15 Favorite Live Shows of 2015

Posted on 12/30/2015 by Annie

2015 brought some fantastic performances from newly discovered artists and a few old favorites. I’m always on the hunt for new sounds and several artists on this list have exactly that! My favorite part of this past year is finally seeing larger acts that I’ve been missing for decades… The Rentals, Social Distortion, Belle and Sebastian, The Decemberists, and GusGus. 2016 is going to be an even bigger year and I can’t wait for new discoveries.

2015 Breakdown: 271+ live artists // Loudest month: March (61) // Most quiet month(s): Feb (4) & Dec (4)

Aurora (NO) @ Reykjavík Art Museum for Iceland Airwaves: The incredible voice radiating from this tiny 19-year old absolutely blew me away.

Axel Flóvent (IS) @ Iceland Airwaves: It’s just a matter of time until Axel becomes huge. I know this to be true.

Balthazar (BE) @ Tractor Tavern: I’ve been following these Belgians since 2011 and finally saw them for the first time in 2012. They did a mini west coast US tour that included several performances at CMJ. There was barely anyone at this Monday night Tractor Tavern show and I have no idea why as overseas shows are sold out.

Briana Marela @ Neumos: Captivating! This chick radiates talent. (Photo source: 107.7 The End)

BRNS (BE) @ Iðnó for Iceland Airwaves: Equally vibrant beats and haunting ambience. (Photo source: BRNS fb)

DIIV @ Neumos: I could not miss this show and dragged my sleepy self out on a Monday night with pajamas under my raincoat. Nothing I love more than zoning out to a band that can perfect that shoegaze/dream pop in my ears. (Photo source: AMBY)

Hikes @ Spider House: Folk, nature-inspired math rock from a bunch of Austin youngins. Tryin to get them up to Seattle soon!

JEFF The Brotherhood @ Crocodile: Rad. That is all.

JoyCut (IT) @ Gaukurinn for Iceland Airwaves: I scouted out this band prior to SXSW and loved them so much I had partake again at Airwaves. Nice guys too.

Strand of Oaks @ Sasquatch: I’ve been following Timothy Showalter for years. After every one of his shows, I reach in my bag for a cigarette only to realize I don’t even smoke. Incredible live. (Photo source: Brittany Bollay // KEXP Blog)

The Bots @ Bumbershoot: These brothers stole the whole festival for me! (Photo source: The Bots)

The Rentals @ Crocodile: Matt Sharp forever! Guy still has so much energy.

Victim Mentality @ SXSW: Listening to Victim Mentality, you will wonder if it’s for real. Yup, Korean glam metal at it’s finest! Don’t miss them at SXSW 2016!

Weval (NL) @ Iceland Airwaves: Trip-hop greatness. (Photo source: Weval Fb)

Yellerkin @ SXSW: Eric and Wild Honey Pie always curate the best SXSW shows and Yellerkin was the cherry on top for me.

