Hopefully you've been watching your step in the music game in early 2013 - because then you might already be familiar with Mind The Gap and their edgy bouncy electronic pop rock single "Find My Way." To celebrate their ballsy anthem - they released a performance video yesterday and made the song available in exchange for an e-mail address on their website www.mindthegapsound.com. Teenagers to 30 somethings filled with angst about life need this track on their mobile phone, ipod and computer STAT - it speaks directly to the struggles we've all experienced trying to figure this thing called life out and the song beats hard and f'ing pops! "Find My Way" is the first single off of MTG's forthcoming EP Youth due out sometime later in 2013. If this track portends what the rest of their EP is like - I'm expecting fierce and energetic dopeness in a diverse package. And why shouldn't I have that expecation? MTG may be able to lay claim to the title "most diverse rock band" as they're a truly unique quartet spearheaded by a Jewish vocalist from the suburbs of Cleveland, OH, and backed by Sri Lankan hip-hop producer, a Mexican guitarist/producer and a Korean songwriter. Not only does their diversity make a statement - their musicianship and on-stage chemistry truly validates the famous Abdul line "opposites attract" and evidences that sometimes the best content comes in the most unlikely and colorful of packages. You can catch MTG performing at The Hotel Cafe on February 15th, but check their website for updates as there will likely be a few other performances popping up and peep the video below with the filthy remixed outro....
If you're not familiar with the soulful spark plug that is Gavin Turek - you can correct that by heading out to The Central SAPC tonight (or the 20th or the 27th). There's a lot of bite packed in her tiny frame - and her hybrid soul/indie/electronic music is pretty fierce. With features on Tokimonsta records, and mashups with Ratatat - she's clearly got stripes in the game. And with an aura and attitude that has you thinking she's an entertainer before she even opens her mouth - it's only a matter of time before she's one you've heard about.
Snag the War of Words (Crips Remix) that mashes Gavin with Ratatat here. SUPERGOOD is hosting the residency tonight - and Zak Waters, Amy Krebs and The Ross Sea Party round out the solid (and FREE) Tuesday night billing with DJ Freshair holding it down during set changes. Doors are at 7:30, music starts at 8. Hope to see you there...
Indie groups using hip-hop producers to mix their records....I'm officially down with it after listening to heartsrevolution's "Not That Hard to Explain" and watching this trippy ass pill-aholic video. The famous Just Blaze delivers a healthy mix of an anthem for poppers and those that like to get weird. Its not on their soundcloud yet (other stuff is - check it out), but SUPERGOOD's officially getting weird to this...
The Concert Blast is going to be moved to publish on Wednesdays - and so we're delivering you today's daily dosage of shows via the blog. There are a handful of notable bills that might make those seeking entertainment open their wallets and ears - whether its for laughter at the Naughtical Comedy Show at Brixton South Bay or for dancie-pop stylings from Dragonette and The Knocks at El Rey Theatre - to each their own. Amanda Palmer, of Kickstarter notoriety, brings her Grand Theft Orchestra with her to The Fonda Theatre. You can celebrate the DIY style with her - or for free at The Central SAPC with the gritty sounds of The Muddy Reds, John Wayne Bro and roots of Dustbowl Revival.
Murs and Fashawn will be dropping some tracks off their new release at Amoeba Music and Band of Horses at Space 15 Twenty make sure the Sunset & Ivar region is a hotplace to be too. For a complete list of shows in Los Angeles tonight - read below.
Band of Horses @ Space 15 Twenty
Murs @ Amoeba Music (FREE)
Dum Dum Girls @ Origami Vinyl (FREE)
Russell Brand @ Largo
Diamond Light, Last American Buffalo @ Harvard & Stone
Labor Day weekend - a few SUPERGOOD supporters attended Pacific Festival 2012: The Dunes, featuring Mayer
Hawthorne, Poolside, Bag
Raiders, Capital Cities and
many more to vibe out at the Newport Beach Marina. Zach Siegel-Eisman of Before The Bigs brings us his coverage below.... Arriving shortly after 2pm, we snagged media passes and briefly saw Tijuana Panthers rock out before moving onto the Identity Village,
which was a dance party on the sand that DJ Metric was getting started. I don't
remember much of DJ Metric's set as we snuck into the VIP area and, after getting as
many free drinks before security told us to leave, we were on to the next act. (Note to self - get VIP pass next year)
' Stream and download DJ Metric's
latest sound cloud mix below.
After Metric, we rushed to the other end of the festival grounds to catch up-and-coming indie/alternative pop band
Wildcat! Wildcat!. However when we got there, we found that the acts from the Camm Stage
were running behind schedule so we went to the Main stage to see
American Royalty.
Los Angeles alternative electronic indie rock band
American Royalty has been bubbling on the scene for a hot minute, as Filter Magazine
has used the lead singer to DJ many of their parties and the band just finished a
residency at The Echo earlier this year. Their mp3's do not give their live music justice as they straight up jam out
with various sounds that are easy to get down and dance to. I didn't leave
their set remembering any of their songs but left feeling satisfied with how
they organically blended on stage, with the lead singer switching from keyboard to guitar
and all three members of the band singing and injecting emotion into their songs.
