505 Reasons to Believe the Hype

By pcsanchez7505

It’s really difficult to describe the diverse music scene in Los Angeles. With so much going on, it’s even harder to show it. But last night at the Echo proved that a glimmer of Los Angeles music can be condensed for the night. Headlining band SWIMM, accompanied by Goldensuns and Moon Honey, played a fantastic set that gave attendees a beautiful, shimmery glimpse into the L.A. music scene.

The night started out with Goldensuns, a three-piece band who writes, records and produces their own music. Now, the opener’s opening band isn’t always that great, but Goldensuns killed their short set. Singer and bassist Chase Meier has a unique voice that easily settled among the instrumentals of his band mates Weston Meier (drums) and Jantzen Meier (guitar). Their stage presence was casual, yet intriguing, and admittedly I’m a sucker for danceable indie-electro pop. The band walked off the stage and left fans begging for more, which is all you can ask for in an opener.

Moon Honey was next to take the stage, and their presence gave me a quick rush of nostalgia – I realized immediately I had seen the band before. How could I forget such an eclectic group full of sonic ambiance – I certainly couldn’t forget lead singer Jessica Ramsey, dressed in a black one-piece adorned with white tassels and a headdress to match.

Psychedelia is where Moon Honey makes their home, and in it they build elaborate songs with wheeling guitar riffs, rhythmic drums and haunting vocals. Equipped with a rather unusual, but altogether fantastic, voice, Ramsey captivated patrons with an ethereal presence. She sunk into elaborate lyrics as band mates Andrew Martin (guitar), Logan Baudean (drums) and Anders LaSource (keyboard, synth bass) came together in a cohesive way only to fall apart into a mass of wild and entertaining energy.

Of course headlining band SWIMM brought their own interesting vibe to the stage. Chris Hess and Adam Winn make up the psych-pop duo who started the night with a rather odd poem, but the fans dug it. Hess stood at the edge of the stage with a tattered piece of paper in hand and towered over his audience to bask in the indulgence of their presence and his words. The band slowly chimed in and they began their set with all the confidence of the best pop divas. The crowd loved it and SWIMM knew exactly who they were catering to.

There was something to be said about SWIMM’s bout of confidence and self-awareness on stage. They know exactly who they are and what they’re about, even if you don’t. Judging by the crowd, fans certainly got it. Of course, every band has room for a cover song including SWIMM who sang a cover of the R&B song “Love You Down.”

The band ended the night full of attitude, and everything from lead singer Hess’s clothing – a crop top and pants reminiscent of Prince’s “Kiss” attire – to the band’s saunter on stage oozed with L.A. confidence. Though the band isn’t originally from Southern California, they’ve seemed to fully embrace the West Coast/L.A. vibe which the Echo and fans appreciated.

Source:: SWIMM takes over the Echo with help from other L.A. locals

By pcsanchez7505

Once again, I’m in love. Not with a man, but a luscious pair of ladies who front the fabulous band Lucius. This love affair started a few months ago when the band released their latest album “Good Grief.” And, as if Lucius couldn’t get any more impressive, they’ve gone and left me speechless.

The New York band fronted by Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig stopped at the Fonda Theatre May 5 during their North American tour for an incredible night. The five-piece band astounded fans during a performance that was altogether breathtaking.

Lucius stepped on stage with the album’s opening track “Madness.” Jess and Holly stood side by side behind their keyboards in gorgeous matching outfits as per usual. Their hair, makeup and demeanor were perfect, and their vocals pierced through the room and into the hearts of faithful fans.

Jess and Holly didn’t stay behind their keyboards for long. The pair danced on stage, moved from side to side and even squeezed in a wardrobe change halfway through their set.

After an extended intro to “Almighty Gosh” – the band had the chance to show off their skills – Jess and Holly returned to sing the song while wandering in the crowd. Fans danced and screamed for the duo that had tons of fun mingling with star-struck admirers.

Their band mates were equally as impressive, perched just behind the pair on stage, as they rocked out to new and old tunes. Their chemistry and energy on stage was absolutely contagious.

While the majority of their concert was upbeat and cheerful, the band took time to captivate everyone during “Dusty Trails.” The slow, somber song ends “Good Grief,” but started a fire in our hearts when Jess and Holly stood side by side to interlace beautiful vocals and relay a powerful display of emotions.

