Local Indie Group Rocks The Observatory Throughout June

June 15, 2013 by
The Steelwells Band

The Steelwells take June’s residency spot at The Observatory

Indie rock group the Steelwells will be performing multiple free shows at The Observatory this month.

It’s going to be a busy month for the Steelwells as they will be playing three more shows in the Constellation Room located inside the Observatory (June 11, 18 and 24), as well as four shows in San Diego and Los Angeles.

Based out of Fullerton, the Steelwells are excited to come home and perform their music in their home county.

“Orange County is home for us so there is a certain amount of anxiety involved. We know people have come to see us since we first started and will have a pre-conceived idea of who we are despite our own evolution musically,” lead singer and guitarist Joey Winter says. “We just hope everyone digs the new music we made as much as we do.”

Their latest EP, “Cool Kids” features a more keys/rhythm heavy style. Between records they acquired their new drummer Jonathan Bradley, who brought a whole new dynamic to the group.

The Steelwells have a busy summer ahead of them as they tour and focus on putting out a new EP.

“Right now we are really just focused on getting our new music out. We recorded enough songs for an EP with producer Jacquire King (King of Leon, Tom Waits, Modest Mouse, etc.),” Winter says.

Fans can expect to hear some of their new songs this month at their live shows.

“It’s all pretty magical,” Winter says. “Honestly playing live has always been an important part of this band. The feedback we get from the crowd while we play is like having conversation about the song. We put everything we have into it.”

The Steelwells shows in the Constellation Room at the Observatory are free for all ages.

Check out their full show lineup at www.thesteelwells.com.

Filed Under: Buzz Bands

Chevy Metal, Robert Francis At Seven-Degrees In Laguna

June 10, 2013 by
Chevy Metal

Tayler Hawkin’s side project Chevy Metal at Seven Degrees Gallery

Seven-Degrees in Laguna is hosting the benefit show presented by Tightrope Entertainment on Tuesday, July 2. All proceeds are going to benefit the Mauli Ola Foundation. It’s a perfect way to start off your holiday week.

Headlining the event is multi-Grammy award winning drummer of the Foo Fighters Taylor Hawkins. Hawkins will be headlining the event with his rock cover band Chevy Metal to support the Mauli Ola Foundation. Chevy Metal has played Saturday Night Live with Mick Jagger and David Grohl and plays local clubs in Laguna with Joan Jett. Hawkins was raised in Laguna and is always a crowd pleaser in the area.

Performing with Chevy Metal on the main stage will be singer/songwriter and instrumentalist Robert Francis. Currently with Atlantic Records and Vanguard Records Francis has gained recognition via YouTube with his song Junebug, which has hit big overseas.

The main stage is filled with local performers such as Nick I from Common Sense and local favorite, MoonShine.

The event’s VIP show will have a plethora of acts on the restricted access stage. The acts playing for the VIP stage will include more locals such as Andrew Corradini and DJ SLi Dawg. This exclusive access performance will be headlined by Paul Mars Black and Ukulele Bartt Warburton together performing as Black and Bartt.

In addition to all the great music there will but a showcase of Laguna’s fine art. Silent actions will be held for the displayed pieces from the local artist as well as the world-renowned artist.

All the proceeds from this event will go towards the Mauli Ola Foundation (MOF). The Mauli Ola Foundation began as a group of surfers who band together to introduce surfing as a natural treatment to people with cystic fibrosis.

Since 2007, Mauli Ola has taken nearly 1,300 CF patients surfing at nearly 100 Surf Experience Days and now expands its reach with hospital visits and other activities that touch the lives of kids with cancer and a variety of other health challenges.

In 2010, MOF was awarded The Agent of Change Award by SURFER Magazine for its positive contributions and example to the surfing community.

This is going to be a night of spectacular music in combination with Laguna’s fine art, and feel good cause. It is definitely an event that shouldn’t be missed and not much better ways to enjoy a Southern California evening.

