On Tour

Weekend Wrap Up: I Miss You Already

May 21, 2012 By Brent Leave a Comment

Last week was one for the books. Johnny Stimson proved daily why I’m the luckiest manager in the world. I can already hear him asking, “What city are we in now?” Data plans will be reached and exceeded and I may as well just glue my iPhone to my hand now. On Friday, I DJ’d a set at Eleven Nightclub and Johnny closed the evening with a live performance (video coming soon). Apparently, we were also the feisty group in the corner enjoying bottle service over a unique meshing of friends. Honestly, I wouldn’t have changed a thing, not even the walk home.

I realize the songs below make quite the unique playlist. My new motto for the moment is to not only find the ridiculousness in everything, but to embrace it without any preconceived notions. A mentor of mine once told me, “Brent, don’t try to explain. They won’t understand.” While I agree and disagree, it’s certainly dead on for some people. But what do you do when you don’t know how to explain something that you want to? I thought I had a hold on music until Sous Le Vent was sang to me this weekend, proving music, among the vocalist who serenaded me, now has the hold. What’s that quote I’m thinking of…? One day, someone will walk into your life and make you see why it never worked out with anyone else…

Other than that, there was a delicious dinner at Elle’s, couch intermingling during Planes Trains & Automobiles, retrieving my credit card famously left at a club from the night before, late night jacuzzi relaxation, French 18th century court dress up, and the solar eclipse that of course I stared directly into. Guess that means, I’ll have to step things up this week, which hopefully will include the new penguin exhibit in Long Beach. Penguins have always been one of my favorites – I respect their love ethic.

Something tells me my posts are going to keep getting more subliminal.

MP3: Never Let Me Go by Lana Del Rey
MP3: Sous Le Vent by Garou (Feat. Celine Dion)
MP3:Crazy Love by Audra Mae
MP3:Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart by Alicia Keys
MP3:When That Evening Sun Goes Down by Brett Dennen

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Filed Under: Downloads, Miscellaneous, On Tour

Leftover Cuties At The Hotel Cafe

May 17, 2012 By Brent Leave a Comment

The Hotel Cafe is one of my favorite venues. Hidden in an alley off the Cahuenga Boulevard strip, the Hotel Cafe originally opened as a coffee shop by Max Mamikunian and Marko Shafer, two aspiring screenwriters, but has quickly earned a reputation as a premier intimate performance space.

Needless to say, this venue was the perfect setting for the heartbreaking and heart-soaring songs of indie pop collective Leftover Cuties, where every note and every breath sounded crystal-clear. Embellished with jazzy horns and a bluesy guitar, the band opened with the title track from their debut album, 2011′s Places To Go. The song exemplifies Leftover Cuties’ signature sound: polished production qualities, accessible melodies and string accompaniment — blessed with the sonorous vocals of lead singer Shirli McAllen. I could almost feel the sun on my face as the fun sounds made me want to toss Hula-Hoops and surfboards into the car for a sojourn to the beach.

McAllen’s voice features variations in pitch, and the speed with which her pitch varies molds everything she sings into a work of art. To know her — or at least to watch her perform — is to love her. She is a natural performer with an emotional depth, accompanied onstage by an impressive and rare combination of creative talents. The upright bass (Ryan Feves), accordion and horns (Mike Bolger), brushed drums (Stuart Johnson), and ukulele (Austin Nicholsen) are a few tricks this band uses to lure its way into your heart and possibly break it. Have you ever loved anyone so dearly that it seems only a song could justify the feeling you have in your heart? McAllen’s voice personifies the very sound by which those words flow through my heart and mind.

Leftover Cuties played 15 tracks, rotating between the 11 blustery yet streetwise songs of their Tony Berg-produced Places To Go, and their new EP of cover songs, Departures, which features songs ranging from Regina Spektor’s “Fidelity” and Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” to Coldplay’s “Trouble.” The band even shared a couple songs they’re already working on for their new album just to ensure they completely satiated all of our summoned senses for the evening.

Last night’s set left me with chills. The way the band’s notes slide around, veering on the precipice, like they’re about to fall off the cliff, and the way McAllen achieves such emotional depth with such nuance and subtlety from her accompanying bandmates made for an inspiring performance. The crowd stood shoulder-to-shoulder, but that didn’t stop the sway of the room. How many bands can capture the sweet sadness of saying farewell to summer love with simple vocals over chugging drums and rich acoustic guitar plucks, while at the same time remind the listener that there are still memories to keep you warm in the fall?

It’s clear that Leftover Cuties’ journey has just begun, promising a rich and rewarding career, lovingly toying with one heart at a time.

