Category: Music

Derek Hough Ditches DWTS for NBC’s ‘World of Dance’

There is no bigger fan of Derek Hough than myself. But when today’s news broke that he’ll be joining Ne-Yo and Jennifer Lopez as judges for a new “dance competition that will feature solo artists competing against duos and crews in all genres of dance,” I couldn’t help but feel crestfallen. First, forgive me for wanting to see Hough actually dance rather than sit behind a judging table. I’d have preferred an X Factor format where each judge gets a team and competes with their own choreography. Hough should be choreographing a Broadway play, not doing this. Second, JLO’s judging days seem slightly overplayed. Unless her contribution on another talent show is significantly different than her previous stints, it feels as if she’s doing more talking than creating. Yes, she’s JLO and she can do both, but isn’t this more of a glorified money play than an actual quest to find dance talent. Lastly, I will ask the same question we ask on Passover. Why is this night/show different than other nights/shows? That remains to be seen.

Transviolet Performs at The Belasco Theater — Full Review

I’ve been told by a musician friend of mine that I’m often too immersed in aesthetics when I see a band perform. According to him, if the presentation isn’t on point, my experience becomes immediately tainted. While that might be true, the reason goes deeper than a superficial desire for polished perfection. I’m looking for the chemistry of the band, their comfort on stage, and their authenticity. If those things are not aligned, I am far too distracted to fully dive in. There’s a lot of talented musicians that could be put together for a performance, but much like dating, it’s hard to find the chemistry that leaves you wanting more.

When I saw Transviolet perform at The Belasco Theater, I was immediately transfixed. The lead singer has an enchanting voice with songs to back it up, and her bandmates largely stay out of the way to let her shine. You won’t find the underlying tension you might see from The Head and the Heart (sorry, guys), for example, and they’re clearly happy to share the stage. In fact, Sarah McTaggart met fellow songwriter Michael Panek through an online add, and once their partnership was formed, Panek’s high school buddies, drummer Jonathan Garcia and guitarist Judah McCarthy joined. The group stand by their lyrics, stressing their importance on their four song EP, saying “it’s important to spread positive messages and have a nice effect on the world around us.” Listen to their song below, and go see them live if you can.

New Music: Childish Gambino – “Me and Your Mama”

Today is the day, folks. And no, I’m not talking about the day you’ve discovered that the election results were not just a bad dream. It’s the day for new music from Childish Gambino, and the ‘Atlanta’ star Donald Glover does not disappoint with “Me and Your Mama.” The song premiered on Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 show, and it’s the first song for fans from the next Gambino record, Awaken My Love!, which is out December 2 via Glassnote. There’s not much Glover can’t do, as his much talked about FX series was renewed for season 2, and he was recently cast as a young Lando Calrissian in the forthcoming 2018 Han Solo Star Wars film. Listen to the track below.

Watch Blood Orange’s Stunning ‘I Know’ Video

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As the third album of Devonte Hynes (ake Blood Orange), ‘Freetown Sound’ is written and produced by Hynes himself, and the man further proved his artistic prowess with the video for “I Know,” featuring eye-catching ballet moves that fall far outside the box. Formerly known as “Lightspeed Champion,” Hynes also wrote produced worked for Solange Knowles (among others), including the very memorable track, “Losing You.” His new record follows 2011’s ‘Coastal Grooves’ and 2013’s ‘Cupid Deluxe.’ Watch below.

Lady Gaga Releases Joanne: A Full Review

Lady Gaga wanted her new album to be about the music, and she accomplished just that. When you strip away the costumes and dance-heavy tracks, you’ve got “Million Reasons,” “Angel Down” and “Joanne,” and if you want something more up-tempo, you’ve got “Judas” and Perfect Illusion,” etc. Having said that, the record suffers from a split personality disorder. I’m not sure if Mark Ronson is compatible with Father John Misty, nor am I sure Father John is compatible with Lady Gaga. Ronson produced the entire record, and the singer also worked with Beck, Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, Queens Of The Stone Age’s Josh Homme, Florence Welch, Father John Misty, and BloodPop. While it might be nice to combine influences, it’s simply not cohesive. Did I mention the covert Ace of Base influences?