Filed Under: Buzz Bands

Local Siblings Share Their Rockabilly Twist

May 30, 2013 by
Moonshine

(L-R) Dylan and Celena Marie DelPizzo-Howell make up the local band, Moonshine

Local brother and sister duo MoonShine will be performing throughout Orange County this upcoming summer in order to promote their original music featuring a Rockabilly, vintage style blues and jazz.

Their upcoming shows include the Stillwater in Dana Point (June 22), The Cellar in San Clemente (June 27, July 25, and Aug. 22) and The Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach (July 12 and Aug 1).

MoonShine is made up of Celena Marie DelPizzo-Howell (Vocalist) and Dylan DelPizzo-Howell (Guitarist/Percussionist). The OC Concert Guide spoke to the siblings about their music, performing in Orange County and their musical influences.

OCCG: You guys are a brother/sister duo. When and how did MoonShine start?
MS: We have been playing together for 6 years and decided to form our band “MoonShine” about a year ago when we started writing our own music and wanted to play shows to share our Blues/Rockabilly style with the people in our community.

OCCG: How would you guys personally describe your style of music? How as artists are you different than other artists in your same genre?
MS: What sets us apart is, our music brings back the vintage styles of Blues and Jazz, but with a Rockabilly twist. The way we combine all these great sounds creates a style that is nostalgic but still current and modern. Our music has great energy, fun to dance to, and very diverse. The old “swingin” jazz tunes we play also make us different from other artists in our same genre. We are a duo for our more intimate gigs, but perform as a four-piece band for larger venues with our Standup Bass player, Elliot Glass from Laguna Beach, and our Drummer, Nick Crays from Los Angeles.

OCCG: Where do your inspirations come from when making music? Who are your musical influences?
MS: We have a wide range of influences that constantly inspire us to create new music, from musicians we look up to, to something as simple as a walk on the beach. We get our bluesy influences from artists like: Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaun, BB King, and Johnny Cash. Our more contrasting diverse influences include the Stray Cats, Devil Makes Three, Feet Foxes and even Led Zeppelin. Also artists like Crosby Stills Nash, America and Creedence Clearwater, who are front runners when it comes to harmonies, have inspired us when writing progressions and melodies for our songs.

OCCG: Have you guys played many shows in Orange County? If so, what is your favorite part about performing and sharing your music?
MS: We both were born and raised in Laguna Beach and perform music all throughout Orange County and have played multiple shows throughout Orange County including The House of Blues Anaheim, StillWater Dana Point, Blue Water Music Festival and hold regular gigs at The White House Laguna Beach, and The Cellar San Clemente. We love the recognition that artists receive in Orange County. Live music is so welcomed and supported here and there’s a huge Rock/Blues scene throughout OC. Our favorite parts about performing are feeling in our element while on stage, making people happy, and showcasing our original music to people.

OCCG: As upcoming artists, what are your guy’s biggest struggles and how do you overcome them? What are your biggest highs?
MS: The biggest struggles we face as artists are “getting out there” and having our music heard. Finding great venues to play at and making connections with people in the music industry can be tough at times, but the best way to overcome these obstacles is to be fearless by continuing to push forward and write good music. Our biggest highs are being on stage and performing our original music for people who have never heard us before. In a live setting, we love it when people, who wouldn’t normally listen to our genre, dance, have a great time, and enjoy our style of music.

OCCG: What are your plans for the future? Any new tracks, albums, tours?
MS: Our future plans include expanding our gigs outside Orange County to LA and San Diego and doing a Southern California Tour. We currently have a duo album out and are now recording a second album with our standup bass player and drummer, which will feature tracks from our previous record as well as new tracks. We soon seen ourselves living and persuing our music careers in Los Angeles.

Check out MoonShine at MoonShineTunes.com, www.facebook.com/moonshinetunes and wwww.moonshinetunes.bandcamp.com.

Filed Under: Buzz Bands, Featured

Colleen Green Brings A Taste Of Her Lo-Fi Pop-Punk To Burger Records

May 12, 2013 by
Collen Green at Burger Records

Colleen Green plays in store at Burger Records May 18

With the recent release of her newest album “Sock it to Me” from Hardly Art Green give us a taste of her sweet vocals, funky drum machine, and distorted guitar. Having catchy tunes never seem to be a problem for Green ever since the release of her first LP “Milo Goes to Compton.”