They kept us stunned during “Gone Insane” when in a similar fashion, the pair stood facing each other to have a near shouting match with each other – not one person was left without chills after that stirring rendition.

Watching these two perform was an absolute pleasure. Along with band mates Dan Molad, Peter Lalish and Andrew Burri, Lucius gave a flawless performance.

In what can only described as pure delight, the duo returned alone during their encore to sing Elvis Presley’s “Fools Rush In,” telling the audience to hold someone’s hand or display any form of love. Fans fell silent and almost held their breath as the pair melted our hearts.

“I love you Lucius!” shouted a devout fan, breaking the silence and spreading even more love.

Like Father John Misty or other great performers, Lucius brings their own unique flavor to the stage. Their live performances are creative, fun and thoroughly enjoyable. You can tell they love what they do and that love is dispersed through sonic vibes and undeniable talent.

Lucius will be back in Southern California June 5 in Oceanside, California for a day-long music festival that includes the likes of Jake Bugg, Awolnation and The Wombats. To hear more from Lucius, or buy tickets, visit their website.

Source:: Lucius — Lush and lovely at the Fonda Theatre

By pcsanchez7505

The Troubadour couldn’t get any dreamier than last week when LANY headlined the famed L.A. venue. The band, a trio full of Angelinos, star struck hundreds of girls as they performed two sold out nights in a row. Their performance May 2 left fans begging for more as the band serenaded a select few while embarking on a North American tour.

The night began with opening act Odessa, a young singer/songwriter currently living in L.A. The sweet and charming singer played a short set full of honest songs. Her down-to-earth attitude and witty commentary in between songs was fun to watch, and her warmth and openness paired with beautiful music was well received by early attendees.

LANY sauntered on stage just a few minutes after 9 p.m. Their hour long set was filled with catchy pop songs and perfectly executed stage antics.

Lead singer Paul Jason Klein, with his long hair and unbuttoned shirt, sang passionately to his audience and knew exactly how to make fans swoon. His band mates Jake Goss (drums) and Les Priest (keys, Guitar, Vocals) were equally as comfortable on stage and performed with ease.

Although they’ve only been together for two years, LANY pulled together an entertaining set list of songs including their singles “Where the Hell Are My Friends” and “ILYSB,” both of which were met by fans singing along with Klein.

With songs such as “youarefire,” “Bad, Bad, Bad” and “Made in Hollywood,” LANY is all about making fans feel special. Throughout the night, Klein held the hands of those lucky enough to be in the front row and climbed on the speakers to sing to fans. His charismatic and charming demeanor washed over The Troubadour, and not one person was left without a smile on their face.

The whole night was a carefree endeavor filled with, singing, laughter and a few screaming fans. LANY did an excellent job at catering to their audience and making their performance enthusiastic and fun to watch – seeing a few grown men sing along to their set was proof enough that this young band has something special.

The night ended with a quick encore where even after playing a few more songs, fans chanted LANY’s name.

LANY is a dream pop band from L.A. Their synth filled music is upbeat, clever and great to sing along to.

The band’s name is an acronym for Los Angeles New York. Klein noted in an interview that the band wanted a four-letter name for aesthetic purposes and eventually came up with the name after thinking about the span from Los Angeles to New York.

Their single “Where the Hell Are My Friends” debuted March 2016 on Beats 1 with Zane Lowe.

LANY will continue their headlining tour through May after which they will appear at several festivals including Bonaroo, Firefly and Outside Lands. For more information about their music, visit their website.

LANY Monday night at The Troubadour.

Source:: LANY plays two sold out shows at The Troubadour

By pcsanchez7505

Whenever I try to describe Los Angeles band Moving Units to friends I usually get a confused reaction from them. It’s not because they’re not good, but because the band is best described as a punk dance collaboration. With so many different elements and sounds that come together, Moving Units are better experienced than described.

Their latest album, “Damage With Care” is a great example of the band’s work and singer Blake Miller’s creative vision to move bodies and minds alike.Released April 8, the album is a little dark and gritty but also genuine and infectious.

While its sound is raw and a little unrefined, it’s equally as beautiful and pure. Danceable backbeats meet punk inspired guitar riffs while Miller sings both in a croon and higher pitched tone. The band pulls influences from obscure French Goth bands and infuses darker elements into more upbeat melodies.

