Tag: lydia

LOL Gallery: South By So What?! Music Festival – Part 1

 

What: South By So What?! Music Festival – Part 1
When: 3/20/15-3/22/15
Where: QuikTrip Park; Grand Prairie, TX
By: Mercedes Guzman

For full gallery, click here!

50 Acts You Won’t Want To Miss At SXSW (Part 1)

It’s that time of year again and South By Southwest (SXSW) is just around the corner! We’ve decided to bring back our “50 Acts You Won’t Want To Miss” feature, which will run from today until March 16th, the day before the Music section of SXSW begins! Check out our first installment (acts 1-10, in no particular order) of artists we think you need to check out below!

*Note: some acts we’ve included are performing at South By So What?! and not South By South West. However, since the festival takes place during the week of South By Southwest, we’ve decided to still include them in our list!

 

Royal Teeth
After being a standout at the second Boston Calling festival, Royal Teeth have found continued commercial success over the last eighteen months or so. While they’ve been heard in a handful of ads or trailers, don’t mistake them for sellouts – it’s not their fault that their dual-vocalled brand of high-energy pop is unignorably catchy. Or, well, I suppose it is.
Where to catch Royal Teeth: 3.20 – 5pm – NoiseTrade Day Party @ Swan Dive; 3.21 – 5pm – BAM! The Future of Rock and Roll Vol 2 @ Peckerheads; 3.21 – 10PM – Official SXSW Showcase @ Buffalo Billiards; 3.22 – 4pm – South By Sendoff @ Stubb’s.

Lydia
Following the success of their revival, coupled with a 5-year anniversary Illuminate tour, Lydia have been keeping busy. With performances booked at SXSW, Bled Fest, and a nationwide tour in support of The Early November, there are plenty of chances to catch these guys play. But why would you want to wait any longer than you have to?
Where to catch Lydia: 3.20 – South By So What?! @ QuikTrip Park.

COIN
While their first full-length is still eagerly awaited, what we’ve gotten thus far from COIN (a three-track EP that will dance you out of your shoes) leaves me very optimistic for its June release. I’m sure their set will be more than three songs, so I’m jealous of anyone who will get to hear what else this band has to offer.
Where to catch COIN: 3.18 – 8pm – Hype Machine @ Hype Hotel; 3.18 – 1am – Paradigm @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop; 3.19 – 3:45pm – Most Definitely @ La Barbecue; 3.19 – 11pm – SONY @ Tap Room At The Market; 3.21 – 4:30pm – IFC @ Palm Park.

Night Riots
In support of their latest EP, Howl, a half-dozen songs packed with bright, moody electronic pop, this LA five-piece are preceding their summer on Warped Tour with a run at SXSW. If you miss your chance to catch them now, you’ll have another shot when Warped stops in your city, though their crowd is bound to be much bigger by the time that rolls through.
Where to catch Night Riots: 3.19 – 4:20pm – Big Picture Media Showcase @ The Bling Pig; 3.19 – 10pm – Official SXSW Showcase @ Buffalo Billiards; 3.20 – South By So What?! @ QuikTrip Park.

Dylan Gardner
This time last year, Dylan Gardner’s record landed in my inbox. And it didn’t take long for me to hear that there was something special about this 17-year-old kid’s self-written, self-recorded, self-produced debut album. And after jumping at the chance to sign such a great young talent, it seems it didn’t take Warner Bros. Records very long to realize it, either.
Where to catch Dylan Gardner: 3.20 – 8pm – Official SXSW Showcase @ Victorian Room at The Driskill; 3.22 – 7pm – House of Blues Cambridge Room.

Redlands
One of the newer bands we’ve been introduced to, Denver’s Redlands blend together elements of country, pop, and old-fashioned rock & roll into a tightly-structured sound that could appeal to most music fans. Before their newest album hits shelves early this summer, this is a band you’ll want to get acquainted with.
Where to catch Redlands: 3.18 – 7pm – The Prophet Bar; 3.20 – South By So What?! @ QuikTrip Park.

The Maine
Since the announcement of American Candy (expected March 31st), The Maine have had their fanbase in a stir since word of their fifth album hit the internet. As a band that has progressed and matured with each album or tour, I’m always interested in whatever The Maine have lined up next.
Where to catch The Maine: 3.18 – 9:30pm – Official SXSW Showcase @ Emo’s; 3.20 – South By So What?! @ QuikTrip Park.