Green has always had a promising niche for making tunes any “mellow punk” would want to listen to. Green’s mellow laid back lifestyle is one that is sure to please the OC. Be sure to catch Green on her tour making its way to Burger Records May 18.

OCCG: Do you see yourself progressing into having a live backing band vs. your drum machine? Or do you prefer your drum machine?
CG: I change my mind constantly, I like to mix it up all the time I’ll do a bassist a drummer or a drum machine.

OCCG: What does a day in a life of colleen green consist of?
CG: I get up fairly early, smoke get some coffee, then I try and paint some of my shirts I hand paint all of them. I go to the grocery store, and then I head to Santa Monica.

OCCG: What was the recording process for your new album “Sock it to me?” Was it any different from “Milo goes to Compton?”
CG: For “Sock it to me” I had just got signed to Hardly Art so they wanted a more professional sound then “Milo goes to Compton.” I recorded “Sock it to me” at Ruben’s house the guy who signed me to Hardly Art. We collaborated with Danny Rowland; who playslead guitar on a few songs.

OCCG: How long have you been playing guitar? What got you into it?
CG: I’ve been playing guitar for 15years, my uncle played guitar and a few friends were playing, so I decided to take it up

OCCG: What was the name of your first band?
CG: The name of my first band was “Fenwick” we were an all girl band. I played guitar and we were all best friends so it worked out well.

OCCG: How was it traveling with Burger Records and Gnar Tapes on the SXSW caravan?
CG: It was Amazing!! It was all good and fun. I was with Gap Dream, White Fang and The Memories. I actually wrote a song for The Memories to record and they are writing one for me too.

OCCG: How do you make a living off your music? Or do you have a day job?
CG: I don’t make a living out of it; I live with my older brother and I’m on food stamps. I focus on my music.

OCCG: If you weren’t a musician what would you be doing?
CG: Music was always a big influence in my life, I would have either been a music supervisor or an actor, I love acting my first play was James and the Giant Peach, and I was one of the bugs.

OCCG: What hidden talents do you have?
CG: I like to cook for my friends and host dinner parties. My specialties are stir fry, and meatloaf and mash potatoes.

Filed Under: Buzz Bands

The Somber Country Western sounds comes to the OC

May 8, 2013 by
Abigails

Catch the Abigails coming to a local venue near you. photo by Joel Woodman

The Abigails are putting a new spin on an old country western sound, with the outlaw influence of Lee Hazelwood. The somber country western sound of the Abigails hit the Detroit Bar Saturday, May 11 and the Constellation Room Wednesday, May 29. Warren Thomas, lead singer of The Abigails, gives us an inside what The Abigails are working on.

OCCG: Which country stars have been influences for you in creating the sound of The Abigails?
WT: Lee Hazelwood, Roger Millar, Leon Pain and Gram Parson.

OCCG: I see you play a lot of shows in LA and Orange County, have you done any touring or plan on touring in the future?
WT: We haven’t done too many tours only one East Coast run with The Growlers. Were planning on getting a touring band together and trying to hit the road this summer.

OCCG: What three albums you are currently listening to?
WT: This is a tough one since I work at a record shop I listen to music all day, if I had to pick three I’m currently listening too I’d say “Fortune of Flush” by the Jacobites, “Whatevershebringswesing” by Kevin Ayers and “Up For A Bit” by The Pastells

OCCG: Any upcoming release from the Abigail’s coming out soon?
WT: Were currently working with Burger Records an album is on the way, the tape will be out soon and the LP will be out by the winter.

OCCG: Any bands you would like to share the stage with?
WT: I imagine a big festival starting off with, The Country Teasers these guys are insane and they are from Scotland he has an alter ego and performs as “The Rebel” its epic. Next, I’d bring up the Kevinators they have a “trippy” sound, after I’d bring The Flying Burrito Brothers, followed by some Gram Parson then Johnny Thunders followed by Gap Dream, then to get things wild we would bring out The Cramps then followed by Can and we would wrap up the show.