Photos by Annie unless otherwise noted

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2015 list

AAN, Ab-Soul, Acapulco Lips, Acid Tongue, Action Bronson, Airplane + Spaceship, Alcest, Alki, Allelujah Choir, Amina, Arthur James, Asonat, Atmosphere, Audur, Aurora, Axel Flóvent, Balthazar, Battles, Beirut (2), Belle and Sebastian, Big Data, Big Phony, Big Scary, Big Wild, Black Pistol Fire, Black Whales, BØRNS (2), Boyfrndz, Brand New, Brenda Xu, Brian O’Brien, Briana Marela, BRNS (2), Calliope Musicals, Cardiknox, Cell7, Chimurenga Renaissance, Chris Staples, Classixx, Cloud Nothings (2), Colony House, Courtney Barnett, Crater, Cuff Lynx, Dad Rocks!, Daktyl, Dan Bejar, Dances!, Danielson & The Nine Fruit Tree, Dear Boy, Death Cab for Cutie, Devotchka, DIIV (2), Dotan, Dude York, East India Youth, Edmund Wayne, Eliot Sumner, Elle King, Emily Donohue, Emma Ruth Rundle, Eugene Munro, Ex-Cops, Ex-Cult, Fantastic Negrito, Father John Misty, Fauna Shade, Five Iron Frenzy, Flosstradamus, Flume, For A Minor Reflection, Foxing, French for Rabbits, Gabriel Wolfchild, Gardens & Villa, Gateway Drugs, Girl Pool, Grave Babies (2), Grayson Erhard, Great Caesar, Great Mountain Fire, Group of the Altos, Gruska Babuska, Gunnar Jonsson Collider, GusGus, Health, Heather Maloney, Helado Negro, Helka, Heo, Hey Marseilles, Hikes, HimeHime, Hooves and Beak, Hunter Hunted, Icky Blossoms, Iska Dhaaf, Jacco Gardner, Jack Garratt, Jared and The Mill, JEFF The Brotherhood, Jenny Lewis, Jesse Macht, Jose Gonzalez, JoyCut (2), Jungle, Junius Meyvant, Kate Tempest, Kiasmos, Kim & Ryan of Smokey Brights, Kite String Tangle, Kris Orlowski, La Luz, La Priest, Lady Lamb, Lana Del Rey, Las Rosas, Lighthouse and the Whaler, LITE, Lonesome Shack, Lucy Rose, Mammut, Manatee Commune (2), Mansionair, Metalachi, Mia Dyson, Michael Lind, Midday Veil, Milky Chance, Milkywhale, Milo Greene, Minus The Bear, Modest Mouse, Moon Hooch, Morning Bear (2), Mother Mother, Murder Vibes (2), MXPX, Nahko And Medicine for the People, Newaxeyes, No Joy, Of Monsters and Men (2), On An On, Orla Gartland, Ought, Phox, Pictureplane, Pink Street Boys, Plain White T’s, Positive Disturbance, Public Service Broadcasting, Punch Brothers, Purfume Genius, Radiation City, Ratatat, Real Estate, Rey Pila, Reykjavikurdaetur, Roger Sellers, Royal Blood, Runaway Symphony, Ryn Weaver, Said The Whale, Sam Slater, San Cisco, San Fermin, San Juan, Sassyblack, Sekouia, Shana Cleveland & The Sandcastles, Shannon & The Clams, Shovels and Rope, Sin Fang, Siomha Brock, Sisters, Skylar Spence, Sleep Over, Slow Bird, Small Pools, Smokey Brights, Snooze Infinity, SOAK, Social Distortion, Soft Sleep, Song Sparrow Research, Spencer Glenn, SSDD, Stafreann Hakon, Steve Taylor & The Perfect Foil, Strand of Oaks, Sufjan Stevens, Summer Heart, Swervedriver, Sylvan Esso, Talk in Tongues, Tallest Man on Earth, Teitur Magnusson, Temples, The Acorn, The Belle Game, The Bots, The Broods, The Cave Singers, The Decemberists, The DØ, The Ghosts, The Knocks, The Mighty Oaks, The Native Sibling, The Rentals, The Thoughts (3), The Velvet Teen, The White Buffalo, The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die, The Zoltars, Thee Oh Sees, Thunderpussy, Timbre Barons, Tinnarose, Toe, Tomo Nakayama (2), Tonik Ensemble, Tracksuit Wedding, TTNG, Turbo Fruits, Twin Forks, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Until the Ribbon Breaks, Verite, Victim Mentality, Viet Cong, Vox Mod, Waxahatchee, We Are The Willows, Weaves, Wesen, Weval, Whitney Flinn (2), Wild Child, Will Butler, WMD, Wolf Alice, Woodpigeon, Woods, Yellerkin, Yolawolf, Young Buffalo, Yumi Zouma, Þórir Georg, Þórunn Antonía og Bjarni, other unknown artists (6)

Previous years: 2014 / 2013 / 2012 / 2011 / 2010

SXSW 2015 Music Selections, part 3 :: Seattle

Posted on 03/02/2015 by Annie

I love seeing Seattle bands make the trek down to Austin for SXSW. Here are a handful of my local favorites that you should check out!

Hey Marseilles, La Luz, Manatee Commune, Motopony, Odesza, THEESatisfaction

SXSW 2015 Music Selections, part 2

Posted on 02/26/2015 by Annie

While checking out almost all of the showcasing artists, sometimes you stumble on a great 80’s glam-metal band from South Korea that you put on your SXSW list purely just to see to believe… Victim Mentality.

