Monday nights at The Satellite in Silver Lake have long been a bastion for newer and up-and-coming bands to showcase their talents. These free month-long residencies (throughout the city for that matter) allow for musicians to hone their craft and build their fanbase in the most organic of ways: via word of mouth.

This past Monday was no different and even featured some of the great emerging musicians we’d written about this year (which is either incredible foresight or an incredible knack for discovering talent, you be the judge). While people were still trickling in, The Living Sisters hit the stage to celebrate a rare night out on the town. The ladies, whose neat EP of covers was released in January, were loose and good spirits, as one would be when they don’t have to worry about taking care of their kids for one night. The alcohol was flowing as were the jokes during their 40-minute set. There wasn’t a formal set list as they played what they wanted and that allowed for a truly organic performance to materialize. Passing an acoustic guitar around like a hot potato and beautiful harmonies proved that the ladies need to play shows more often since they’re as loose and relaxed on-stage, which made it easy for everyone to have a good time.

Next up was Jenny O. While the singer/songwriter received accolades for her EP and her debut album, Automechanic, I wasn’t completely sold on the album. However, after hearing the majority of the album played live and with a full backing band, I can’t help but say I was anything less than impressed. The songs came to life in this setting and judging by how the venue filled up as Ms. O took the stage; I think that I’m not the only person to sing her praises.

Wearing a denim jacket over a dress and jeans, the singer’s set was hands down one of the impressive of the year thus far. The voracity and imagery of her lyrics took on stronger meaning and greater urgency in this setting. Her voice sounded as smooth, but in a slightly raspy way, adding character to the topics and perspectives she tackled. The set was tight, the vibe mellow and the mood laid back. Basically, you can’t ask for anything more during a set at a small venue. She’ll be in Austin next week at SXSW, so you’d be best served to check her out since my words can only do her so much justice.

Headlining the evening was Harper Simon. He did a fantastic job setting the tone for his residency by picking two terrific openers. The son of Paul Simon was much louder and the sound more tenacious than the softer leanings of the openers, but that suited me just fine. Though he’s played on multiple albums over the years, his upcoming album, Division Street, is only his second. Backed by a crisp band that featured a Rock n Roll Hall of Famer in drummer Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello) and keyboardist Nate Walcott of Bright Eyes, it’s no surprise that the set rocked hard (even if it was hard to hear the vocals since I was up in front). It’s rare to see a band of this quality play a show together, nevertheless a free one. With heavy jams and rockin guitars, the group was reminiscent of Sonic Youth. It’s hard to believe this was their first live show as a unit and if that’s any indication of what’s to come on Simon’s album and subsequent show dates, then brighter, harder rockin’ days are ahead.