Set List
“Places To Go”
“Everything I Got”
“Fidelity” (Regina Spektor cover)
“Sunnyside”
“Trouble” (Coldplay cover)
“Should’ve Left You”
“One Heart”
“Game Called Life”
“Clarity”
“Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”
“Poker Face” (Lady Gaga cover)
“Movin’ On”
“Thick And Thin”
“All These Men”
“You Are My Sunshine”

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Foxes: Let Go For Tonight

May 17, 2012 By Wes Leave a Comment

Foxes first burst into our ears back in early November last year with ‘Youth’, which easily was one of the best tracks of the year. Since November we have been completely enchanted with her powerful vocals, captivating genre smashing sound and intuitive lyrics. When something this good comes along it’s hard to fight lust for more, but we were patient…mostly. Our self-control was rewarded with ‘White Noise’, but we are greedy greedy fans and our lustful ways left us hungry for more. We are completely addicted.

We couldn’t have lasted much longer without another fix, so when Foxes gave us ‘Let Go For Tonight’, we embraced the warm euphoric musical high with arms open. ‘Let Go For Tonight’ is co-written by veteran songsmith Kid Harpoon, who you can partially thank for Florence + The Machine‘s brilliant Ceremonials. This is Foxes completely unbridled and exposed, her voices flows over the light synths and piano chords, resonating through the dark sound, piercing you in the heart with no hope of escape from her passionate grip.

‘Let Go For Tonight’ is lifted from her upcoming Warrior EP and will be released via Neon Gold Records on July 3. If you are in London tonight, you are a very lucky, as you can see her debut at the launch of Neon Gold’s Popshop UK tonight at Camp.

MP3: Let Go For Tonight [demo] by Foxes

Foxes Facebook
Foxes Twitter
Foxes Official

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Fun. Live at 9:30 Club

May 16, 2012 By Wes Leave a Comment

Fun. The three-piece band is made of lead singer Nate Ruess, Andrew Dost and Jack Antonoff took over DC for back to back nights of sold our shows at DC’s legendary 9:30 Club. This is the club that fueled my passion for concerts, live bands and the spark that led me to a life of music, so it was truly a treat to see Fun.‘s incredible effect on 9:30 and everyone who filled it to its 1,200 person capacity. I had forgotten the magnetic energy that overcomes 930 when it is at capacity and every person in the room is exploding with anticipation for the band they are about to see. It is an experience I have only felt on very rare and unquestionably special occasions. Fun. joined the ranks of very select group of bands, at one of the best venues in the United States that night.

The excitement was not for the audience alone. Fun. exuded a genuine elation, you could see it beaming from Nate’s face as he took the stage that Friday night. You saw it in moments when he would lose himself in a smile between songs and in the brief but awe-struck stares the entire band would have as they looked out over the capacity crowd. There is something very personal and beautiful when a group of musicians and their audience both equally enjoy and care about the music. It is a binding force. Primal. Sincere. Honest. The last artist I can remember having this affect on an audience was Robyn. I took over 50 pictures that night, not one can fully capture the experience and how unbelievable it all was. Some Nights are frozen in time, this was by far one the best I have ever had at 9:30 Club.

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[VIDEO PREMIERE] Friends: Mind Control + NA Tour Dates

May 15, 2012 By Wes Leave a Comment

Friends‘ newest track and video for ‘Mind Control’ is a trippy, primal, psyche-disco ride, and is fresh off it’s premiere on the NOISEY Youtube Channel. The video is an homage to 80′s dystopian sci-fi that mixes band performance, sinister vintage clips that evoke the over-the-top lyrics of ‘Mind Control’ “Hold holy only what you want/Mind control everywhere/Is trying to keep your brain washed”

Their debut album Manifest! drops on June 5th and can be preorder HERE The album will continue Friends‘ brazen and dyanmic take on making music packed with superfly bass, slinky synth, crybaby wah, bongo solo, group chants.

Friends will be touring the US starting June 13th, make sure to check them out when they are in town!