“Hyatt Girls” starts the album on an upbeat note, at least melodically. Miller sings about the fundamental desire to be with someone and isn’t afraid of being vulnerable: “the one thing we have in common is the one thing we need the most … we need someone to hold.”

“Opposite of Rhyming,” however, snarls its way into your mind with a rougher sound. It begs, it pleads, it ponders, but it also asserts an important question about beauty and aesthetics and how obsessing over it can lead us to pain. Miller does his best to frantically recite transcending lyrics over his band mates’ fast paced instrumentals.

“American Infantile” is reminiscent of a great Goth song with 80s pop influences. The bass lines and drum beats are so funky and prominent. It sounds like it belongs in the set list for an underground dance party, the kind filled with black attire and slinky vibes.

“Fragile Magic” paints a picture of opposing images. Beautiful women with troubled minds collide with good intentions and love becomes a fragile flame.

“Going Out” keeps with the album’s momentum. It asserts an urgency and distance all while pleading for a connection with someone or something.

“I think I’m going out of my mind, so tell me I’m fine or tell me I’m crazy.”

“House of Dolls” closes the album with an almost disco undertone. The chorus gets in your head and brings together dark and edgy with chic and sensual.

The album on a whole is a strange, beautiful and dark creation. It makes you dance, think and feel on a higher level all within its carefully constructed melodies. Sensuality and an innate hunger are weaved throughout the album, and Miller uses fundamental desires to pose poignant questions about society. Despite its hard exterior, there’s a vulnerability to this album that is refreshing.

“I wanted to get dark, but celebrational,” Miller said about the album’s sound and direction.

He and band mates Mike Delgado and Danny DeLeon worked tirelessly in their recording space in L.A. to craft their album and paid attention to every sonic detail.

Miller has been fronting Moving Units for the past 15 years and said working on this album has been very fun and inspiring.

“Damage With Care” is certainly not your typical music concoction, but if you’re not afraid of exploring a more obscure side of yourself, I highly suggest checking out Moving Units.

Moving Units kick off their “Damage With Care” tour with two shows in Southern California: May 26 in San Diego and May 27 in L.A. For more information, visit the band’s Facebook.

Essential Tracks: “Opposite of Rhyming” “House of Dolls” and “Fragile Magic”

Source:: Moving Units: ‘Damage With Care’ moves bodies and minds

By pcsanchez7505

Silence. I sit on my balcony overlooking Glendale Boulevard, and all I can think of is how silent I feel. The wind stirs, and I have to break it with something softer … the sound of my own disbelief … the sound our hearts breaking … the sound of a dove crying.

As we painfully say goodbye to another beautiful music icon, I’m left wondering why is it that we feel so connected to these musicians? What drives us, compels us to take refuge in the lyrics, melodies and vision of artists? While I don’t have a definitive answer, I know that when music hits you in just the right way, you feel it in your soul. It resonates with every fiber of your being and becomes part of your molecules in the weirdest of ways.

Prince Rogers Nelson gave us his heart and soul, and we felt that unparalleled power and funk in every bone in our body.

Whenever someone important passes away we always want to talk about accolades: what that person accomplished, what they were famous for, what they won, what notoriety can be tacked onto their name. But what’s really important is who they were and why they did what they did.

The last time I wrote about a musician passing away I mentioned his innate connection to nature and incredible ability to be who he was with unwavering and unapologetic confidence — that manifested in anything from a lost astronaut named Major Tom to an enchanting Starman.

The same can be said for Prince. He too held himself to a higher standard. Gender conformity, sexuality, propriety and just about every other societal norm was a non-factor.

He didn’t care for such things. He couldn’t be bothered to. Prince had bigger things to accomplish and self expression was always the driving force behind his life. Music was his outlet and a window in which to see his world, a world where rain fell down in a glorious purple mist, where controversy was welcomed and Little Red Corvettes became the innuendo for a hell of a night.

He was a fantastic guitar player, a heralding lyricist and champion of love, equality and individualism. Sex symbol, rock legend, music icon, human being — that’s who Prince was, and his music was divine.

I remember my first taste of Prince some 15-16 years ago, riding in the backseat of my parents car on a Sunday night as they listened to Art Laboe’s Killer Oldies. Prince was almost always in the mix and I remember the first time I heard “When Doves Cry.” Who could forget the opening guitar riff and haunting drums? Not me.

