Monks Of Doom @ LA's Cafe NELA

May 21, 2018 by Jessica Klausing

Monks Of Doom are back on tour. Yes, you read this correctly.

The surrealist progressive rockers are back in support of their newest album, The Bronte Pin. This album is the first of new material released in 25 years. The long wait, though highly frustrating, was indeed worth it. Victor Krummenacher (vocals, bass, and guitar), David Immerglück (vocals, guitar, bass, and mandolin), Greg Lisher (guitar), and Chris Pederson (drums, percussion) pulled listeners into a post-rock world of cryptic hysteria and psychedelic instrumentals at LA’s Café NELA.

Check out our REVIEW.

Victor Krummenacher took some time to chat with us about the new MOD album. Check out our INTERVIEW.

Interview with Falling Doves' Chris Leyva

May 15, 2018 by Jessica Klausing

Falling Doves. From left: Mike Dorsey and Chris Leyva. Photo by Kelli Hayden.

The Falling Doves never play it safe.

Chris Leyva (guitars, vocals) and Mike Dorsey (lead guitarist) create an unpredictable mix of garage rock with jazz, metal, Latin, and pop infusions. Known for their deep lyrical confessionals and aggressive playing, this band is not afraid to combine the classics with the new.

Falling Doves' Chris Leyva chats with us about his musical influences, international touring, and the new upcoming Falling Doves album.

Check out our INTERVIEW.

Falling Doves Social Media:

Szlachetka @ Hollywood's Hotel Cafe

May 13, 2018 by Jessica Klausing

Szlachetka performs "Heart Of My Hometown" at Hollywood's Hotel Cafe. Photo by Jessica Klausing.

Szlachetka (pronounced SLA-HET-KA) is out on tour in support of his new album release, Heart Of My Hometown. Rolling Stone Magazine praised the album citing Szlachetka as a ‘New Country Artist to Know.’ That was evident as many Angelinos packed into the Second Stage venue at Hollywood’s Hotel Café on Wednesday night. The music was Americana roots rock superb, the storytelling honed the heartland spirit, and with the added chemistry of Szlachetka’s full band— it was transcendence into musical nirvana.

Check out our CONCERT REVIEW.

Szlachetka social media:

Official Website
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Snow Patrol @ LA's Fonda Theatre

May 03, 2018 by Jessica Klausing

Gary Lightbody and Minnie Driver at the Fonda Theatre. Photo by U2Soul/Flickr.

Snow Patrol performed a legendary set at Los Angeles' Fonda Theatre over the weekend.

Check out Courtney Lavender's REVIEW.

The mark of a great singer is measured less by vocal quality, and more by believability. Do you believe what you are singing? Do others believe you when you sing it? Though he may have tripped up technically at points, I never once doubted what Gary Lightbody was communicating, nor did anyone in the rapt audience. "Heal Me" was dedicated to someone who saved his life. I've been standing in the fire for way too long, he sang, and I could feel the flames.

SONG REVIEW: Aidan James - "What My Friends Talk About"

April 11, 2018 by Jessica Klausing

Written by Jessica Klausing

Aidan James shakes up the pop scene with his Hawaiian inspired melodies.

At age 9, James uploaded a Youtube video cover of Train’s “Hey, Soul Sister” while playing a ukulele. The video went viral with over 20 million views inspiring the young Hawaii native to venture into a music career. In the last couple of years he has released an EP, “Live Again,” and a full-length album, “Echoes.” He has toured with many notable acts such as Train, Jack Johnson, Lisa Loeb, and Michael Bolton. Currently, 16 year old, James has been hard at work to release his new full-length album sometime later this year.

In his new single, “What My Friends Talk About,” James uses his ukulele to the bridge the melody gap between contemporary pop and R&B. Think sound wise similar to Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours.” The ukulele fades as the song progresses into an eclectic fusion of finger-snaps, hand claps, and percussion.

James’ warm vocals evoke a sweet innocence as he admits, “And you know I can’t remember anything before I saw your face.” His versatile talent and individuality shines through on this track. I can’t wait to hear what Aidan James has in store on his new album.

Purchase Aidan James’ MUSIC

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Umphrey's McGee @ LA's Wiltern

April 09, 2018 by Jessica Klausing

Jam band Umphrey's McGee made a legendary comeback to Los Angeles this past weekend!

