Canadian Indie group, Islands, plays the Constellation Room Sept. 25

Canadian Indie band, Islands, will be playing at the Constellation Room on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

From Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and now based from Los Angeles, Islands have been recording music since 2005. Island’s newest album, “Ski Mask,” was released on Sept. 17, making this their fifth studio album. Their new singles include, “Wave Forms” and “Becoming the Gunship.”

Islands is formed with Nick Thorburn, Evan Gordon, Geordie Gordon, and Luc Laurent as the members. The OC Concert Guide talked to Thorburn about Islands’ new album.

OCCG: First off, I wanted to ask how different it is being from Quebec and now living in Los Angeles. What was the most difficult thing to adapt to?
Nick: Well my living here is based on a visa, which grants me temporary access to live here, but I am a Canadian through and through so I have to keep in mind that Canada is my home. The weather is much better here. Much. Much. Better.

OCCG: How do you describe your sound? Who was your biggest inspiration?
Nick: Incredible. Eclectic. Beautiful. Magnificent. Indescribable.
Unlike anything you’ve ever heard before. I don’t if I could possibly answer the second question. I draw inspiration from every single thing, including a leaf I just picked up off the ground a few moments ago.

OCCG: How did you guys become a band?
Nick: I went to my friend, “wanna start this band?” and he went, “sure” and I went, “ok I got some songs” and we went and recorded an album, the two of us.

OCCG: How did you guys come up with the name “Islands?”
Nick: I chose it. It came to me in a sex dream.

OCCG: Tell me a little about your new album “Ski Mask.” How does this one differ from your previous albums?
Nick: It’s got all different songs on it and I’m singing better than ever.

OCCG: What is your favorite song to perform?
Nick: We’ve never played any of these songs live before, but I have a feeling Nil and Death Drive are going to be the most fun.

OCCG: What do you guys like to do when you travel/tour? Any traditions?
Nick: get drunk and go to a hotel room alone. 🙁

OCCG: If your life were to be a television show, what TV character or show would you say you were most like?
Nick: Walter White.

OCCG: What would you say a newspaper headline about you would read?
Nick: Headless Body In a Topless Bar

OCCG: What would you say your fans should expect from your upcoming show?
Nick: Prepare to get wet.

OCCG: Anything new in the works?
Nick: Yes, but it’s a secret

Sirah opens for Icona Pop at the Observatory August 27

*THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED TONIGHT! Do to illness of one of the performers in Icona Pop the groups will not be performing tonight. Please check with the Observatory OC for rescheduling. OC Concert Guide hopes that they get well soon.

Grammy- Award winning rapper, Sirah, will be performing at the Observatory on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
Sirah got on the map after her collaboration with electronic house music artist, Skrillex, on the song “Bangarang” won “Best Dance Recording” at the 2013 Grammy Awards earlier this year.

As a surprise to many who know her because of the collaboration with Skrillex, she is actually a rapper.
“People ask me all the time what type of music I make,” Sirah said. “I rap. So it is hip-hop step? I don’t know. It is a trick question. It is definitely B.I.Y. rap with some danceable moments.”
Touring with Icona Pop and K. Fly this summer, this is Sirah’s first big tour debuting her new EP “Inhale” that came out on August 13.

“[While I’m on tour] people can expect weekly blogs wherever we stop in,” Sirah said. “I am very touristy and will wear a fanny pack and take a pictue with the biggest frying pan.”
Sirah is excited for her fans to come and listen to her new music.

“If you bring sour patch kids or sour gummy worms [to my performance] we will be best friends for life,” Sirah said.

* Print correction – OC Concert Guide’s print version printed Sirah would be performing on August 30 and that is not correct.  Her actual performance date is Tuesday, August 27 with Icona Pop.  We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused any of our readers. Sincerely, OC Concert Guide

Everest plays at the Constellation Room August 30

Rock and ‘Ownerless’ band, Everest, will be playing at The Constellation Room on Friday, August 30.

Based out of Los Angeles, the four-member band was formed by ‘sidemen’ from other bands who were looking for a band who wanted a voice in creativity. The band is made up with Russell Pollard (vocals, guitar and drums), Joel Graves (guitar, keys, vocals), Jason Soda (guitar, keys, vocals), and Eli Thomson (bass and vocals).

Since their departure with Warner Brothers music, Everest released their album in July named “Ownerless.”

The OC Concert Guide spoke with Joel Graves about Everest’s upcoming tour!

