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Best of 2014 List

Last year I posted my Top Five Albums of 2013, so this year I decided to do my favorite songs of 2014, plus my favorite concert experience.

Let's start with my Favorite Concert of 2014 as that's short and sweet.  I saw Twenty One Pilots for the third time this year, this time at the Fox Theater in Oakland.  As always, this eccentric and entertaining alternative hip hop/electropop duo blew me away!  Tyler Joseph and Josh Dunn really know how to get an audience pumping, and with each show they keep raising the bar, adding more tricks, throwing in some interesting cover songs, and growing their showmanship.  It's incredible to see how much traction they've achieved and that their underground following is growing exponentially!  The venue was packed and I was brimming with happiness as I sang along and watched the high energy madness ensue.  The only downside was that I wasn't up front at the stage as I was last year at The Independent, which definitely adds to the connection with the band.  Last year I was holding Tyler up as he came into the audience, as well as during the drum-off encore, and those two moments were exhilarating and missing from this year's show.  Here's my favorite shot from the show:

 Favorite Concert of 2014 Runners Up:
1) Carnivores Tour with Linkin Park, 30 Seconds To Mars, AFI at Concord Pavilion
2) Foxy Shazam at Slim's

Top Five Favorite Songs of 2014

This year has been a great year musically for me!  I love so many bands that released songs this year, as well as learning about bands through my Pandora station.  Some notable mentions are The Jezabels, Haerts, Young Wonder, The New Division, The Knife, Zella Day, Depford Goth, Washed Out, Kitten, and Warpaint.

10) Augustines - "Nothing To Lose But Your Head"

I've been a fan of Augustines since their debut album while they were still known as We Are Augustines.  I was hooked the first time I heard "Chapel Song" and discovered this rockin' band.  I've seen them live a few times now, including this past summer at The Independent.  The new album Augustines is a bit harder than their debut, but I like it, especially this song!

 

9) Glass Animals - "Gooey"

UK indie rockers Glass Animals came to me by accident.  I don't actually remember the first time I heard "Gooey" but I'll assume it was probably on Live 105's Soundcheck program.  It was one of those songs that creeps up on you, you're intrigued at first listen, and then all of a sudden you're hooked.  It's different, it's soothing, it's unusual, it's haunting, and it's relaxing, all at the same time.  Seeing them perform live at DNA Lounge in December was a treat; they really delivered live.

 

8) Semi Precious Weapons - "Aviation High"

I first heard of Semi Precious Weapons when they opened for Lady Gaga on her Monster Ball tour.  I remember being amused by them, but nothing really stood out.  Then I heard "Aviation High" and I fell in love with the song instantly.  The lyrics are sexy, the song is flirty, and the melody makes you move.  All qualities I enjoy in songs.  I ended up meeting the band at Live 105's BFD after their set; they were just hanging out in the crowd watching the next band, so I approached the lead singer and told him how I love this song, especially how kinky it is, and Justin said that he meant for it to come across that way.  Then we took a selfie together.  Very cool, I respect any band that hangs out with the commoners at a show.

 

7) Goldroom - "Embrace"

Because I had not yet heard of Goldroom, I missed his headlining set at SXSW in The Green Room.  But then The Beautiful Buzzz used this song as the background tune in their SXSW recap video and I instantly knew I had to download it.  I love the ethereal quality to the song, plus the singers voice suits the melody excellently, especially in the chorus.  I've since downloaded the whole EP and thoroughly enjoy all five songs.  I also recommend you check out the single "Fifteen," which brought him his initial success with the top spot on the Hype Machine charts.

 

6) Phantogram - "Black Out Days"

NY electronic duo Phantogram is just phenomenal.  I love pretty much everything by them.  If you haven't downloaded Voices yet, it's a must-have!  Not only does it feature the first single "Fall In Love" that drew people in and blew up so quickly that everyone was eager for the full album, but it also features 10 other amazing songs, including this hard-hitting jewel.  There's something beautiful and haunting about the song, the triggers deep in my soul.  I don't think I'll ever get sick of this song.

 

5) Broods - "Mother & Father"

New Zealand siblings Broods were one of those accidental discoveries.  I heard "Bridges" and enjoyed it so much that I downloaded their whole first EP Evergreen without even listening to it first.  I never regretted that decision and was happy to see they finally released their full-length self-titled album, produced by Joel Little, known for his work with Lorde.  "Mother & Father" is their best work so far and I'm excited to hear what else this band will deliver in the future. 

 

4) Banks - "Beggin For Thread"

I first heard of LA singer/songwriter Jillian Rose Banks in 2013 when she released "Waiting Game."  I was instantly drawn in by her haunting vocals and lyrics.  I heard the melodic songs "Brain" and "Change" in early 2014, which also struck my fancy.  Then I heard "Beggin For Thread" and I was blown away -- what a powerful and beautiful song!  It's such a hard-hitting dance song with angst-ridden lyrics any female can relate to.  Plus we all wanted to know why anyone would want to beg for thread, and then you hear why and it strikes a chord, deep down inside. The bridge is my favorite part: "hold it out, whoa, try to hide it out, but my tracks are better" -- it just hits you like a punch!  I should add that I really enjoyed her performance at Treasure Island Music Festival.

 

3) CHVRCHES - "Dead Air"

I've been a fan of CHVRCHES since their Recover EP, and all I can say is that "Dead Air" is their best song to date.  I thoroughly enjoyed their set at Coachella, probably one of my highlights of the festival, and to hear them release such a perfectly composed song like this just made me incredibly happy.  Not only is it perfect for the Mockingjay movie, but it just proves that these Scotts are improving musically exponentially.  If this song is any indication of what we can expect from them in the future, then we are in for a treat.  Trust me.

