Twenty One Pilots at The Troubadour

Show: Twenty One Pilots

Venue: Troubadour, Los Angeles

Date: 2/20/13

Show #8

Last night I went to see a band called Twenty One Pilots at The Troubadour. Never heard of them? Well learn their name, because they're going to be big. Twenty One Pilots are a pop/rock/punk/rap duo from Ohio currently signed to Fueled by Ramen. A friend had told me about these guys a few months ago and from the moment I watched their video for "Guns for Hands" (which is an awesome video!) I've had their album Vessel on loop and knew I had to see them live.

I missed the first opening band the Echo Smiths, but made it in time to see another buzzworthy band called New Politics from Denmark. They're known for their latest single "Harlem" which just got picked up by KROQ.

The lead singer had moves like (no, not Jagger) Tyson Ritter from the All American Rejects, and the drummer looks like Adam Levine, so in addition to their fun upbeat songs, they're also easy on the eyes. Also, the lead singer is quite the break dancer!

After New Politics came Twenty One Pilots. This was one of those shows you get a special feeling about and by the end you find yourself asking the question "Holy shit, what did I just witness?". This was their first time playing in Los Angeles, and they made it quite obvious this was show was a big deal for them. All the record exec big wigs were sitting in the balcony watching the show and crowd reaction with great intent. I'm proud to say I don't think the crowd could have been any better or more responsive and totally shattered the LA crowd stereotype all bands dread. When we were asked to jump, we jumped, when we were asked to scream, we wailed and when we were asked to go nuts, we lost it and given the amazing show we were all witnessing, it was easy.

They actually did something I have ALWAYS wanted to see a band do, and that's make fun of how everyone pretends to say this is their last song, when we all know they're going to come out and do an encore. Lead singer Tyler did just that. He said "I'm going to say this is our last song, you're going to say aww, boo! But we all know that's not true, and you'll all cheer and scream for one more song, and we'll play another one." In fact, when the cheering started for one more song, they didn't even leave the stage, and instead assisted in cheering for one more song, which they then of course did, and ended with "Guns for Hands". I thought it was funny that even after all of that, everyone still stuck around staring at the stage waiting for another song, as if to have a real encore, but that didn't happen.

One of my favorite songs of theirs is actually a slower number called "Car Radio", which I recorded:

Semi-Automatic

I can't wait for these guys to come back to LA (which I'm going to predict their next show will be at a much bigger venue... maybe the Wiltern?). Until then, go get their album Vessel!

Ed Sheeran at Nokia Theatre

Show: Ed Sheeran 

Venue: Nokia Theatre

Date: 2/17/13

Show #7

Last week I went to see an artist who has quickly become one of my favorite acts to see live, Ed Sheeran. If you're not familiar with Ed Sheeran, he's an immensely talented singer/songwriter from the UK, most recently known for his Grammy nominated song "The A Team". I hate categorizing someone as amazing as Ed as just a singer/songwriter because he's so much more than that, but you have to listen for yourself to believe it. I personally fell in love with him for his song "Kiss Me" which came on my Pandora station last year and I've been hooked ever since.

At first glance, Ed Sheeran looks like a punk, high school drop out, probably because he was! He actually dropped out of school at the age of 16 and spent time moving from city to city performing at open mic nights until moving to LA and found someone willing to take a chance on him, and the rest is history. He's now 22 (as of the date of this show actually) and is just getting started.

Last Sunday was a big show for Sheeran as not only was it his 22nd birthday, it was the last show of the tour and his biggest headlining US show to date. His BFF Taylor Swift even tweeted Ed to wish a happy birthday to one of her "favorite humans" and good luck at the show.

Opening the show for him was another an Irish singer/songwriter named Foy Vance. I had heard of Foy only because of the last time I saw Ed at The Wiltern in October, he raved about how big of a fan of his he was, and that he would be joining him on his next tour. I had meant to look him up after that but forgot, and now I'm wishing I had. Like Ed, Foy Vance is a one man band. All he needs on stage is his guitar and a loop pedal. At one point he actually used a violin bow on his guitar! It was my first time seeing an opening act get a standing ovation, from a room full of teenage girls nonetheless!

Here are a few videos I recorded of Foy:

Next up was a pop/rap duo from the UK called the Rizzle Kicks. I had such a great time with these guys! It was a nonstop party from beginning to end. The highlight being when they performed their hit song "Mama do the hump" which is catchy as hell!

