Listen: Pollimer – “Summer Nights”
If you liked that, check out Pollimer’s new EP, Find Me
Tag Archives: Los Angeles
Newest Love: Slaptop
Listen: Slaptop – “Sunrise”
Slaptop was born in the abandoned buildings and forgotten beaches of the Northern California Coast. His music evokes feelings of wandering through sun-soaked adventures and chasing a wild youthful spirit. His debut single, “Sunrise,” is about a group of friends embarking on an all-night adventure that culminates in watching the sunrise together. They call it a “Sunsquad.” The single was fittingly written and produced over the course of one night in Slaptop’s college dorm room.
“Filled to the brim with a cluster of melodic elements such as subtle drum and xylophone patterns, sexy saxophone solo’s, and lyrics that bring chill vibes to the production…will have you hitting the replay button repetitively” – This Song Is Sick
Slaptop DJ Set:
6/27: San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge (w/ STRFKR) (tix stage 10pm / all ages)
7/26: Los Angeles, CA @ The Standard Downtown (stage 1-2pm)
Filed under Awesome, Check 'em Out!, listen, Newest Love
Newest Love: Tapioca and the Flea
Los Angeles electro-pop outfit Tapioca and the Flea (TATF) have premiered the brand-new video for their new single “Take It Slow”, which premiered last week and is available on iTunes. The video shot by ENDS (creative collaboration between director duo Daniel Iglesias Jr. & Zack Sekuler), who is also responsible for The Neighbourhood’s “Sweater Weather” and “Afraid”, chronicles the highs and the lows of a chaotic relationship. “Take It Slow,” which was produced by Crystal Castles’ Ethan Kath, is TATF’s contribution to Red Bull Sound Select’s forthcoming Limited Edition Split 7″, to be released as free gift with purchase on Record Store Day (April 19) at all participating retailers in the US.
PopMatters had this to say about the track, “Just don’t let the title fool you, since “Take It Slow” is a brisk, catchy synth-driven number, a combination of old-fashioned pop-minded songwriting and a state-of-the-art vibe.” TATF will bring their high energy show to Los Angeles’s Amoeba Music (6400 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028) for an in-store performance this Saturday, April 19th at 6 PM.
Tapioca and the Flea began as a bedroom project of Samuel Jacob-Lopez, Jr. As the son of a Puerto Rican DJ and salsa dancer, the LA-based artist fell in love with rhythm at an early age. Growing up skateboarding to the sounds of artists like Syd Barret, Radiohead and Dr. Dre, Tapioca and the Flea, found its own eclectic blend of psych, indie rock, and electronic music. In 2011, he recruited three of his best friends – drummer Matt McClanahan, guitarist Ronnie Watson and bassist/keyboardist Frank Alva – and the full electro-pop band was fleshed out. Tapioca and the Flea gained momentum in their native L.A. on the strength of their psychedelic dance tracks “Mellotron” and “Home” and have opened for such acts as CSS and Young the Giant. The band has won praise and support from OC Weekly, who nominated them for Best New Artist of 2014 and The Owl Mag, who described their music as “the soundtrack to the world’s coolest underwater dance.”
Filed under Awesome, Check 'em Out!, listen, Newest Love, Shows, video
Download: Leftover Cuties – “One Heart”
“…Leftover Cuties have added a breath of fresh air to L.A.’s music scene.”
– Paste Magazine“The Olympics’ most surprise breakout band was California jazz-pop outfit the Leftover Cuties.”
– Billboard
Los Angeles-based noir-pop quartet Leftover Cuties are primed to release their sophomore full-length album, The Spark & The Fire, on July 23rd! Returning with their irresistible knack for modern classics, Leftover Cuties seamlessly blend timeless songwriting with a nouveau eclectic edge that is both sophisticated and accessible.
Fans and music lovers will be rewarded with a 12-track journey that swings easily from smoke-filled Bourbon St. speakeasies to quiet island getaways. Shirli McAllen’s silky voice provides the hook as the band’s sound pulls you in with upright bass, accordion, piano, brass, brushed drums, and yes, the ukulele.
“One Heart” is a powerhouse track, with handclaps and stomping percussion marching alongside seductive vocals & smoky melodies.