SXSW 2015 Music Selections, part 1

Posted on 02/24/2015 by Annie

It’s that time of year! We have been listening and enjoying fresh new bands since the first lineup announcements last Fall. This is only a handful of the bands in our ‘yes’ column. If you enjoy the artists, be sure to check em out at SXSW or touring in your town soon. Adding more artists daily, or when I remember!

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SXSW 2014 :: SXSW 2012 :: SXSW 2011

Wackdelly’s 14 Favorite Live Shows of 2014

Posted on 12/31/2014 by Annie

Another year, another reflection on the past year of exploring new bands and artists.

2014 Breakdown :: at least 232 live bands :: est annual cost of $936 :: March was the loudest month (48) :: December was the most quiet month (3)

Jungle @ Spotify House (Austin – SXSW) 3/11/14

Mutual Benefit @ Spotify House (Austin – SXSW) 3/12/14

Team Me @ Cheers Shot Bar Rooftop (Austin – SXSW) 3/12/14

Public Service Broadcasting @ Latitude 30 (Austin – SXSW) 3/13/14

Coldair @ Sunset Tavern – Seattle 4/1/14

The Melodic @ Sunset Tavern – Seattle 4/14/14

Washed Out @ Sasquatch – Quincy WA 5/24/14

The Notwist @ Neumos – Seattle 7/5/14

Brothertiger @ Sunset Tavern – Seattle 7/17/14

Manatee Commune @ Neumos (Seattle – CHBP) 7/27/14

Valley Maker @ Neumos (Seattle – CHBP) 7/27/14

Jacco Gardner @ Bumbershoot – Seattle 9/1/14

Tomo Nakayama @ Hairstream – Seattle 11/4/14

Nils Frahm @ Mississippi Studios – Portland 11/9/14

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2014 Bands

Air Traffic Controller, American Football, Bad Things, BADBADNOTSOGOOD, Barcelona, Bearcubbin’ (x2), Bellamaine, Beverly, Big Phony, Black Violin, Boyfrndz (x2), Brothertiger, Cabana, Capital Cities, Cataldo (x2), Chance the Rapper, Chet Faker, Chris Brokaw, Chris Staples, Christopher Paul Stelling, Chromeo, City and Colour, Classixx, Cleanup, Cloud Control, COHO, Cold Specks, Coldair, Craft Spells, Crystal Fighters, Cumulus, Cymbals, Dads, Damien Jurado, Dana Buoy, Dark Rooms, DEMS, Douglas Dare, Dresses, The Drums, Dub FX, Dude York, Each & All, Edmund Wayne, Emery, Emma Ruth Rundle, Falls, Fenster, First Aid Kit, Fly Moon Royalty (x2), Foster the People, Foy Vance, Gentlemen Hall, Gold & Youth, Golden Gardens, Goodbye Heart, Great Good Fine Ok, Haim, Hand of the Hills, Hermigervill, Hey Marseilles, Highdrops, Hip Hatchet, Holychild, How Sad, Hozier (x2), Hundred Waters, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Iska Dhaaf, Jacco Gardner, Jel, Jesse Morrow, Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas, Julianna Barwick, Julie Byrne, Jungle, Junius Meyvant, Kins, Kishi Bashi (x2), La Luz, Lemolo, Liiight, Lonesome Shack, M.I.A., Manatee Commune (x2), Marmalakes, Matt & Kim, mewithoutYou (x2), Mission of Burma, MØ, Mogwai, Mr Little Jeans, Mutual Benefit (x2), Mylets, Nada Surf (x2), Neon Trees, Neutral Milk Hotel, Night Beats, Nils Frahm (x2), Oberhofer, Odesza, Of the City, Owl Eyes, Panda Bear, Papa, Parquet Courts, Phosphorescent, Plume Giant, Polka, Poolside, Portugal. The Man, Public Service Broadcasting, Pure Bathing Culture, Queens of the Stone Age, RA Scion, RAC, Rainbow Wolves, Ravenna Woods, Real Estate, Rhett Miller, Robert DeLong, Rodriguez, Rose Windows, Rufus Du Sol, San Fermin (x2), Sandrider, Say Hi, Scarves, Seattle Rock Orchestra (String Quintet), Seekae, Shakey Graves (x2), Shannon Stephens, Sin Fang, Sir Sly, Sisters, Slow Bird, Slow Magic, Small Black (x2), Smokey Brights, SOHN (x2), SOL, Soley, Son Lux, Sondre Lerche, Sour Notes, Spoon, Spring Standards, St Paul De Vence, Star Slinger, Streets of Laredo, Sun Club, Syd Arthur, Sylvan Esso (x2), Tangerine, Tanlines, Team Me, Tei Shi, Telekinesis, The Both, The Cave Singers, The Chain Gang of 1974, The Classic Crime, The Colourist, The Comettes, The Dismemberment Plan, The Domestics, The Flavr Blue, The Griswolds, The Hoot Hoots, The Lonely Forest (x2), The Melodic, The Notwist, The Replacements, The Waylayers, The World is a Dark Place & I am No Longer Afraid to Die, The Wytches, Thee Silver Mt Zion Memorial Orchestra, Tiny Moving Parts, Tokimonsta, Tomo Nakayama (x3), Tomten, Torres, Touche Amore, Tourist, Tove Lo, TTNG, TV Girl, Twin Shadow, Tyler the Creator, USF, Valerie June, Valley Maker (x3), Violent Femmes, Walk The Moon, Washed Out, Watsky, Waxahatchee, We Are Scientists, Western Haunts, Wet (x2), White Lightning, Wild Ones (x2), Wrinkles, X Suns, xxyyxx, Yellow Ostrich, Zachary Meyers