Finally it was time for Ed to take the stage. Earlier in the day he tweeted asking everyone coming to the show to dress up

Ed ended up coming out in a pirate costume, which I thought he was change or at least take his hat off after a few songs, but he kept it on the whole time.

Foy Vance joined Ed on stage for my favorite song, "Kiss Me"

Ed worked in 2pac to his song "Grade 8" and it was bad ass. This video also showcases what I mean when I say he's a one man band. He has his guitar rigged to provide a bass beat when he strikes it. Also watch for his rap break around 3:09.

The Rizzle Kicks and Foy Vance joined ed on stage for part of "You Need Me, I Don't Need You":

Moral of the story is, go see Ed Sheeran if you ever get the chance! You will be glad you did!

The Mowgli's & Terraplane Sun at The Satellite

Show: The Mowgli's and Terraplane Sun

Venue: The Satellite- Silverlake, CA

Date: 2/11/13

Show #6

Last week I had the pleasure of seeing (yet again) 2 of my favorite local bands, The Mowgli's and Terraplane Sun at coincidentally one of my favorite venues, The Satellite. The Mowgli's have the Monday night residency this month, which in case you didn't know, means free shows every Monday! So if you're 21+, I highly suggest you make it over to Silverlake to check out a show.

I got to the show late but I made it just in time to see the last song by opening band, Coyol (@COYOLmusic) and they made me wish I had gotten there sooner to see more! They have that folk/revival sound of the moment mixed with good ol' indie rock. At first glance, an unlikely duo, but the 2 lead singers voices could not be more different but compliment each other extremely well. Below is a video I recorded from the show, but to hear more from these guys, check out their Bandcamp page.

After Coyol was Terraplane Sun, which if you follow me on Twitter (@TheFanFiles) you probably already know how big of a fan I am of these guys. I've seen them more times than I can remember, but each time I do it's even better than the last. They're a blues rock band from Venice Beach, CA, and have played with such bands as Alabama Shakes and Imagine Dragons. Their eclectic sound, mesmerizing musicianship, undeniable swagger and good looks are what set them apart from the pack.

I recorded a video of their new song "The Weekend", which I instantly fell in love with. Check it out below:

The Mowgli's joined Terraplane on stage for a song

The Record Company on stage with Terraplane for a mind blowing performance. I recorded a clip of it here

After Terraplane Sun came The Mowgli's. The first time I actually saw both the Mowgli's and Terraplane was at The Mowgli's album release party last May at The Roxy. Clearly I had a good time at that show and I've come back for more.

The Mowgli's have have had quite the eventful year since I first saw them that night at The Roxy. They have since been signed to Photo Finish Records, performed on Jay Leno, and released their official video for "San Francisco". They're even going to be performing this Thursday on Jimmy Kimmel Live. They're a bunch of extremely talented, kindhearted individuals who go by the motto "Love's not dead" and I'm so excited to see all of their success unfolding. You can't help but dance your way through a Mowgli's show, they're always a great time!

They also performed a new song!

For a good chunk of the show I was about 6 inches from a Mowgli at any given moment. I was front row against the stage of a packed Satellite, and Colin and Michael loved to stand on the monitor that was directly in front of me which made for some fun photos. At one point Colin even took my camera (you can see below I got a shot of him reaching for it) and tried to take some photos from the stage, but unfortunately couldn't get any shots off, bummer!

To hear more from The Mowgli's, check out their Bandcamp page, or go see them this month at The Satellite!

Augustana at the Troubadour

Show: Augustana

Venue: Troubadour- Los Angeles, CA

Date: 2/2/13

Show #5

Earlier this month I went to see the acoustic Augustana (which at this point just means Dan and David) show at the Troubadour, and like every other time I've seen Dan, he was just incredible. If you're not familiar with Augustana, they had a big song in 2005 called "Boston".

Lauren Shera

Opening for them was a singer/songwriter named Lauren Shera. This girl was such a breath of fresh air. Her voice was so soft and beautiful with that old soul feel. She's one of those artists that when you watch them perform, you can't help but notice the joy being up on that stage brings them. So if you enjoy laid back, slightly depressing songs with thoughtful lyrics sung by an angelic old soul of a voice, you'll love Lauren Shera.

She did a great cover of the Black Keys song "Little Black Submarine"

I also recorded her song "Once I was a bird", which you can actually download for free right now on Noisetrade.com!

