Chicago – On Friday night, Capital Cities started a massive dance party inside The Riviera that lasted well into the night. The LA electro-pop band has been performing with CHERUB and Night Terrors of 1927 on an epic North American tour sponsored by Xbox One and Forza Horizon 2. All three bands had Chicago jumping, singing, and dancing
Los Angeles – On a warm, peaceful Wednesday evening at the El Rey Theater in Los Angeles’ Miracle Mile district, Tijuana Panthers were anything but quiet as they revved up the large, buzzing crowd with their surprisingly unique brand of saccharine-laced surf punk. Opening for Mariachi El Bronx, the Long Beach-based band put on a performance that
Chicago – Despite the snow, rain, and hail, the line grew and grew outside The Vic on Halloween night. Chicagoans didn’t let the crazy weather ruin their evening with Junior Prom, Hunter Hunted, and Andrew McMahon. Once inside, concertgoers shed their coats, gloves, and scarves to reveal costumes, anticipation, and excitement. LA duo Hunter Hunted
Chicago – English experimental rock band alt-J has come along way since its formation in 2007 in a Leeds University dorm room. With a new member and new album, the band has been selling out show after show, including two sold-out dates at Chicago’s Riviera. Joe Newman (singer & guitarist), Thom Green (drummer), Gus Unger-Hamilton (keyboardist), and
Austin – Everyone recovered from ACL? Cool. It’s time for Fun Fun Fun Fest. Austin’s third-favorite festival starts this Friday, November 7, and while the name is trying a little hard, the lineup is enticing. The headliners are a mix of old favorites and new bands. Modest Mouse, Nas, Neutral Milk Hotel, and—big “Oh My
Los Angeles - Ben Howard‘s quick success is well deserved. The British singer-songwriter’s performance at the El Rey Theatre on Monday showed off minimalism at its finest. His show is a model for how indie-folk should be presented — intimate, grabbing, and powerful enough to bring tears to the eyes. Though his latest album, I Forget Where
Nashville – Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas may have named their debut LP Secret Evil, but once they hit the stage the other night, their secret was out . . . for no-holds-barred soul, with high energy and a passionate diva at the helm, call the Deltas. The Detroit-based group took a small divergence from
Los Angeles – Kenny Vasoli of Vacationer is the happiest guy I’ve ever seen on stage. When I saw him perform with his band this past Sunday night, I took notice of how he plays every song with a huge, infectious smile. He’s finding his own relief, which coincidentally happens to be the title of
New York – Mark Foster commanded the stage like a cult leader at Friday night’s Foster The People show at the historic United Palace. Such a grand venue was the perfect setting for the band’s brief CMJ stop. The gilded stage was populated by synths and drum sets creating a visually staggering environment within the
Brooklyn – Secret Someones have made vocal harmonies a science. The voices of the indie band’s guitarist Bess Rogers, synth-player Hannah Winkler and bassist Lelia Broussard very possibly sound better live than they do on CD. While they all bring equal skill to the band and Winkler could surely sing Rogers’ part in “Chase Your