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Previous years

2013 :: 2012 :: 2011 :: 2010

Music Monday: Team Me

Posted on 08/04/2014 by Annie

Team Me

Local artist to: Elverum Norway

RIYL: Freelance Whales, Grouplove, Highasakite, Indie Pop

Another score for the SXSW scouting as this show was on a cheerful rooftop on 6th Street and was one of my favorite performances of the week. Team Me is a pop band from Norway. Their 2011 debut album To the Treetops! won the Norwegian Grammy Awards in 2011 for “Best Pop Group of the Year.” They have performed at music festivals from Iceland Airwaves to the Great Escape Fest and more in between. The group is currently recording their second album, which hopefully will be released in 2014. With a new album, I hope another US tour is included! -Annie

listen & like & love

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Music Monday: Motopony

Music Monday: He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister

Music Monday: The Melodic

Posted on 06/30/2014 by Annie

The Melodic

Local artist to: United Kingdom

RIYL: Tunng, Simon & Garfunkel, Indie-pop, Folk

This quietly refreshing group from across the pond got my attention before SXSW but time was not on our side during the crazy-packed festival. However they played a sweet little set at The Sunset Tavern in Seattle a month later and on my birthday! Months later, I still haven’t put this lovely album to bed yet. Nor do I plan to anytime soon!

TheMelodicSunsetTavern

listen, like & love

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Music Monday: Balthazar

Music Monday: The Robot Heart

Music Monday: The Colourist

Posted on 04/07/2014 by Annie

The Colourist

Local artist to: Orange County California

RIYL: Indie Rock, Pop, Echosmith, HAERTS

Touring in Seattle: Friday 4/11/14 at Tractor Tavern

The Colourist first stumbled upon one another in an underused warehouse in Orange County, CA, where Adam and Maya discovered the harmonic chemistry that has come to define the band’s bright and anthemic signature sound.

Having spent much of 2012 honing their live show with the likes of Grouplove, Electric Guest and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., The Colourist begin 2013 holed up in a small studio in Southern California. It’s there that Adam Castilla (vocals, guitar), Maya Tuttle (drums, vocals), Kollin Johannsen (guitar, bass), and Justin Wagner (bass, keys) committed their pop-fueled, indie-bred rock to tape before embarking on their first tour which included appearances at Coachella along with support shows with Metric and Youngblood Hawke and Atlas Genius. source

