As we say goodbye to 2012 I felt it appropriate to say an official goodbye to the world of Rock Insider. I have not written on this site since early April so most have come to realize the end was near. I must say the prospect of closing up shop makes me well up with tears just writing the words but as with all good things they must come to an end. Rock Insider has been a music source, a soundboard, a heated argument, and my personal diary since 2005. Its hard to believe this site has existed for almost 8 years!
I sincerely want to thank all of my readers over the years who have stuck with me as well as the dear friends in the LA Music community including Kevin and Seraphina at LA Buzz Bands, everyone over at Radio Free Silverlake, Mouse at Classical Geek Theatre, not to mention all the bands, photographers, music lovers, and dreamers.
I will keep my archives open and active for everyone to read.
Welcome back to JAX’s “sometimes-like-whenever-i-feel-like-it” blog. I’m sorry for not posting very often bbs.
I discovered DIVE at SXSW this year and managed to fall so quickly for their psychadelic leaning brand of 90s twinged shoegaze I had to see them twice in one day.
IT’S THAT GOOD.
Debut album is out June 26th on the always amazing Captured Tracks.
Okay so I’m more than a little biased when it comes to RACES debut LP – Year Of The Witch. But I would be remiss not to inform you that they have their entire album streaming on their soundcloud page before out tomorrow on Frenchkiss Records!
Check it out below.
Los Angeles Readers: Don’t Miss their album release show this Fri. Mar 30th at The Echo with special guests Living Things and Incan Abraham. Purchasing advance tickets is strongly recommended.
Quit Mumbling Presents:
RACES
“YEAR OF THE WITCH” ALBUM RELEASE SHOW
Fri. March 30th
At The Echo
W/ Special Guests Living Things
3/20 Update: Incan Abraham just added to the bill!
Obviously I’m a little biased when it comes to Los Angeles based sextet RACES. Our very own JAXART Records released their debut 7 inch last April (still a few copies left here).
Since then, RACES have been slowly building a following in Southern California. They’ve toured part of the U.S. with El Ten Eleven, released a video for their debut single “Big Broom” on RollingStone.com (Watch), and even dropped in on Daytrotter.
The band are now gearing up for SXSW leading in to the release of their debut LP “Year of The Witch” – out March 30th via Frenchkiss Records. This week they premiered a new track from the release. Stream “Lies” below or download a free MP3 of the track in exchange for your email address right here.
Los Angeles Readers:RACES will celebrate their album release show Friday March 30th at The Echo with special guests Living Things. HIGHLY recommended that you order advance tickets now for only $8. This show will sell out.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day – So Many Wizards have unveiled the first track off their forthcoming debut full length. “Warm Nothing” LP will be out on JAXART Records later this year.
Stream “Lose Your Mind” below at Soundcloud. Don’t forget to purchase the single on ITUNES!
Hot chick driving a beautiful muscle car, destroying things, and smoking. Sometimes the simplest video concept can be fucking awesome. Watch Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s video for “Bicycle” below. Directed by Michael James Johnson.
Swedish duo Korallreven released one of my favorite albums of 2011. Today their new Marcus Söderlund directed video for “As Young As Yesterday” premiered. Personally I think this track deserved a little better treatment than slow motion skateboarding through a cityscape but the vid still works and the song stands on its own. Watch above.
How am I just now seeing this video? The Weeknd certainly knows how to put a unique stamp on things. Visually stunning and absolutely incredible. This is a TOTAL MUST WATCH.
Well today is seemingly all about I Break Horses - the Sweden based project of Maria Lindén and her musical partner Fredrik Balck. I haven’t been able to stop listening all morning.
Today the duo announced they will be playing their first U.S. shows supporting M83 in April/May. Really tremendous stuff. I encourage you to watch the video for wired and download “Winter Beats” below!
