music editor; just a girl in her twenties tryin' to make it... [enjoys] post-its, dirty beats, last.fm, newcastle, rocking her face off, popsicles year-round, caffeine, giving your band press [seeking] funds to write about rocking her face off, a world where mainstream and indie just get along
As I stepped into the classy El Rey Theatre once more this week, I couldn’t help but think of how different it would be from my Balkan Beat Box experience. Upon arrival for a DeVotchKa show, I was anticipating looking at a different type of crowd. However, I found similarities more than differences. For The El Rey, the volume of concert goers never seems to dwindle. No matter what night it is, if it’s a good show, especially one so highly expected to be as DeVotchKa, the crowd will spill past the bar.
Gaining most of their mainstream popularity from scoring the film, Little Miss Sunshine, DeVotchKa had finally been able to reach the masses with their unique take on American punk and folk roots. This four piece band, however, goes far beyond what’s expected of a rock band. Exhibiting their credibility, all multi-instrumentalists flourish together as they weave in and out of Greek, Mariachi, and Slavic notes. I wondered, will Los Angeles embrace them tonight as much as world music lovers or those so called sophiticated hipsters? I was about to find out.
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Tags: Reviews · bands
Does tonight’s line up satisfy you? Take a look.
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Tags: Upcoming events · bands
Most people know as her as the glamorous yet nonchalant frontwoman of Rilo Kiley. Even more devoted fans have supported her solo act with local The Watson Twins. Our own lady of Silverlake, Jenny Lewis, is now coming out with her second solo studio album. However, unlike the extreme studio finish of Rilo Kiley’s latest best seller Under The Blacklight, Lewis plans on going in the opposite direction. Going for as much of a live vibe as possible, her new album Acid Tongue, due September 23, is stripped down to further reveal herself. According to Billboard Magazine, Lewis has a slew of guest appearances on the album.
The album features guest spots from a number of Lewis’ friends, including Elvis Costello, who duets with her on “Carpetbagger”; the Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson; and current beau Rice. Zoeey Deschanel offers backing vocals on several tracks (”I love being Flanked by hot brunettes,” Lewis says), and Deschanel’s She & Him cohort M. Ward provides a moody guitar part on Pretty Bird.
There is even a nine-minute song which she and Jonathan Rice wrote together as a homage to Barbra Steisand. Lewis explains,
I happen to be a Barbra Strisand fan, and Barbra Striesand fancies a medley, so we discussed stringing the three songs together.
It may have taken her a decade to get a fan base with as much anticipation as she has for herself, but having her own unique style and rhythm is what got her here.
Photo from undertheradarmag.com
Tags: Music · News
It’s Thursday, all right. Just look at this line up.
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Tags: Upcoming events · bands
LA.CityZine brings you the plush, melodic rock sounds of Long Beach band, Repeater, as part of our Know Your LA Bands series. Although Long Beach may be well known for a scene bursting of ska and punk bands from the 90’s, two former members of The Main Frame have decided to join forces with others and focus on the other genres that helped pave the way of the 80’s and 90’s. Today, Repeater infuses the elements of new wave and post-punk rock and breathes smooth shoegaze into their sound. With rich chords, meticulous guitar riffs and artful drumming, this band manages to carefully slide dark lush tones under a juxtaposition of rough rock vocals and pop choruses.
Repeater plays home sweet home at The Prospector, this Saturday, September 20th. Alongside bands, Romance and Sleepmask, they take the stage at 10:00pm. Be sure to catch a great show. However, if your schedule happens to be that unfortunate, they’re also playing LA on September 21st at Mountain Bar and September 24th at Club Moscow. You have no excuse now! Until then, check out this interview with the band as well as their video to “Killing Without Question” below!
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Tags: Interviews · bands
Holy crap, it’s a packed night of music for a Tuesday! Summer is saying goodbye in the nicest way possible. Check out this awesome round up for the bands playing in LA tonight - with times, directions, ticket info and more!
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Tags: Upcoming events · bands
You know what day it is. The glorious Monday of FREE shows!
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Tags: Upcoming events · bands
Photo by Megan Holmes
Hard work pays off and no one knows it better than Pittsburgh band, The Morning Light. This self-described rock/pop band have become pros at getting their music out there to the masses whether it has been on tour or through their MySpace. Just getting off a tour with The Hush Sound, they’re already off on another tour with acts such as The Rocket Summer. It’s not hard to believe this when they’ve not only got their act together so well but their tunes are well crafted with melodies you’ll find yourself humming later.
Success with their past tours along with their well received EP, The Sounds Of Love, The Morning Light is now getting ready to release their full length self-titled album on September 23rd. However if you go to their MySpace, you can pre-order a special album pack which includes the CD, an exclusive t-shirt and a sticker. Don’t miss out! These guys are blowing up.
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Tags: Interviews · bands
If you thought last night’s selection was great, just look at all the substance in tonight’s! Here is round up of all your glorious bands playing in LA - with times, directions, ticket info and more!
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Tags: Upcoming events · bands
Holy rockness! This Thursday is packed! So many bands, so little time. Also, our friends, Gangi, have another show tonight. Be sure to check them out if you haven’t done so yet! Here’s the rest of your round up - with times, directions, ticket info and more!
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Tags: Upcoming events · bands
When you first hear the name Balkan Beat Box, your thoughts may stray off into the land of open mics for hip-hop artists only. However, this super-group of a band who has steadily become an international phenomenon does not only go out of the box but tears down any structures or barriers your mind may have had in regards to their name.
For those who already knew what Balkan Beat Box is about, they know it just keeps getting better with each performance. However, as I waited around at the El Rey Theatre, I was very anxious for my very first BBB show. All I knew was that they took traditional world music and spiced it up for today’s generation. I also knew it was dance music but I was very curious to see how the crowd at the theatre would respond to it.
It wasn’t a surprise but it was incredibly fulfilling as the curtains opened only to have the crowd go from a cool collected group to a crazed jumping ocean of bodies and hands in the air. BBB managed to own the theatre with the very first beat they put down. The atmosphere was immediately filled with Mediterranean dance hall rhythms, pleasing fans of hip-hop to electronica to rock to big band… It was definitely an overwhelming sensation.
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Tags: Reviews · bands
LA.CityZine brings you artist, Sharon Temple, as part of our Know Your LA Bands series. She may be small but her voice will topple you over with one listen. This sassy little sprite is full on electronica rock with lyrics that are anything but bashful. Bragging about “too many men, so little time,” and the ruckus she’s about to cause with those dirty beats, you can’t help but notice her attitude and style, not to mention hair color, is reminiscent of Blondie. Managing to strut as she rocks, Sharon Temple is bringing the seductive electronica back to the rock scene without degrading the great indie essence.
You can catch her next show this month at Safari Sams. The modern Debbie Harry takes the stage on September 28th and it all starts at 9:30 pm. Don’t miss out! It’s artists like Sharon who are bringing the electro rock back, not just the sexy back. Until then, psych yourself up with this exclusive interview LA.CityZine was lucky enough to grab.
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Tags: Interviews · bands
As I stepped into the classy El Rey Theatre once more this week, I couldn’t help but think of how different it would be from my Balkan Beat Box experience. Upon arrival for a DeVotchKa show, I was anticipating looking at a different type of crowd. However, I found similarities more than differences. For The El Rey, the volume of concert goers never seems to dwindle. No matter what night it is, if it’s a good show, especially one so highly expected to be as DeVotchKa, the crowd will spill past the bar.