MisterWives
Whether it’s lead vocalist Mandy Lee’s soaring voice, the band’s catchy dance-pop sound, or any combination of these along with countless other factors, there’s a lot to be said for MisterWives. But whatever I could say about them wouldn’t do justice to what they’ll show you themselves.
Where to catch MisterWives: 3.19 – 6pm – The Spotify House; 3.21 – 7pm – House of Blues Dallas; 3.22 – 7pm – Fitzgerald’s.

Cartel
To help celebrate 10 years of Chroma, one of the most solid pop/punk records of the era, Cartel are embarking on an anniversary tour later this Spring. But before they hit the road, they have their sights set on Austin, ready to make all of those high school emotions flood back.
Where to catch Cartel: 3.20 – South By So What?! @ QuikTrip Park.

MC Lars
The self-proclaimed master of lit-hop puts on a show that few can rival. Energetic, entertaining, and potentially educational, Lars shouldn’t be missed (if you’re hyphy enough to handle it).
Where to catch MC Lars: 3.17 – 10:25pm – Official SXSW Showcase @ Flamingo Cantina; 3.19 – The Bedlands.

Seven Bands To See At Boston Calling: #4, Tegan & Sara

With Boston Calling exactly a week away, we’ve decided to make a list of seven bands you do not want to miss. Whether they’re a headliner or an opener, whether they’re hip-hop, dance, rock & roll, or something somewhere in the middle, there are a handful of sets that you’re definitely going to want to pencil into your schedule.

On our list so far: #7. Magic Man/The Box Tiger, #6. Bastille, #5. Jack Johnson

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Today we talk about our #4 pick – Tegan & Sara!

When they released their seventh studio album, Heartthrob, at the end of January, Canadian duo Tegan & Sara started 2013 off with what was inarguably one of the best records of the year, as well as a giant, broadening stride in their career.

This fall, the twins will spend their time on the road in support of Katy Perry. But before hitting the road on the Prismatic Tour, they’ll be making their rounds on the festival circuit, with performances at the Hangout Music Festival, Summerfest, Firefly, and CBC, with a handful of headlining dates scattered throughout.

Regardless of which side of the Quin sisters we see at Boston Calling – whether it’s the electronically-infused synth-pop that Heartthrob brought or the gloomy acoustic anthems the two are known for (though I expect the setlist to be a fair balance between them), there’s sure to be a full crowd singing every word.

For fans of: Lydia, Eisley, Lorde, Metric, Rilo Kiley
For a taste, check out: “Nineteen,” “The Ocean,” “I’m Not Your Hero,” “The Con”
When you can see them: Sunday, 6:05 PM

Show Review:: Illuminate Tour 3/22

Lydia’s Illuminate tour made its way to Washington, DC on Saturday, March 22nd, at the Rock & Roll Hotel. This tour was dedicated to their 2008 album, Illuminate and the band would be playing the entirety of the album, front to back. Lydia was joined by support acts HRVRD and Golden Sun.

Golden Sun was the first band to hit the stage. I had never heard of them before, but was instantly drawn to their music shortly into their set. They did a great job of warming up the crowd with their soulful music and getting everyone ready for a great show. They quickly won over the attention of the audience with their fun music and smiling faces.

HRVRD’s sound was much moodier than the upbeat opening act, Golden Sun. HRVRD style is very unique and I appreciate bands that aren’t afraid to challenge the rules of traditional music. During the show they recorded samples and loops as the show went along, making every show they play one of a kind. Not only was their music enticing, but they were very engaging with the crowd, which is always nice to see. Frontman, Jesse Clasen, was continuously making eye contact with fans and starting small conversations with the crowd in between songs. During the last song of their set Clasen jumped into the audience playing his horn instrument, walking amongst the crowd until the final note played. 

As soon as Lydia took the stage roars of excitement projected from the audience. It was now time for the band everyone had been waiting all night to see. Lydia kicked off their set with “This is Twice Now”, the first song off their album Illuminate, which could arguably be their best album to date. There was an amazing energy that filled the entire room throughout their performance. The crowd sang so passionately to every song and were ready to sing their hearts out every time vocalist, Leighton Antelman, held the mic into the crowd. The crowd became extra loud during fan favorite songs, “Stay Awake” and “I Woke Up Near the Sea”. After Lydia played their final song from Illuminate they left the stage, but shortly returned to play four songs off their album, Devil. Lydia finished strong and did not leave one person in the crowd disappointed. They left fans with a night that they would not soon forget. 

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Written by Caitlyn Willard

Interview With:: Lydia

imagePhoto by Dirk Mai.

It’s mid-March – the 18th, a Tuesday, to be exact. 