North American Tour Dates
June 13 Boston, MA Brighton Music Hall
June 14 Montreal, QC Lambi’s
June 15 Toronto, ON Lee’s Palace
June 16 Chicago, IL Schuba’s Tavern
June 17 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry
June 20 Seattle, WA Crocodile Café
June 22 Vancouver, BC Fortune
June 23 Portland, OR Doug Fir
June 25 San Francisco, CA Bottom of the Hill
June 26 Los Angeles, CA Echo
June 29 San Diego, CA The Casbah
June 30 Phoenix, AZ Crescent Ballroom
July 2 Austin, TX Mohawk
July 3 Houston, TX Fitzgerald’s Upstairs
July 5 Atlanta, GA The Earl
July 6 Washington, DC Rock N’ Roll Hotel
July 7 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom

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Ms Mr: Hurricane + Touring US with Marina & The Diamonds

May 11, 2012 By Wes 1 Comment

Alluringly dark, and twistingly poignant ‘Hurricane’ is the first single from Ms Mr and is an angtsy anthem for a new generation. The New York duo is kind enough to offer the track for free download at HERE. They will also be playing Brooklyn on June 1st, before they set off to tour with Marina & The Diamonds in July. Very dark and exciting things are set to come from Ms Mr.

Ms Mr Official
Ms Mr Facebook

Tour Dates MS MR:
* w/ Marina & The Diamonds

6/1 – Brooklyn, NY @ Glasslands Gallery
7/10 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre*
7/11 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore*
7/13 – Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theatre*
7/14 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox at the Market*
7/15 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom*
7/18 – Denver, CO @ The Summit Music Hall*
7/21 – Chicago, IL @ Park West*
8/14 – Washington D.C. @ 9:30 Club*
8/16 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall*
8/17 – Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of the Living Arts*

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GRAMMYs The Set List: Hoodie Allen At The El Rey Theatre

May 10, 2012 By Brent Leave a Comment

The El Rey Theatre, one of the best settings for promoters to book some of the best talent in the country, is a designated Historic-Cultural Monument currently serving as a live music venue in the Miracle Mile area of Los Angeles.

“El rey” means “the king” in Spanish, so it’s a fitting venue for New York-based rapper/songwriter Hoodie Allen, a man who holds the chief authority over the infamous Hoodie Mob. A preeminent talent and role model, Allen leads by a follow-your-dreams example. “Make every word count” has been his longtime mantra. It just so happens that Allen’s penchant for candid storytelling and witty punch lines builds a bridge between his lyrics and open-eared audiences who have come to relish his unconventional hip-hop. They were out in droves for his May 9 performance in Los Angeles.

Allen performed a collection of new and old songs, frequently leading the crowd in a sing-along as he swung the microphone over them. He maneuvered across the stage with an energetic spring in his step, connecting with the crowd from start to finish. Allen’s lead guitarist/background vocalist played with just as much sweat and passion. In the blink of an eye, Allen and his guitarist would switch sides as if attempting to defy gravity. The stage plot wouldn’t be complete without a live drummer banging on the kick and snare. Two-thirds of the way through the set, Allen exited along with Kyle, his DJ and a small entourage peaking in from stage left. The spotlight narrowed in on the drummer for an impressive solo, one that had the crowd questioning if he had a few extra arms. This gave the team a quick breather before performing the final portion of the show.

I caught wind of Allen on Aug. 4, 2010, when he submitted his track, “Words Of Wisdom,” to Kick Kick Snare. Since then, I feel like a proud parent in the bleachers, watching a kid playing Little League, except Allen went right past T-ball and started in the Major Leagues, as his talent has never been intermediate or typical. I’ve also never met an artist so genuinely interested in feedback from his fan base.

Best known for his free mixtapes, Pep Rally and Leap Year, Allen is part of a new generation of pop-rappers, trafficking clever lyricism and infectious melodies. Similar to Mac Miller, Asher Roth and Kosha Dillz, Allen’s approachability is key. He has always been an artist that understands the importance of connecting with his audience. Unlike the samples in his previous material, Allen’s new album, All American, is entirely original. Allen and his longtime collaborator, producer RJF, built all the beats by scratch. It’s the first piece of work Allen has put up for sale and it hit No. 1 on the iTunes chart. The album is undeniably catchy and tailor-made for crossover radio.

If Allen’s dream and desire is to create music that people love, I’m happy to report that Allen has long surpassed this obvious achievement. And what’s not to love? He sets an example that should be emulated by others as a role model for following his dreams, and for being independent and relying on his talents. Allen also fully appreciates that his art and dedication to his career wouldn’t exist without the support of his fans.

Set List:
“Tighten Up”
“Song For An Actress”
“No Faith In Brooklyn”
“The Chase Is On”
Medley of covers
“Can’t Hold Me Down”
“January Jones”
“Joy & Misery”
“#WhiteGirlProblems”
“Swimming With Sharks”
“James Franco”
“Soul On Fire”
“Top Of The World”
“Small Town”
“Eighteen Cool”
“You Are Not A Robot”
“No Interruption”