505 Reasons to Believe the Hype

By pcsanchez7505

The fabulous and ever so French singer Soko will be making two stops in Southern California this March.

Her first stop will be at the small and intimate Bootleg Theater in Los Angeles on March 30. The next day she will travel to San Diego to play at The Loft located at UC San Diego.

Soko’s new album, My Dreams Dictate My Reality, is set to be released March 3.

Influences and comparisons to rock and roll legends are plenty and prominent with Soko’s new album — Patti Smith, Ms. Joan Jett, and, obviously, The Cure just to name a few.

This brooding and crooning enigma of an album is a beautiful mix of modern and classic punk rock.

My Dreams Dictate My Reality was produced by Ross Robinson, who has worked with and helped discover artists such as Korn and Slipknot, and is a raw, sensual love affair of great lyrics, catchy punk instrumentals and striking vocals.

Soko’s upcoming album is as much a confrontation of that dark past, as a manifestation of a new reality.

“Who Wears the Pants??” the album’s lead single, is a great track, inspired by a conversation between Soko and a friend about her sexuality. Soko reveals that this track is her “first ever protest song.

“I wrote it when I got fed up with all the crap I hear from homophobic demons,” said Soko.

The single is available here. You can also check out, her new music video for “Temporary Mood Swings” here.

For more information about her tour dates and upcoming album, visit Soko’s website.

Source:: Soko: French Artist Releases New Album and Announces Upcoming Tour Dates

By pcsanchez7505

Long Island rock band Taking Back Sunday has announced plans to release Happiness Is: The Complete Recordings on February 24 via Hopeless Records.

The upcoming release will feature the band’s original 2014 record Happiness Is, along with rare and unreleased tracks, all spread out on 8 7-inch vinyl records with a collectible, signed art card.

You can pre-order Happiness Is: The Complete Recordings in a variety of bundles now via the band’s online store.

Happiness Is: The Complete Recordings will include all three studio b-sides and three additional acoustic renditions of album tracks, such as “Like You Do,” from the record that portray those particular songs in a different light.

In conjunction with today’s news, Taking Back Sunday has also debuted a new video for their song “All The Way,” which can be viewed now here. The video features backstage and performance footage of the band on tour this past year.

“Hope you like the video for the song “All The Way.”” said drummer Mark O’Connell. “It’s a tiny look at being on tour and what it’s like for us on stage when we are playing shows. A bunch of our friends helped film it and it’s great to use one of our songs as the background to hang on to some of these memories.”

Taking Back Sunday’s new tour will start on February 18 in New Orleans and end on April 4 in Fort Lauderdale.

The band will be making several stops in Southern California including:

Tickets are available for purchase now at the band’s website.

Follow the band at www.TakingBackSunday.com for additional updates.

Source:: Taking Back Sunday is Set to Tour the US and Release “Happiness Is: The Complete Recordings”

By pcsanchez7505

As the Red Carpet wrapped up early Sunday night, Pandora stayed out late, rolling out its Black Carpet behind the bustling LA night club Create.

Celebrities and musicians of all caliber showed up for Pandora’s Second Annual Grammy After Party with special guest Lil’ Jon who spent the night as DJ to hundreds of guests.

The event, which started at 8 p.m., lasted well into the night and included free food, an open bar and of course, Lil Jon behind the table of his DJ set.

Click to view slideshow.

Source:: Pandora Radio Wraps up the Grammys with an After Party Featuring Lil’ Jon

By pcsanchez7505

The small and intimate Sonos Studio, which hosts an array of musical events from live performances to exclusive parties, held a private viewing party on Sunday for the 57th Grammy awards.

The studio, filled to maximum capacity, was transformed into a hub of conversation and anticipation over who would take home a coveted golden gramophone.

To add to the atmosphere Sonos Studio had speakers lined up and down the walls, each designed to represent a specific category and artist nominated for a Grammy (my personal favorite was the “Best Alternative Album” section).

Free food and drinks were found a plenty, and of course there was a huge screen on which a live stream of the awards ceremony was screened. While there were a few technical difficulties with the wi-fi, the screening was a fun environment for all, and guests could be found lounging on bean bag chairs, talking by the open bar or chasing after the free food trays.

Sonos Studio brought the excitement of the Grammys to those who didn’t find themselves on the Red Carpet last night.

Here is a list of some of the Grammy winners:

Album of the Year

Beck – Morning Phase

Record of the Year

Sam Smith – “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)”

Song of the Year

Sam Smith – “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)”

Best New Artist

Sam Smith

Best Folk Album

Old Crow Medicine Show — Remedy

Best Rock Performance

Jack White – “Lazaretto”

Best Metal Performance

Tenacious D – “The Last In Line”

Best Rock Song

Paramore – “Ain’t It Fun”

Best Rock Album

Beck – Morning Phase

Best Alternative Music Album

St. Vincent – St. Vincent

Best Reggae Album

Ziggy Marley – Fly Rasta

Best Pop Solo Performance

Pharrell – “Happy” (Live)

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

A Great Big World feat. Christina Aguilera – “Say Something”

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett – Cheek to Cheek

Best Pop Vocal Album

Sam Smith – In The Lonely Hour

Best R&B Performance

Beyoncé feat. Jay Z – “Drunk In Love”

Best Traditional R&B Performance

Robert Glasper Experiment – “Jesus Children”

Best R&B Song

Beyoncé feat. Jay Z – “Drunk In Love”

Best Urban Contemporary Album

Pharrell Williams – G.I.R.L.