 

2) Lorde - "Yellow Flicker Beat"

What can I say about Ella Yelich-O'Connor that you haven't already heard?  Lorde is the voice of this generation and she's the force to reckon with these days.  I probably heard "Royals" about 6 months before most people, all due to a small blog I read.  That was before anyone knew what she looked like, we only knew she was 16 years old.  That song became my anthem and I posted about it on my Facebook to deaf ears.  Then the song blew up, and I mean really blew up!  For once the music industry was rocked by an unknown teen from New Zealand, with her unique sound that didn't conform to the the standard songs shoved down our throats by terrestrial radio.  It's artists like Lorde that gain international stardom organically that give me hope in the music business.  By 18, not only did she release 2013 acclaimed album Pure Heroine and won some Grammy's, but she's asked to put together a whole soundtrack for the third installment of the box office smash "Hunger Games" movies.  Not only does she rise to the challenge delivering a phenomenal assortment of songs, including my #3 song above, but she also writes an incredible hit song!  "Yellow Flicker Beat" is a beautifully written gem -- it's the perfect anthem for this trilogy that captures the essence of Katniss flawlessly.  All I can say is that Lorde continues to amaze me and I look forward to what she has in store for us next.

 

1) The War On Drugs - "Red Eyes"

I struggled a bit in choosing "Red Eyes" by The War On Drugs as my #1 song.  Not because it doesn't doesn't deserve it, it really does, but more because I'm such an electro-pop junkie that it seems more like me to choose Lorde instead.  But The War on Drugs album Lost In A Dream made such a huge impact on me this year that they deserve top honors.  It's seriously an amazing work of art that has been on repeat so much that my best friend Eric requested me to take a break before we got sick of it (like that's even possible!).  "Red Eyes" is a gorgeously composed song from beginning to end; it's upbeat with a hint of melancholy, with a driving beat that takes you for an exciting ride.  It's a beautiful journey that I enjoy taking as often as possible.  Every substantial music blog has listed this album high up in their best of 2014, and that alone should tell you that it's worth the buzz.

I can't wait to see what 2015 brings, but in the meantime, I hope you enjoyed my songs.  Would love to hear what you have on your list, so let me know!

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My #UnforgettableGig

Being the music junkie that I am, I go to a lot of shows, mostly considering I book shows and manage bands as a side business.  I could tell you about the first concert I ever went to, which was Neil Diamond with my Mom when I was 12 and how amazing that experience was, but it wasn't the most life changing experience.  I wasn't really aware of what music meant to me at that age.  It wasn't until I was older that I realized how vivid music was in my life and that it burned deep in my soul, impacting me in ways I never knew.

Obviously U2 was one of the first bands that brought me to that new level of appreciation of music.  I remember listening to "Unforgettable Fire" and "War" over and over again in the early 80's; "Bad" will probably be my favorite song of all time until I die!  By the time "Joshua Tree" came out in 1987, U2 was my favorite band and they've kept that status ever since.

I didn't see U2 live until the early 90's when they went big with their Zoo TV tour.  I was in college at that time attending University of Colorado at Boulder, so I saw them in Denver with my college best friend Lisa, also a huge U2 fan.  We were both members of Propaganda, so we got our tickets early and were close to the stage.  That was the first time I was blown away by a band; it was such a wonderful show with so many props and such high energy.  I had never seen a frontman demand your attention like Bono does, it's almost like a religious experience the way he draws you in and preaches to your soul!  I have seen every U2 tour since then, most of the time up close due to early presales and waiting at venues all day, and the band never disappoints.  I was even at the historic Rose Bowl show for U2 360° Tour, which was the largest attended concert I've ever been to.

My favorite time was probably when I got into the heart for Elevation Tour, enjoying the show from right up front against the railing -- making eye contact and seeing everything so close was unbelievable!  The girl next to me was selected to get on stage and dance with Bono during "Mysterious Ways" and I will admit, I was a bit jealous (too bad Bono doesn't like blondes lol).  I had the pleasure of meeting Bono and The Edge when they were in San Jose, CA, for the U2 Special Edition iPod launch with Apple.  Bono was so gracious and sweet when I told him I've been a life-long fan, cupping my hand in both of his the whole time we talked.  The Edge was also very sweet, though so soft spoken and shy I almost couldn't hear him.  Meeting your idols is such a surreal experience, there's something magical and unforgettable about that moment.  To this day I regret not taking a picture with them. *sigh*

Despite my many amazing U2 experiences, the moment I've been most inspired by a band and their live show has actually been more recent and by a band not as well known called Foxy Shazam.  I was told about Foxy Shazam by chance by a local musician and was instantly curious when I saw their video for "Oh Lord."  They're like a cross between Queen and The Darkness with a bit more R&B soul flavor to them.  I happened to attend SXSW in March 2012 and while hanging out in a small dive bar venue called Rusty's, I see the lead singer walk by me.  It was one of those double-take moments because you're not sure you really saw what you did.  But there he was, and there was the rest of Foxy Shazam, just hanging out at the bar.  Turns out they were playing next and all I can tell you is that after seeing Foxy Shazam live, no band has ever compared with the absolute craziness that ensues on stage during their set!

Sky, Shannon, Pablo & me

Sky, Shannon, Pablo & me

The on-stage chemistry between lead singer Eric Nally, guitarist Loren Turner, pianist Sky White, bass player Daisy, trumpeter and back-up vocalist Alex Nauth, and drummer Aaron McVeigh is electric, plus the way they integrate with the audience is mind-blowing to watch.  Sky literally jumps on and over his keyboard to get closer to the audience, making the most ridiculous and fun faces that it's hard to keep your eyes off him.  Alex and Eric have these interesting choreographed routines, they even slide between each other legs, all while hitting high notes, then dancing and running around, it's almost exhausting to watch.  At one point, Eric jumped onto Loren's shoulders, who just hangs his head down and doesn't miss one note on his guitar, then while sitting up there comfortably, Eric asked the audience to give him cigarettes, proceeds to stuff about 10 of them in his mouth, lights them all up with a lighter thrown to him, takes two drags, takes them all with one hand and puts them out on his tongue, chews them up and spits them out, then dives right into some faced-paced lyrics and the audience is just going crazy!! When you think it can't get any crazier, Daisy decides to swing the rafters, hanging on with one hand, playing his bass with the other.  There was more, but I honestly can't remember because I was so caught up in the moment, my eyes and ears constantly bombarded with stimuli.  I walked away from that show in awe and joy; I had never seen anything like it.  It was insanity, it was exhilarating, and it left the biggest impression ever.  Seeing them at such a small venue in such close proximity just made the whole experience more intimate, more satisfying.

