting has been so bad at a few of these places and there’s only so much a girl can do :). So without further ado… I’d like to tell you guys about one of my new favorite bands- Helen Stellar (i know, awesome name right?)

Show: Helen Stellar
Venue: Spaceland
Date: Friday February 5, 2010
Style: Indie / Shoegaze / Rock
Highlights: I love them so much the whole thing was a highlight haha

Well for those of you that keep up with my ramblings, you probably remember that I gushed about Helen Stellar back in December when they opened up for The Mere Mortals at Spaceland. Well this show, which they headlined, was even more incredible. They all play with such intensity that I think it would be hard for someone to dislike their music. It’s rock, but with a cool modern twist. It’s almost restrained but so passionate. It fills this little musical void inside me that I didn’t even know I had. Listening to Jim’s voice and his lyrics is a trip in itself and they rest of the guys fit so well it just feels right. I’m super proud to announce (i’m not sure they’ve even announced it yet) that they scored a residency at Spaceland in April and I hope that you all take my advice and come rock out!

Upcoming Shows:
Mondays in April at Spaceland in Silverlake!!

Show: The Black Apples Venue: The Echo Date: Monday -...

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:38:36 -0800

Show: The Black Apples
Venue: The Echo
Date: Monday - February 8, 2010
Style: Rock / Surf / Psychedelic
Highlights: Two Drums, Laid Back Surf Vibe mixed with Rock and Roll

So now that there are at least 4 places with free music on Monday nights we felt the need to extensively research all of the bands and we ended up at The Echo (yet again) for the Useless Keys residency. We didn’t stay for the main act, but we did catch The Black Apples and they were really amazing. These guys have such a cool vibe going on and somehow I’m sure they are super nice guys even though I didn’t get the chance to talk to them. Just like the style claims, it’s a total mix of rock, psychedelic and surf. Sounds impossible right? All the guys are really great musicians, (I was loving the bass line) the singer ran back to a drum set and started playing while singing, and the guitarist was going off on the most ridiculous surf riffs. Turns out the huge crowd was mostly there to see The Black Apples and it’s no suprise why. These guys are great and I can’t wait to see them play again. Amazingly enough they have a bunch of awesome sounding shows coming up so hopefully I’ll see you there!

Upcoming Shows:
Feb 19 20108:00P Live on KXLU Los Angeles, California
Feb 28 20108:00P Alex’s Bar w/ The Like & Blood bath Long Beach, California
Mar 5 20108:00P Pehrspace Los Angeles, California
Mar 6 20108:00P Stork Club w/ Zodiac Death Valley Oakland, California
Mar 21 20108:00P Echo Curio w/ Electric Jellyfish Los Angeles, California
Mar 25 20108:00P Hyperion Tavern w/ The Coals Los Angeles, California

Show: Thelonius Monster Venue: The Echo Date: Thursday-...

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:07:00 -0800

Show: Thelonius Monster
Venue: The Echo
Date: Thursday- February 4, 2010
Style: Punk/Rock
Highlights: Bob Forrest!

Remember that band Thelonious Monster? Well in case you don’t, let me remind you that they tore up Los Angeles in the 80’s along side the Red Hot Chili Peppers and according to lead singer Bob Forrest our society today is what it is because of them. I showed up at The Echo with the very excited Brock for a rare performance, and since I didn’t listen to a lot of punk growing up wasn’t sure what to expect. First off let me just say that these guys have definitely still got it. In a town full of amatures Thelonious Monster reminded me what true rock is all about and left me totally satisfied. The guitars wailed, the vocals were right on and on top of everything else they even paid a little homage to The Beatles. I don’t think live music gets much better than Thelonious Monster and I’ll probably compare all future concerts to this one. The guys are all kind of old now and so they don’t play much anymore, but i’d definitely recommend trying to catch a show if possible, only because you don’t hear punk rock like this anymore and god damn, it feels so good.

Upcoming Shows:
No shows currently scheduled

Show: Ferraby Lionheart w/ The Living Sisters and Willoughby...

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:54:48 -0800

Show: Ferraby Lionheart w/ The Living Sisters and Willoughby
Artist: Ferraby Lionheart
Venue: The Bootleg Theater
Date: Tuesday- February 2, 2010
Style: Folk/Other
Highlights: Accordion!!