Next up was Augustana. This was my third time seeing Dan/Augustana, and every time I do, I can't help but be baffled by the fact that more people don't know and appreciate the enormous talent that is Dan Layus. In my opinion he's one of the most underrated artists around today. When Dan performs, he goes into another world, and he brings you with him. Ok that might be the cheesiest thing I've ever written, but it's true. You get completely lost in the show and forget about anything happening around you. You can always hear a pin drop at an Augustana show because everyone is so invested in what's happening on the stage. If you ever get a chance to see him live, do yourself a favor and get your ass to that show, you will not regret it.

He did a new song called "Youth is Wasted on the Young" which was great! I really hope the next album is all acoustic, he sounds so much better without a band behind him.

"Alive" is probably my favorite Augustana song. It's one of the most beautiful songs you'll ever hear and if it doesn't tug at your heart strings just a little, you're not human.

"Fire"

 

"Borrowed Time"

Pebaluna at Hotel Cafe

Show: Pebaluna

Venue: Hotel Cafe- Los Angeles, CA

Date: 1/25/13

Show #4

Ok, delayed post, sorry! Better late than never right?

Well last month I went to go see Pebaluna play the last night of their residency at Hotel Cafe. I mentioned them in an earlier post when I saw them open up for Andrew McMahon at the Viper Room a few weeks prior, which was my first introduction to these guys. I loved them so much I decided I needed to see them again, and I'm so glad I did!

Pebaluna is a blend of folky blues with a stripped down Motown feel. When I saw them open for Andrew it was just the the 2 main singers of the group Lauren and Matt doing an acoustic set, which was just amazing. Little did I know that I would see a completely different show at Hotel Cafe when they performed with their full band. It felt like an old fashioned jam session where you can't help but aggressively bob your head to the beat with your eyes closed. Don't lie, you know what I'm talking about!

I personally I fell in love with them for their acoustic stuff, so although the Hotel Cafe show was great, I would have preferred to have seen them do more acoustic songs. They have a series of videos on their YouTube Channel that showcases just how amazing they sound stripped down. Here's one of my favorites:

Here's also a few videos I recorded from the show that night:

"No I Can't"

"Waking Nightmares"

Their album "Carny Life" is out now, be sure to check it out! Also, if you go to their site now, you can download their acoustic sessions album for free! There's a song on there called Penguin Island that I'm kind of obsessed with. It talks about wanting to own a penguin, building bitchin boats and training parrots to open beers. Yes, it's pretty fantastic.

Ryan Cabrera, Tyler Hilton and Teddy Geiger at The Roxy

Show: Ryan Cabrera, Tyler Hilton and Teddy Geiger

Venue: The Roxy- Los Angeles, CA

Date: 1/19/13

Show #3

Yes, you read that correctly. The show I went to Saturday night could have easily been mistaken for a a dream team of a show in 2005, but in fact, I got to flash back to my senior year in high school and see 3 singer/song writer heartthrobs from yesteryear. All of which might I add, only got better with age.

I've been a Ryan Cabrera fan longer than I can remember and always go see him every chance I get. This may have been my 8th or 9th time seeing him. Here are a few pictures I got with him over the years.

Anyways, enough reminiscing! So Saturday night, I got to The Roxy around 8:30, and there was still quite the line outside to get in. I then overheard that the show ended up selling out, which made me both excited for the guys and upset I didn't get there earlier so I could be closer to the front.  I got inside, and it was packed! I hadn't seen the Roxy that packed in a long time. I had missed the opening act but got there just in time to see Teddy Geiger take the stage! If you're not familiar with Teddy, you may have heard his song "For You I Will". It came out in 2005 and it was EVERYWHERE.

I look TERRIBLE in this picture, but here's Teddy and I at a radio station (107.9 The End, Sacramento) meet and greet in 2005. Fun fact about me.. when i'm nervous, I get red and blotchy (TMI? Maybe), and if you notice in this picture, i'm not exactly my normal pale self. You could say I was rather excited to see him!

I'll be honest, I hadn't kept up with Teddy over the years after his big hit, but seeing him Saturday night made me wish I had. He has so many other great songs. He performed a lot of stuff he said would be on his new album coming out in the next few months, all of which were great. I hope he comes back around to LA soon! I'll definitely be at any show he does back in so cal. I'd also like to say that Teddy, if you're reading this, I think you should bring Ryan Vaughn back on tour with you! You two made a great team on stage, his onstage banter was hilarious and not to mention, he's kind of adorable. But just my two cents.

It came to the last song and everyone gets excited because he hadn't done "For You I Will" yet, but then he says "Here's another new one for you..." Everyone looks around at each other with the look of "He's kidding right?" He was in fact kidding. The song began and it was the one everyone wanted to hear. Teddy looked pretty humbled by the fact everyone was singing along. All in all, Teddy was great! I'm looking forward to hearing new stuff from him soon!