Listen/download: Leftover Cuties – “One Heart”
Starting this summer Leftover Cuties will embark on a full US Tour, giving new fans their first chance to see the Cuties captivating live show. The tour will start in California, with stops in New York, Chicago, St. Louis, Boston, Montreal and more.
Leftover Cuties first came to global recognition when their tune “Game Called Life,”was chosen as the opening theme of Showtime’s hit series, The Big C. Their music has also been heard in worldwide ad campaigns for the likes of Samsung & Hyundai.
Leftover Cuties has performed alongside Shelby Lynne, Alabama Shakes, Honeyhoney, Kinna Grannis, Kitty Daisy & Lewis, Saint Motel, the Be Good Tanyas and many more.
Leftover Cuties Tour Dates
6/14: Santa Monica, CA @ Casa Del Mar
6/20-6/22: Las Vegas, NV @ The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
6/28: Santa Monica, CA @ Casa Del Mar
7/12: San Francisco, CA @ Hotel Utah
7/13: Grass Valley, CA @ California WorldFest
7/14: Grass Valley, CA @ California WorldFest
7/17: Minneapolis, MN @ Dakota Jazz Club
7/18: Rochester, MN @ Thursdays on First & 3rd
7/20: Louisville, KY @ Lebowski Fest
7/21: St. Louis, MO @ Old Rock House
7/22: Chicago, IL @ Schubas
7/23: Ann Arbor, MI @ The Ark
7/25: Toronto, ON @ Rivoli
7/26: Montreal, QC @ Quai Des Brumes
7/28: Winooski, VT @ The Monkey House
7/31: Boston, MA @ Regattabar
8/3: New York, NY @ Rockwood Music Hall
8/4: Bethlehem, PA @ Musikfest
8/6: Arlington, VA @ Iota Club
8/7: Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
8/9: Tampa, FL @ Straz Center at Jaeb Theater
8/10: Jacksonville, FL @ Underbelly
8/12: Mandeville, LA @ Ruby’s Roadhouse
8/13: Fort Worth, TX @ Live Oak Music Hall
8/14: Austin, TX @ Stubbs Jr.
8/17: Phoenix, AZ @ MIM Music Theater
8/21: Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg Bar
9/4: Seattle, WA @ Triple Door
9/5: Portland, OR @ White Eagle Saloon
9/7: Fresno, CA @ The Painted Table
9/8: Larkspur, CA @ Marin Country Mart
9/13: San Diego, CA @ The Griffin
Filed under Awesome, downloads, new albums, Shows
FILTER Magazine’s 4th Annual Culture Collide Festival
• Phoenix with special guest Dinosaur Jr open the festival with Official Culture Collide Kick Off Show presented by Goldenvoice on Oct. 9 ^ (Separate Ticket Required)
• $20 limited wristbands available through midnight, June 16, at Ticketfly.com
• 25+ counties slated to participate featuring quality music, comedy, industry panels, happy hours and more
• Saturday outdoor stage added to the festival
FILTER Magazine’s reputation for delivering premier artists and uncovering new talent is bolstered each year when it brings the best bands from around the world to Los Angeles. Curated by music and lifestyle tastemaker publication, FILTER’s Culture Collide returns to Los Angeles’ Echo Park for its fourth exciting year October 9-12. This unique multi-day experience celebrating creative curiosity stretches across some of LA’s most renowned and intimate venues, where attendees are bound to discover their new favorite international band, as well as FILTER’s own favorite headliners, artists, comedians, industry experts and more. No passport needed, just a Culture Collide wristband.
Culture Collide – presented by FILTER Magazine and produced by FILTER Creative Group – proudly announces its first wave of confirmed artists including: Phoenix (France)^, Dinosaur Jr (US)^, Liars(US), The Raveonettes (Denmark), Miami Horror (Australia), King Khan & The Shrines (Canada, Germany), Iceage (Denmark), The Men (US), Rob Crow (Acoustic, US), Medicine (US), Alice Russell (UK), No Joy (Canada), Plastic Plates (AU), Mumiy Troll (Russia), The Great Wilderness (Costa Rica), SiMoN (Japan), StereonoiZ (Peru), Iza Lach (Poland) , Prāta Vētra (Latvia), Chateau Marmont (France), Maya Vik (Norway), Funeral Suits (Ireland), Mujuice (Russia), Hell Shovel (Greece, Germany, Canada, France), Wooster (US), Okta Logue (Germany), Instrumenti (Latvia), DENA (Bulgaria), PanSTARRS (Egypt), with many more to be announced in the coming months.