listen & like & love

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Music Monday: Parlovr

Music Monday: Fenster

Music Monday: Float Fall

Posted on 03/31/2014 by Annie

Float Fall

Local artist to: Leuven Belgium

RIYL: The XX, Dresses, Dream Pop, Male-Female duo

Odes to some far and vague past, attended by grey organs and old strings, delivered by a horn and raw electronica. That cool quiet just before faith hits. However filled with suppressed nostalgia, they keep looking towards the future. They, that’s Float Fall.
A duo that succeeds in taming the silence and dreaming dreams until everything turns out all right just once more. Rozanne Descheemaekers’ voice guides you straight through the freezing tracks, but afterwards quietly snuggles up to the hoarse vocals of Ruben Lefever.
Float Fall’s songs make you move into another world, one lacking any final description, but a good place to be nonetheless. A place where the dull rustle of the past gets its second chance. Right up to the moment that dream and reality collide. source

listen & like & love

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Music Monday: Balthazar

Music Monday: Sóley

SXSW 2014 Recap

Posted on 03/29/2014 by Annie

This post is dedicated to those lives lost: DeAndre Tatum, Sandy Le, Jamie West, Steven Craenmehr. I didn’t know you, but consider you kindred SXSW spirits. May your souls rest in peace.

Another South by Southwest has come and gone and as always, it was different from years past. The streets of Austin were definitely more chill this year and especially after the sad incident that occurred on Red River. It only felt right to back off the twitters, take less photos, hug the ones you love and enjoy life. This year Michael joined me for his first SXSW, and the first year I’ve attended non-solo. Together we teamed up and listened to all of the showcasing artists in hopes of uncovering some hidden gems. In years past, I’ve tried to tackle the massive list myself but it’s tough so it was nice to make and share discoveries with a fellow music junkie. I will be featuring some of our selections in the coming weeks on the returning Music Monday posts.

Over the course of 5 days, we saw a total of 43 bands live. My favorite performances of the week were Team Me, Mutual Benefit, Black Violin, Public Service Broadcasting, Jungle, Mire Kay, Sun Club, Cleanup, Boyfrndz.

THE GOOD :: Spotify House :: The Wild Honey Pie Showcases :: Las Cazuelas Mexican :: Tyson’s Tacos :: Bill Miller BBQ :: Enjoying a drink and chat with Julien Maury, French horror film Director & Writer :: my secret venue to chill and regroup on 6th was not crowded

THE BAD :: A tad bit chilly, so no skirts for me :: Seeing less bands due to the horrendous lines this year :: SXSW has gotten too corporate :: Debating if I will attend SXSW in the future (it’s been a good 6 years, but geezus with the large acts) :: missing our other 100+ top selections, but hopefully will see them at a Seattle venue soon!

THE MEH :: Torchy’s Tacos :: Waylayers played one rad song then quit because they weren’t pleased with the sound :: Brooklyn Vegan Showcases (I blame the venue choice)

All photos by Annie Cuce

except my family took a few… pi in the sky by Davey and the red roses at Mohawk by Jannette (she also made the pretty flower arrangement)

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SXSW 2013

SXSW 2012

SXSW 2011

SXSW 2010

SXSW 2014 Music Selections

Posted on 02/26/2014 by Annie

Over 1500 bands + 2 of us + mad organization skills = our top SXSW music selections. Enjoy!

2014 SXSW Music Tips

Posted on 02/18/2014 by Annie

Each year, I learn more about SXSW…what you can get away with, secret spots, best venues, parties to avoid, etc. The main goal being to be exposed to as much new music as possible while having a damn fine time. So far, I’m to be on the right track. Each year gets better than the last, which is difficult to believe since the previous was a fucking blast. The key is to be prepared. I spend months planning for my absolute favorite week of the year. I am giddy and the best feeling is walking down 6th Street on the first day with the warm sun on my skin and feeling the energy in the air. And I hate the sun, so this says a lot. Also, Mr Wackdelly will be joining me for his first SXSW so we have both been listening, planning together, scheduling and I’ve been filling his head with tips and tricks.

Check out my 2011 tips too, but you’ll notice that some tips are outdated (RIP Leslie).

1 :: Do not see the big acts (also on the 2011 list). Seriously, you spend all your time standing in line for hours to see a popular band that tours in your city multiple times a year, when you could be experiencing what SXSW is really about… fresh new music. The undiscovered gems are where it’s at! Over the years some of my favorite SXSW discoveries before they blew up were Baths, Cloud Nothings, Beirut, Warpaint, Of Monsters and Men and Grouplove.

