With a name that implies something new, undiscovered, mysterious and well, altogether, different, there was definitely a level of expectation prior to seeing The New Frontiers at the Troubadour on Sunday, August 3. Expectation often results in let down which can quickly turn into deep rooted resentment which later evolves into unadulterated rage which… well, thank god The New Frontiers didn’t disappoint. Living fully up to the expectation placed upon them, The New Frontiers covered a realm of live music many have likely never quite experienced before. Yes, there was a lead singer, yes there were guitars and yes, there was even a drummer. Yet, while the setup was quite familiar (an old frontier so to say) the music and vocals were anything but.
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Tags: Music · Reviews
What a GREAT weekend! Sunset Junction on Saturday (Be sure to check out our friends, Castledoor!) and Sunday… but let’s talk about Sunday. The day has finally come and I am more excited than a kid going to Disneyland on their birthday. Radiohead will be gracing Angelenos with their genius tonight at the Hollywood Bowl. Based on how amazing their recent release, “In Rainbows” is and the fact that they never, ever fail to put on a good show, it is likely that this concert will be on the “top-ten-best-concerts” list of many of those in attendance. For those who will be seeing Radiohead another day, Faster Pussycat at The Key Club will be quite loud and quite the hellish affair they promise on their MySpace. Sondre Lerche at the Troubadour is another worthy choice. Wherever you decide to go, whoever you look forward to seeing, enjoy music this weekend…I know I will!
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Tags: Upcoming events · Visual Arts · shows
Amy Kuney’s debut full-length LP, “Bird’s Eye View” was released Tuesday, August 12. With it’s release, audiences finally have the chance to become acquainted with this brilliant 23 year old whose life experiences could put those of people twice her age to shame. Amy moved from her comfortable teenage life in the states to the rugged poverty stricken Honduras when her parents felt called to be missionaries in the country. While in Honduras, Amy found great comfort in exploring her music and, eventually, finding her voice. A voice that is as unique as the experiences leading her to its discovery.
Prior to the release of “Bird’s Eye View,” Amy Kuney has seen some great musical accomplishments. Her music was spotlighted on the season finale of One Tree Hill last year giving many of the shows viewers a small glimpse into the genesis of this musical genius. Her cover songs of pop hits like Coldplay’s, “Viva La Vida” and Damien Rice’s, “The Blower’s Daughter” have been supremely popular on YouTube and showcase her ability to handle even some of the toughest mainstream songs and make them, so beautifully, her own. Her cover of Damien Rice’s, “The Blower’s Daughter” gave her the amazing opportunity to play with the song’s original creator in Iceland recently: he loved her version of his song so much that he invited her out to lush continent.
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Tags: Reviews · artists · local news
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Eagle Winged Palace
Comprised of Cashew, Michelle, Mimi, Karma and Cashew’s wife, Uncle Rhea, Eagle Winged Palace are as hauntingly unique as some of the names of its participants. Originally part of The Prix, Cashew has called upon the help of his friends and his wife: four beautiful women who each bring something incredibly special to the group. Their performance at Tangiers on Wednesday, August 20th will be the perfect venue to check out Eagle Winged Palace. This band is an amazing juxtaposition of genres who manage to blend them so well together that the listener will likely wonder why no other band/artist has created such a fantastic fusion before. Playing songs from their soon to be released LP, “Mansion on A Hill,” this show will be an excellent opportunity for fans and curious music freaks to get a taste of this creative and eclectic group of a man, cashew, and his creative and talented muses.
Eagle Winged Palace| 8:00 PM at Tangiers| 21+ Tickets $8 at Door
Tags: Upcoming events · shows
Gregg Laswell knows how to put on a concert. He has the ability to play the piano and guitar (although not simultaneously, which would be really cool) in a way that gorgeously mirrors his spectacular vocals. With three CD’s already released, Gregg Lawell is certainly becoming a veteran of the Los Angeles music scene. LA.CityZine had the opportunity to check Gregg out at The Hotel Café on Friday, August 15 where he performed an hour long set of songs from his ever growing catalog including those from his recently released, “Three Flights From Alto Nindo” and even an unreleased track. Like many performances at The Hotel Café, there was an intimacy to the concert as a whole that suited each of Greg Laswell’s songs quite well. Additionally, MySpace has selected him to be part of the “Artist Discovery Series” which is only more affirmation that this guy is worth all of the buzz he’s been getting.
