With an full-length in 2012 and an EP in ’13 under the name Soft Swells, Tim Williams found more expansive territory for his music that on his three “singer-songwriter” albums. His growth spurt must’ve felt good – Soft Swells’ relentlessly upbeat songs are the ocean breeze to cynicism’s summer heat. And, as it turns out, Williams […]
Toronto’s Austra returns with a new EP titled “Habitat,” a collection of four songs that continue to combine the ethereal with the haunting in electronic music. However, there is a good chunk of music in there without Katie Stelmanis’ operatic vocals this time around. There isn’t even a peep from Stelmanis until a little before […]
Here’s the first Monday in July, hope it’s good for ya: ‣ Indie-rock quartet LA Font kicks off its residency at the Satellite, supported by the Black & the White, Fim and Lime Cordiale. ‣ At the Bootleg, it’s residents Hi Ho Silver Oh, along with Fellow Bohemian, Cassorla and Rainman. ‣ Corners [pictured] kick […]
Incoming: Zak Waters, Cher, Hi Ho Silver Oh, Corners, LA Font, S. Carey, the Bolts, Kilo Virga, Skin N Bones, KISS, Def Leppard, Joshua bell, Town in the City, Los Mysterious, Prayers, The Herbert Bail Orchestra, Peter Matthew Bauer, John Murry, GoldStar, The Mowgli’s, Waters, Cloud Nothings, METZ, The Count Basie Orchestra, Via Echo, Charlie […]
Wrap up your holiday weekend by joining me at 9 tonight on KCSN (88.5 FM, streaming  at KCSN.org) for this week’s L.A. Buzz Bands Show. It’ll be kind of a “free concert” preview – I’ll have songs from three of the artists  playing Chinatown Summer Nights on July 12 (Madi Diaz, Black Apples and Francisco […]
For limelight newbies Phox, the petite stage of the Echo offered only a little bit more elbow room for six members than their tour van does. But judging by their clean-cut attire Tuesday and sold-out room, you’d never guess this band isn’t from around here, much less that they’re on a national headlining tour. ||| […]
Winding up your holiday weekend: ‣ The Off Sunset Street Festival goes off on Santa Monica Boulevard (between Hoover and Sunset), with a musical lineup featuring My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, the Record Company, GayC/DC, Handsome As Sin, the Mo-Odds, Fly N Lion, Barrio Tiger and Fur Factor. ‣ Long-running U.K. electro duo […]
And your 4th of July weekend continues: ‣ Peter Murphy does a second night at the El Rey Theatre this week. My Jerusalem supports. [That’s Murphy’s video for “Hang Up” above.] ‣ Want to continue celebrating the holiday with outdoor music and food? Then Stones Throw Picnic at California Plaza featuring sets by Peanut Butter Wolf, Dam-Funk, […]
Spend part of Independence Day with The Independent FM? Sure, why not. Whether you are enjoying this lazy, hazy Friday or making preparations for tonight, I’ve got the perfect midday soundtrack: The Buzz Bands LA show, kicking off at 11 a.m. Tune in for “Fourth of July” by King Washington, or “4th of July” by […]
Have a safe Fourth of July: ‣ Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers and Edie Brickell do a third night at the Hollywood Bowl, capped by the venue’s signature fireworks display. ‣Â Semi Precious Weapons plays the pre-fireworks set (8:15 p.m.) at radio station 98.7’s ALTimate Block Party, the free concert going off at Grand […]