My favorite song because of it's more electronic mixed with
rock appeal is "Lately". Stream that below.
Catching up to Camm Stage - we indulged in the
last three songs from Wildcat! Wildcat!. I love
how they have two vocalists, the most interesting instrumentals and great stage attitude. They continue to remind me of MGMT before MGMT went mainstream. They were one
of my favorites during the day - stream and download "Mr. Quiche" and "The
Chief".
We meandered by Fool's Gold's set
a couple times and I enjoyed the chill alternative beach pop vibes. After checking out their songs
afterwards, the song I most remember enjoying from the festival was
"Surprise Hotel", which has such soothing chill instrumentals. Watch
the video for it below.
Next I saw Mr. Little Jeans
perform. This was the only disappointment of the day. The Swedish artist
performs mostly slow pop songs that generally don't get people dancing and
leave you aching for something more upbeat. After hearing two songs including her
hit "Runaway", I left to grab a bite to eat. Watch the video to
"Runaway" below.
Returning to Camm Stage we found the daytime disco vibes of Tropicool DJing.
Although there was only about 25-50 people in the area, people were still
dancing or bobbing their head while finding a place in the shade to lay down.
Stream Tropicool's latest mix below.
Since Poolside began before Capital Cities, we opted to catch the greatest daytime disco act jam out. On record,
Poolside is composed of the duo of Filip Nikolic
and Jeffrey Paradise. In a live setting the band is a four piece with Nikolic on lead vocals and bass and Paradise on electronics, and the duo is joined
by drummer and percussionist Jason Pipkin and multi-instrumentalist Michael
Gold.
My first introduction to Poolside was at last year's Pacific Festival, in which they DJed
before Fred Falke on one of the smaller stages. This year Poolside performed
with their full band on the main stage and I couldn't have been happier. Witnessing them as a full band
just enhanced the whole experience by creating this groovy dance vibe that
anybody can enjoy. They were one of the three best acts I saw at Pacific
Festival and can't wait to see them perform next! Since I love all the
music from Poolside, here's 9 tracks to stream and mostly download from them.
Sit back and relax.
We dipped on Poolside's set early so we could catch the last couple songs from
Capital Cities, one of our favorite genre-blending
dual vocal bands ever. While I didn't get to catch "Kangaroo Court," we did hear "Safe and Sound" and had
the pleasure of hearing a horn solo too. Everybody was dancing and singing along and they were one of my
favorites of the day with their electro pop rock dance vibes. Stream "Safe
and Sound" below.
In between destinations - we briefly caught Dale Earnhardt
Jr. Jr. Hearing them live was great. Although it was brief, I enjoyed everything I
heard and recommend catching them live as they sound a little more natural and
than listening to their song releases. Watch their latest video, "Simple
Girl" below.
We arrived to Bag Raiders set
and immediately noticed it was overcrowded with cigarette-smoking bros and
couples that were complaining about a music festival on a beach! I was still pumped to see their DJ set but completely turned
off by the Newport Beach locals, who all smoked cigarette's and were distracted
by their phones or significant other to enjoy the music. They need to wake up and hear these beats. Stream the latest mix
from Bag Raiders below.
Post Bag Raiders we caught several songs from
Steed Lord. Before Pacific Festival, I thought
Steed Lord was a couple DJs who created electro house vibes and didn't know it
was Steed Lord until after the festival. Upon hearing this synth pop trio
(which won my award for best dressed), I've become a huge fan! Steed Lord
consists of two DJs (Demo and Mega) and one beautiful lead vocalist (Cali,
pictured above). Their blend of electro pop instrumentals with vocals from
Cali is spectacular. If you like Empire of the Sun but want a female vocalist, Steed Lord has
that kind of vibe but less rock and more dance. Listen to "B4 U Walk Out
Of My Life (Steed Lord Diva Edit)" and "Hear Me Now" below.
After
Steed Lord, we then caught Sneaky Sound System. I
thought Steed Lord was amazing and then once I heard Sneaky Sound System, I
knew I redefined what amazing meant! While Steed Lord has a
great vibe, Sneaky Sound System was even better; very catchy
and easy to sing along to. My favorite was "We Love" which will be on
commercials and anywhere else it can get placed if it hasn't already. Watch
"We Love" below.
From the catchy performance of Sneaky Sound System it was time from
the neo-soul crooning of headliner Mayer Hawthorne
and The County. He has such a clean-cut act with the band choreographed dancing
and a great set-up with the lighting experience as well. Mayer Hawthorne has
this cool personality that reminds me of Justin Timberlake when he does on-air
interviews. Overall Mayer Hawthorne didn't disappoint but if you are going to
see him, go with somebody you want to hook up with as he has some sweet
baby-making vibes that would be a perfect fit if you're on a date. Watch the video to my
favorite song below.
--
The above review was from Zach S-E of BeforeBigs.com. Follow @BeforeBigs and instagram for more
photos from Pacific Festival.