So I have never flaked on one of these before but I have a millions shows back logged right now AND I am going to see Ferraby again this Tuesday (I promise an actual review) sooo you are going to have to trust me on this… Amazing. He’s playing for FREE tuesdays this month at the Bootleg Theater. Really… why wouldn’t you check it out?

Upcoming Shows:
Feb 2 2010 8:00P Bootleg Theater Los Angeles, California
Feb 9 2010 8:00P Bootleg Theater Los Angeles, California
Feb 16 2010 8:00P Bootleg Theater Los Angeles, California
Feb 23 2010 8:00P Bootleg Theater Los Angeles, California

Show: Ferraby Lionheart w/ The Living Sisters and Willoughby...

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:19:00 -0800

Show: Ferraby Lionheart w/ The Living Sisters and Willoughby
Artist: Willoughby
Venue: The Bootleg Theater
Date: Tuesday- February 2, 2010
Style: Folk/Other
Highlights: Very interesting singing voice & jazz influenced instrumentals

Willoughby were the next band to play at The Bootleg on Tuesday and to be completely honest, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about them. I had listened to a few songs on myspace and knew that it was going to be very mellow but wasn’t totally sold. Live, these guys were awesome! Gus Seyffert, the brains behind Willoughby, has one of the most interesting voices I’ve ever heard, and after listening for a few moments I realized how absolutely perfect it is. The over-all sound he has created is haunted and passionate, restrained and beautiful. I’ve been listening on myspace for the past couple of days now and am really digging what I hear. My favorite song is definitely Story, give it a listen and let me know what you think!

Upcoming Shows:
No shows scheduled at this time :(

Show: Ferraby Lionheart w/ The Living Sisters and...

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:32:00 -0800

Show: Ferraby Lionheart w/ The Living Sisters and Willoughby
Artist: The Living Sisters
Venue: The Bootleg Theater
Date: Tuesday- February 2, 2010
Style: Other
Highlights: beautiful 3-part harmonies, memorable lyrics

At the recommendation of Ms. Kelli Shives I made my way downtown on tuesday to catch the first night of Ferraby Lionheart’s residency at The Bootleg Theater (for free!). Kelli had assured me that it would be an amazing night of music but I was suprised when I absolutely loved all three bands. I got there just as The Living Sisters were setting up. I had listened to them for a few seconds on MySpace and knew that I was in for something different and cool. All three are beautiful, have amazing voices and together they make some of the most incredible harmonies I’ve ever heard. Their energy on stage was contagious and I was totally smiling and laughing along with them in the crowd. The style of music is kind of hard to describe, they almost have a 50’s Doo Wop feel, but I’d say to just click on the myspace link and listen to How Glad Am I for the full effect. From the first song till the very last note they had the whole crowd enchanted, and I can’t wait to see them again.

Upcoming Shows:
Mar 25 2010 8:00P El Rey w/ She & Him Los Angeles, California
Mar 29 2010 8:00P Bowery Ballroom w/ She & Him New York, New York

Show: John Heard Trio Venue: Charlie...

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 04:53:00 -0800

Show: John Heard Trio
Venue: Charlie O’s
Date: Saturday- Jan. 30, 2010
Style: Jazz
Highlights: “There’s nothing more Rock and Roll than Jazz” -Brock

This is totally out of order and from way out in left field but I had to share the photos I took at Charlie O’s last saturday. After trying to decide with Brock for well over an hour which local band to go check out that night, we happened upon an ad for the infamous jazz club and the John Heard Trio. It wasn’t long before we realized it was really the only option that made sense so we hopped in the car, made our way over to the valley and thank god we did. The John Heard Trio totally blew us away. On this particular night they featured the incredible Don Menza on saxophone and it was raw, full of emotion and basically musical perfection. John Heard himself is the bassist in the trio, and he somehow pulled off 5 minute bass solos that were clearly the result of years playing with the best jazz musicians in the world. They played for at least two hours and it never got old, in fact, I would have listened all night if they’d have let me. I highly recommend checking out the Jazz scene at Charlie O’s when you get the chance, The John Heard Trio are sure to satisfy all your musical cravings.