OCCG: What is your day job?
WT: I work at a Record Store in Echo Park called Mono Records, my buddy John owns it, he lets me listen to records all day.

OCCG: What embarrassing songs might I find on your MP3 player?
WT: I have a guilty pleasure in listening to Lionel Richie, especially early in the morning when I’m at thrift shop with the older ladies. I also enjoy the occasional Isley Brothers song, reminds me of my dad and I driving around in the car.

OCCG: What genre of music can’t you stand to listen to?
WT: Jazz, it just doesn’t do me, I’m not into it. I appreciate it and I sell it, but it’s not for me.

Filed Under: Buzz Bands Tagged With:

Americana Duo David and Olivia set sail to the OC

May 7, 2013 by
David and Olivia

David & Olivia play the Constellation Room May 23
Photo by Flip Cassidy

The story of how this Americana Duo came to be is an intriguing one. It has that fairytale ending and a sense of musical completion the, “I finally found what I was looking for.”

Walking into a club in L.A. and hearing Olivia May’s rendition of Joplin’s Mercedes Benz, David Rosales knew that’s what he was looking for. There is no doubt that Olivia’s vocal is what sets them apart and makes them unique, this is exactly what David needed to complete his sound.

With the release of their newest EP On the Sea David and Olivia can share what has been their musical journey traveling alongside the Pacific Ocean, while playing their music along the way. Be sure to catch this amazing duo at Bacchus’ Secret Cellar in Irvine on Thursday, June 20.

OCCG: Where do you prefer to play LA or OC and why?
DR: Each is unique for the other yet they share an exciting palpable energy when we’re onstage. Orange County is so unique because of its close proximity to this major U.S. metropolis that is Los Angeles and yet it still retains a small-town tight knit feel. It’s also a lot easier to drive anywhere in OC from my home in Huntington Beach than to LA! (laughing)

OCCG: What was the experience like playing SXSW?
OM: We had a great time in Austin this year at South by Southwest! To be surrounded by incredible like-minded artists and the people that appreciate them was inspiring. The whole festival was such a rush of adrenaline and we look forward to being back next year.
DR: Yes, we played some great shows and met some amazing people. Ran into a bunch of our friends from the OC music scene around town like Bill @ Secret Chief, Micah Brown, Annie McQueen, Robert John & The Wreck and Yellow Red Sparks.

OCCG: David, how do you manage family and music?
DR: By the seat of my pants! (Laughing) I feel like I’ve got so many plates spinning in the air at all times… I just try to keep a balanced schedule and focus on being present in the moment. I don’t sleep very much, but I wouldn’t trade in my life for anything.

OCCG: Olivia, would you ever date a fan?
OM: Dating hasn’t been my focus for the last few years. I enjoy meeting new people and spending time with those I find interesting. I suppose they have to be a “fan” of me in terms of appreciating that I am a musician but I’m not going out of my way looking for dates while I’m at one of our shows. (Laughing)

OCCG: What is your outlook on the music industry?
DR: I think it’s an interesting time to be a musician in the music industry. On one hand you have an unprecedented “wild west” of information and music coupled with a plethora of ever-evolving media platforms to directly communicate your message with fans and potential fans. On the other hand, there is so much noise to sift through as a consumer that it becomes increasingly difficult to find music that is genuine, honest and of a high grade.

OCCG: Describe your music making process.
OM: Our music making is a subconscious collaborative effort.
DR: We have spent thousands of miles driving up and down the coast together on tour and shared many of our views and life experiences with one another. I’ll generally sit in a quiet room with a guitar and work on the melody, structure and lyrics. Once it has taken a well enough shape we’ll mix it into a live set and see where the song wants to go. We feel that a song is a living breathing entity. It grows and changes just like we do. When we record it, we’re simply capturing where the song is at that moment. Lyrically, songs that we write end up manifesting into an experience of hers or mine or a mixture of both. The music is personal, yet entirely relatable at some level because of the shared human experience aspect.