Best Rap Performance

Kendrick Lamar – “i”

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration

Eminem feat. Rihanna – “The Monster”

Best Rap Song

Kendrick Lamar – “i”

Best Rap Album

Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP 2

Best Country Solo Performance

Carrie Underwood – “Something in the Water”

Best Country Duo/Group Performance

The Band Perry – “Gentle On My Mind”

Best Country Song

Glen Campbell – “I’m Not Gonna Miss You”

Best Country Album

Miranda Lambert – Platinum

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media

Frozen

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Best Song Written for Visual Media

Idina Menzel – “Let It Go”

Best Music Video

Pharrell Williams – “Happy”

Source:: Sonos Studio Hosts Grammy Viewing Party

By pcsanchez7505

Outside on La Brea Avenue, a quiet Los Angeles studio looked rather inconspicuous — inside, the small building was buzzing with energy as a live, acoustic performance by Grammy nominated band Cage the Elephant captivated fans.

The band’s performance on Tuesday night was just one of several free events as part of a series of pre- Grammy festivities hosted by Pandora and Sonos Studio.

Cage the Elephant, known for an insane stage presence, condensed their performance and energy into a nine song set that included dancing, jokes and an impromptu inclusion of the guitar riffs to Lynyrd Skynyrd “Freebird.”

Band members Jared Champion (drums, percussion), Daniel “Tick” Tickenor (bass guitar, backing vocals), Matthan Minster (keyboards, guitar, backing vocals), Nick Bockrath (lead guitar) and brothers Brad (rhythm guitar) and Matt Shultz (vocals) stood side by side as they played to the excited crowd.

While they were celebrating the Grammy nomination of their latest album, “Melophobia,” which is nominated for “Best Alternative Music Album,” the band played a collection of songs that ranged from older tunes to newer singles.

Singer Matt Shultz jumped and jived on stage, showing off his dance moves — especially during the band’s single “Take it or Leave It” — and joked around with audience members who enthusiastically noted they were here to party.

“You know you’re having a good time when they ask you for ‘more party’,” said Shultz.

The band played flawlessly throughout their set, and promptly following some short technical difficulties, guitarist Brad Shultz jokingly played the opening guitar riffs to Lynard Skynard’s “Freebird,” much to the delight of the audience.

Cage the Elephant thanked their fans for coming shortly before ending their set with a performance of the band’s single, “Shake Me Down.”

Pandora and Sonos Studio’s Grammy Weel will end Sunday with a live Grammy viewing party.

Click to view slideshow.

Source:: Cage the Elephant Rock an Acoustic Set Courtesy of Pandora and Sonos Studio

By pcsanchez7505

So the fan girl in me wants to spend a thousand words just on Alex Turner and how he jumped on stage with Mini Mansions last night literally inches away from my face. The fan girl in me also wants to talk about how I finally got to meet him again and thank him for his music.

But I won’t do that. Last night Mini Mansions, the ethereal electro-indie rock trio, put on a spectacular show all on their own. Their performance showcased new songs, amazing covers and an astounding collaboration.

With a little help from Alex Turner and opening bands Cameron Avery and Fever the Ghost, Mini Mansions created an unforgettable night.

Mini Mansions took to the stage around 10 p.m., dressed in well-fitted suits and strutting out to Taco’s iconic song, “Putting on the Ritz.” The band cued an abrupt silence before jumping into their single, “Sherlock Holmes,” and “Death is a Girl.”

Mini Mansion members Zach Dawes (bass, drums), Tyler Parkford (keys, vocals), and Michael Shuman (drums, vocals and guitar) sauntered on stage and performed with poise and ferocity.

Their haunting vocals and aloofness created a paradox of a performance, and in the intimacy of The Troubadour – maximum capacity is around 400 – allowed fans to be within arm’s reach of the trio.

Halfway through their performance, the band played a bone chilling rendition of a famous Blondie track, “Heart of Glass” that was both otherworldly and beautifully composed.

The real show stopper though, was when the band played “Vertigo,” and Arctic Monkeys front man Alex Turner casually made a guest appearance. Turner, whose vocals are featured in the new song, has been traveling with Mini Mansions during their tour and has appeared in several of their shows.

Turner, one out of a handful of artists who have collaborated with Mini Mansions in their yet to be released second album, left fans speechless as he sauntered on stage, posed and disappeared just as mysteriously as he entered.

Earlier in the night, solo artist Avery (also of The Growl) started the night, walking on stage with a guitar, some sound equipment and a harmonica. His performance started off slow, but his sultry voice and charismatic attitude won over early attendees.

In stark contrast to Avery, was the second opening band, Fever the Ghost. Their performance was nothing short of theatrical, and came equipped with trippy sound effects, strobe lights and a spooky veil worn by the band’s singer, Casper.

