Hyena

I had to drive my friends around Saturday night. Designated for the night, but that didn't stop me from having fun. We went to a very cool bar on Market St. called Local Edition. It was like a prohibition era meets 80's type of style club. I was really digging the atmosphere.

The music was really upbeat, and it took me a minute to realize that it was a live band playing!

 They are called Hyena, and they are the not so new indie/pop/electro band coming out of The Whale's Vagina (SD) and they are picking up speed in the underground synth pop scene...

(I'm sorry, but watching this video and hearing the intro, I can't help but think that it's a dig at all those club goers...kind of funny if intentional)

Hyena was formed by Michael Cooper & Bryan Stratman and they are pretty refreshing! Live drum kit juxtaposed next to synth beats and deep dance inducing bass lines, tossed in with some heavy earthy vocals from Bryan and you've got a dance party to knock your socks off. I especially dig the 80's inspired influences and absolutely love that their songs are peppered with a bit of dub step, it really puts them apart from all of the synth pop I've been hearing come out. This dingy and dark, yet poppy, genre mixing phenomenon is amazing.

Apparently, they've got a new record coming out titled We Are Hyena, and I scored a promo EP with six new songs from that upcoming album. With songs titled Never Enough, Sweet Lies, and Like A Dream...I'm guessing they are/were inspired by the Cure, or could it just be coincidental? You decide.

I'm really loving this sound. Being such an emo kid, anything with indie roots gets me excited.

One of the songs on the EP, Wander, features Dave Keuning (the Killers) on guitar. It's pretty good. It's even better than good...it's Killer. ;)

When you get a moment. Check them out! More at www.WeAreHyena.com 


Still on that high from winning the World Series!!! ( and other things) GO GIANTS!!!

Further Seems Forever

Sometimes things are closer to home than you think.

 When I first listened to FSF, I was sitting on the floor of my friend's room. We had gone to a show the night before, and I remember talking to Michael Richardson (of Benton Falls) after the show. He had briefly talked about Further Seems Forever and suggested we give a listen.

 So there we were, searching anything and everything we could on FSF. This was at least 10 years ago, so keep in mind that finding good music online took a good amount of time...kids these days are so lucky with their fast streaming computers!! (and, yea, I totally just dated myself. shoot.)

 Back then, I didn't have any music credibility beside The Cure, as I was still being introduced to newer music left and right by friends of mine, some of them older than me (of course!) who were none the wiser in some respects, but were wonderfully advanced in finding fantastic music. I owe many of my heartfelt favorite finds to them...thanks guys, you know who you are.

 I know I say this about a lot of bands I've been going to see lately...but, without a doubt, this one takes the cake for being completely and over the top in nostalgic value.

 I am still in shock. I was there. At Bottom Of The Hill, a venue that holds roughly about 150 people. All the way at the front. Seeing Christopher Ender Carrabba and the ORIGINAL Further Seems Forever line up.

 lucky is an understatement.

 I'll keep this short and just toss in the photos. I should listen to the advice given to me by someone recently... sleep is a precious thing to waste. I'll be sure to put that to good use tonight. somewhat...maybe.

Set list: 

Yea, of course this happened: Josh is a sweetie, we talked about Knapsack!! Informed him of the new Jealous Sound album...(you're welcome Blair & Bob)

and this is Chad..what a genuinely nice guy. Loved him. Wish I could have spent more time with him, they were headed to Anaheim for the following night's show.

Chris Carrabba!! woot. Got to talk to him a bit. I've met him before, and he's still the coolest emo kid, hands down. (hehe)

Chris Conley of Saves the Day opened up with an acoustic set. I think I died a little. Maybe peed too.

Set list 1/1: 

Talked to Chris Conley and his buddy Rob after the show. (Thanks for hanging out with me and my geeky friends!!) I am always amazed at how level headed and down to earth artists can be. Chris and I talked mostly about our kids....funny how things change..He's got a second grader this year, so that's a new adventure in itself. I talked about my kinder kid...and of course, we felt old. My kid is my life, so I get it. It's a beautiful, life altering, eye widening experience and only parents can understand and know the level of connection you have with your child. It's refreshing to talk to other parents who get it. Who truly, get the importance of keeping connected. (for those of you who don't know)

He mentioned working on an album during the summer, and how he is grateful for having his studio directly behind his home. Being away from your family is difficult, how awesome for him that he gets to spend time with his little girl and continue to make music and be creative. I am very excited to hear this new album...I am kicking myself for forgetting to ask the name (or tentative name) if he's got one. He'll finish recording by spring and the album is slated for summer, which means touring in the fall!! I'm so there. 

Thank you Chris and Rob for the lovely chat and we'll definitely do drinks next time. 

Peace out! Drive Safe, Sleep tight. The Giants won the world series!!! I'll be on cloud 9 all week! 

You Already Know

So, last night's show was pretty epic.

I must admit that I got a little sloppy, I had a one too many and I'm paying for that right now. However, I was able to meet Kenny Vasoli and Michael Golla from Vacationers and  Ed Nash and Jack Steadman of Bombay Bicycle Club, So I guess it was worth it! yea?

above: Vacationers. 

I really liked their sound, it's eclectic upbeat, electronica, hip hop infused rock. I'll include a song below for you to check out if you haven't already. I'll definitely be downloading their album. 

Bombay was incredible. 

