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.

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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:

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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!).

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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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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

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

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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all photos by Annie unless otherwise noted

 

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2013 band list