Pablo, Shannon, me & Alex

Pablo, Shannon, me & Alex

Since that SXSW trip, I've introduced everyone I possibly could to Foxy Shazam.  I've brought various friends to their shows and each of them have walked away with that same love and awe for the band as me.  I saw Foxy Shazam at Slim's in San Francisco back in August and as always, they didn't disappoint.  They are even better and crazier now and that show was just as exhilarating as the one in Austin.  The best part.....we got to go back stage after and hang out with the band!!  Thanks to my friend Brandon who knows drummer Aaron from his younger days, we got introduced and they invited us to stay after the show.  What an absolutely amazing time, talking to really down-to-earth musicians who appreciate what they do and their fans!  Alex (my favorite) was super friendly and sweet, Sky has this huge personality and so much fun to listen to, and Eric with his soft-spoken voice is just too adorable, mostly when he was learning how to whistle from my friend Pablo.  I will never forget how genuinely inviting the band was, wanting to get to know us and include us.

Me, Eric, Pablo & Shannon

Me, Eric, Pablo & Shannon

Seeing a band surprise me with their stage presence and drawing me in so deeply that I can't get enough of them is rare, and Foxy Shazam did just that.  It's the closest I've ever come to experiencing that same feeling I did the first time I saw U2.  I was mesmerized then by U2, I am mesmerized now by Foxy Shazam.  These two bands are the ones that make me appreciate music and a live performance more than any other band, and they are the reason that I work with bands that I believe in, that I hope impact others the way that I've been impacted.  Music truly is the meaning of life to me, and there is always a song that comes to mind behind every emotion I've experienced.

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My Love For Australian Pop-Rockers The Jezabels

The first time I heard "Catch Me" by The Jezabels I was hooked!  This Australian 4-piece captured my heart with sultry vocals and pop-influenced melodies.  "A Little Piece" (off their EP Dark Storm) was the next song I discovered, based on a recommendation from a Turntable app user, which may be my favorite track due to it's climactic build-up.  Shortly after these two treasured revelations, I downloaded their debut studio album Prisoner and became the ultimate fan.

Last year The Wild Honey Pie posted about this lovely band, featuring two videos of their Buzzsession performances that I encourage you to watch.  Not only is Hayley Mary's voice perfection in each song, but you get an overall idea of how talented the whole band is.  "City Girl" flows beautifully into your ears, with the soft vocals building beautifully into Hayley's signature high-pitch drawls, and "Endless Summer" shows off the band's more energetic side.

The Jezabels ended up doing another Buzzsession after CMJ, in which they performance an acoustic version of "Mace Spray" with only a guitar, a shaker, and their voices, filmed in Stuy Town, Manhattan.

Earlier this  year, The Jezabels released their sophomore album The Brink, which is a gem from beginning to end.  I'm so addicted to this album that I stream it almost daily while getting ready in the morning -- it's my favorite album in 2014 so far!  All the tracks blend perfectly together with some upliftings anthems off-set by some incredible ballads.  Generally I could list two songs that really stick out, but in the case of The Brink, all the tracks hold their own.  You can stream the full album on their Soundcloud, which you can reach through this great article from Esquire.

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Barb Rocks Bands Playing Austin!

Barb Rocks Presents is sponsoring both Fritz Montana and The Trash*Pop Icons playing Austin in March!  We can't wait to go to SXSW and experience the musical madness that makes up this greatest music festival in the world.  This will be the first time for both bands, plus David from The Livewires is joining me in this south by journey.  2.5 weeks to go...

Fritz Montana Showcases:
Tues March 11 at 2:00pm-3:00pm at Shotguns on 6th
Tues March 11 at 4:30pm-5:00pm at Dirty Dog Bar (Dirty Fest)
Tues March 11 at 8:00pm-8:30pm at Shiner's Saloon (Texas Rockfest)
Wed March 12 at 11:00pm-11:40pm at Bourbon Girl (Red Gorilla)
Thurs March 13 at 2:15pm-2:45pm at LOT323's The L8 Show Showcase (Colorado&4th)
Thurs March 13 at 4:00pm-4:30pm at Chuggin' Monkey (Red Gorilla)
Thurs March 13 at 6:30pm-7:00pm at Texas Rockfest Outdoor Stage (7th&Neches)

The Trash*Pop Icons Showcases:
Wed March 12 at 12:00pm-12:20pm at Thirsty Nickel (Big Picture Media)
Wed March 12 at 3:20pm-3:50pm at Shiner's Saloon (Texas Rockfest)
Thurs March 13 at 6:00pm-6:45pm at Blue Moon (Texas Rockfest)
Fri March 14 at 7:45pm-8:15pm at LOT323's The L8 Show Showcase (Colorado&4th)
Sat March 15 at 5:00pm-5:45pm at Shotguns on 6th

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My Top Five Albums of 2013

2013 has been a crazy year for me, lots of ups and downs, especially in my personal life.  But it has also been a great year for music!  Here is my list of Top 5 Albums of 2013:

5) CHVRCHES - The Bones Of What You Believe

"The Mother We Share" was a song that needed to grow on me.  Not sure why, as I find it brilliant now, but the first few months, I was skeptical.  But then I discovered their Recover EP with "Now Is Not The Time" and that solidified my new found love for this Scottish band.  Seeing them live on Jimmy Kimmel confirmed my new obsession and I found vocalist Lauren Mayberry a great female role model when she posted her public letter that she will not accept online misogyny.  After hearing "Tether" and "Gun,"  I rushed to download their full studio album and now it's my getting-ready-to-go-out soundtrack.

4)  The Naked And Famous - In Rolling Waves

I have been a fan of this NZ band since I first heard their single "Young Blood"; I even had the chance to see them do a few songs acoustic at The Blank Club and was blown away by them.  "Punching In A Dream" came out next and it had the same power as the first single, so I knew this band was going places.  Anxious to hear more music, I was stoked when they released Passive Me, Aggressive You, especially diggin' the songs "No Way" and "Girls Like You."  When I heard they were releasing a new album this year, I was ecstatic and their first single "Hearts Like Ours" did not disappoint.  "The Mess" and "I Kill Giants" are two of my favorite tracks on the album.  Thom and Alisa's chemistry on stage is undeniable, plus I love how they harmonize and play off each other's lines.