There is certainly no shortage of handsome, talented male singer/songwriters on the music scene these days but Greg Laswell is far from another one of that massive heard. Handsome, absolutely and, without a doubt, he is talented, very talented. He sings with a depth of knowing that is rare in even the most mature artists and exemplifies his ability to interpret life’s difficult moments into beautiful song.
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Tags: Music · Reviews · Upcoming events
Hmmmm… the music this Sunday is not exactly the greatest variety or the greatest talent Los Angeles has seen this summer but that doesn’t mean there is not some worthwhile stuff to check out before the grind of Monday morning. The Van Warped Tour will be host to some great bands. Showbread at The Whiskey will be making some serious noise playing songs from their dual release CD’s, Anorexia and Nervosa. Also, Jethro Tull will be rocking The Greek. Whatever your preference, enjoy the Music Tonight:
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Tags: Upcoming events · bands
Amy Kuney
On Tuesday August, 12, Amy Kuney performed songs from her album, “Bird’s Eye View” to celebrate with her her family of fans, friends and relatives which was released the same day. LA.CityZine had the opportunity to attend this event.
It’s a unique experience to watch a performer for the first time and be, in some way, connected to both the artist and her. Amy Kuney has the uncanny ability to make her audience feel as though she is an old friend for whom you want only success. While endearing is certainly an appropriate word to define this magic, there is something more within the complexity of her music and her personality that enable anyone watching her sing feel so dramatically connected.
Amy Kuney seems simultaneously allied with the audience; before going into another brilliant song Amy stated, with regards to her album, “it’s kind of like having a baby… it took nine months… this is kind of like the final push… I hope you’re ok with being a part of the final push.” While this statement is a reflection of her great sense of humor it also exemplifies the evening: she as the artist had finally reached a significant milestone in her career with the release of her first full length album and we, as the audience, were invited participants of this almost familial event.
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Tags: Reviews · shows
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Tom Clarke of The Enemy before their show at the Troubadour on Wednesday, August 6 (read my concert review) and discuss their US tour, including Lollapalooza, what it was like to open for the Rolling Stones, and who could possible play a post-punk Brit from Coventry. With a thick accent and loud sound checks going on in the background it was difficult to hear but one thing was clear: The Enemy are here to remind us that music with an opinion is what we want, what we need and, really, what we should be listening to.
Take the time to get to know a band whose MySpace page so poetically states, “Keep your friends close but keep The Enemy closer:”
What three words would you use to describe The Enemy.
F***ing proper music.
When did you first become interested in music?
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Tags: Interviews · bands
Summer is quickly coming to an end but it is certainly not over yet. This Sunday is full of a plethora of music to fit all kinds of taste. If you like musicals or just a great show, Les Miserables at The Hollywood Bowl is sure to be amazing. Jim Bailey as Judy Garland will be something truly memorable. For those with a less lavender taste, The Long Lost at Tangiers are a local talent worth checking out. Whatever your preference, enjoy the Music Tonight:
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Tags: Upcoming events · bands
I try to keep a level head about music these days, try not to get too enthusiastic about any one band, singer, etc. It seems every time I fall head over heels with anything music, the band breaks up, the drummer goes to jail, the lead singer shows up on a VH1 reality special and/or I find out my 10 year old niece loves them too. I am going to throw caution to the wind today and declare: I freaking love this band.
Comprised of Tom Clarke (vocals, guitar), Laim Watts (drums) and Andy Hopkins (bass), The Enemy is three guys who went from playing for fun to playing with purpose. It was evident during the show that there is no agenda behind their music but their music expresses the frustration with the government, with our fellow man/woman, that many of us are already feeling.
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Tags: Reviews · bands
With a name that implies something new, undiscovered, mysterious and well, altogether, different, there was definitely a level of expectation prior to seeing The New Frontiers at the Troubadour on Sunday, August 3. Expectation often results in let down which can quickly turn into deep rooted resentment which later evolves into unadulterated rage which… well, thank god The New Frontiers didn’t disappoint. Living fully up to the expectation placed upon them, The New Frontiers covered a realm of live music many have likely never quite experienced before. Yes, there was a lead singer, yes there were guitars and yes, there was even a drummer. Yet, while the setup was quite familiar (an old frontier so to say) the music and vocals were anything but.