2 :: Check out the free shows at night. My friend at Blue Sky + Hard Rock (along with Music Saves Lives) put on a fantastic showcase last year with free music all day AND night (including free delicious sushi). Be on the lookout for unofficial night parties for they do exist. I believe there will be even more free night stuff this year. (photo: Seryn at Firehouse Lounge & Hostel, 2013)

3 :: There is a new addition to the wrist bands you will be collecting during the week, the Guest Pass wristband. It is a free credential and allows you to get in certain venues/areas (that use to not require any credentials). More info here.

4 :: Be sure to check out Waterloo Records’ free shows from 3/12-3/15, but plan to get there hella early if you want to get in the door. Also, it’s a hike from the main 6th Street music festivities so plan for that and no RSVP necessary! Lineup here and more info here.

lonestar

5 :: While the beers of the Pacific Northwest are pretty boss, I do miss old Texas favorites like Firemans #4 from Real Ale Brewing and the always refreshing Lone Star. I’m getting thirsty just thinking about it. Also, be sure to tip those great people slinging drinks behind the bar. They are working hard so you can enjoy yourself.

6 :: If you can find a rad band playing a tiny venue off the beaten path, pay the cab fare to check em out. The best shows are the smallest. This is easier said than done. I have skipped seeing some top picks due to location and later found out what I missed out on and that just plain sucks.

7 :: Don’t invest all your time and planning into one showcase or party… the venue will be at capacity, there was a schedule change, the distance is too far, gotta follow the friends, etc. Just have lots of backup music options. I usually plan 10-15 backup options, and that’s just for the day parties.

8 :: Twitter is one of the best on-the-go tools. Ask questions about line status, tweet a band to confirm times, or just see what’s blowing up at the moment in Austin (Prince, Bill Murray sighting, etc). Be sure to use the proper #sxsw or #sxsw2014 hashtags and someone is bound to respond to your inquiries. Secondary tools that work well are the SXSW app and a spreadsheet via the Google Drive app. I’m at @wackdelly if you have any questions.

9 :: Earplugs are a necessity. I wish someone (anyone) would have told me the importance of earplugs at a younger age. Anyhoo, I took 3 pairs of earplugs last year and managed to lose them all. My backpacked savior, Bruce, came to the rescue with a whole bag of earplugs. I might pay it forward and stock-up, then proceed to shove them in the ear holes of all the clueless youth.

10 :: Don’t be a stuck up asshole. Talk to people. If they are friendly and you are friendly, then keep talking. Buy them a Lone Star and chat about your favorites of the fest or suggest bands to check out. I was chatting and giving some suggestions to a lady and it turned out to be Ann Powers of NPR. I’ve met some really great people over the years at SXSW that I still keep in touch with.

All photos by Annie Cuce

Wackdelly’s 13 Favorite Live Shows of 2013

Posted on 01/13/2014 by Annie

While the posts in 2013 were far and few in-between, the music attendance didn’t miss a beat. It actually increased by a large chunk over 2012 (and I still know I am off by 10-ish bands somehow). It was a bizarre year with so many ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change a single thing. While being in a different mindset will change ones opinions of the music, I just look at it as being more open towards music you wouldn’t have listened to otherwise. Anyhoo, I added more “analytics” this year, as I am a spreadsheet junkie (if you see me at a music festival, you will understand). I tend to be a money-tracker of sorts so knowing what is spent on live music in 2013 was eye-opening and I have no idea why it’s never been tracked before. I saw a plethora of free shows this year due to generous connections and music writing friends with a +1, music start-ups, secret shows, beach shows, and rad anniversary shows on the streets of south Seattle. It’s been a crazy year and I love it all and the people involved. Thank you.

2013 Breakdown :: at least 267 live bands :: est total cost of $951 (avg $18.28/wk) :: 7 cities :: 6 music festivals :: March was loudest month (71) :: Dec was most quiet month (4)

Anamanaguchi @ Chop Suey – Seattle WA 6/6/13

This show blew away their SXSW performance with the blasting sound, bright background and those cubes! Seriously, the cubes made me feel like I was gonna 1-UP with every song. Rad all around.