With the help of Turner, Avery and Fever the Ghost, Mini Mansions were able to give an unbelievable performance and a spectacular night for the few hundred who found themselves lucky enough to be in a room with such an eclectic group of artists.

Source:: Mini Mansions Serenade The Troubadour With a Little Help From Alex Turner

By pcsanchez7505

Sonos and Pandora bring Cage the Elephant to LA for an intimate, live performance.

The band, who has recently been nominated for a Grammy for their latest album, Melophobia, will be performing Tuesday, Feb. 3 at the Sonos Studio.

The Sonos Studio is an acoustically designed music gallery that explores the intersection between music, art, and technology, and with an energetic band like Cage the Elephant, it is sure to be a great performance.

The show starts at 7 p.m., and is 21+ only. The show is free to attend, but admission is on a first come, first served basis.

RSVP for free here.

Source:: Pandora Brings Cage the Elephant to LA for a Free Show

By pcsanchez7505

OK, so I know Arctic Monkeys members Alex Turner, Jamie Cook, Matt Helders and Nick O’Malley are all older than me, but that doesn’t change the fact that I feel like a proud mother to the band – come on, I’ve been a fan for nearly a decade!

My pride this week stems from a chanceful moment last night when, thanks to the sudden death of my phone battery, I tuned into KROQ as I was driving home from the store.

The radio station was halfway through its “Furious 5 at 9” segment, which plays the top five songs of the day. I caught it at No. 3 – New Politics’ “Everywhere I Go (Kings and Queens) – and paid no attention to the second best song of the night.

What really caught my attention was hearing the opening riff to Arctic Monkeys, “R U Mine?”

It was my first time hearing the song on any mainstream radio – though they play “Do I Wanna Know?” and “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” on repeat it seems.

My first thought, was, it’s about damn time! “R U Mine?” was first released April, 2012 as a special single for Record Store Day, and was later found as the second track on AM, the band’s fifth studio album.

Why it took the mainstream crowd three years to catch up to the “hype” is beyond me, but I’m just happy my lovely lads are getting lots of recognition state side these days.

So, as a little ode to my favorite band, here’s to your No. 1 spot Arctic Monkeys — the song was also first premiered on KROQ’s radio station.

Also, late Happy Birthday to front man Turner, who turned 29 on Jan. 6.

Source:: Proud parent moment: “R U Mine?”

By pcsanchez7505

Fans were seeing double Wednesday night when Tegan and Sara took the stage at the Orange County Fair Grounds for the last concert in the Lexus Pop-Up Concert Series sponsored by Pandora where fans were treated to free music, a free poster and witty banter from the “Heartthrob” duo.

The event gave fans a close and intimate concert experience and the chance to check out featured Lexus vehicles.

“I like the car there,” said Sara. “Can we win the car? I’d like it, except I can’t drive yet since I don’t have a driver’s license.”

Tegan and Sara played a variety of songs from older tunes such as “Back in Your Head” to newer ones off their most recent album.

The twin sisters had an easy chemistry on stage and spent time in between songs to talk to fans and make them laugh.

Source:: Double the Fun with the Lexus Pop-Up Concert Series Sponsored by Pandora

By pcsanchez7505

The Belly Up Bar in Solana Beach was filled to the brim Tuesday night with legendary musicians and athletes, all together for a good cause — a benefit concert and auction for the Rob Machado Foundation.

Last Tuesday marked the third year for the Foundation’s benefit concert and auction that brought to the stage musicians Austin Burns, Timmy Curran, Run River North, Goo Goo Dolls and a surprise performance by Switchfoot’s lead singer, Jon Foreman.

The Rob Machado Foundation, a California based non-profit organization founded by Machado, has created numerous environmental programs since its start in 2004, as well as supporting environmental programs worldwide. All proceeds for the night went to the Foundation.

Austin Burns, a San Diego native, opened up the night with several original songs and a cover of the Pixies “Where is My Head.” Burns was followed by surfer and songwriter Timmy Curran, who apologized for his rusty stage presence, joking he hadn’t performed in a long time. Curran brought Machado to the stage to accompany him on guitar and gave a heartfelt performance.

Foreman stepped on stage next, surprising attendees singing two songs, one of them a cover of Bad Religion’s “Sorrow.” His unexpected performance was followed by Run River North, who joked that they can now say Jon Foreman opened up for them.

Before the final act of the night, several items were auctioned off, including an acoustic guitar signed by all performers for the night, a Social Distortion guitar with various merchandise and custom designed surfboard signed by Jack Johnson — the auction raised $14,000 altogether for the Foundation.

Machado even threw in several surfboard lessons with the auction items up for bid.

The night ended with a performance by the Goo Goo Dolls and one last auction item — an acoustic guitar signed and played by the band. Lead singer, John Rzeznik, jokingly became the auctioneer and was able to bid the guitar off for $7,500 — the most expensive item of the night.

The sold out benefit concert raised $21,500 in auction items alone and Machado thanked everyone in attendance, from performers to fans.

For more information on the Rob Machado Foundation, you can visit the website here.

Click to view slideshow.

Source:: Rob Machado Foundation Benefit Concert