“We are so proud to be bringing our favorite bands to Los Angeles this October,” said FILTER co founder Alan Miller. “Culture Collide has really become THE destination to discover your new favorite band from around the world. We’d also like to thank our partners, because it is their continued support that enables Culture Collide to year after year deliver an amazing music experience for such a low price.”
Culture Collide Kick Off Tickets and Pre-Sale Wristband Info
Pre-sale tickets to Culture Collide’s Official Kick Off show for Phoenix with special guest Dinosaur Jr, presented by Goldenvoice, at the LA Sports Arena, go on sale this Thursday, June 6, 10 AM – 10 PM
Purchase Link: www.ticketmaster.com/Phoenix-tickets/artist/946877? (Use Password: BANKRUPT)
Public on sale: Friday, June 7 at 10am
Ticket prices: $39.50 & $49.50 + fees (8 ticket limit)
Limited Culture Collide Pre-Sale Wristbands Available Now
Culture Collide wristbands^ are on sale now via Ticket Fly for just $20 (for a limited time with the pre-sale code cc2013). Culture Collide wristbands will allow access to all general^ Culture Collude shows pending capacity. Must be 21 years of age or older. Ticket prices will increase to $30 at midnight June 16.
Link to Purchase Culture Collide Pre-Sale Wristbands: www.ticketf.ly/YnA2Zx
^ wristbands are not valid for special Culture Collide shows outside the Echo Park area including the kick off performance for Phoenix with special guest Dinosaur Jr on Wednesday October 9th
Filed under Events
2013 Culture Collide Festival
It’s official! FILTER Magazine’s fourth annual Culture Collide Festival will return this fall, bringing five days of compelling and distinctive music and more to Los Angeles. Running October 9-13, Culture Collide 2013 is slated to also feature the second annual Culture Collide Creative Summit -a collection of interactive panels and forums speaking to the evolving music and entertainment industries- as well as Comedy Collide showcases and a selection of daily globally-themed happy hours.
New this year, FILTER is offering early bird Culture Collide wristband tickets priced at just $20 for a limited time, before going up to the $30 general admission price later this spring.
“We have quite a few surprises up our sleeve for this year’s Culture Collide Festival,” said Alan Miller, co-founder and co-publisher of FILTER Magazine. “Not only will music fans continue to get the incredible and eclectic music experience they’ve come to expect, this year FILTER is looking to expand the festival without borders, further establishing Culture Collide as not just another music festival, but a complete lifestyle experience.”
FILTER Magazine’s Culture Collide is a five-day international music and arts festival taking place this October 9-13, hosting artists and bands from all over the US and the globe, as they bring their unique perspectives on music and culture to LA’s East Side. Culture Collide can be summed up as a musical melting pot where live performances, showcases and diverse food and drink choices from around the world converge across multiple venues and stages.
Culture Collide Early Bird Ticket Purchase Info:
To purchase Culture Collide Early Bird Festival Tickets, priced at just $20, visit Ticketfly and enter the code: cc2013 at the official Culture Collide ticketing site.
Filed under Events
New: Houses Album Preview
It’s a product of quiet bedroom experimentation: subtly crafted for headphones, yet full enough to envelop a room in gorgeous melodies and exuberant sheets of sound– NPR
Recorded over the past year, splitting time between their new home of Los Angeles and Sonic Ranch ( Animal Collective, Beach House, At the Drive In, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s), the bliss-duo Houses are set to release sophomore album A Quiet Darkness on April 16th via Downtown Records.
The narrative of the album tells the story of a husband and wife separated in the midst of a nuclear disaster and their attempt to reunite with one another along the Highway 10 in California before their inevitable deaths, each song taking place in different abandoned houses along the way. Real life couple Dexter Tortoriello (also of Dawn Golden and the Rosy Cross) and Megan Messina made the trek themselves multiple times, to record sound and video at these abandoned houses that are featured on the album.