I’m sitting in Providence, nearing the tail-end of a very hectic working vacation. I have an interview slot with the guys from Lydia in Boston in a few hours, set to talk all about their current Illuminate tour. As I sit in the living room of my brother’s apartment, packing my camera bag and tying up loose ends, I unexplainably fell sick and asleep. And that, I mean in the most literal forms – I got sick and fell, I ended up asleep, and I have no explanation. But things happen. So, being the great guys that they are, what was meant to be an in-person chat turned into a phone call.

So, now it’s near the end of March – the 25th, the next Tuesday, to be exact.

The band, made up of vocalist Leighton Antelman, bassist Matt Keller, and lead guitarist Justin Camacho, is in southern Florida, preparing for another sold-out night. Their 30-date headline run has made stops nationwide with fans coming out to celebrate the five-year anniversary of the acclaimed Illuminate. Though the tour was initially planned for the previous fall, Antelman told us that they chose to push it until early 2014, so both the tour and the music could get the attention they deserve.

“It’s an album that, to us, deserves special attention. It’s been nuts – the fans are so passionate about this record, and the openers have been great, too, and the whole tour itself has just been crazy,” he adds.

While the songs may be the same, the story is different this time around for Lydia. In the time since the album’s initial release in 2008, the band has endured significant lineup changes and took a substantial hiatus in 2010. Though there had been bumps along the road before, that hasn’t slowed their pace in recent months.

“We’ve always had the same rotating lineup that we’ve toured with from the start,” Antelman says, prompted with the question about if the members felt any uncertainty before bringing the band back from the dead. And by keeping the same members around, it’s given them a chance to breathe new life into old songs.

In order to solidify their new, current identity brought about with 2013’s return, Devil, the band has been taking a second look to update parts of Illuminate. “We’ve been playing the record as what the band is now – we aren’t trying to just regurgitate the same record. It’s still mostly the same, but we’re taking a few different approaches.” With this comes the potential of going too far, however. “Maybe we’ll add something here, extend this part there, play this part a bit differently, but we make sure to stay true to the original pieces, because that’s what the fans know and love. We don’t want kids coming out thinking we’ve changed everything on them.”

Changes or no changes, that doesn’t seem to be impeding fans’ interest, with the majority of the shows easily selling out. And when they show up, they’re being treated to a more prepared, refined Lydia. After spending the fall on the road opening for The Maine and Anberlin (on what would turn out to be one of the latter’s last tour runs, though Antelman assures that there was “nothing but positivity” coming from the Anberlin guys), Lydia gave 110% in preparing for their headlining anniversary, starting practices earlier than they would for a normal tour and practicing stricter, making sure to get everything right and give Illuminate the treatment it deserves. With some songs having not been played for a while (including “Sleep Well,” which he says has been great to play again), it makes sense to be paying extra attention to rehearsals.

So, with proven support from the fanbase, what can we expect next from Lydia?

“There’s been a lot of writing going on,” Antelman laughs, “we’re always writing, so we’ll take a few months off and really dive into the new music. We’re going to work on finishing up a new album, and hopefully we can get it out by the fall.”

And as if new music wasn’t good enough news, after a lengthy struggle over recording rights, the band recently revealed that Illuminate will finally be given a wax treatment in the near future.

After spending some time away, Lydia came back in full force and have been steadily regaining their footing within the music world. Since their return, it’s been a stretch of successful opening spots, a new record, a massive headlining tour in support of their definitive record, and the promise of even more new music on the horizon.

Just making up for time lost, I suppose.

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Interview and article by Eric Riley.

Lydia Announce Illuminate Tour

The tour will feature a set where the band will play their 2008 release, Illuminate, in its entirety. 

You can find the tour dates below!

2.27 Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress
2.28 Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom
3.1 Pomona, CA @ The Glass House
3.2 San Francisco, CA @ Slim’s
3.4 Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey
3.5 Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
3.7 Boise, ID @ The Crux
3.8 Salt Lake City, UT @ Murray Theatre
3.9 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre
3.11 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
3.12 Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
3.13 Lansing, MI @ The Loft
3.14 Akron, OH @ Musica
3.15 Toronto, ON @ The Mod Club
3.16 Rochester, NY @ The Bug Jar
3.18 Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
3.19 Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
3.21 New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom
3.22 Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel
3.23 Greensboro, NC @ Greene Street Club
3.25 Ybor City, FL @ Crowbar
3.26 Orlando, FL @ The Social
3.27 Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl
3.28 Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
3.29 St. Louis, MO @ Firebird
3.31 Lawrence, KS @ Granada Theatre
4.1 Oklahoma City, OK @ Bricktown Music Hall
4.3 Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald’s Downstairs
4.4 Dallas, TX @ Trees
4.5 Austin, TX @ The Parish