I saw this concert listing and had to do a double take. Jhameel played a SUPERGOODMUSIC event at The Viper Room in October, opened for Hoodie Allen at El Rey Theatre in March and now he is playing at On The Rox?!?!?!? Seriously. It's as if L.A. is just oblivious to Jhameel's amazing drunk performance sessions (see below) or the Roxy talent buyers are just on that 'ish tip before the rest of their Sunset Strip brethren - because this intimate show at such a tiny venue is almost too good to be true.
The set time of 8:15 isn't that awesome - but performances in small places by kick ass musicians generally are - which is why you should bite the bullet, brave the traffic and be on Sunset Strip tonight.
Check out some drunk performances, a nice T-Pain cover and some original videos below:
I saw this concert listing and had to do a double take. Jhameel played a SUPERGOODMUSIC event at The Viper Room in October, opened for Hoodie Allen at El Rey Theatre in March and now he is playing at On The Rox?!?!?!? Seriously. It's as if L.A. is just oblivious to Jhameel's amazing drunk performance sessions (see below) or the Roxy talent buyers are just on that 'ish tip before the rest of their Sunset Strip brethren - because this intimate show at such a tiny venue is almost too good to be true.
The set time of 8:15 isn't that awesome - but performances in small places by kick ass musicians generally are - which is why you should bite the bullet, brave the traffic and be on Sunset Strip tonight.
Check out some drunk performances, a nice T-Pain cover and some original videos below:
Esteemed Bayou-based talent Royal Teeth started their summer celebrating the release of their debut studio record, Act Naturally, on LA based Dangerbird Records. The candy indie electro pop is definitely edgier live - which is why you can't miss your chance to catch them here in Los Angeles as they parade through The Satellite and The Library at The Redbury.
The vocal duo of Gary Larsen and Nora Patterson shine on this genre melting project that certainly doesn't sounds a bit more LA than NOLA. Lead single "Wild" is only a sampling of the flavors they have on their record, which includes a sexified version of The Knife's "Heartbeats" that they sunk their proverbial Teeth into.
You can enjoy their delicious poppy delights at The Satellite tonight as JJAMZ close out their free June residency. Hopefully they include a cover of "Heartbeats" at the performance- because they certainly do it justice.
Up and coming indie-synth rock sensation Tic Tic Boom! bring their talents to Pasadena today as part of the Eat. See. Hear. series that launches this weekend and is taking place each Saturday night into September. With food trucks on the front end and The Wedding Singer being aired on
the back end - there is no reason not to enjoy Tic Tic Boom! as the "Hear." portion of
your entertainment sandwich on June 2, 2012.
Although outside booze is not allowed - you can bring your own picnic to the party. Blankets and lawn chairs are not provided. Tickets to the E.S.H. get down are $10 and $20 here. For $10 it is GA consumption, but the $20 passes allow you to arrive at your leisure and still be guaranteed a good spot for SEEing.
If you're into indie-rock, you might have heard of Los Angelina Chelsea Wolfe - but not Kosha Dillz (@koshadillz). If you're into hip-hop (or Budweiser commercials), you've probably at least heard of Kosha Dillz - but possibly not Chelsea Wolfe.
This video for "Moses Wasteland" allows you to get familiar with both artists as it features Mr. Dillz rapping over mashed up Chelsea Wolfe tracks Moses and Wasteland in a dark setting. Paying some respects to fallen artist icons, while reflecting on some of his own life choices, Kosha spits some seriously dope verbiage, one-liners, honest reflections and even references Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure on the Nate G produced indie-rap mash up. A few quotable nuggets and knowledge include:
"You can tell who a man is when you shake hands"
"You can snort all the coke, I will drink all the Sprite"
"Midnight in Chelsea with a couple of wolves"
"I'll write a million dollar verse for Justin Bieber while I take a shit"
Both artists are current L.A. residents - although the video was shot in the east coast region of New York City and New Jersey. "Moses Wasteland" is the first single and video off of Kosha Dillz's JETLAG EP project which features him rapping over indie rock mash-ups from Black Keys, The Neighbourhood,Wavves and more. Enjoy and cop the full EP for free via DJBooth!
Chelsea Wolfe (@cchelseawolfe) plays Check Yo Ponytail (@checkyoponytail) at Echoplex tomorrow - May 15, 2012. Get your tickets here.
The increasingly funny and clever HBO show GIRLS isn't just good for visual entertainment and humor - its proving to be a pretty good vehicle for exposure to new indie music. Take The Echo Friendly for instance. Had you heard of them? Or there "Same Mistakes"? We admittedly had not.
I'm not boasting that "Same Mistakes" is infectious. Its not. But its good. A solid time piece that makes a point and captures that post-college or post-grad school early adult crisis angst in a lo-fi indie rock pocket. All the more reason why it was a perfect song to use on Girls. The track resonates because we all feel or have felt that angst (or for our younger readers - will feel it sometime in the future) and despite trying to sort it all out - we still end up repeating bad behavior and/or making the same mistakes. Its a cycle. Sometimes a vicious one...but one that at least gets young artists to make palatable music.
The Echo Friendly's video is lo-fi, with some cool effects. Nothing visually outrageous to melt your face, but it compliments the music well. Enjoy....