It’s fine to reinvent one’s brand, as long the world is aware of what you’re trying to say. And although I like some of what she says, my brain just can’t switch gears so much in between songs. Had she just written the album alone, or chosen co-songwriters in the same genre, the album would be far less disjointed. I’d also like to note that Mark Ronson’s obsessive use of horns feels odd and random.

Luke Wade Premieres “Three Days” — Listen Now

Singer-songwriter Luke Wade premiered his new single “Three Days,” and it’s got just the right amount of soulful undertone to grab my attention. “Three Days” is the first single off Wade’s upcoming album, Only Ghosts, which is set for release on January 13th! 

The Texas-based musician stepped into the spotlight on Season 7 of NBC’s “The Voice”, finishing in the Top 8 with Team Pharrell. Wade has performed alongside Train, Rusted Root, Blue October, Ingrid Michelson, and more. Of his third record, Wade says, “With this album, I was able to use what I’ve learned to be a little more patient, focus on the quality of the songs, the production, and I feel like my vision has really come together.”

Listen to the track below. 

The Ugly Architect at Hotel Cafe: Artist on the Rise

Photo by David Chan

There’s a beauty to La La Land that only its locals know, and it’s that you can walk into just about any concert venue and discover a secret gem yet to be uncovered. Such was the case last night while in route to watch David Wax Museum. I arrived a mere fifteen minutes early and caught the tail end of The Ugly Architect, whose raw authenticity was immediately palpable. It’s not often one gets to see an impressive artist at the beginning of their rise, and this magical moment reminds me of the first time I saw Aaron Embry perform. Check out The Ugly Architect below.

Fitz and the Tantrums Live at The Greek: Full Review

Fitz and the Tantrums had a fast ascent in comparison to other indie-pop groups, and after seeing them for the first time at The Greek, it makes complete sense. Founded by Michael Fitzpatrick in 2008, the group includes saxophonist James King, singer Noelle Scaggs, drummer John Wicks, bassist Joseph Karnes and keyboardist Jeremy Ruzumna.

Perhaps my ignorance of this group’s on-stage prowess served as an advantage while watching the show, as my opinion was not perverted by some super-charged fandom. Upon taking the stage, it became immediately clear that they had an impressive catalog of hit tunes with catchy melodies, along with an infectious energy that remained consistent throughout the show. They were also some of the tightest, most polished musicians I’ve seen, which makes sense since many of them began their career as session players. Lead singer Michael Fitzpatrick’s vocals felt effortless, matched only by Noelle Scaggs, with an eye-catching glitter jumpsuit and well-timed percussion.

My experience at The Greek reminds me of seeing Coldplay at the University of Miami. I wasn’t a fan going in, but became a fan going out. It’s obviously that Coldplay is a great band, but much like Fitz and the Trantrums, they won me over with their live performance.

SCORSESE: American Crime Requiem: Full Review

I’ve long been a fan of the For the Record series, having already seen their Tarantino and John Hughes shows, but SCORSESE: American Crime Requiem solidified their status as one of the best shows to see in Los Angeles. The series previously played at a Hollywood bar, offering a unique in-the-round experience that made me feel as if I’d discovered something small, yet magical, fulling knowing that others might soon join the party and ruin what felt like an underground, hidden secret. Sure enough, what the LA Times called a “renegade little troupe” has now made it’s way to a 500-seat experience at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. It’s no longer a secret, but last night’s show made me feel like that’s a good thing.
The Scorsese show is now a co-production between For the Record and the Wallis, and the cast includes Tony Award-winner John Lloyd Young (“Jersey Boys”), Tony nominee Carmen Cusack (“Bright Star”), Pia Toscano (“American Idol”) and two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter B. Slade. Directed by Anderson Davis, who also co-created For the Record with Shane Scheel and Christopher Lloyd Bratten, the show offers four decades of Martin Scorsese, with mash-ups of unforgettable scenes from each film set against familiar songs from the movies. The movie moments are not necessarily connected for one, solid narrative, but that adds to the excitement, because each nostalgia-inducing scene also offers the audience a fresh take on their favorite movie moments. This show is not to be missed, and I’d encourage everyone to see it before the ticket prices skyrocket.