The album’s celestial ambiance and wanderlust concepts are conveyed throughout the recording with techniques employed by Dexter Tortoriello’s production and the stark contrast between the minimal electronic pulses, found sounds and meandering and melancholy harmonies. The ethereal sound on which Houses was built is woven through A Quiet Darkness, the 2013 release shows a deep and pensive side to a band who clearly encompass a darker side of bliss; a bold new bravado that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced love and loss. Look for Houses to preview some of A Quiet Darkness at this years SXSW and check out some additional tour dates below.
Stream: Houses – “Beginnings”
HOUSES LIVE DATES:
- 2/27 The Echo (LA)
- 3/13 SXSW (AUSTIN)
- 3/14 SXSW (AUSTIN)
- 3/15 SXSW (AUSTIN)
- 3/16 SXSW (AUSTIN)
- 3/28 Popscene (SF)
Filed under Highly Anticipated, listen, new albums, Shows, video, Whoa!
Check ‘Em Out: The Rebel Light
Check out this video for a song called “Goodbye Serenade” from LA band The Rebel Light.
You can also check out their EP and get download it for free here. Listen to “My Heroes Are Dead”, that’s my jam.
Filed under Check 'em Out!, downloads, video
Newest Love: Conquistador – “With a Love Like That”
“Conquistador slays the stage…mad lights…Love Boat disco beats, Zappa-flaired psychedelia and Bowie glam rock… Let Conquistador conquer your heart.” –Los Angeles Weekly
“Edwardian Ziggy Stardust goes to Transylvania,”–Los Angeles Times
“An amalgam of Bowie, Queen, synth-pop, disco, psych… -and the introspection of a sensitive oddball who’s been told many times he doesn’t fit in, but is actually more normal than most people.”-BLURT magazine
The site of Conquistador has an immediate impact. A staple of red carpets, festivals, and Los Angeles nightlife – Conquistador has been sparking interest worldwide and leaving “Who is THAT?!” on everyone’s lips. Conquistador is an LA based musician and artist. A champion of true freedom, his work champions individualism and is defiantly eccentric. His presence alone has a transformative effect on any space. His signature look consists of cat suits, a Ushanka Russian hat, and most notably his award winning moustache which made him the first American, first Jew, as well as the youngest competitor in history to win the title of “World Imperial Moustache Champion” at the World Beard and Mustache Championships, held in Brighton, England in 2007.
Conquistador’s playful and daring image is just one facet of his work; his music exhibits the same freedom, abandon, and rebelliousness. Conquistador grabbed national attention this fall when he unwittingly became one of the highlights of MTV’s 2012 VMAs and caused a sensation on the red carpet. The infectious spirit in his music and performance art has lead to Madness and the Afghan Whigs inviting him onstage at festival performances. The image and music have always been inseparable for Conquistador. He grew up with Sparks as neighbors and was inspired to wear lycra catsuits by Todd Rundgren and Alice Cooper. The glitter movement inspired him to be exactly who he wants to be at all times and Conquistador is paying the inspiration forward. He has already won a pair of Latin GRAMMY nominations for his co-writing with Kinky.
Conquistador may have the most recognizable moustache in Los Angeles. It’s landed him in the LA Times and tabloids on countless occasions. He has been able to use his moustache for humanitarian work and is a supporter of Movember, an international charity event where men are encouraged to grow a moustache for the month of November to raise awareness and money for prostate cancer research. He has recently traveled to Australia and New Zealand to promote the event.
Filed under Awesome, listen, Newest Love
Download: PAPA – “Put Me To Work”
Check out this song from PAPA who are working now on their album for 2013.
Listen/download: PAPA – “Put Me To Work”
Upcoming tour dates (all w/ Grouplove):
- Mon-Nov-5 Toronto, ON Phoenix Concert Theatre
- Tue-Nov-6 Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall
- Thu-Nov-8 Chicago, IL Riviera Theatre
- Sat-Nov-10 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
- Sun-Nov-11 Columbia, MO The Blue Note
- Tue-Nov-13 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine Theater
- Thu-Nov-15 Phoenix, AZ The Crescent Ballroom
- Fri-Nov-16 Santa Ana, CA Observatory
- Sat-Nov-17 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern
Filed under Awesome, Check 'em Out!, downloads, listen, Newest Love
Musically Amusing 