Upcoming Shows:
Every Friday and Saturday night in February 8pm till midnight

Show: 60-Watt Kid Venue: Spaceland Date: Monday- Feb. 1,...

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:39:00 -0800

Show: 60-Watt Kid
Venue: Spaceland
Date: Monday- Feb. 1, 2010
Style: Psychedelic Rock
Highlights: Crazy visual effects and Talking Heads style vocals

I will try to make this short and sweet, I promise. 60-Watt Kid was the only band worth noting at Spaceland on Monday night. They are a futuristic psychedelic rock band from California whose live show is an experience that will leave you feeling confused but oddly satisfied. At times it could be compared to The Talking Heads, but for the most part it was unlike anything I’d seen before. The enthusiasm and musical talent were there, that’s for damn sure. You’ll have to check them out for yourself if you want to know more because honestly it’s something you have to experience first hand.(And luckily they have a bunch of shows coming up!)

Upcoming shows:

Feb 13 2010 3:00P The Underground Lovolution Laguna Beach, California
Feb 20 2010 8:00PSoda Bar w/ Vaginals San Diego, California
Feb 21 2010 8:00P Show Cave w/ Zombelle (record release party), White Widow, E & E, Hosted by Kim Fowley Eagle Rock, California
Feb 25 2010 8:00P Alex’s Bar w/ Avi Buffalo Long Beach, California
Feb 28 2010 8:00P Mc Werld with Tan Dollar (All Ages) Venice Beach, California

Show: HoneyHoney w/ The Truth Artist: HoneyHoney Venue:...

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:04:04 -0800

Show: HoneyHoney w/ The Truth
Artist: HoneyHoney
Venue: The Viper Room
Date: Thursday- January 28, 2010
Style: Folk Rock
Highlights: Cool chick singer who plays violin & banjo

So the headling band at The Viper Room in West Hollywood on Thursday was called HoneyHoney, and honestly I’ve been listening to their music ever since I left the place that night. Suzanne has an amazing voice, it’s full of soul, and the on stage chemistry with bandmate Ben is totally part of the appeal. Ben is an incredible musician and every song manages to sound exactly right. Catchy but not poppy, melodious at times but not at all boring. They sang a down tempo version of their single, Little Toy Gun (found on their myspace) that really caught my attention and I’m on a mission to find that live version for my ipod. Anyway, definitely check out HoneyHoney because their music is right on and you’ll like it (i promise).

Upcoming Shows:
no shows scheduled as of 2/1 :(

Show: HoneyHoney w/ The Truth Artist: The Truth Venue: The...

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:34:50 -0800

Show: HoneyHoney w/ The Truth
Artist: The Truth
Venue: The Viper Room
Date: Thursday- January 28, 2010
Style: Reggae / California Soul
Highlights: Obviously the style speaks for itself

So on Thursday night I realized it had been a while since I’d stopped by The Viper Room in West Hollywood and is just so happened that HoneyHoney, a local duo I’d heard about through a friend were scheduled to play there that night, perfect. I got there in time to catch The Truth, an LA based soul band that impressed me to no end. They called themselves California Soul, which I have decided is music that basically anyone could sit back and chill to. The group is led by Kevin Circosta’s soulful vocals but these guys are so impressive musically, jamming away over reggae harmonies, and seamlessly integrating hip hop vibes and a horn section. This is exactly the kind of music that I love and love to tell people about. I can’t wait to see them again.

Upcoming Shows:
March, 17 2010 08:00 PM - SXSW - Austin, Texas
March, 18 2010 08:00 PM - SXSW - Austin, Texas
March, 19 2010 08:00 PM - SXSW - Austin, Texas
March, 20 2010 08:00 PM - SXSW - Austin, Texas

Show: The Passports Venue: The Dakota Lounge, Santa...

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:53:00 -0800

Show: The Passports
Venue: The Dakota Lounge, Santa Monica
Date: Sunday- January 24, 2010
Style: Rock / Pop
Highlights: Beach Boy style harmonies, amazing stage presence

After telling Brandon from the Dakota Lounge about this amazing band I’d seen, The Passports, I was very excited when I found out that he’d taken my suggestion and booked them to play on indie night. I saw them play first at The Viper Room a few months back (see my pictures and review here) and loved them right away. From their old school harmonies to their hilarious on (and off stage) antics, Casey and the rest of the guys are totally cool and always put on a great show. The songs are playful and catchy and it helps that they are all such talented musicians. I see big things in the future for The Passports so you should check them out sooner rather than later!