Balmorhea @ Columbia City Theater – Seattle WA 8/9/13

This band from Austin Texas is one of my absolute top favorite bands to see live. The music truly puts me in another place. Here’s footage from a different show:

Black Violin @ Scoot Inn for SXSW – Austin TX 3/14/13

Listening to all of the SXSW bands is a tough job, but when a gem like Black Violin stands out, you fork out the $25 to see a single evening showcase. This show the only money I actually paid to see a band at SXSW (since partaking in the day showcases mostly). Totally worth it! They are also playing SXSW 2014 (YES!).

Blind Pilot + Oregon Symphony @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall – Portland Oregon 4/27/13

3 Rounds and a Sound. With a Symphony. Enough Said. Photo :: Daily Blender

Byrta @ Þjóðleikhúskjallarinn for Iceland Airwaves – Reykjavík Iceland 11/2/13

Byrta is incredibly unique with angelic robes and complete with backup singers. Definite stand-outs of the entire festival!

Dresses @ Tractor Tavern – Seattle WA 10/15/13

I fell in love with Dresses immediately. This adorable Portland duo has remained in heavy rotation ever since this show.

For A Minor Reflection @ 12 Tónar – Reykjavík Iceland 10/30/13

The best live shows are in tiny music stores with capacities of 30. The sound in this video does not give these post-rockers justice.

Geographer @ Wild Buffalo – Bellingham WA 1/14/13

They made my top live band list of 2012 also. Yup, that good!

Grouplove @ The Crocodile – Seattle WA 9/9/13

Ah, one of my favorite music discoveries… Every live show is better than the last which is mind-blowing since the first Grouplove show I attended was stellar!

Hermigervill + Vox Mod @ Neumo’s – Seattle WA 10/12/13

These two go together like peanut butter and jelly. Kudos KEXP for this fantastic Reykjavík/Seattle match-up!

The High Highs @ Brew Exchange for SXSW – Austin TX 3/14/13

This band has been on my radar for quite some time. I was stoked to finally see them and then a month later back in Seattle.

Jagwar Ma @ Reykjavík Art Museum for Iceland Airwaves – Reykjavík Iceland 10/31/13

So, I’m really confused as to why this band is not HUGE! The live shows are fantastic with intense visuals and really great sound.

Retro Stefson @ Harpa Norðurljós for Iceland Airwaves – Reykjavík Iceland 10/31/13

This was such a super sharp and energetic show! Retro Stefson was one of our most anticipated Reykjavík acts of the fest and totally delivered.