Amidst the hypnotic psychedelic light show and LED visuals, Umphrey’s McGee seamlessly weaves progressive rock, jazz, disco, funk, metal, and electronic genres into a cohesive dance mix. Each band member has a keen musical ear and an uncanny talent to communicate with each other on stage.

Check out the concert REVIEW.

Special thanks to Paul Citone for allowing me to use his amazing concert photographs!

KNOW YOUR PROS: Jack Austin - Fashion Stylist

March 07, 2018 by Jessica Klausing

Jack Austin is our featured industry professional for March 2018.

Austin hails from Melbourne, Australia but studied fashion in Los Angeles at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. He currently works as the Head Stylist at Astudillo Photography working alongside celebrity photographer Rudy Astudillo of TV Guide. Austin has worked with many Hollywood starlets and has had his work published in lookbooks and magazines worldwide.

Valentines Day Song: The Brothers Johnson - "Strawberry Letter 23"

February 14, 2018 by Jessica Klausing

The Brothers Johnson's "Strawberry Letter 23" is our Valentines Day 2018 song pick.

Check out our RECAP.

"Strawberry Letter 23" is a psychedelic transcendence into bliss. The lyrics paint a vivid, colorful imagery about the innocence of love. The heavenly harmonies swirl magically with the funky bass beats and hypnotic chimes. However, the real show stopper is Lee Ritenour's extensive trippy progressive rock layered guitar solo towards the end.

Animal Hope and Wellness Charity Event - A Dog's Night

February 13, 2018 by Jessica Klausing

Written by Jessica Klausing

Last month the Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation hosted A Dog’s Night at North Hollywood’s Federal Bar. Guests enjoyed a night of vegan appetizers, drinks, and live entertainment. Hosted by Kemble and Jen Walters, guests could participate in a silent auction to help raise money for the foundation. Auction items varied from gift cards to exclusive television set tours. All ticket and auction proceeds went directly to the foundation’s animal rehabilitation services.

DONATE

The Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation (AHWF) helps rescue abused and neglected animals, providing full rehabilitation services, and working to help find them new homes. The foundation has recently been focused on rescuing dogs from the Asian Dog Meat Trade.

Founder and CEO Marc Ching has made countless trips overseas to videotape and document evidence of the brutalities and torture of live dogs before they are slaughtered for human consumption.

Ching has saved thousands of dogs, even going as far as risking his own life to smuggle them out of the slaughterhouses. By raising awareness, Ching and the AHWF team expose these barbaric rituals in order to enact change and force the government to create laws to protect these animals. Ching continues to fight for these dogs and to help the dog farm owners find new occupations.

AHWF has a few upcoming fundraiser EVENTS in March.

VOLUNTEERS are always more than welcome to stop by the foundation's headquarters in Sherman Oaks, California to help with the dogs.

Looking to ADOPT? Look no further than an AHWF rescue pup! Please READ the adoption process on the website.

Petty Cash entertained guests with a powerhouse performance of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Johnny Cash covers. Setlist highlights included “Ring of Fire,” “Runnin Down a Dream,” and “I Won’t Back Down.”

Surprise musical guests joined onstage were Noodles (The Offspring), Kevin Martin (Candlebox), Mark Schulman (PINK), Brett Scallions (Fuel), Abby Gennet (Slunt), and Sean and Juliette Beavan (8MM).

Juliette Beavan photo by Jessica Klausing

SONG REVIEW: Justin Levinson - "I'll Make It In Hollywood"

January 30, 2018 by Jessica Klausing

Written by Jessica Klausing

Los Angeles based singer-songwriter Justin Levinson’s new single “I’ll Make It In Hollywood” promises he’ll do just that. Coupling the ambition to ‘make it big’ in the entertainment industry with doo-wop harmonies and touches of 60’s pop and soul, Levinson embodies the spirit of the struggling underdog: “I’ve been so tired lately/LA can wear you down sometimes/Working for survival while you try to keep your dreams alive.”

“I’ll Make It In Hollywood” is an endearing ballad that instantly soothes a soul, lifts a mood, and inspires a weary mind. The song strikes an inspirational chord of determination to overcome life’s obstacles and see a dream fulfilled. This track follows up his 2017 release, Yes Man.

Check out my interview with Justin Levinson HERE.

Purchase Justin’s music HERE.

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