3) Bastille - Bad Blood

"Pompeii" is one of those songs that sticks in her head the first time you hear it.  The chanting hymns grab your attention and then Dan's heavenly voice comes in and you're hooked.  I couldn't get enough of it and went searching for more songs online, which led me to find their a capella version at the British Museum, as well as a capella version of "Overjoyed" at the gardens of Copped Hall.  Both of these blew me away; they really show off how talented each member of this fabulous band is!  With only the single and it's b-side "Poet" to keep me occupied for many months, I eagerly anticipated their full album, and now I can't stop listening to it.  Plus I had the pleasure of seeing them live twice, and they are amazing, really capturing their talent, essence, and musicianship!

2) Lorde - Pure Heroine

Sometime in February I read about five artists under 18 to look out for and Lorde was on that list.  I remember listening to "Royals" and finding it the most unique, brilliant song I've heard in a long time.  I just loved her voice and the lyrics were right up my alley.  I started posting about the song regularly, calling it my anthem due to the line "you can call me queen b" -- yet is seemed like no one was paying attention.  I appreciated the mystery behind her as there were no photos, just some cartoon with The Love Club EP on Soundcloud, a sign that it was about the music, not the image.  All of a sudden this summer, the song was everywhere, even on every type of radio station, and people were taking about this 16-year old from New Zealand (finally!).  Then she released her follow-up single "Team," proving she wasn't a one hit wonder.  Ella Yelish-O'Connor is just amazing, a true artist with a unique blend of haunting vocals over electro-pop beats, that's full of teen angst, but with a sense of maturity.  Her studio album is phenomenal and thought-provoking, from the beginning notes of "Tennis Court" to the dramatic end with "A World Alone."  I'm not surprised she's the youngest act to top the Billboard Hot 100 as it's well deserved.  I wish there were more artists and success stories in the music industry like this!

1) Imagine Dragons - Night Visions

This was the band that took my heart by storm last year when I heard "It's Time" on the radio.  Right away I knew this band and I would have a long relationship, they were right up the lines of my 80's new wave passion, yet with a modern twist.  When they opened Live105's BFD, I was in awe; Dan Reynolds is the quintessential frontman, which is rare for such a young band.  I loved his energy and how he had his own big bass drum to pummel on, adding to the dynamic and sound.  A few weeks later the band blew up on radio and their Continued Silence EP came out, which played repeatedly in my car.  Hits like "Radioactive," "Demons" and "On Top Of The World" warmed my heart and I couldn't wait to see them live again.  My dream came true last Fall, with a tremendous performance at the Great American Music Hall; the whole audience connected with this talented Las Vegas band.  Night Visions technically came out Sept 2012, but it's the album that's had the most play in my life this year.  Songs like "Bleeding Out" and "Nothing Left To Say" just convey so much emotion, I feel what they feel and they get me through the hard times.  I even went on an extensive search for their previous EP's after seeing a live version of "Cover Up" on Bronson Island, which is still one of my favorite songs by them, plus I discovered "I Need A Minute" on their 2009 self-titled EP.  And let's not forget their incredible show at America's Cup Pavilion -- one of the BEST concerts I've ever seen!

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New Indie Blues Band Fritz Montana Signed With Barb Rocks!

Formed in early 2013, new blues/indie rock trio Fritz Montana have already been making waves and getting noticed by industry folks.  Due to a connection through a photography friend, the band met Kirk Harding from Crowd Control Management, manager of The Neighborhood and Little Daylight, who was very impressed with their sound and gave them some guidance on what his label is looking for.  The band is a cross between The Black Keys and The Strokes, with a noticeable Jack White feel in the vocals; some even throw Atlas Genius in the mix.

I'm truly excited to be working with Fritz Montana and feel this young band has a lot of potential to make it big.  Live 105 Music Director Aaron Axelsen debut their song "Say It So" last Sunday on Soundcheck and received a lot of texts from listeners diggin' it.   Fritz Montana is currently in 4th place in Live 105's Favorite Local Band Poll!

I encourage you to check them out and see what everyone's talking about.  Plus they're playing The Blank Club on Friday, November 1st, with Kiwi Time and All City Elite, which is a great time to see their live set!

Did I mention you can download their EP for FREE right now on their FB page?  Go "Like" them and check it out:
https://www.facebook.com/fritzmontanaband

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Power-Pop Sister Duo The Trash*Pop Icons Partner With Barb Rocks!

In my first few years putting on Barb Rocks shows, I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Letters Make Words, a pop rock band featuring the Zep sisters. We instantly bonded and they trusted the 'less experienced' me to manage for a few years with the additional help of A Kid At Heart Management.  We had some good times together, learned a lot about the local music scene, and had a nice stint of shows, radio play, press, etc., plus the sisters won 2nd and 3rd place in the Your Music Magazine San Jose Olympicks vocalist contest.  Let's just say a lot has changed since then.....for the better!  These lovely sisters rebranded themselves under a new band name, The Trash*Pop Icons, found a label to record an amazing album (which they released on my birthday July 2 a month ago), and now they are ready to take over the world, with the help of the 'more experienced' me, and it's starting right here in the Bay Area!

I highly encourage you to download their debut record "A Way With Words" on iTunes, which features my favorite song "The Shame," as well as the hits "Love/Hate," "Stupid Love" and "Screaming Your Name."  You can also stream the album on Spotify and check out the songs on SoundCloud.

The Trash Pop Icons are sisters Naomi and Nadia Zep.  This power-pop duo have been making music together for over a decade and have established quite a presence in the San Francisco Bay Area. When fronting their previous band, Letters Make Words, the sisters earned themselves a spot on the Vans Warped Tour, playing the Kevin Say Stage and were named one of the Top 10 Bands in the Bay Area multiple times by local DJ Aaron Axelson of Live105 radio.  In addition, they won the first annual Whole Foods Market and VH1 'Raw and Unprocessed' Team Member Music Project last year, which gave them the opportunity to play Live In The Vineyard music festival in Napa Valley.  The girls are proud to release their first full length album "A Way With Words" and are looking forward to touring to support their record.

https://www.facebook.com/TrashPopIcons
https://soundcloud.com/trashpopicons
http://open.spotify.com/artist/4BDyGCPbpetDSODorVhcRc

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Live105 NSSN Local Band Winners Our Vinyl Vows Added To Barb Rocks Management Roster!

