Tag: indie rock
PHOTOS: Deap Vally | Shaun White Presents AIR+STYLE | The Rose Bowl | 2/22/15
Chet Faker | Mack Sennett Studios | Red Bull Sound Select’s “30 Days In LA” | 11/29/14 [Review & Photos]
To Check Out Other Bands We Caught During Red Bull Sound Selects “30 Days In LA” CLICK HERE
THE ACT: Chet Faker | Facebook | Twitter
SOUNDS LIKE:
THOUGHTS:
Chet Faker. Girls love him. Guys wish they could write music like him.
I saw Chet Faker earlier this year at The Roxy. Musically, there is no question that Nicholas James Murphy a/k/a “Chet Faker” has the musical goods. His sound (soulful, downtempo electronica) is baby-making music, plain and simple. It’s still early in his career (he’s only released one full length album, “Built On Glass” and a couple of extended plays) so it’ll be interesting to see how his sound develops going forward.
What I was more interested in observing this time around was his actual stage performance. At the Roxy, Chet Faker spent the length of the performance behind his keyboards under dim lights. On a couple of songs, additional musicians took the stage to perform as part of a backing band. This time around, with Red Bull as the sponsor of the event (and presumably a bigger budget), that his stage performance could have bit could a bit … more. The lighting at Mack Sennett Studios was definitely a step up from The Roxy’s lights, but on the large stage, it was again Chet behind his keyboards.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I love his music. I even brought my LP copy of “Built On Glass” just in case I could catch him for an autograph. But truly memorable musical performances are not only auditory; there has to be a visual component to it as well … for me, it takes both aspects to make a show complete. Chet looked so isolated on the large stage. I was really hoping that he could have hired a backing band play his arrangements, or at least a some video screens to actually see what he was doing at the keyboard consoles. I mean, you can see moving around behind his instruments, but it would have been so much more effective if there were more “action” on stage. I mean, take Flying Lotus, for example. Flying Lotus performs behind his consoles, but he’s got an elaborate laser/lighting show going on around him simultaneously.
I’m not suggesting that Chet Faker needs some intricate laser light show. I just wish I could have seen what his hands were doing. There musicality and artisanship in watching a professional maneuver a drum machine and keyboards. It would have been nice to see the action on the keys.
SETLIST (unconfirmed)
- Blush
- 1998
- I’m Into You
- Terms & Conditions
- Intro
- Ciggs & Chocolate
- On You (with Goldlink)
- No Diggity
- Drop The Game
- To Me
- Gold
- Talk Is Cheap
VIDEO:
PHOTOS:
To Check Out Other Bands We Caught During Red Bull Sound Selects “30 Days In LA” CLICK HERE
James Supercave | Mack Sennett Studios | Red Bull Sound Select’s “30 Days In LA” | 11/29/14 [Review & Photos]
To Check Out Other Bands We Caught During Red Bull Sound Selects “30 Days In LA” CLICK HERE
THE ACT: James Supercave | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
SOUNDS LIKE:
THOUGHTS:
If you are the kind of person who likes to check out new bands in concert, it would behoove you to not limit your perception of said band on just one performance. Personally, if I even slightly enjoy new band’s performance, I do my best to try and catch them again at a later date. There are a myriad of reasons to do this: (i) because a band that you are waffling on just could have had an off night, (ii) different venues offer different atmospheres which could really impact a band’s performance, or (ii) over time, said band’s performance could have gotten better or worse.
I saw James Supercave earlier this year at the Santa Monica Pier when they opened for Cults. I enjoyed their performance then, and I anticipated that their performance this night would be equally enjoyable. I was wrong. They were immeasurably better!
This time around, they had an energy and stage presence that I don’t recall from the first time I saw them perform. Joaquin Pastor, the lead singer, seemed to exude a subdued confidence that I don’t recall noticing the first time around; actively interacting with his band through the set. Maybe it was because he wasn’t wearing sunglasses this time around, and you could really see the music’s emotion in his eyes. Whatever it was, it was something that I noticed.
His bandmates, likewise, seemed to have more energy as well, and under the heavy purple lights, I found myself enjoying their onstage movements … and their music … especially when the rhythm picked up.
I was hoping to catch the guys after the show to ask them whether or not they would have agreed with me about comparing the two shows, and their own personal thoughts about their performance, but I wasn’t able to. Oh well. I suppose I’ll have to make it a point to go see them again.
