Augustana

 

Augustana are an American rock/ indie band from San Diego, and are similar to the bands Jack's Mannequin and The Maine.

This four piece band has to date released four albums, their debut album "Midwest Skies and  Sleepless Mondays," "All the Stars and Boulevards," "Can't Love, Can't Hurt" and their recently released self titled album "Augustana." Popular songs by this band are "Boston" and "Sweet and Low." 

After the release of their fourth album, Augustana was dropped from their record label Epic Records. Following this blow, the band hit more trouble when some of its members decided to leave the band. Despite this however, the rest of the band remain together and continue to tour and perform. 

A band who has not had outstanding reviews for their live performances, this is one of those gigs where other than the standard performance not a lot else will happen. If you are seeking a night out listening to live music this could be for you, however I will say there are better alternatives out there.

Tour dates: 

1st Feb. Gramercy Theatre - New York

For information regarding tickets and the rest of their N.American tour check out:  http://www.ticketmaster.com/Augustana-tickets/artist/1001153

Foster The People

ATTENTION: This band is playing in NY in May 2012 and the support act is The Kooks. (Tickets go on sale Fri!)


Back in July I posted the following:

I was definitely slow to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to this band.

Foster the People are an indie band from Los Angeles, California. Many of my friends raved and recommended this band to me - but until now I resisted. Having finally sat down to listen to them I can safely say their is no turning back - I love them!!

If you are unfamiliar with this band but like the artists Alex Winston, Friendly Fires and The Naked And Famous, than this band is right up your street. Songs I suggest you should check out are "Pumped Up Kicks," "Helena Beat" and "Waste."

Foster The People released their debut album "Torches" back in May and have since achieved great success. A huge contribution to their success goes to the release of their debut single "Pumped Up Kicks." Not only did this song reach number one on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart, but it helped gain them attention from across the globe.  

There is no risk of this band being a one hit wonder, something proven by their gigs. Both highly confident and Energetic, Foster The People certainly don't disappoint. At the end of all their shows they leave their sell out crowds gagging for more, and like an true performers they are only too willing to oblige and play a few more of their tracks! Their gigs are always packed and completely buzzing, something you would expect from their electronic sounds and feel good tunes.

This gig is a must - get a ticket quick as these tickets are not going to be around for long. 

Tour dates:
25th April. Academy - Manchester, UK
27th April. O2 Academy - London, UK
29th May. Rumsey Playfield - NY
30th May. Rumsey Playfield - NY

For NY dates ticket go on sale: FRIDAY 12th December at 12.00pm EST. Here is the link (for 12/30 show) http://www.bowerypresents.com/event/82499
For information and tickets for their European (incl UK), Australian and East Asia tour check out: http://www.fosterthepeople.com/us/events

William Fitzsimmons

 

William Fitzsimmons, a folk singer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is defiantly someone to check out. 

To date,Fitzsimmons has released five albums "When We Are hosts," "Goodnight." "Sparrow and the Crow," "Derivatives" and "Gold in the Shadow," and has had a number of his singles aired on popular shows such as Grey's Anatomy and One Tree Hill. 

Although I have not been fortunate to see William Fitzsimmons live, I am eager to do so one day. William Fitzsimmons is the perfect choice for those days you find yourself pondering and reflecting about life - deep I know, but we've all been there! Fitzsimmons songs are all very honest, for example the album "The Sparrow and the Crow" is about his failed marriage and the process he went through to start life over again. It is this pure emotion and  honesty that make his songs that much more captivating and meaningful to the listener. 

So if you are seeking a chilled evening listening to soul wrenching music from a hugely talented and charismatic guy, this is certainly the gig for you. 

  

Tour dates: 

18th Feb. Bowery Ballroom - NYC 

22nd Feb. Water Street Music Hall - NY

For more information about his European and North America tour check out: http://www.myspace.com/williamfitzsimmons/shows

Goo Goo Dolls live Review

I have to be honest, I loved seeing this band live!

Last week I was fortunate to see the Goo Goo Dolls in New Jersey with a couple of my friends. The venue was pretty small for such a successful band so it was great to be able to stand so close to the stage and see them really perform.

 The band was incredibly energetic and entertaining. I had not realized John Rzeznik (lead vocalist) was so witty and comical. Between songs he had great banter with both the audience and the rest of the band, and always seemed in-tune to what the crowd was doing.

During the two hour set John Rzeznik mostly took the lead on their songs although Robby Takac sang some including the hit, January Friend. Other songs they sang included Broadway, Acoustic, Sweetest Lie and my personal favorite performance of the night, Iris! 

Ryan Star, a singer from Long Island, New York was the support for the Goo Goo Dolls show. To give him his credit, he did a great job of warming the crowd up for the main act. He sang his hit songs 'Right Now," "Last Train Home," "Breathe" and "Start a Fire,"  and was around after the show to sign autographs.

I had a great night overall and would certainly recommend you go and see them live as they really do put on a great show.

Tour dates
Nov 18th. The Stanley- Utica, NY
Dec 31st. Caesars Atlantic City - Atlantic City, NJ

For tickets and more information about tour dates check out: Goo Goo Dolls

Lykke Li Music Gig

 Lykke Li is a Swedish indie singer who first hit the music scene in 2008. Lykke Li incorporates pop, electronic, and indie rock into her songs by using many instruments such as violins, tambourines, trumpets, saxophone, and cellos. 

Lykke Li has recently attracted many indie fans due her to fantastic cover of "knocked up" by Kings of Leon. Lykke Li has two albums to date, her debut album "Youth Novels" and the recently released "Wounded Rhymes." 

If you like bands such as Robyn, Beth Ditto, Ellie Goulding and Bat for Lashes, than you should definitely check out Lykke Li. 

Lykki Li is awesome live. Her great voice, constant engagement with the crowd and continual dancing around the stage leaves the crowd wanting more. If you want an enjoyable night of good music than this is a gig for you.

Tour dates:
30th Oct. O2 ABC - Glasgow, UK
31st Oct. Manchester Academy 2 - Manchester,  UK
1st Nov. Roundhouse - London UK.

for more information on tickets check out: Lykke Li ticket info

Nada Surf

Nada Surf first fit the music scene in 1992 and have a number of great tunes including 'See these bones,' (see below) 'Always love' and 'Brightside.'This indie rock band are hugely popular and are due to release their seventh album 'The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy' later this year.

This band has great reviews for their live shows,and generally always make time at the end to meet fans. They always seem to connect well with their audiences and so if you are looking for an enjoyable night of good music, this is definitely for you!

Tour dates:
 1/24/12. Bowery Ballroom - NYC
02/08/12. KOKO - London, UK

For more information regarding their European Tour dates check out: Nada Surf Tour Dates

I am back!

Although I had originally decided to end my blog in August I have decided to resume it once again so keep posted for more news about upcoming gigs.