all photos by Annie unless otherwise noted

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2013 band list

A Trak, Aaron and the Sea, Aby Wolf, Air Review, Alex Bleeker and the Freaks, All My Friends, Allah-Las, ALT-J, Aluna George, Anamanaguchi (x2), And So I Watch You From Afar, Andel King, Apparat Organ Quartet, Árstíðir, Ásgeir, Astronautalis, Avians, Alight, Balmorha, Baptist Generals, Bastille, Baths, BattleMe (x2), Bear Mountain (x2), Bellstop, Benny Crespo’s Gang, Benoît Pioulard, Billy Woods, Black and White Years, Black Violin, Blackbird Blackbird, Bleached, Blind Pilot, Bloodgroup, Blue Boy, Borko, Braids, Brushy One, Built To Spill, Butch Walker, Byrta, Caged Animals, Cake, Carmen Villain, Cashmere Cat, Cayucas, Chad Valley, Chrome Sparks, Chvrches, Clipping., Cody ChestnuTT, Constant Lovers, Conveyor, Daniel Hart (x2), Darwin Deez, David Bazan, Death Cab for Cutie, Delorean, Dessa (x2), DIIV, Dillion Francis, Doe Paoro, Dolly Parton Tribute Bands, Doranna bjornsdotter/Trouble, Dream Tiger, Dresses, Dude York, Duologue, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Electric Children, Elín Ey, Empress Of, Erik Blood, Explosions in the Sky, Family of the Year, Father John Misty, Fly Moon Royalty, FM Belfast, Fol Chen, For A Minor Reflection, Four Color Zack, Fox, Frightened Rabbit, Gemini Club, Geographer (x3), Ghost Beach, Girls in Hawaii, Gold Fields, Grand Hallway, Grant Olsen (from Gold Leaves), Greg Dulli, Grimes (x2), Grouplove, Hausu, Hello Wheels, Hermigervill, Hey Marseilles (x2), Hibou, Hjaltalín, How To Dress Well, Humans, Hymnalaya, Icky Blossoms, Islands, J Thoven, Jagwar Ma, Jan Mayen, Japandroids, Kajak, Katie Kate, Kaylee Cole, Kid Smpl, King Tuff, Kisses, Kithkin, Kiven, Lay Low, Le1f, Leagues, Limousines, Lord Huron, Love and Fog, Low Roar, Lucy Rose (x2), Lusine, M-Band, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Majical Cloudz, Mammút, Man Without Country, Maserati, METZ, Michael Kiwanuka, Midlake, Mikey and Matty, Mitzi (x2), MØ (x2), Mudhoney, Múm DJ Set, Mumford & Sons, Mylets, Myrra Rós, Nacho Picasso, Natasha Kmeto, Nine Inch Nails, Nissim, Nolo, Not in the Face, Odesza, Ojba Rasta, On An On (x3), Onuinu, Oregon Symphony, Oyama, Papa, Pascal Pinon, Petit Noir, Phox (x2), Pinback, Polyphonic Spree, Preservation, Pure Bathing Culture, Ra Ra Riot (x2), Radiation City, Radical Face (x2), Red Fang, Reignwolf, Retro Stefson, Robert DeLong, Rökkurró, S (Jenn Ghetto) (x2), San Fermin, Saytan, Sea Wolf, Sean Nicholas Savage, Seattle Rock Orchestra (performing Beatles), Sera Cahoone, Seryn, Shabazz Palaces, Shovels & Rope, Shugo Tokumaru, Sign, Sigur Ros, Silent Diane, Sin Fang (x2), Ski Lodge, Skurken, Slow Magic, Smoke & Feathers, Sophia Duccini, Star & Micey, Stealing Sheep, STRFKR (x2), Suburban Living, Sun Glitters, Super Water Sympathy, Sykur, T Bird and the Brakes, Tall Ships, Tape, Telekinesis, The 1975, The Comettes, The Eastern Sea, The Eels, The Grey Area, The Grizzled Mighty (x2), The Horde and Harem, The High Highs (x2), The Lumineers, The Neighbourhood, The Pharmacy, The Postal Service, The Rubens, The Tallest Man on Earth, This Town Needs Guns (TTNG)(x2), Tomo Nakayama (from Grand Hallway), Tony Lewis Trio, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Trails and Ways (x2), Trust the Lies, Úlfur Úlfur, Ultra Mega Technobandið Stefán, Útidúr, Vigri (x2), Villagers, Vök , Vox Mod (x3), Waxahachie, Why?, Wild Cub (x2), Wildcat! Wildcat!, X Suns, Y Niwl, Ylja, You Won’t, Young Dreams, Young Dreams, Youngblood Hawke

Music Monday: Chalk

Posted on 07/22/2013 by Annie

Chalk

Local artist to: Brighton UK

RIYL: Elliott Smith, Owen, Twothirtyeight, violins, acoustic

Currently there is very little information online about Steven Stride’s project, Chalk. His self-titled debut is expected out in September. This album will definitely be talked about this fall, for sure!

listen & like & love

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Music Monday: Einar Stray

Music Monday: Song Sparrow Research

Music Monday: Chad Valley

Posted on 04/29/2013 by Annie

Chad Valley

Local artist to: Oxford UK

RIYL: Beat Connection, Teen Daze, Jonquil, chillwave, lo-fi, synthpop

Chad Valley – the alias of Hugo Manuel – is part of the same Oxford collective Jonquil, Blessing Force, that Fixers belong to, and there is a similar feeling of 60s music being given a shimmery modern electronic makeover. But maybe because there’s just one of him he is able to give the project greater focus; there is no dilution, or sense of boxes being ticked, with Chad Valley – it’s just one idea, gloriously stretched out over four tracks on his sublime self-titled debut EP; one long wave of luxuriant sound after another. source

listen & like & love

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**Photos by Annie unless otherwise noted**

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2014 Bands

Previous years

2013 :: 2012 :: 2011 :: 2010

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All photos by Annie Cuce

except my family took a few… pi in the sky by Davey and the red roses at Mohawk by Jannette (she also made the pretty flower arrangement)

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2013 band list

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Photos by Annie unless otherwise noted