22-Apr San Francisco, CA Fillmore *
25-Apr Portland, OR Roseland *
26-Apr Seattle, WA Neptune *
27-Apr Vancouver, BC Vogue *
29-Apr Salt Lake City, UT In the Venue *
30-Apr Denver, CO Ogden *
1-May Lawrence, KS Granada *
2-May St Louis, MO Pageant *
4-May Chicago, IL Vic *
5-May Detroit, MI Majestic *
6-May Toronto, ON Sound Academy *
7-May Buffalo, NY Town Ballroom *
9-May Boston, MA House Of Blues *
10-May New York, NY Terminal 5 *
11-May Philadelphia, PA Union Transfer *
12-May Washington, DC 9:30 Club *
14-May Atlanta, GA Buckhead Theater *
15-May Nashville, TN Marathon Music Works *
17-May Houston, TX House of Blues *
18-May Austin, TX Stubb’s *
19-May Dallas, TX Granada *
21-May Phoenix, AZ Crescent
23-May Los Angeles, CA Echo
San Francisco based retro rock outfit Girls have arguably released the best album of 2011 in Father, Son, Holy Ghost. Their set at FYF Fest early this year showcased a larger band and more well rounded sound. I think its more than a little obvious that Girls show incredible promise to being a career band with may more to offer in the years to come.
Tonight they will perform live at the Music Box in Los Angeles, CA with Support from The Tyde, and Rock Insider Favs Melted Toys.
Want to go to the show? Send an email to [email protected]SUBJECT line: GIRLS TICKET GIVEAWAY. Winner will be chosen at random and notified before 5pm today!
The Echo has been my home away from home for the past 6 years and a huge part of my life in Los Angeles since moving here in 2003. This month the venue turns the BIG 1-0!
The Echo was the original home of HELL YA! Nights which hosted artists such as Sam Sparro, Chain Gang of 1974, Cold War Kids, Pop Levi, Foreign Born, 3 Oh 3, and Metro Station over the years. For many it was their first time ever playing the venue. The team Spaceland Presents have always been incedibly supportive of Rock Insider, JAXART, and the artists I’ve worked with over the years. 10 years down and many more to go!!
The Echo will be celebrating this landmark with a month of amazing anniversary shows including some up and coming music from the neighborhood. List of anniversary shows can be found below!
UPCOMING ECHO TEN YEAR SHOWS
DEC 2 ALLEN STONE * ZZ WARD
DEC 3 THE IRREGULAR WINE TASTING
DEC 8 CAVEMAN * RACES* HANDS
DEC 9 THE SOFT PACK * ABE VIGODA * SLANG CHICKENS * SO MANY WIZARDS
DEC 13 KIND HEARTS & CORONETS * BLACK FLAMINGO *SEASONS *VIRGINIA REED SPECIAL GUEST DJ: DEVENDRA BANHART
DEC 15 WHITE ARROWS * YOUNGBLOOD HAWK * POLLYN
DEC 16 SUPERHUMANOIDS*PAPA
DEC 17 HANG THE DJS VS CLUB UNDERGROUND WITH YIP DECEIVERS (OF MONTREAL)
DEC 22 THE FLING * YUKON BLONDE
DEC 28,29,30 THE GROWLERS (closing the party out with three nights)
I have been silently sitting on My Morning Jacket‘s latest album Circuital all year. Yesterday the band recieved a Grammy Nod for Best Alternative Album. Congrats!!!
Tonight My Morning Jacket stop in LA to play the Gibson Ampitheatre with support from Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings. Watch the video for “Holding On To Black Metal” below!
I have a soft spot for psychadelic leaning rock with whispy vocals – ESPECIALLY around this time of year. Which is why my discovery of Still Corners video for “Into The Trees” could not have come at a better time. The trippy kaleidoscopic video is the perfect way to start a morning.
If you have been reading my site for the last 6 years (WOW. 6 YEARS!) You know how thoroughly obsessed I am with both The Dodos and Neko Case. Finally FINALLY I got to see the pairing in action as The Dodos performed “Dont Try And Hide It” last night on Jimmy Fallon with assistance from the firey songstress.