"For You I Will"

Tyler joining Teddy on stage during his set for a song

Next up was Tyler Hilton. I also saw Tyler Hilton in... yes, you guessed it... 2005. I saw him with Michelle Branch on the One Tree Hill tour. If you're not familiar with his name, his claim to fame was being a part of the hit TV show One Tree Hill. I never saw an episode, but it was on for close to 9 years and has quite the cult following. At one point during the show, Tyler asked if there were any One Tree Hill fans in the audience and the whole place erupted. 

Tyler was another one I wish I had kept up with. Especially after he did this song, "Prince of Nothing Charming" and dedicated it to his girlfriend after apologizing for never being home. I died a little, it was that good.

At one point during his set, he said he wanted to bring Teddy back out to perform something they had been working on, which didn't seem out of the ordinary at all until he said that it was about to get sexy up in here, and possibly NC-17. I was immediately intrigued. Teddy came out with shades on, and they ended up performing R Kelly's Ignition remix! It was fantastic!

These guys all repeatedly said how excited they were to all finally get to tour together and described it as something they planned on just doing for fun and this definitely showed that.

Last but not least, we had Mr. Ryan Cabrera! I don't know what to say about Ryan at this point other than I think he's an amazingly talented singer/songwriter and I'll listen to and love anything he puts out. He said we could expect a new album this year!

He was the only one that night that had more than a 1 person band behind him. One of which, did background vocals, and specialized in the shaker. He actually explained how he met the shaker extraordinaire, which was a very cool story. He was at Wrigley Field in Chicago, and overheard the peanut/popcorn salesman singing to people to come get their popcorn. He said he was so impressed with his voice that he ran up to him and asked him to come to the show that night and sing background vocals. He ended up quitting his job to go on tour with Ryan! He even gave him his own shaker solo on Saturday:

One other highlight of the show was when he stopped in the middle of a song and asked the crowd for requests on what songs we'd like him to cover. He ended up doing about 3 on the fly which included One Direction, Fun and Britney Spears. Pretty cool!

He also did 2 new songs which will be on his new album:

Overall, it was a great show, and the lineup was just perfect. I'll be looking forward to new music from all three guys!

Andrew McMahon at The Viper Room

Show: Andrew McMahon

Venue: The Viper Room- Los Angeles, CA

Date: 1/9/13

Show #2

Last night I saw Andrew McMahon at The Viper Room in his first solo show post Jack's Mannequin. I was surprised to even hear about a show from him so soon after the Jack's Mannequin farewell show at the El Rey just this past November, but mostly just excited to see him again. He explained that his friends from Fun asked him to join their upcoming tour and he needed to get a band together much quicker than anticipated. Prior to this show, he said they had only rehearsed 7 or 8 times. So props to the band for getting everything together so quickly! They nailed it.

I'll briefly touch on his opening act since I plan on doing a full write up on them when I see them at Hotel Cafe this month, but I feel the need to mention them now I was so impressed with them. Their name is Pebaluna and they're an indie, acoustic duo (although they're usually a full band with 4 members, last night there were only 2) from Long Beach. The woman's voice was to die for, and when you put both of their voices together, it was something else. I recorded 2 songs, but I suggest you go get their album or check them out at their residency every Friday this month at Hotel Cafe here in LA.

Going into the show I had expected to hear an hour and 15 minutes of Andrew trying out new material he had been working on, throwing in 1 or 2 Jack's songs to keep the crowd happy, however that was not the case. He ended up doing only 1 new song, and the rest of the evening was filled with a mix of Jack's Mannequin and Something Corporate songs, although I'm not complaining! He did quite a few Something Corporate songs actually. Most notably "Konstantine", "Punk Rock Princess", "The Astronaut" and "21 and Invincible" (which he prefaced by saying he's too old to be singing anymore). I also couldn't help but laugh when the curtains opened up and I saw Jack's bassist Mikey up there with Andrew. No matter how much he says Jack's Mannequin is over, Jack's will always come alive every time he's on stage.

The new song he did was called "Learn to Dance". He let the crowd how nervous he was to try out the new song in front of an audience for the first time, but everyone loved it, including myself. I recorded the whole thing (below) so you can judge for yourself:

All in all, he was incredible as always. He said to keep an eye out for tour dates in the Spring time, so if he's not coming near you on this tour, there's still hope!