The lyrics went over my head of course, but the beat of those drums, it was like they were matching the beat of my own heart. Those car rides hearing “Purple Rain” “When Doves Cry” “I Wanna Be Your Lover,” “Kiss” and so many more were so groovy.

You never get tired of music like that or of musicians like Prince. There’s a unique chemical reaction that happens with artists like him. He takes his time to make something truly captivating, then in the blink of an eye, he explodes onto a scene and takes over seemingly without any effort at all.

Coincidentally Prince came up in my car conversation fairly recently on a trip to San Diego. I was discussing bands, venues and all things music with a rather talented musician. At one point we were talking about venues with amazing acoustics and artists we’d like to see. Prince of course entered our conversation.

Looking back at that moment, it’s disheartening to know I’ll never hear him live. But, I also remember the amazing smile that lit up my friend’s face when he mentioned seeing Prince a few years back.

That moment is the reason I love music. It’s the moment you realize music is a tangible and exhilarating thing that manifests in our heartbeats, our smiles and our minds. In every way possible, music changes us (at least for that moment) to make us feel like better people.

Prince made us better people. He was as passionate as he was gentle, as striking as he was subtle. His music was more than just a collection of sound, it was a novel, a compelling musical we could live our lives to. With Prince we could be as freaky as we wanted. We could be free.

Prince’s career spanned over 40 years. In that time he won seven Grammys, collaborated with countless musicians and released a truly expansive discography. His performances have been documented many times over, and his elaborate, strange and amazing stage presence is captured in short bursts of film.

If you want to really know about the mark he left in this world though, just ask his countless fans about the first time they heard him or the many times his music has made them feel better.

Rest easy Prince Rogers Nelson. Your music will live on in the hearts and souls of those who loved you.

Source:: Prince: That time I heard a dove cry

By pcsanchez7505

I firmly believe that everyone needs a good, somber pop song in their life. Everyone. And Midwestern band Bad Bad Hats are the perfect combination of upbeat and incredibly somber, distilling indie and pop to create a quirky and unique sound.

The trio met while attending college in Minnesota. Kerry Alexander (vocals, guitar,) and Chris Hoge (drums) began writing songs in 2010, and in 2012 added friend Noah Boswell (bass) to complete the group. Since then they’ve released two EPs and a full length album.

Bad Bad Hats are exactly what I love about pop music. Their melodies are infectious and catchy, and their lyrics are simple and say exactly what’s on your mind. The best thing a pop song can do is be accessible while still having a little bit of depth – such is the case for Bad Bad Hats’ discography.

As the main songwriter, Alexander writes from a poignant point of view and isn’t afraid to be overly sentimental. The band’s EP “It Hurts” is a prime example of Alexander’s ability to write from the heart without remorse.

“So you want to know just how I feel about you? I could live without you, just don’t want to. I crossed my heart and hoped to die. But my heart says your dying to cross my mind,” Alexander sings in the EP’s title track.

The band’s full length album, “Psychic Reader,” released July 2015, is full of great tunes that are filled with honesty, sass and a little frustration. Alexander pulls deep from her heart with insightful lyrics and cheeky tones.

From the beginning we feel the sweet angst in “Midway.” It’s a beautiful introduction to the album. There’s no ifs, ands or buts, only a lingering desire and an unmade mind. It’s slow at first but picks up during the chorus. Alexander and her band mates don’t stay soft for too long though.

In the second track, “Shame” the band picks up the tempo and snark to give us a taste of unapologetic resentment.

“Loved you once, shame on me, loved you twice count to three … I don’t want to be afraid of you always running away. I don’t wanna get used to you never coming my way.”

Alexander sings as if she doesn’t care about what others think and even throws in a little snarl midway. Her blunt attitude shifts gears almost as suddenly as her lyrics find their way into our hearts.

“Psychic Reader” starts off with lofty guitar riffs and subtle drums and bass that carry you along. Alexander’s voice comes shining through and invites you to indulge in falling in love – the kind of love that makes your head spin and assures you that divine passion exists.

While cosmic love is fine and dandy, my favorite song on the album is not so assuring.