I'm proud to announce that Our Vinyl Vows are now under Barb Rocks management!  These awesome ska-based rockers from Petaluma are already a "sister" band to Pounders, as well as a band I love, so it seemed natural for us to work together professionally since we're already family.  :-)

Our Vinyl Vows thrive off making personal connections with people and defying general classifications by blending elements of surf rock, stand up comedy, indie rock, R&B, dance pop, and funk.  A culmination of experienced musicians, Our Vinyl Vows, which consists of Brandon Hall (lead vox), Nick Kopan (lead guitar/vox), Colin Goheen (bass/vox), Mat Fleisch (keys/sax), Eric Peters II (brass/vox), and Nick McNair (drums), have spent a good deal of time honing their craft, figuring out what really gets a crowd moving.  Packed with danceable anthems and high energy, Our Vinyl Vows are known for their live shows, making that direct connection with each audience member that resonates deep in the soul. Their passion for the stage and strong work ethic have landed them spots to play with national acts, as well as ruling the airwaves; two of their songs have been retired after receiving 20 weeks as the number 1 most requested band on 101.7 The Fox.  OVV also won the Live105 NSSN Local Band Contest in 2012, which led to them opening for Jack White, The Shins, Metric, Of Monsters And Men, Gaslight Anthem, and Two Door Cinema Club!

It will be my pleasure to work with such a talented band that's already close to my heart, and I look forward to big things together!  I highly recommend you check out their debut album "You, Me and Einstein," produced and mixed by the famed bay area producer, Scott Llamas.

http://ourvinylvows.com
https://www.facebook.com/ourvinylvows
http://www.twitter.com/ourvinylvows

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UK Alt-Rockers Bastille At Popscene

UK chart-toppers Bastille might just be the freshest "new" band of 2013, that hopefully will become a household name.  Formed in 2010, Bastille began as a solo project by singer-songwriter Dan Smith, who later decided to form a band. The band's name derives from Bastille Day, an event that recognizes the Storming of the Bastille in Paris, which happens to be the same date (July 14) that lead vocalist Dan Smith was born.

If you can imagine Coldplay, Keane, and Glee's The Warblers having a baby, then Bastille would be that super-talented offspring.  Smith, known for his gravity-defying hairstyle, is still humbled by the reception of their album and hitting #1.

Their first studio album Bad Blood was released in March and features triumphant melancholic anthems, including their hit song "Pompeii," as well as their debut single "Overjoyed," amongst others.  Personally, I'm a huge fan of "Poet" from Pompeii Remixes EP, which I encourage you to check out.

I can't wait to see this talented band on Mon July 22 at Rickshaw Stop in SF, a week after Bastille Day!  If you want to see an amazing show with a truly talented band, then get your tickets now before this show sells out!

Just to see how amazing this band is, I encourage you to see them perform "Overjoyed" Acapella below.  Be even more impressed watching Acapella version of "Pompeii" in British Museum -- the building echoing acoustics just add to the song!

An acapella version of Overjoyed recorded live in the gardens of Copped Hall. "Overjoyed EP" out now on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/BASOJITGB?IQid=YouTube Album out now: http://po.st/bcSOmE Visit the BASTILLE online store: https://store.digitalstores.co.uk/bastille/ http://www.facebook.com/bastilleuk http://www.twitter.com/BASTILLEdan http://www.BastilleBastille.com http://soundcloud.com/bastilleuk

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SXSW 2013 Bands I Wish I Had Seen

Earlier this week I posted about bands I saw at SXSW, however, there's always bands you wish you saw but for whatever reason, you never did get that opportunity.  This is my list of artists I wish I had seen this year, bands that I highly recommend, some of who's songs are my favorites right now.

Kitten - I honestly tried three times to see this LA band of 18 year old musicians and missed them each time due to schedule changes at the venues. Their vocalist Chloe Chaidez is a cross between Karen O and Siouxsie Sioux; add to that an 80's revival sound and I can't get enough of it! 

"Cut It Out" the first single from the "Cut It Out EP" out now, buy the EP on iTunes here: http://atlr.ec/U6gnai Site: http://kittentheband.com Like: http://fb.com/kittenband Follow: http://twitter.com/kittentheband Listen: http://soundcloud.com/kittentheband Directors - Hana Ardelean & Jen Szilvagyi Director of Photography - Abraham Martinez Editor - Anna Patel / Foundation Content Colorist - Tom Rovak / Foundation Content Gaffer - Jose Martinez Focus puller- Scott O'Neil Data Wrangler- Glen Landry AC - Matt Maxwell Make-up Artist - Boutheyna "Boots" Lead - Tatiana Khawaja Lead - Eric Lichtenberger PA - Matt Goodhue PA - Ben Cho © 2012 WMG.

Foxes - the first time I heard this song I fell in love with it instantly; this UK singer has an EP out and is currently working on full album which I can't wait to hear! I also recommend you check out "Clarity" by ZEDD to hear her vocals on a good dance track.

Foxes is back with a brand new single Better Love. Get your copy here: Apple Music: http://iamfox.es/BetterLoveiT Spotify: http://iamfox.es/BetterLoveSY Google Play: http://iamfox.es/BetterLoveGP Amazon: http://iamfox.es/BetterLoveAMZ You can also pre-order Foxes new album which features Body Talk, Better Love and an instant download of Feet Don't Fail Me Now here: http://iamfox.es/AllINeediTDLX Keep up with Foxes: http://iamfoxes.com http://twitter.com/iamfoxes http://facebook.com/iamfoxes http://instagram.com/iamfoxes http://po.st/iamfoxes http://google.com/+iamfoxes Music video by Foxes performing Youth.

Bastille - an impressive indie-flavored pop quartet from London that are topping the charts for a good reason; I'm even more blown-away after seeing this a capella / acoustic video. 

Bastille performing Pompeii live at The British Museum http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions/pompeii_and_herculaneum.aspx Join Bastille online: https://www.facebook.com/bastilleuk https://twitter.com/bastilledan http://bastilleuk.tumblr.com/ http://instagram.com/bastilledan/ http://soundcloud.com/bastilleuk http://www.bastillebastille.com/

Haim - these valley girl sisters have a reminiscent feel of Fleetwood Mac incorporated with a modern R&B pop sound; I just want to dance along with them. 