Upcoming Shows:
Feb 10 9:00P Spaceland - W/Silent Star and Imagine Dragons Los Angeles, CA
Feb 12 11:00P Hotel Cafe w/the Idyllists Hollywood, CA
Mar 4 8:00P The Mint - ALL AGES SHOW! Los Angeles, CA
Jul 23 8:00P International Pop Overthrow Los Angeles, CA

Show: Steve Aoki Venue: Avalon, Hollywood When: Friday-...

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:02:00 -0800

Show: Steve Aoki
Venue: Avalon, Hollywood
When: Friday- January 22, 2010
Style: Electronica
Highlights: Champagne sprayed over crowd, Kid Cudi POH Remix

On Saturday night I went to Brad Hoss’s bday party at Bardot with the YouTellConcerts.com crew and we got to catch Steve Aoiki at Avalon. Steve Aoki is one of the best DJ’s in LA right now and this night was no exception. He always puts on a great show and the crowd was going nuts as usual. I love his amazing mixes and he played the kid cudi pursuit of happiness remix, always a crowd pleaser. Definitely make sure you get to see Steve Aoki if you love dancing to incredible electronic music!

Upcoming Shows:
Fri, Jan 29 08:00A Soho Fridays @ This Is London Toronto, Ontario
Sat, Jan 30 08:00A Mur Mur Alantic City, New Jersey
Tue, Feb 02 08:00A Blush Boutique Nightclub Las Vegas, Nevada
Thu, Feb 04 08:00A V20 Thursday @ V20 Long Beach, California

Show: Maus Haus Venue: Silverlake Lounge When: Thursday-...

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:05:00 -0800

Show: Maus Haus
Venue: Silverlake Lounge
When: Thursday- January, 21, 2009
Style: Experimental
Highlights: Flute! Trombone!

Alright so if you guys will let me jump back to last thursday real quick I’ll tell you about the headlining band at the Silverlake Lounge, Maus Haus. Hailing from San Francisco, I had no idea what to expect. With a total of 3 synth’s on stage I was intrigued, but was totally sold when I saw them whip out a flute and trombone. I’d definitely say that Maus Haus is an experimental group, but instead of leaving you confused it just makes you want to dance. Actually I’m listening on myspace as I write this and am totally chair dancing and thinking about the next time I can see them live.

Upcoming Shows:
Feb 27, 2010 Noise POP: Mezzanine w/ !!! (CHK CHK CHK) San Francisco, CA

Wow so it’s very late/early on Monday morning and I am...

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:35:00 -0800

The Californian

The Californian

Melanoid

Melanoid

Wow so it’s very late/early on Monday morning and I am VERY sad to report that my camera is broken! Not sure what’s going on with it, all of a sudden it just can’t take a picture. I’m planning to take it somewhere tomorrow to see if it can be fixed, otherwise I’m going to have to get a new one (somehow). It’s probably about time for an upgrade anyway since I bought that camera back when I had no clue how much I’d like taking pictures and have reached the point (i think) where I’d like to kick it up a notch.

Anyway, enough about me- let’s get to the music! On Thursday night I went to the SilverLake Lounge for a show that I found on LA Weekly. The Headlining act, Maus Haus sounded very cool on mypsace and I was pleasantly suprised to find that the other bands were good too. The first band I caught was called Melanoid and the first thing I noticed was a freaking accordion (very random, but I love random musical suprises!) These guys play a kind of mellow alternative indie and it was right up my alley. The guitarist was really going crazy on his guitar, and the singer John’s voice sounded great and was mellow and so soothing. I definitely was a fan of their sound and look forward to seeing them play again around town.

The closing band was totally different than the Melanoid but very awesome in their own right. They were callled The Californian and aparently this was their first ever show! It seemed that the mics were giving them some trouble, but I was still able to enjoy their modern version of old school surf rock. It’s early days yet for this group but I can see them making quite an impression on the LA music scene. I mean this is where surf rock was born!