“Things We Never Say” is not only my favorite track from the band, but it’s quite possibly the perfect indie pop song. Alexander gives the band a break and pulls out an acoustic guitar to show her softer side (not as soft as the sweaters available at their merch table), to play a wonderfully thoughtful song with lyrics that reel you in right from the opening lines.

“You never say you love me, but you never let me fight you. Can’t get you off my mind, babe, so I bought this dress to spite you. I’ll wear it cause I hate you, cause you don’t know what you got. Then I’ll wear it to your house, and I’ll let you take it off … cause I wanna be the one who holds you.”

Alexander surrenders to complete vulnerability saying the things we often think but dare not speak. There’s no sass, no resentment, just candor and reflection. It’s somber and heart wrenching in the most believable way – sometimes we just want to love someone, and even when it doesn’t work out, we’re still glad we had the experience in the first place. Exposing yourself to a selfless love is hard. To write about it is even harder. Alexander does it quite beautifully though.

That’s not to say that speaking up for yourself is any bit easier, but Alexander does that just as well. In “Say Nothing” Alexander cuts to the chase and expresses frustration with an aloof love interest. It’s her time to turn the tables and walk away for a change, and it feels damn good and empowering.

The album ends with a very nostalgic sounding tune straight from a 90s pop playlist – the perfect way to end their debut album.

The more I listen to Bad Bad Hats the more I’m delighted by them. They’ve managed to combine all the quirky goodness of the Midwest with everything right about 90s pop music. Of course, the band adds their own flair to a very popular genre and manages to find their own niche in modern day music.

Bad Bad Hats recently strolled through the states opening up for Third Eye Blind. I’m hoping they add some headlining shows of their own, but for now, their album will have to do.

You can listen to more of Bad Bad Hats (or buy those soft sweaters!) via their website.

Source:: Bad Bad Hats are very, very good

By pcsanchez7505

There’s something inherently sexy about The Last Shadow Puppets’ (TLSP) music. The band, a side project formed by Arctic Monkeys’ front man Alex Turner and British musician Miles Kane, has a blatant sensuality.

Their music falls somewhere between a 50s doo-wop tune and 60s rock ‘n’ roll. It’s clever, serenading and a little dark. TLSP’s first album, “The Age of Understatement,” was released circa 2007 after which they toured infrequently then stepped away to return to their main bands. Fans of the duo wanted more but were met with silence.

Last year though, TLSP announced they were working on a new album. On April 1, “Everything You’ve Come To Expect” was released to hungry fans.

Aptly titled, it’s everything you’d want and expect to hear from Turner and Kane. Their innate chemistry on stage and in the studio shines through brilliant lyrics and infectious melodies. It’s an album oozing with sensuality, and admittedly is a little self-indulgent. But, the instrumentals and vocals give it a smooth sound that would feel right at home in a James Bond film where sex, danger and desire all collide. It has a lingering feeling to it, rolling and oh so cool, but still heavy and very rock ‘n’ roll.

The first half of “Everything You’ve Come To Expect” is filled with gorgeous songs that include strings, heavy guitar riffs and crooning vocals. Turner and Kane let you know right from the beginning they’re here to set bodies in motion in one way or another.

“Aviation” starts the album off with an eerie screech that wheels into a fast paced and melodic tune. The song is powerful with a certain sexual prowess that quite simply makes you feel aloof and a little ostentatious – walking down the street while listening to this song clad in a leather jacket, boots and pomade would fit perfectly.

“Miracle Aligner” on the other hand is a little softer. It’s sensual, but not in a conventional way. The lyrics are undoubtedly filled with desire, but there’s a beautiful innocence to a not so innocent song. Lyrics, melody and vocals line up effortlessly in a song all about idiosyncrasies when the lights are low.

“So what’s the wish you’ll make it come true, simple as a line out of a doo-wop tune. He’ll make the moves … But he can’t deny he was born to blow your mind, or something along those lines.”

The album is smooth, a little wrong but makes you feel satisfied in just the right way. It creeps up on you slowly, pulls you in and hooks you into an endless reel of sexuality and dark desire. It has the element of surprise, which coincidentally is the name of the fifth track, a slinky number filled with colorful lyrics.

“The trouble with the chase is it’s so easy to crash/why color in the lines if you’re just painting it black?”

Turner’s lyrics are at times vague and other times incredibly personal. In “Sweet Dreams, TN” Turner admits the lyrics are more like a love letter, and he only felt comfortable recording it after he received permission from the recipient. The song is sweet, somber and extremely honest with just a bit of an edge.