Falling EP Out Now -- iTunes: http://haaa.im/MIyC0K Limited 10" Vinyl: http://haaa.im/MqtMwf Music Video: http://haaa.im/qBfkWt 'Don't Save Me' -- iTunes: http://haaa.im/NmtGTy Vinyl for US & UK: http://haaa.im/b2cafz Music Video: http://haaa.im/fz29kv Purchase the 'Forever' EP here: smarturl.it/HAIMForeverEP http://facebook.com/HAIMtheband http://twitter.com/HAIMtheband http://HAIMtheband.com TOUR DATES: http://haaa.im/WOF8nx Produced by: HAIM & Ludwig Goransson Video Credits: Directed by Austin Peters Produced by Austin Peters and Stefan Weinberger Edited by Taylor Ward Director of Photography: Martim Vian AC: Nadia Baptista Art Director: Natalie Ziering Make Up: Dina Gregg Hair: Candice Birns Graphic: Seth Brau PA: Skye Optican

Alt-J - very original English alt-rock band who's music is full of layers with hints of folk and pop; my personal favorite is the song "Dissolve Me" but there's no video yet.

Directed by Ellis Bahl. Get debut album 'An Awesome Wave' here: http://smarturl.it/AnAwesomeWave (digital) http://smarturl.it/AAWCD (physical). Out in the US via Canvasback Music on September 18


San Cisco - this Australian four-piece is getting a lot of attention lately and I was curious how well the 19 year old band members would perform live; they definitely have potential.

Vrolijker dan San Cisco gaat het dit jaar niet meer worden. Luister maar eens naar 'Awkward', de single waarmee ze nu aan het doorbreken zijn. Wat is dat lekker he!? http://avro.nl/Toppop3/artiesten/sancisco.aspx


Petite Noir - Chris Ely on my management roster knows Yannick Ilunga from his time in South Africa so I wanted to touch base with him in Austin. Sadly his only non-badge required show was at same time as Green Day, so I missed him by 30 minutes.

PETITE NOIR - PRESSURE Video by BEN JOHNSON Assisted by Bella Knemeyer http://www.facebook.com/petitenoir1 http://www.twitter.com/PETITE_NOIR http://www.benralphjohnson.tumblr.com http://www.b-johnson.com A glimpse of what's in store from Petite Noir - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - It's been an extremely exciting couple of months for the 22 year old half-Congolese, half-Angolan solo artist Yannick Ilunga, aka Petite Noir.


Twenty One Pilots - you can hear Eminem's influence in this duo that consists of a rapper/pianist and live drummer, who actually does a back flip during their performances; plus you can't help but sing along to this catchy tune!

twenty one pilots performing "Holding on to You" at their sold out show at Newport Music Hall in Columbus, OH. Free downloads and more at twentyonepilots.com. Video produced by Reel Bear Media. ReelBearMedia.com Audio recorded and mixed by Earthwork Recording Studio. EarthworkRecording.com

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - the fact that they hit number one without being on a major label proves the music industry is changing. They were the must-see act this year but I didn't want to deal with hours of waiting in line and sadly got my RSVP too late that would have let me cut the line at Woodies Awards.

Same Love feat. Mary Lambert on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/same-love-feat.-mary-lambert/id543948282 We support civil rights, and hope WA State voters will APPROVE REF 74 and legalize marriage equality. Visit http://www.music4marriage.org for more info.

King Loses Crown - I hung with these SF guys quite a bit even though I didn't get a chance to see them play, but I can vouch that they are amazing live and this video is absolutely incredible!

You Can't Escape - EP OUT NOW!!! "Darker than Devo, faster than Depeche Mode, denser than Killing Joke, but sharing the apocalyptic atmosphere of those artists, San Francisco trio King Loses Crown releases their new single "My Revenge."

I really hope you enjoy some of these artists as much as me!  xoxo

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SXSW 2013 Review

As expected, I had a blast at SXSW this year even though I didn't get to see some of the artists/bands I really wanted to catch.  I was happy to hang out with some great touring bands, including Eliquate, Alabaster, Fight The Quiet, King Loses Crown, and Death Valley High, plus stayed with my wonderful friends Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, who blow me away with their talent, generosity, and hospitality.  The best part was that I won tickets to see Green Day live at ACL Live/Moody Theater, as well as to the screenings of both their documentary films Broadway Idiot and Cuatro through their Idiot Nation fanclub! Did I mention I caught Billy Joe's hat!!!  Seriously the BEST Green Day show I've experienced, plus having San Jose band Stickup Kid as opener gives me hope that Pounders will make it someday!

Here's a list of some of the bands I saw and why I enjoyed them:

Fitz And The Tantrums - great high energy band that gets the audience going with their pop-rock meets soul sound, so I was bummed that I missed the first half of their set; might just be my favorite set of the festival.

A Silent Film - I'm a sucker for UK indie bands that bring back that classic 80's new wave sound, plus the vocalist hits all those notes perfectly live. I met the band after their set and they were so stoked I bought their new album that they autographed my CD and gave me the best hugs. I love a band that knows how to make a fan feel special!

On An On - a new discovery from a SXSW playlist on Spotify; a bit too mellow for my mood at the time, but still very beautiful to experience live.

The Limousines - couldn't miss the chance to see these Bay Area favorites showcase music from their new album Hush; not only did I love all the new songs, I also loved the venue's well suited lighting and ambiance that fit perfectly with this duo's electro-pop sound.

Death Valley High - my SF boys did a great job rockin' the Texas Rockfest outdoor stage playing songs off their forthcoming album; I especially loved their cover of "F**k The Pain Away" by Peaches.

Fight The Quiet - these Arizona alt-rockers have made Nashville their new home and just released their new EP The City Below; sadly the venue's sound gear wasn't up to par, but the band handled it like champs and still had the audience lovin' every moment of it!

Alabaster - my Seattle friends showed off their new songs that are fresher and catchier than anything Paramore is putting out these days; makes you wonder why they haven't broke into the mainstream yet.

The Material - memorable female-fronted LA band that grabs your attention with powerful vocals over their power rock sound, yet with a touch of emotionally charged ballads in the mix.