PHOTOS:
To Check Out Other Bands We Caught During Red Bull Sound Selects “30 Days In LA” CLICK HERE
Young The Giant | Mercedes-Benz Evolution Tour | Barker Hangar | 11/6/14 [Photos & Setlist]
I don’t often “win” prizes, but when I do, I love it when those prizes are music related. I’m not sure when I registered for it, but apparently I had registered to win tickets for a Mercedes-Benz sponsored concert event featuring Young the Giant and Alabama Shakes. I guess it goes without saying … I won tickets.
The concert was held in Santa Monica Airport’s Barker Hangar, and free food and drinks were available. As an added treat, renowned street artist Mr. Brainwash “live-painted” a Mercedes-Benz. I’m wondering what Mercedes will be doing with that car. Would you drive it?
THOUGHTS: Young the Giant hails from southern California (Orange County), and their fans were out in force, leaned up against the photo pit barricade. From the first song, their fans were singing along, word for word.
Frankly speaking, I am not too familiar with the band. I knew that they had just released their sophomore album this year, and had been touring with the Kings of Leon, but if you had asked me to name my favorite Young the Giant song, I would have drawn a blank.
I could totally understand why there were touring with the Kings of Leon. Their music is big and rocking … anthemic … and was performed with a level of confidence only emboldened by their loyal fans.
I enjoyed their performance, but I’m still not sure whether their music is something that I could really fall in love with. Speaking with my guest, she stated that the show, “[f]eels like one really long song”. A good song … but a song that really didn’t have any truly memorable moments.
Maybe I still need to get more familiar with the band and their music. Maybe I should reserve my judgement until I’ve actually purchased one of their albums and had a serious listen to their tunes. But, if you had asked me right after their set to hum or sing parts of any one of their songs that I particularly liked, I would have drawn a blank.
SETLIST:
PHOTOS: I didn’t bother to ask for a photo pass for the event, so I went to the concert with my trusty point-and-shoot.
Dead Sara | The Viper Room | 11/1/14 [Photos & Video]
THE ACT: Dead Sara | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
THOUGHTS:
The Viper Room. It’s a storied venue that’s had everyone from Tom Petty and the Hearbreakers, Bruce Springteen and Johnny Cash to Stone Temple Pilots, the Go-Go’s and Oasis. Christina Applegate once tended bar one night.
With a capacity of only 250, when certain shows get announced, it’s often times only the hard core fans, or fans in the know, who get tickets. The Eagles of Death Metal Valentines’ Day gig this year. As soon as I found out that tickets were available, I logged on. The same day tickets were announced, within no more than 30 minutes, tickets were already sold out.
I subscribe to a lot of social media outlets that give me a heads up about tickets that go on sale, but when tickets were released (and not announced) for Dead Sara’s show at The Viper Room, my friend who takes guitar lessons from Dead Sara’s bassist gave me the heads up. Talk about knowing the right people … right?
When I arrived at the venue (early to make sure that I could get a spot up front), there was already a line. TheDEADicated were already there in full force, one of whom drove all the way from Denver to catch the show. Luckily, the line wasn’t too long such that I couldn’t get a spot up front. Perhaps not the best angle, but at least I didn’t have to worry about getting other fan’s heads in the shots.
Dead Sara rocked it solid. Rocked it hard. Rocked it furious. Their live shows are what it’s all about. I love their music, but I love watching them breath life into their music even more.
After the last song of their set (check out the photos below to see the autographed setlist I was able to procure), my veins were pumping with adrenaline. They have a new album that is ready to see the light of day. If all goes according to plan, Dead Sara should be lining up more gigs next year. I’m a Dead Sara junkie. I need my fix, and I can’t wait.
PHOTOS:
VIDEO CLIPS:
A member of theDEADicated shot and edited some video and I’ve posted links below. If you are a fan of Dead Sara you should probably follow him on Youtube and Twitter.
The Filthy Souls | The Viper Room | 11/1/14 [Photos & Video]
THE ACT: The Filthy Souls | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
SOUNDS LIKE:
THOUGHTS:
Brit indie-rockers, The Filthy Souls are in indie-rock band whose released a self-titled debut EP this year. It’s a solid, 7 song set of pulsating music that straddles the pop and hard rock lines with a delicate balance.
Their performance at The Viper Room, opening for Dead Sara, was a rocking affair that I’m sure made believers of some of the Dead Sara faithful, myself included. It certainly didn’t hurt that they were giving out free music and t-shirts to those who wanted them.
I’m definitely going to keep an ear out on this band. I’m excited to hear more from them, and hopefully catch them live again.