Counting Crows at The Greek — A Full Recap

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It’s impossible to discuss one’s love of Counting Crows without enmeshing them into every life experience, because the band that has sold more than 20 million albums has also mastered the art of making you feel as if you’re part of some secret society of elevated taste mixed with emotional, lonesome musings. I was eleven years old for their August and Everything After debut, and around fourteen for their follow-up, Recovering the Satellites. That angst-driven period was met with the calming force that was Counting Crows, and I ached to learn more about the band. Much to my satisfaction, there was a fan club, which welcomed frequent visits from lead singer Adam Duritz, who, far ahead of his time, took down what’s now referred to as “twitter trolls” or “haters” with an ease and humor that suggested the man behind this sensitive, soul-searching music was also a shrewd, gruff guy who wouldn’t take any crap. He also gave the fans some personal insight into his life, along with tidbits of details about each song.

Adam Duritz has inserted names in almost Counting Crows every song, and he’s spent nearly all of his interviews answering questions as to their identity, as if each individual described is our personal friend, and we’d like to know who they are, whether they’re okay, and if they rode off into the distance with Duritz to live happily ever after. Who is the elusive “Maria,” for example? After all, Duritz himself says “There’s a piece of Maria in every song that I sing.” She has appeared in five Counting Crows songs, and his rabid fan base has always inquired as to her identity. Duritz once relented and explained that she is in fact Duritz himself, “through the eyes of a girl, but it’s someone very much like [him] struggling at the edge, not sure if she’s going to fall off on one side or the other.” And what about “Anna” from “Anna Begins?” According to Duritz, she actually exists. They met on vacation in Australia and sadly decided to go their separate ways at the end of the trip, but she’s “every girl you ever felt that way about, too.” The list goes on and on, but the questions represent something much bigger. We want to know the truth behind each song because we’re so connected to the lyrics.

After watching Counting Crows perform at The Greek, I scoured social media and noticed nearly every post was coupled with a sample of their song lyrics, because above all, that’s what speaks to us. They co-headlined with Rob Thomas, giving fans two for the price of one, with their style, talent, and energy easily complimenting one another. Of the coupling, Duritz said, “Twenty years ago Rob and I were like kids running around Italy in the middle of the night getting drunk and playing gigs. I still love nothing more than touring with my friends. This is going to be a great summer.” Their concert follows Counting Crows’ 2014 release, Something Under Wonderland, and Thomas’ third solo effort, 2015’s The Great Unknown. Counting Crows is largely known for changing the arrangements on their songs during their live performances, but this was the closest to their record that I’ve seen in some time. And while I was expecting the crowd to go crazy for their most-loved hits (i.e. Mr. Jones), I noticed something special. The crowd’s dedication was equally distributed, because true Counting Crows fans love every song with equal elation. They’re just happy to be there and support the band they’ve loved for decades. With a devoted fan base, unforgettable songs, and extremely talented musicians who clearly love to play together, this tour is not to be missed. There are a few dates left. Visit their website for tickets.

Wed Sep 14, San Diego, CA Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU

Fri Sep 16, Indio, CA Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Sat Sep 17, Las Vegas, NV Downtown Las Vegas Events Center
Mon Sep 19, Denver, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Thu Sep 22, Albuquerque, NM Sands Casino Amphitheater
Sat Sep 24, Allen, TX Allen Event Center
Sun Sep 25, Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
Tue Sep 27, Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre
Wed Sep 28, St. Louis, MO, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Fri Sep 30, Nashville, TN Ascend Amphitheater