OCCG: How would you describe your bands sound?
Joel: This question always makes me think of Elvis Costello’s comment that “writing about music is like dancing about architecture,” because I think our sound is ever evolving. We sound like 5 guys who have discerning taste in music and words. We borrow heavily (but not exclusively) from the “rock” genre, and our eyes are focused on a fuzzy destination in the distance.

OCCG: I read how you guys were “freed from a deal with Warner Bros” in 2011. How does that tie to the music and name of your latest album “Ownerless.”
Joel: Our departure from Warner Brothers was amicable, but the word “ownerless” struck me as a good way to summarize our freedom when we were recording the new album. The song “Ownerless” is about finding breathing room and venturing out into the deepest, loneliest darkness to find personal answers.

OCCG: How did you guys become a band? How was the name “Everest” chosen?
Joel: We were all sidemen in other bands and unsatisfied creatively, so we banded together. The name, looking back on it now… seems almost random. It’s just a simple word, that was suggested by our former guitarist Jason Soda. It could mean anything. Literally, it is the name of a mountain. But, it could be the brand of cigarettes that recording engineer Geoff Emerick left sitting on an English recording console, while the Beatles recorded their final record.

OCCG: What has been your most memorable performance?
Joel: There are many that stand out, but one of our best shows was for a radio event on a boat in Annapolis, MD. A storm called a “derecho” hit (similar to a flash hurricane) just as we returned to dock after a sweaty two hour show. The storm sent experience sailors scrambling, and knocked out power for millions of people in Maryland for two weeks. There was some intense energy, and we felt it vibrating through our instruments. It’s also hard to forget any of the shows we’ve played with Neil Young through the years, including three trips to perform at Madison Square Garden.

OCCG: If the band was not doing music, what would you be doing creatively?
Joel: The gears are starting to turn for me on an idea for a novel, so I would say that prose is a lifelong interest that can coincide with the band’s endeavors. Our multi-talented bassist Elijah Thomson already has one novel under his belt.

OCCG: What has been the biggest challenge as a band?
The biggest challenge is perfecting musical chemistry and making sure that no obstacles (financial, logistical, etc.) get in the way of our vision. I feel that bands are most successful when they add to the conversation of music, rather than just retreading well-worn paths.
Joel: Anything your fans should expect from this performance? Every show is different and you can expect our live show to deviate greatly from the recorded versions of our songs. If you’re interested in groove, be prepared to witness one of the world’s greatest living bass players!

OCCG: Anything new in the works for the future?
Joel: We’re preparing to record a new album, after finishing a really successful summer of touring the US. We’ve found some new chemistry that is really clicking, and we’re ready to blaze ahead with purpose.

The Hanger will host live music during the run of the OC Fair July 12 – August 11

Summer’s here and in Orange County, we all know that means the OC Fair is right around the corner. With this years theme “Come and Get it” the fair opens on Friday July 12 and runs until August 11.

In addition to the fun games, rides and the annual tradition of eating fried Twinkies, right on the grounds of the fair is the Pacific Amphitheater, who rarely opens their doors outside the fair dates for their Toyota Concert Series featuring 23 nights of music. With acts scheduled to perform such as Weezer, Colbie Caillat, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Alan Jackson, The Wanted, Bridget Medler, The Go-Go’s and more, the Pacific Amphitheater is to not disappoint this year.

The 8,200 seated Pacific Amphitheater was not always apart of the OC Fair, the amphitheater opened up in the 80s’ and was owned by the Nederlander Organization who also owned the Greek Theater and Pantages but was shut down in the early 90s’ due to noise issues that impacted the surrounding neighborhoods. It stayed dormant for many years.

“When the sound technology changed, it became possible to consolidate the sound within the bowl of the theater itself that the surrounding neighborhood was not as impacted to the same degree,” Entertainment Director for the Orange County Fair, Dan Gaines said. “We were able to open the Pacific Amphitheater again in 2002 and we have been running it concurringly with the fair ever since then.”

Since the re-opening in 2002, the Pacific Amphitheater has maintained one ultimate goal, to put at least one show in the concert series that appeals to everybody and to keep ticket prices as low as possible so the public can enjoy concerts and the fair at the same time.

“We make an effort to not overload it with just country or just alternative or just for the kids,” Gaines said. “ We try to put a scheduled that’s very diverse and appeals to the county as a whole.”