“I just sort of always sort of feel sick without you baby. I ain’t got anything to lick without you baby. Nothing seems to stick without you baby. Ain’t I fallen in love.”

While the lyrics in “Sweet Dreams, TN” are earnest and honest, “Used To Be My Girl” is the complete opposite. It’s probably my favorite song off the album just because the lyrics are so dark and gritty with striking vocals and instrumentals to match.

“I’m a phony. I’m a fake, a fraud, a snake. Give me all your love so I can fill you up with hate.”

It depicts a crooked and toxic love, but the melody makes you want to shake and jive like you’re at a 1960s underground party.

The album does come off as self-indulgent at times. Turner and Kane leave no room for doubt about their sexy rock star status, but the duo comes together to write some striking lyrics.

In “The Dream Synopsis” Turner recounts his times spent fawning over a girl. Melodically, it’s the most different on the album. It’s slower and comes off as a conversation set to music.

“Visions of the past and possible future, Shoot through my mind and I can’t let go, Inseparable opposing images. When can you come back again?”

“Everything You’ve Come To Expect is a great sophomore album for TLSP and features other musicians such as Mini Mansion’s guitarist Zach Dawes. The group is a collaboration of friends and the album, an experimental project that for the most part, holds together very well.

TLSP will continue to tour in the United States with a few stops at major festivals including Coachella and Outside Lands. You can listen to more of their music via their website.

Essential Tracks: “Aviation,” “Miracle Aligner,” “Sweet Dreams, TN” and “Everything You’ve Come to Expect”

Source:: The Last Shadow Puppets: The sophomore album you’ve come to expect

By pcsanchez7505

I’m in love with a man. Yes, sweet surrender has finally come my way, and I’m not ashamed to say it. I love you John Tillman, I mean Father John Misty.

OK, so maybe I’m just in love with his stage presence. The “I love You Honeybear” musician is not your typical rocker. Sure he has the looks — tall, lanky with long hair and a beard begging to be stoked. His music though, isn’t like anything you’ll hear on the radio. Set to overindulgent melodies and rich vocals singing lyrics of sarcastic self-enlightenment, FJM’s music is anything but ordinary. His live shows are equally as satisfying.

FJM recently began his tour with two nights at The Observatory in Santa Ana. His performances were filled with theatrics, decadent dance moves and one of the best pop covers I’ve heard in a while.

Tess and Dave, March 31

The night started out with Tess and Dave, a quirky and energetic duo whose unique blend of folk and electronic music filled The Observatory with rambunctious vibes and sick dance routines. Whether they were singing about sinking that 7th, 8th … 20th beer, or harmonizing to sweet love songs, the two got the crowd moving and put everyone in a great mood.

Tess and Dave, Long Beach natives, are both friends of FJM and he brought them on stage to help with his performance.

Now, when I said I loved FJM, I meant it. Unfortunately, I have some competition. Throughout Thursday night, the sultry singer dropped to his knees multiple times and was adorned with loving hands and longing fans who screamed, sang and danced with all the intensity of FJM himself. It’s no wonder he’s made believers out of us.

Over the top theatrics are an understatement when it comes to describing what went down Thursday night. FJM moved his with a ferocity and zealous passion overcome with the purest rapture.

His alter was the stage and we, his faithful fans, were the centerpiece for the most bizarre and delightful night I’ve had the fortune of witnessing. It’s not every day a musician will serenade fans with lyrics of hating all the same things and being bored in the USA.

“I Love You Honeybear” was one of my favorite albums from last year, but you haven’t truly appreciated FJM’s music until you’ve heard it live. Add in his steamy cover of Rhianna’s “Kiss it Better” and you’ve got the perfect combination of lust, lavishness and self-indulgence.

If you haven’t heard “I Love You Honeybear,” I highly suggest taking some time for yourself and FJM. Things may get weird, but it’s worth it.

The album, like all his work, creates a very different story line about love and life. It avoids being overly sentimental, and the lyrics are absolutely opulent with just a hint of sarcasm. FJM catches us somewhere between a day-dreaming loner and overbearing lover spewing hedonistic inner-monologues.

FJM continues his tour across the states and will be back in Los Angeles for FYF Fest.