OCCG: What is the most unbelievable rumor ever printed about you?
DR: (Laughing) It wasn’t about us, but about The Civil Wars. We often get compared to them because we’re a guy/girl duo and this magazine asked if we were splitting up like TCW… we politely answered we had no intentions to do so and that in fact TCW was releasing a brand new record. Rumors are silly.

OCCG: What songs are you most proud of?
DR: I am most proud of “Key to My Heart” because it started this whole journey for us. Without that song, there would be no ‘David & Olivia.’
OM: “Finally Fine” is our first original co-write. I had written the basic idea awhile back and sent it over to David to listen to it and see if he could spice it up some. He was immediately inspired and after a few hours he had the new and improved song!

OCCG: What would be your fall back of you weren’t doing music?
DR: There is no fall back plan, we don’t have day jobs. We’re artists, we will continue to create art.
OM: I concur doctor.

Filed Under: Buzz Bands, Featured

A Local Act That Channels Music From Present To Past

April 1, 2013 by
Gal Musette

Gal Musette opens for Ben Ottewell April 28 at The Coach House
Photo courtesy of Google Images

Whilst some of Orange County’s teeny boppers are cultivating a pseudo persona fuelled by Miley Cyrus’s husky voice (she’s a talented filly, but my god she is graceless when she speaks), benzyl peroxide pads and overly decadent/mawkish ‘sweet sixteens,’ there are a few who attempt to transcend the creatively repressed confines of the cyst that is Orange County. Enter Gal Musette, who is not only influenced by splendid grandeur and antiquity, but also some of the more modern outcasts such as Robert Smith. Musette will be playing at The Coach House on April 28 (opening for Ben Ottewell).

There is a lot to be said of someone who can denude their inhibitions on stage in front of such a judgmental society, especially at such a tender age. Upon listening to Gal Musette’s various tunes, one will come across innocent vocals, and perhaps an artist who has a lot of promise and growth to be fulfilled in the coming years.

Musette was kind enough to submit her energy to the banality of broad journalism-which perhaps isn’t such a bad thing, since being a performer has become interchangeable with the scrutiny of bored writers who are trying to create a composite of romantic tales. Gal was certainly straight to the point and very candid with the brevity of the situation:

OCCG: According to the bio on your website, you are only 14 years old; what influences you most in regards to your music? Songs such as “Already Gone by Moonlight” has quite a mature sound-like that of Sigur Ros-is this through your parents taste in music or your own?
GM: My influences come from my father’s elaborate collection of music, my mother’s love for french songs, and spending time next to my grandfather playing the old masterpiece’s from the 1940’s on his lovely baby grand. My taste in music is most likely a combination of all three.

OCCG: Do you write all of your own lyrics? and how do you balance the songwriting process with the pandemonium of school?
GM: Yes, I write all the lyrics and melodies for my songs. Balancing songwriting and school hours is challenging, but not impossible. However, there is not very much time for making friends as a freshman, nor for doing my old favorite hobbies such as dancing and swimming in the ocean.

OCCG: If you could jam with three musicians, dead or alive, who would they be?
GM: Robert Smith, Bing Crosby, and Roger Joseph Manning Jr.

OCCG: If you could sum up, in one sentence, why the public can’t miss out on the upcoming Gal Musette shows-why would that be?
GM: To be honest, I still wonder why the audience comes at all, as I’m only 15. But I’m so grateful!

OCCG: In terms of the music industry, where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
GM: In New York, always writing songs. In love, I hope.

From her laconic responses, Musette comes across as a mature young lady who certainly has a solid idea of where she is going and where she’d like to be. I’m not going to butter you up with adjectives that stretch the imagination like taffy, or billow out awash of trite grayness-she’s no prodigy, but she’s better than most of the annoying tosh on the radio; I’d rather watch Musette’s melodic cadences accompanied by undefiled lyrics, rather than a one chubby Adele choke out another obsessive lyric about her ex-boyfriend.