Horseshoes and Hand Grenades - this talented Austin duo will blow you away with songs like "Space Jam" that will not only make you laugh, but amaze you with KG's harmonica playing and Nate's charm; their the new Tenacious D!

Eliquate - honestly didn't see them play at SXSW as I wanted to, but have seen them play in the bay, so it's only fair I give this Santa Cruz hip hop band credit for being all around amazing guys with great songs!

Later this week I'll post about the bands I wanted to see but missed!

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Old Radio Interviews

About 5 years ago, I was managing South Bay bands Jade of Days and Point 3 and working very closely with The Moderna Complex.  My friend Tavius had a DJ slot at KSCU (Santa Clara University) and we had some fun interviews with him.  Feel free to check out the recordings of those on-air radio sessions.  :-)

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Why Bands Should Book With Barb Rocks

Barb Rocks may not book every venue and every weekend in the south bay, not because it hasn't been offered to me, but because I choose to put on a few top notch shows every month at the best venues in town. This gives me the time to put together quality shows by organizing well thought-out line-ups with good drawing professional bands, without over-saturating the market. It's no wonder that Barb Rocks shows are known as the best shows in the south bay with the most consistent draw and best payout!

Some promoters like to talk big and make false promises, but that's not what you get when you book with Barb Rocks. Instead, you get a well-rounded experience that bands and fans rave about. My goal has always been to put on well-attended shows that everyone can enjoy from beginning to end, so that the venues, bands, and fans have an unforgettable experience. For over 7 years I have established myself as the most reputable promoter for rock shows in San Jose, and I'm proud of this accomplishment. Plus I use the best sound guys in the South Bay that have great PA equipment, so that everyone gets to experience the best sound quality while enjoying the show.

Even though I may be booked up to 3 months ahead, I also have connections with venues that need open slots filled on shows, so even though those are not Barb Rocks shows, it still helps bands get shows at venues. My network and connections run deep and all over the west coast and I will always try to help out bands as much as possible. So if I can't get you on one of my shows, I can at least help bands get on other shows.

I pay out bands 70-100% of door monies collected at the show based on draw, minus expenses incurred by the show (ie. flyer design, door guy, sound).  If the show does well and the bar sales are high, then the higher the percentage bands get paid out.  I pride myself on running on organized, well-booked shows, and have the reputation to back that up. Feel free to check out the band testimonials on the "About" page and see what they say about me.

If you're looking to book shows with me, use the contact form and provide me with your band name, URL with music samples, list of venues and bands you have played with, accurate estimate of draw numbers on both weeknights and weekends, whether your primary draw is under or over 21, and referrals if you have them. My show dates are always listed on my page, so please let me know what date(s) you have in mind to play. Please note that if four bands are already listed under a particular date, that means that show is already fully booked.

It's also important for bands to know that they should spread out their shows in the same market at least 3-4 weeks apart for best results. Let's keep the venues, promoters, bands, and fans happy and make sure that each show draws well and is a success for everyone involved!!

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Santa Cruz Artist Stormy Strong Signed to Barb Rocks Management!

It gives me great joy to announce that Santa Cruz artist Stormy Strong has signed management deal with me!  Stormy is a very talented singer/songwriter that has won three songwriting contests for his song "Save You" from Billboard World Songwriting Contest, Great American Songwriting Contest, and Disc Maker's Indie Music World Series, plus his song "Sail Away" won The Best Music You Have Never Heard on KGO Radio in 2007.

Stormy's song "Jumpstart The Heart" was chosen as #1 in "Rick's Picks 2012" on 'The Best Radio You Have Never Heard' podcast, which also included songs from Smashing Pumpkins, Regina Spektor, Arcade Fire, Rage Against The Machine!

Stormy's unique cover of The Pixies "Where is My Mind?" has been popular on iTunes, Spotify, Rdio, Mog, and iHeart Radio.  It's also the song that originally caught my attention 6 years ago when I first booked Stormy at the Cupertino Brit!  His new EP "Take Her Down" was recorded with music industry icons Lyle Workman (Frank Black, Todd Rundgren, Beck), Sean Beavan (Guns N' Roses, Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails), Tim Narducci (Systematic) and Chris Manning (Jellyfish).  Since 1996, Stormy Strong’s brand of "alternative saltwater rock"sinks in with razor sharp hooks, honest bitter lyrics and raw emotion, biting with an unforgettably addictive sting.

It's an honor to work with such a talented songwriter, so please welcome him to the Barb Rocks family!  I'm working on some show bookings for Stormy, so stay tuned for announcements and keep supporting local music.  You never know, you might just see a well-known pounder slaying drums for Stormy! ;-)

http://www.stormystrong.com/
http://www.facebook.com/stormystrongmusic
http://www.twitter.com/stormystrong

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Order Your Custom Barb Rocks Clothing Items!

The wait is finally over!  I can officially take orders for Barb Rocks logo-printing clothing items!  Instead of just buying a stack of shirts in one color and various sizes, I've decided to give you more custom options:

1) Give me an item of clothing you want printed with my logo.  It can be a tshirt, tank top, long-sleeved shirt, sweatshirt, hoodie, etc. in any color.  Cost for silk-screen is only $5!

2) Choose a clothing item from below links; just let me know which item, your size and the color you want, and I will give you exact pricing.

Tshirts:
http://www.americanapparel.net/wholesaleresources/ExpressOrder/Catalog/Search.aspx?s=2102

Tanks:
http://www.americanapparel.net/wholesaleresources/ExpressOrder/catalog/product.aspx?s=2408&cid=26&w=1

Long Sleeve Shirts:
http://www.americanapparel.net/wholesaleresources/ExpressOrder/catalog/product.aspx?s=2007&cid=24&w=1

Hoodies (logo would print on back):
http://www.americanapparel.net/wholesaleresources/ExpressOrder/catalog/product.aspx?s=RSA2402&cid=211&w=1

You can also browse through rest of American Apparel site to see other options, though I will need to clear your selection with my vendor to ensure it will work with silk screen printing.

Once your price is determined and item is on order, you can PayPal the money to me.  I need a total of 50 items to get the order started.  It's all pretty easy, so please make your selections!

Thank you for your support!

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All City Elite added to Barb Rocks growing Management Roster!