Here is the set list from last night: 

Beg

Your Eyes

Dust on the Ground

Sleep

Leave It

It's Alright Now

Evening/Morning

Bad Timing

Rinse Me Down

Ivy and Gold

Lights Out, Words Gone

What You Want

Cancel On Me

Always Like This

I asked Ed and Jack if I could ask them few questions, and they were gracious enough to accept. Honestly, I don't know how I even managed it, but it was pretty awesome. Thanks to a nice gentleman, who was nice enough to assist a poorly coordinated drunk girl, I came home with this: 

Me: When was the pivotal moment in which you knew this was more than just a hobby? 

Jack: Now. Honestly, I'm still amazed at the response. 

Me: What do you guys do outside of performing? Do you have any time to sight see while touring?

Ed: Yea, I went out earlier today by myself. I went to see- what's that street that curves all the way down?

Me: Lombard.

Ed: Yea, Lombard. That was cool. (shows me his instagram photo of it) and then there was the Golden Gate, I went and saw that as well. 

Jack: Eat. 

Me: Are you guys total foodies?

Jack: yea, we definitely are. (He told me about this place they went to, but my handwriting is so not legible here, something Tarajas?)

 Me: I've read online that when it comes to your music videos, there is a bit of controversy, can you tell me a bit about why that is?

Ed: Really? What have you read? 

Me: Well, that when it came to your shuffle video, the one they had produced was replaced by another video, shot by one of your friends? if I'm not mistaken. Why the change? 

Ed: It was a matter of not liking what they had come up with, so we decided to go another route. 

Jack: The videos aren't that great, have you seen them? 

Me: No, I'm sorry. But I love the one you have now. It has that down to earth kinda feel which I totally dig about you guys, you seem to connect really well with your fans. 

Jack: Yeah, that's what I'll try to keep doing, making sure it doesn't ever get to my head. 

Me: Who would make the best girl? We've all seen those make-up photos...

Jack: Oh, I would. Hands down. (Chuckles)

Me: ...and Lastly, Where does Ed get his cool shirts? 

Ed: oh, actually this place called... (totally can't read my handwriting here, damn.)

Jack: That's a lie. it's actually a BIG secret. (lol)

Me: Thank you so much for being super polite, and letting me bug you. 

Jack: It's no problem! Thanks for coming out tonight. 

What an awesome show. Highlight of my week. 

Further Seems Forever next Friday at Bottom of the Hill. 

 

Pedro the Lion

David Bazan is the creative force behind the wonder that is Pedro the Lion.

Formed in the late nineties, Dave has brought us heart wrenching, fearlessly honest narrative of what indie is supposed to sound like.

 I was pretty bummed to hear that they had broken up back in 2006. David Bazan kept his solo project going after the breakup, bringing us Fewer Moving Parts (EP) and Curse Your Branches (LP).

And while his solo work is good and was well received by the public, it doesn't hold much power against his PTL work. Until just recently, when the Bazan band announced they would be re-releasing remastered Pedro the Lion Vinyls, remastered by none other than T.W. Walsh. (the only other legitimate member of Pedro the Lion)

Along with the re-release, the David Bazan Band would be playing the album Control at shows in its entirety during their fall tour.

This tour is highly anticipated, and they land here December 10th at the Independent, in San Francisco. Be sure to get your tickets early!! This one is sure to sell out!

Bombay Bicycle Club tonight...I'm going to try to score the set list...maybe get it signed. You know how I roll. ;)

Sock Bun??

Yes, It's true.

Even I get sucked into the trend setting styles being plastered all over pinterest. My newest obsession is what people call the Sock Bun!! The idea is clearly very simple: Use a sock to create a poofy, voluminous bun at the top of your head.

I found a fuss free video tutorial by Caron Turner, over at Secondhand Beautiful, which was very helpful! Thanks Caron!!

I read on the interwebz, that if you sleep in it, it will create soft, rolling curls by morning. 

My hard to curl hair curls for no one. 

So, we shall see! 

P.S. I can't wait to see these faces tomorrow. ahh! so cute.

:::::::Update::::::::

Curls didn't work! :(

ah well, at least the bun looks cute. 

 

I'm ALWAYS like this.

I AM SO EXCITED.  BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB COMES TO SAN FRANCISCO THIS FRIDAY!!

You bet your ass I have a ticket...time to proceed with blasting their music to get pumped for their show. eek!!!

Gah. excited.

List #1

I have decided to post really random lists of things I like and dislike for you, the reader.

I may do this periodically. starting with this one.

 1. I have an irrational fear of open toilet seats. I guess it's the sense that my phone or something valuable will suddenly grow legs and want to commit suicide by jumping into said open toilet...and it's suicide because I'm not going in after you. you're on your own cute clippie from Anthropologie!!!

 2. I have an irrational fear of closed shower curtains when I'm in the bathroom. What could possibly be hiding behind the shower curtain? Well, it could be a number of things. A mass murderer, a tyrannosaurus named Rex, Mosquitoes...the list is endless, really.

 3. I hate mosquitoes. HATE.

 4. I LOVE owls. and yes, apparently me and a million other girls across the world, as this has now become a fad. And I'm going to say it anyway, because I KNOW it's true, even though you might roll your eyes at me (you bitch), I was into owls wayyyy before it was cool!

 5. I love texting random letters on my iphone just to see what autocorrect will change them to, and then sending it to people to see their reactions. this one is fairly new, but I'm sure will bring hours of entertainment.

6. If you ever see my hair in beanie, it is because I have not showered. This one is more of a fact, but it brings me to my next one, so I thought I'd put it in here.

 7. I LOVE beanies. (see above)

 8. I LOVE Arnold Palmer. yes, the golfer. If not for him, I would not have my favorite drink.

 There, that should do it for now. I can now go back to my very unproductive day...

Until next time,