With each concert ticket bought, a fair admission is included so a whole day can be enjoyed at the fair in the daytime and a concert at night. Shows are rarely done outside of the fair dates with the fair only open Wednesdays to Sundays.

Even though the lawn seat tickets are not available anymore at the Pacific Amphitheater, Gaines assures people that the shows do have a more intimate feel and in closure and they will still enjoy the concerts.

Another form of concert entertainment that will be offered at the fair will be the entertainment held in the Hanger, a smaller venue placed in the middle of the fair grounds.

“The name and shape of the construction of the hanger is made to pay an homage to the history of the space because it used to be the Santa Ana Army Air Base,” Gaines said. “It provides the opportunity to put high caliber entertainment but not necessarily something you will see in the Pacific Amphitheater.”

Acts scheduled in the Hanger during the fair will include higher-level tribute acts such as a Salute to the Eagles, a tribute to David Bowie, a Tribute to music of Journey and a Live Rock Tribute to Led Zeppelin. Tickets are between $15-16 and also include fair admission

The Hanger also provides the opportunity for fair goers who do not have ticketed seats and want to enjoy the music from outside the venue to watch through the big screens located on the outside of the entrance of the accordion door opening of the hanger.

Tickets for both the Pacific Amphitheater and the Hanger are available online or at any of the ticket booths at every entrance of the fair.

For the full concert schedule check out our concert calendar at https://concertguidelive.com/concert-calendar.

Yellow Red Sparks play the Constellation Room August 15

Los Angeles based band, Yellow Red Sparks will perform at The Constellation Room on Thursday, August 15.

Yellow Red Sparks was originally a solo performer, but now they are made up of three performers, Joshua Hanson (vocals), Sara Lynn Nishikawa (upright bass and vocals) and Goldy (drums and vocals). Their first self-titled album was released on Jan. 29 earlier this year.

The OC Concert Guide caught up with Yellow Red Sparks before the start of their first Northwest Tour, which begins on Wednesday, August 7.

OCCG: Your debut album, “Yellow Red Sparks” has recently been out on ITunes; tell me a little about the album. Any music videos in the works?
YRS: We were blessed to work with some pretty amazing people on this record. It makes us all feel a real sense of accomplishment to finally have it out and for people to hear it. We currently have a music video out for the song, “A Play To End All Plays.” Our dear friend Claire Marie Vogel directed it. She brought a new life to the song–she is amazingly talented. We are currently talking about doing another video.

OCCG: How would you guys personally describe your sound to those who have never heard of you guys before?
YRS: We like to say cinematic folk, singer/songwriter.

OCCG: Where are you guys from and how did the band form? Who are the band members and what do they do in the band?
YRS: Josh originally started playing shows solo as Yellow Red Sparks. He did some local shows and a few short tours opening for friends. Goldy heard the songs circulating around and recorded drums over the acoustic-only demos Josh had released. After a few months of tracking him down, Goldy played the tracks to Josh, he liked it, and began to play with Josh. Sara was one of Goldy’s drum students that happened to play upright bass as well. She was a perfect fit and the rest was history.

YRS: In the beginning of your bio it states “Good coffee, cold weather, friends, family, trials and tribulation.” How does those aspects inspire your music. Is there anything else that inspires your music? I can’t speak for Josh, but I think the opening statement refers to life. In life, all of those things are present. I believe Josh writes about the dynamics of living with ourselves and with others. It’s not always easy, and it’s that struggle that may be one of the greatest influences for Yellow Red Sparks.

OCCG: So you guys won a couple awards from the OC Music Awards. When was that and how did it feel receiving those award?
YRS: It was an honor to win those awards (in 2010 and 2011). Anytime you’re recognized by the people in this industry that work with hundreds of bands and artists and they choose you, it’s a great, humbling feeling.

OCCG: I understand that you guys are on your nationwide tour, what has been the most exciting thing that has happened during this tour and what are you guys excited about this Orange County performance? Anything for the fans to expect?
YRS: The most exciting thing about this tour was getting to play all over the country and meet new people. To show up in Orlando, Florida and play a record in-store and have 50 people there waiting for us to play–it’s a crazy feeling…and we’ve never been to Orlando! It was a trip. We did FOX Good Day Chicago and that was a blast. We also went to Cedar Point Amusement Park–some of the best roller coasters we’ve ever been on!! That was a great day. We’re so happy to play back home in Orange County. Being away from home for so long on tour and not knowing what to expect each night really makes us appreciate playing at home. I also think we grow so much as a band from being on the road that, when you get back home, there is a new life inside of the group that people can see.