PHOTOS:
VIDEO CLIPS:
A member of theDEADicated is also a big fan of The Filthy Souls. He shot some video and I’ve posted links below. If you are a fan of Dead Sara, or a new fan of The Filthy Souls, you should probably follow him on Youtube and Twitter.
Fire In The Hamptons | The Viper Room | 11/1/14 [Photos & Video]
THE ACT: Fire In The Hamptons | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
SOUNDS LIKE:
THOUGHTS:
Fire in the Hamptons is an L.A. based indie rock band fronted by Zack Arnett. Their latest EP, “Chosen Ones”, was funded by a Kickstarter campaign, and they seem to have enough fan-backing to get their recent projects seen through.
Their live show is energetic and enjoyable. Their music is polished and danceable. They’ve put in a lot of hours doing local gigs, but to really be able to catch on with a larger fan base, I think they need a killer single or two. Maybe they can get their fans to spread the word virally.
PHOTOS:
VIDEO CLIPS:
“The End Of The Road” | Queens of the Stone Age & The Kills | The Forum | 10/31/14 [Photos, Setlists & Video]
As much as I enjoy getting drunk at a bar and ogling scantily clad women dressed slutty with a purpose, I was debating my plans for Halloween this year. I was hoping for something different; something memorable. Thankfully, a friend (who, by the way, may just be too cool for me), offered me her extra ticket to see Queens of the Stone Ages’s final concert of their “Like Clockwork” torn at The Forum, featuring The Kills, JD McPherephon and Nick Oliveri. Um, seriously? Um, how cool are my friends?
Costumes were encouraged, so I glued on two prosthetic horns, donned black, and carried around a zombie baby in a baby carrier. My friend was coming from another event across town, so me and my zombie baby waited patiently for her to arrive. There were some terrific costumes, and my “baby” definitely started some conversations. When my friend arrived, I made a b-line straight to the merchandise booth to see if there was any exclusive merchandise left. I was bummed to discover that I had missed out on limited edition event posters.
By the time I made my way back to the seats, The Kills had just started their set. Allison Mosshart is such a bad ass front-woman. She sings in the Dead Whether as “Baby Ruthless”. She is known as “VV” in The Kills
Having the The Kills perform this year was a treat. The last album that they released was in 2011, “Blood Pressures”. They’ve been touring a bit this year, so one can only hope that new material is around the corner. I thought that the sound could have been better mixed for their set, but it was still a thrill to watch them rock the stage.
(No photos pass for this concert- I tried- so all of the pictures were snapped with my trusty point and shoot Sony CybershotG)
In between sets, the Suicide Girls provided some risqué entertainment for crowd.
I missed out on watching the Queens of the Stone Age’s set at Coachella this year. I was bummed that I didn’t get approved for the photo pit, and I decided to shoot some artist’s who didn’t have photo pit restrictions.
Touring in support of their most recent album “…Like Clockwork“, the Halloween gig at The Forum would be the final show of the tour. They pulled out all of the stops, performing songs from their entire catalogue.
Josh Homme, dressed as a priest, wailed through QOTSA classic, getting some help from Jake Shears (of Scissor Sisters) for “Keep Your Eyes Peeled” and doing a five songs set with former QOTSA bassist Nick Oliveri for an encore. THIS is much better than getting drunk at bar ogling hot, slutty-dressed chicks.
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah | Culture Collide | World Stage | 10/18/14 [Review, Vids & Photos]
To Check Out Other Bands We Caught At Culture Collide CLICK HERE
THE ACT: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
SOUNDS LIKE:
THOUGHTS [Written by Kate M.]:
I love these guys! I have partied with them in the past, partied to their Indie Rock sound throughout my life. Their sound is good listening with beer on a beach or an indoor venue when it’s snowing outside with friends. Point in case, they’ve even played Lollapalooza in the past, that must have been a good time. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah is a great Indie Rock band – one of the best bar rock band and college tour band I’ve seen – they have that sound. The band is tight, complete with guitar riffs and lyrics to sing along to. This band already has a huge following and it was clear from the crowd dancing and singing lyrics to their songs. “Satan Said Dance” was the song I remember singing on Saturday. The one problem with is band is that they are really good at the Indie music, but, to me, and that’s that. For a minute the lead singer made chewing gum onstage look cool, collected and kind of sexy. Check ‘em out if you are an Indie music fan. Their latest album was, Only Run, released June 3, 2014. This US band hails from the East Coast and they’re playing the Brooklyn Bowl November 12th.
PHOTOS:
VIDEO CLIPS:
To Check Out Other Bands We Caught At Culture Collide CLICK HERE
#DKLPHOTOS 