For more about FJM, visit his Facebook page.

Source:: I love you Father John Misty

By pcsanchez7505

Every day is a good day according to Jared Pellerin, better known as Pell Yeah. The young rapper from New Orleans has been moving forward ever since his family was pushed out of his hometown by Hurricane Katrina. That push didn’t keep Pellerin down though and was the catalyst for a dream that is slowly becoming a reality. He explained that although his family lost most of their possessions, his music, culture and identity were deeply embedded into him and remains throughout every hardship and success.

Pellerin’s combination of deeply personal lyrics and eclectic sonic arrangement has branded the rapper as a force to be reckoned with. In 2014, he was included in Complex’s Top 25 Rappers to Know list, and he has toured around the states, even playing secret shows in downtown Los Angeles with music organization Sofar Sounds.

With a positive message and a smile that won’t quit, Pellerin keeps his friends close and music even closer. He is a rambunctious singer/rapper who indulges in having fun on stage, asking for crowd participation and grooving to his simple, yet catchy beats.

Whether he’s performing on the stage of SXSW or acoustically in an underground warehouse, Pellerin attracts an audience and gets the crowd moving.

You can hear more of his music here.

Source:: Pell Yeah: Young new artist gaining momentum

By pcsanchez7505

Seattle based band Hey Marseilles started the year out strong with their self-titled album “Hey Marseilles.” The album, released in early February, is a great example of the band’s sound and overall demeanor.

Hey Marseilles, comprised of Matt Bishop (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Nick Ward (guitar,) Phil Kobernik (piano), Sam Anderson (cello, electric bass), Jacob Anderson (violin, cello) and Victor Olavarria (drums), is a charismatic band whose music is a combination of sincerity and wit. Bishop’s lyrics are often a mix of love and longing, and the way the band weaves in different instrumentals and sounds makes for beautifully somber songs and stirring tunes.

“Hey Marseilles” begins with “Eyes on You,” an upbeat track that has just a little bit of heartache packed into its lyrics. From the very first drum beat to Bishop’s outstanding vocals, the song starts the album off in the right direction and never wavers – the band may have their eyes on us, but we’ve got both ears open and ready for more.

This album knows just how to pull at our heartstrings and even has a whole song dedicated to that weird little ticker inside our chests that makes us feel crazy things when we’re in or out of love.

Bishop sings in “My Heart,” “It could be closer, but it’s not over, all the true things, all that you bring. I spoke it and I know it, can’t control this wild emotion, my heart.”

While “My Heart” is full of pain and mixed emotions, Bishop and his band mates give us sweet surrender in “Perfect OK,” one of my favorite tracks on the album. The song is sweet, catchy and makes you feel good about the everyday and extraordinary normalcy of living and being in love. The song reminds those of us who are constantly searching for something more that sometimes the answers are right in front of us.

The album itself is full of surprisingly sentimental tunes and upbeat pop genius. Melodies are rich at some points and sparse at others. The band either fills us up or leaves us feeling empty. In “North and South” the band strips down their sound to focus on the lyrics which are undoubtedly the most painful and beautiful on the album.

Bishop sings, “I keep what I can, at the bottom, away from them, and you reach for it all, through the floorboards until I fall, only on the brighter days do I even try, slow my breath and leave the rest aside, you’re my night … “

The band has no trouble making their own brand of uniquely indie/folk rock, but they also pay homage to one of rock and roll’s greatest heroes. Hey Marseilles added in “Heroes” toward the end of their album, giving their own flare to a classic David Bowie song.

All in all, Hey Marseilles gave us a lovely album that translates well into the band’s live performances which are just as brilliant as their music. This past weekend I was able to catch the band in Los Angeles at the Echo and in San Diego at the Soda Bar. Both performances were charming, fun and full of great music. Everything from the band’s stage presence to the sound tech was as good as it gets.

Every time the band steps on stage they bring a little something extra to their music and always give the audience a special experience.

After a three-month tour across the states, the band has returned to the West coast – the best coast and place they call home. If you missed their stop in Southern California last weekend, you can still find their music here. So, take a chance on these charming Seattle guys and spend the day dancing to “Hey Marseilles.”

Essential Tracks: “Eyes on You,” “Perfect OK” “West Coast” and “North and South”

Source:: Hey Marseilles: Seattle’s best