Posts by Kathrine Bryan

The world may not be as large as it seems.  When a small town band from San Luis Obispo County has the opportunity to open up for Aerosmith, almost anything is possible.  PK, a group of five young guys, has appeared in Rolling Stone, become MTV Buzzworthy and was featured on Fuse TV, all within the span of two years.  Their steady rise to musical success is evident, but the close friends who met back in high school are still your regular boys next door.

Los Angeles rock band Dead Sara have released their highly anticipated self-titled debut album on April 10th on Pocket Kid Records/ Fontana/Universal. Having spent much of last year in the studio, Dead Sara has hit the road in support of their debut full-length album on a spring tour supporting Chevelle abd  another supporting The Used, The band will cap it all off with a 40+ date coast-to-coast run on the Vans Warped Tour this summer, beginning June 16th.

Welcome to the dream store.  Well technically, it was a practice space in Los Angeles.   However, after some thought, the practice space could very well be where certain dreams got started.  Los Angeles-based band, Indians, is on their way to making all their dreams come true.  All it took was some unyielding support from loyal fans, a music video premiere and lastly, but most importantly, a little bit of talent.

It is crazy to think that Hanson has been playing professionally for nearly 20 years.  The three brothers (Isaac, Taylor and Zach), found success with their highly successful hit, “MMMBop” in 1997, and since then, have managed to maintain their loyal, if not obsessive, fan base of young girls.  Fast forward to 2011 and the young girls have become twenty to thirty-something women, but their unyielding love is still apparent.

It was three days of nonstop music at the fourth annual Sunset Strip Music Festival.  From the tribute to Motley Crue, to various venues showcasing local and national acts, Los Angeles’s famous boulevard played host to an endless amount of joyous partying. 

Glide caught up withChappo drummer, Dave Feddock, to discuss their new EP, their unique fashion sense, and the background story of how they all met.

Kat Devlin, the petite, eloquent singer-songwriter from Minnesota has charmed California’s Central Coast with her country-inspired tales and Celtic trills.  She plays solo acoustic sets with a percussive loop station and delights audiences with stories inspired by a supportive and artistic four-year relationship.

It has been an awesome ride since The Belle Brigade's Monday night residencies at the venue formally known as Spaceland.  Regardless of venue name change, the folks in the hipster neighborhood of Silverlake and the greater Los Angeles area filled the room with an appreciation that was twofold.  Surrounded by old friends and new fans, being at this Belle Brigade show was like being part of a very large and delightful family.

Prince has still got it.  Sporting his signature high-heeled boots, he rocked The Forum as part of his 21-date residency in Los Angeles.

Influenced by artists such as The Black Crowes, Tom Petty, Band of Horses and Arcade Fire, The Northstar Session develops their style based on the musical characteristics of old rock and roll bands and contemporary artists.  Although they have plenty of original material, they will sometimes break into a cover song.

The Belle Brigade are influenced by artists spread across different genres, and name Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles and Stevie Wonder as musical inspirations.  One would call their album as folk-rock, infused with tight harmonies, catchy melodies and danceable rhythms.  When Barbara and Ethan sing, they sing as one tightly knit, well-executed, story-telling voice.  Being siblings as well as best friends give the other a solid shoulder to lean on.  At the end of their set, Barbara could not be happier introducing her younger brother to the appreciative crowd in San Luis Obispo. 

Influenced by music in Eastern Europe, Diego's Umbrella describes their sound as “gypsy pirate polka.”  It is a combination of mariachi, ska, and a massive serving of minor chords.  Their matching outfits are homemade, and they often perform shows without set lists.

It is always encouraged to think outside the box. And no, this has nothing do with the ongoing stream of Jack in the Box commercials, but rather the creative and unconventional efforts of an up-and-coming Seattle, WA-based band. Meet PonyHomie.

Chi McClean’s music style, which finds itself deeply rooted in Americana, could not come at a better time.  In an industry that still makes the majority of its profits from popular music, music fans are finding themselves turning back to their roots.

A sold out show means fan support, great marketing, and most importantly – a great artist.  It is obvious that Ryan Bingham and his band, The Dead Horses, already have a high level of both fan and industry attention.  Their Academy Award win and Grammy nomination for the feature film soundtrack for Crazy Heart, are proof of that, as was this El Rey sell out.

Claiming that she tends to always have some unrequited love, Delaney Gibson’s song material focuses on a girl who vows to remain hopeful.  Although her previous record was focused on one particular person, Gibson isn’t losing sight on releasing new material.  Her heartbreak can be transformed into songs that effortlessly progress from soft moments to loud exclamations.  She is simply being a woman telling stories and pouring her heart out to strangers who care to listen. 

Imagine having your heart lost out at sea or running amuck with ghost soldiers.  Trap yourself in a world alongside vampires and phantoms, enveloped by the atmospheric sounds of guitar, percussion, keyboards, and bells.   This is the world you enter when listening to Fresno, CA’s indie band, Fierce Creatures. 

The Silent Comedy offers more than just a live show – what they offer is an experience.  Those fortunate enough to catch them live eagerly look forward to their next show.  For those who have not witnessed a live show yet, be ready when the band hits the road again in February 2011 supporting Oscar winner Ryan Bingham, and his band The Dead Horses on the west coast.

As I listened to Kevin Lyman speak, I couldn’t believe that New Noise Santa Barbara was only in its second year.  His conference session was informative and entertaining, just like the others.  The founder of Warped Tour engaged his active listeners into the history of his famous tour, and stated that the current music industry is much like it was 15 years ago.

Sacha Boutros is all about good music and good lyrics.  Although she performs a lot of covers, she also engages herself in writing and producing as well.  Years of piano playing, accompanied by opera training that has strengthened her four-octave range, come together as the perfect recipe for a satisfying and delicious treat.  This treat, which can be delivered in multiple languages, is her voice.