OCCG: What is your favorite song to play and why?
YRS: I [Goldy] can’t speak for the other two. I enjoy Monsters with Misdemeanors. It takes me to a different place in my head. I really enjoy playing them all though.

OCCG: What do you guys like to do on your free time outside of music and on the road?
YRS: spend as much time with my family and friends that I can. I love movies and teaching drum lessons.

OCCG:Have you guys played in Orange County before, if so, where have you played before?
YRS: Too many to name! We are from Orange County so have played a lot of venues here.

OCCG: Is there any new music in the works or anything for the fans to expect within the next few months or year?
YRS: Josh is always writing and playing us his ideas. We had a mini-session in our hotel room in Chicago playing around with some new ideas…that was great. I can’t wait to just concentrate on new material. We have plans to go into the studio after our Northwest tour in August to track a few demos for the new record.

OCCG: Any last thought to tell your fans or people just discovering your music?
YRS: Thank you for taking the time to listen and support us.

Flyleaf joins P.O.D. at House of Blues Anaheim August 8

Female fronted rock group, Flyleaf, will be performing at the House of Blues Anaheim on Thursday, August 8.

Originating from central Texas, Flyleaf is an American Hard Rock Band since 2002. Flyleaf’s debut album “Flyleaf” went platinum in 2005 with hit singles “I’m so sick” and “All Around Me”.

In October 2012, the lead singer Lacey Sturm stepped down as the lead vocalist and Kristen May stepped in as the new lead singer. Since then they have recorded a new EP “Who We Are” with a new single “Something Better” featuring P.O.D. front man Sonny Sandoval.

They have since hit the road for their first nationwide tour with their new front women co-headlining along with P.O.D. The OC Concert Guide caught up with Pat Seals (bass) to talk about Flyleaf and their upcoming tour.

OCCG: I understand the band is known for their “Christian Rock.” How does your Christan faith affect the music you play?
Seals: It gives definition to the setting of the songs, lyrically. Our music is for everyone, though, Christian or not.

OCCG: Last year, Lacey Sturm stepped down as the lead vocalist. How has it been working with new front woman, Kristen May? Is there any difference with the way the music sounds or written?
Seals: Kristen May brings a very bright feel to the music, sonically as well as thematically. The songwriting process seems a bit speedier with Kristen, for some reason.

OCCG: How do you guys personally describe your music to those who might have never heard of your music before?
Seals: Imagine the Cranberries trying to pretend they are the Deftones.

OCCG: So your new EP “Who Are We,” has recently been out, how is this EP different from the other albums you have recorded?
Seals: “Who We Are” is our first recording featuring Kristen May, as well as Sonny Sandoval doing guest vocals on “Something Better”.

OCCG: I noticed that you guys also had 12 Limited Edition Woodcut Prints available online, can you tell me a little more about them?
Seals: Each image is an interpretation of each song off “New Horizons”, all titled accordingly. The woodcut for “Cage on the Ground” is probably the one that came out looking the best. I always loved looking at a band’s cover art while hearing the music. These prints were a sort of expansion on that idea; more stuff to look at, I guess.

OCCG: What are you most excited about for this tour then the other tours you previously were on? What can fans expect during this tour? Have you ever played in Orange County before?
Seals: P.O.D. has been a favorite of mine for years, also Stars In Stereo are great people and it is a privilege to get to tour with them again so soon after the run with Drowning Pool.

OCCG: Outside of music, what do you guys like to do for fun on your free time?
Seals: Exercise, video games for some of us, cooking, wandering malls. Playing that corn hole game with bean bags & ect. is starting to grow on us.

OCCG: You guys have been playing for quite a while (2002), how do you guys feel about social media changing the way music is promoted and the industry itself? Do you guys personally like social media?
Seals: Social Media makes it easy to disseminate information quickly, which has great advantages, but the sheer volume of information that music fans must wade through definitely drowns out quality with quantity in some ways.

OCCG: Any last things you would like to mention to your fans?
Seals: Thanks for coming to our shows & singing with us, after all the years & everything else. Flyleaf is very blessed to have such dedicated and sweet fans.

Max and the Moon at the Constellation Room Mondays in July

If Cold Play, Minus the Bears and Passion Pit were to form a super group and have a love child, Max and the Moon would aspire to be that love child.