I'm happy to announce San Jose's very own All City Elite has decided to work with me as their band manager!  All City Elite, A.C.E.s as it is commonly referred to, is a collaboration between various Bay Area recording artists and musicians who were looking to create an exciting new sound, with broad appeal, but without being confined by specific genre trappings. This, along with an energetic stage performance and a strong focus on the digital distribution of their media, has already led to an impressive fan turn out and overwhelming support from friends, family, and colleagues alike.

Having known Rob Hurtado for years through the Jade of Days friend circuit, I was excited to see him perform with ACE last year when they opened for Filter; a very high-energy show that Pounders were also a part of.  This Saturday will be ACE's first time playing a Barb Rocks show and I'm stoked to see this lively band in action once more!  In the process of booking ACE for the show, we started chatting about their management needs and it turns out, they were looking for a local manager that could help them get more shows, press coverage, radio airplay, and overall better exposure in Silicon Valley and beyond.  Considering I specialize in just that, mostly in the local market, and am a fan of their music, we found that we were a perfect fit to work together.  I'm very excited for this new endeavor and look forward to working with such a musically talented group!  Help me welcome All City Elite to the growing Barb Rocks "Empire"!

http://justlisten.allcityelite.com/
https://www.facebook.com/allcityelite
https://twitter.com/allcityelite

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Barb Rocks growing her management roster with South Bay's very own Chris Ely!

Chris Ely first contacted me in June (2012), referred by the talented Dewey Rogge, and I could tell by our first phone conversation that we would get along well and do great things together.  There was just something natural and easy about our conversation, two like-minded people that love music and just want to share that passion with the world.  It took five months to finally get Chris and his band on one of my shows, but I knew in my gut that it would be a good show and that it would lead to a solid business relationship.  His song "Lost Souls" moved me the first time I heard it, and to this day, I'm still smitten by that song.  Today, I'm happy to announce that Chris and his band have decided to work with me as their manager, and I look forward to our journey together!

I encourage you all to check out Chris and his band at their next show, Wednesday, November 28th at The Blank Club, playing with Drop Dead Sixty and Cosmic Machine (21+ FREE show)!

Chris Ely's band consists of Gus Fjelstrom (bass), Nick Grant (drums), and Nick Tresko (guitar/keys).  Chris and I both feel that they need to come up with a name that suits them, so if you have any suggestions, let's hear 'em!  Chris Ely & The ___________?

BIOGRAPHY:

Chris Ely began his musical journey in the San Francisco rock scene.  Originally a bassist, he first picked up a microphone when he was elected to sing in a newly formed band.  Overcoming his shyness, he learned to embrace the role of lead singer.  A year later, Chris seized an opportunity that led him to move to Africa in 2001. As a songwriter, his music took new shape and purpose.  He was forever changed from witnessing the immense poverty and plight of those suffering from HIV/AIDS.  After eight years oversees, he could no longer neglect his passion for music and songwriting.  Since the prospects of the music scene in Africa were murky at best, Chris decided to return home to California.

In the Fall of 2009, he took a job as a high school teacher.  He utilized his first summer off by crafting a fresh sound while crammed into a new apartment.  But before embarking on a solo project, he played in two bands, as well as offering his talents as a bassist to a local hip-hop artist.  Eventually, at the repeated request of friends, he began work on a solo project.  As Chris fine tuned his new sounds, a story began to unfold in the songs while he grappled with American culture and the life he had recently left behind.  These songs became a diary of his recent journey called "Can’t Stay for Long."

Between the edgy rock riffs and atmospheric synthesizers, something honest and refreshing emerges in "Can’t Stay for Long."  Chris has a way of mending tense and complicated moments with his soothing voice.  Coupled with a distaste for politics and the ache of broken relationships, his vulnerable lyrics invoke optimism in the human soul.

http://chriselymusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ChrisElyMusic
https://twitter.com/ChrisElyMusic

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I am now managing San Jose darlings POUNDERS!

I'm sure many of you already know who the Pounders are since they've been leaving quite an impression throughout the Bay Area when they perform, but for those of you who haven't discovered them yet, it's about time you get DOWN TO POUND!

Imagine Billy Joe Armstrong (Green Day) with Travis Barker (Blink-182) laying the foundation of the music, mix in some heavy Les Claypool (Primus) influenced grooves of a self-proclaimed "Bass God," and you have the wonderful formula that makes up Pounders.  This trio literally owns the stage with their electrifying stage antics, creating buzz each time they perform, leaving audiences longing for more.

With the release of their new album Chasing The Sun in Winter 2010, Pounders are eager to get their music out to the masses.  In the upcoming weeks the band will be working with San Jose filmmaker Frank Door and his company Element 151 on a music video for the album's namesake single, as well as opening a new all-ages venue in Los Gatos to appease the younger audience and grow the local music scene.

Pounders have already had the honor of playing Vans Warped Tour in 2008, the "Bring It Back Tour" stage at Left Coast Live in 2009, the Morgan Hill Friday Night Music Series and Wine Festival, Santana Row Music Series, the Whiskey A Go-Go in LA, and various Hot Topic stores throughout California, plus they shared the stage with Mike Herrera of MxPx at their own CD Release show.  With even bigger things are in the works, everyone will soon be DOWN TO POUND!

I encourage you all to check out Pounders at their next show, which will be announced soon!  Also, check them out on MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter:
http://www.myspace.com/pounders
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pounders/176547076052
http://twitter.com/PNDRS

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Metro Best of 2010 staff pick: Best South Bay Scene Queen

"We can't take credit for calling Barbara Wahli the queen of the South Bay scene; it was actually a DJ on FCC Free Radio. We're not even sure it's a great title for her, as she's about the farthest thing from a diva we can imagine. But it is admittedly catchier and more glamorous than what we'd say, which is simply that Barbara Wahli is the hardest-working woman in South Bay rock.  Not only does she promote Barb Rocks shows all around the South Bay, but she's also a real advocate for local bands.  If she hears something she really likes, she will champion that band, and in a few cases (A Four Star Affair, Drop Dead Sixty, Letters Make Words) even manage them.  Her energy is infectious, and her ear for local talent remarkable."

http://www.barbrocks.com/images/09-22-10_Metro_BestSouthBaySceneQueen.pdf
http://www.metroactive.com/best-of-silicon-valley/2010/music-nightlife/staff-picks.html

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