Originating from Chino Hills, California, local indie-rock band, Max and the Moon, has played at numerous of Orange County’s hotspots including Slide Bar, the Continental Room and now with a residency at the Constellation Room at the Observatory every Monday night for the month of July.

Max and the Moon include, Zachariah who plays bass and back up vocals, John who sings and plays guitar, Dillon who plays the drums and lastly Matt who sings and plays piano and what his band mates say “dances in white pants.”

They choose to be in the indie scene because it has more potential and there are more existing bands they listen to and inspire to be like.

“We have always wanted to have that cool interesting sound and I think that indie lends a huge hand in that,” Dillon said. “I think it just gives it a lot more leeway for our sound and what we have to play.”

Even after a memorable performance of driving up 4 hours away and not being able to play because of a miscommunication from the sound guy. They still have the spirit to keep playing and making more music, which they joked around saying “We played so good, we didn’t even play.”

Max and the Moon formed after John and Matt wanted to start a band together. After Matt convinced John that he wanted to play piano, they then invited childhood friend Zachariah and Matt’s brother Dillon to play.

“Dillon actually joined the band at first and he wasn’t good enough at drums,” John said. “So he got kicked out, which was weird because he just had to walk inside from the garage. Its not like he left with some dramatic exit. And then Dillon got badass within 6 months. We actually stopped playing with our other drummer and we were like “okay Dillon you are going to play drums from now on.” And it kind of been that way for the past two and a half years.”

While being a huge fan of Conan O’Brian, Matt created the name for the band after watching Conan and his drummer Max Weinberg joke around with each other by stating “Max, I’ma shoot you to the moon.” While no one in the band liked the name at first, it stuck even though it initially was a joke between the band members.

Since then they have recorded numerous of EP’s including their latest one named the Constellation Compilation, which includes a collection of their different songs played at their residency and bands that have played with them.

“We want to help expose everyone that we played with throughout the course of our residency at the Constellation Room,” Dillon said. “It’s a free download of 16 great bands that are mostly Orange County based and a few LA Bands. We just thought it would be a cool idea to give it out for free for anyone who wants it.”

Max and the Moon thanks Orange County for receiving their music pretty well and for their support in their music. “Thanks for anyone that has spent any money on us going to the shows or buying our CD, I think that’s a huge thanks as well. They are the reason we play. “

Recently they released their new music video for their song “Light House.” You can download their new EP for free online or watch their music video by visiting:
www.maxandthemoon.bandcamp.com

For tickets for their July 15, 22, or 29th show at the Constellation Room, please visit: http://constellationroom.com

Social Distortion headlines this year’s Hootenanny Festival July 6

Rockabilly is not just the type of music many listen to, but it is a lifestyle. From the clothing, makeup, cars and pin ups, the celebration of Americana is made.

Since 1995, The Hootenanny festival celebrates the classic acts, music and life style of the 50s and early 60s with a mixture of rock and roll, jazz, some country, and blues. It has only ever been located at Oak Canyon Ranch in Irvine and the festival is scheduled this year on July 6th.

“I wanted to make a music festival that appreciated music from the 50s’ and anything inspired by Elvis Presley,” Festival Founder, Bill Hardie said. “This is not a time warp, but people who live their life a rockabilly, a subculture of people, people I personally identify with and I wanted to put together a show we can all have fun at.”

Entertainment to be presented include: Social Distortion, Face to Face, Old 97’s and Murder by Death.

Along with entertainment by well-known bands, the Hootenanny gives the opportunity for a local band to play at the festival with their battle of the bands contest. The finals will be held at the House of Blues through Breakthrough Entertainment on July 3rd.

This is not just an ordinary music festival. Part of the Rockabilly culture is the hot rods driven during the time period. Throughout the day many people will be showing off their cars in their annual car show.

“Many local car clubs participate showing cars from the time period of 53’ to 63’,” Hardie said. “Later in the day, trophies will be given out for the best cars in different categories.”

Along with the car show, the finals of the pageant for the title of Miss Hootenanny will be held. Sullen Art Collective is presenting the contest for the 3rd year and the crowd will select the winner. The winner will win cash, prizes, a photo shoot with award winning photographer Nicole Caldwell as well as their own video on Sullen TV and the title of Miss Hootenanny.

For those of you new to the Rockabilly culture, there will be around 100 vendors who will be selling records and even holding seminars for pin stripe lessons.

To find out more information on how to get tickets or how participate in the car show please visit their website, http://thehootenanny.com