Filed Under: Buzz Bands

Crash Kings Plan To Rule The Coach House Stage

April 1, 2013 by
Crash Kings headline The Coach House Thursday, May 9th

Crash Kings headline The Coach House Thursday, May 9th

Formed in the ostentatious ‘la la’ land in 2006, Crash Kings have since established themselves in the alternate rock arena with their eponymous 2009 album, Crash Kings. Flirting with the success of their number one single, “Mountain Man,” Crash Kings continue to tour extensively as they attract a burgeoning following. Crash Kings will be playing at The Coach House on May 9 with opening acts, Orange Blossom Special and The Whereabouts.

Drawing comparisons with such revered acts as The White Stripes and Ben Folds Five, there is a robust sound to be found in this 3-piece. Persevering through the mercurial swaths of the music industry, lead-singer Tony Beliveau granted us a brief interview about the trajectory of the band and what is in store for the new album due out this year.

OCCG: Since you have an album due out this year, what can fans of the Crash Kings look forward to in terms of the direction the band is taking?
TB: I think it will be a slight departure from our previous record with a few twists and turns, but I don’t want to give too much a way yet-it will definitely be worth waiting for.

OCCG: Was the songwriting process smoother for your sophomore album? or have a lot of ideas transferred over from the eponymous album?
TB: Yeah, a lot of ideas transferred over. I feel that it was smoother in a lot of ways, but only due to experience of what works and what doesn’t work.

OCCG: For people who are thinking of coming out to a couple of your gigs, which bands would you consider to be in a similar vein to your music?
TB: I like to think that we’re a bit more original than most bands out there right now. If you’re looking for something a little heavier, you’ll definitely have a good time.

OCCG: If you could have written any song from any artist you admire, which song would it be?
TB: Hm, that’s a tough one-a more recent tracks that springs to mind would be The White Stripes-“Seven Nation Army.”

Filed Under: Buzz Bands

Thicker Than Thieves vibes to their beat of Southern California reggae

March 30, 2013 by
Thicker Than Thieves

Thicker Than Thieves play Stillwater Dana Point April 26
Photo courtesy of TTT management

As they reach out to the many different walks of life they encounter while on the road touring, San Diego based band, Thicker Than Thieves, has a story to tell through their rock-reggae, soulful music.

“There’s a lot of California reggae out there, but we try to put out messages about the struggles that everybody goes through day to day,” says Thicker Than Thieves lead singer Jamin Hazelaar. “Reggae touches everybody in a unique way. It opens the heart up so we see the world differently.”

Stops on their tour include Arizona, New Mexico, Florida, Georgia, Nebraska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and ends back in California where they will play two shows in Orange County.

“I think people that really recognize the band are from Southern California so we’re trying to make Orange County a big part of what we do in California,” Hazelaar said.

The band finds the diversity of the people living in Orange County appealing, as well as the many music venues it has to offer, making Orange County a great place to share their music.

“There’s so many awesome venues in Orange County,” Hazelaar said. “It’s hard not to continue to reach out there especially with a lot of great places to play.”

Thicker Than Thieves is made up of six members including Hazelaar on vocals, guitar players Mauricio Mora and Taen Peid, bassist Clay McCallum, keyboardist Bucky Springmeier, and Victor Rojas on drums.

Their music consists of a solid reggae and rock foundation. Hazelaar says they’ll change it up a little bit and play some punk rock as well, as the two genres may sometimes intertwine.

“In fact, when I was a kid, you would go to a punk rock show and they didn’t know where to put the reggae artists so they put them with punk rock bands,” Hazelaar explains defining how their type of genre came to be.

The bands set list will consist of songs from their new EP, “Storm Will Pass”, and their 2007 album “Thru Thick and Thin.”

The band commends their ability to keep fans coming back to their shows bringing a good vibe on stage. Hazelaar says live performances are action packed, fun, and a place where you get to sing along and dance to their songs.

“We keep a real driving force behind our live shows,” says Hazelaar. “We try to make our live shows better than our records.”

After this spring tour, the band has a few more national shows lined up throughout the year and hopes to put out a full record album. Though the release date is not yet set, they’re hoping it will be out by October 2013.

Thicker Than Thieves encourages everyone to come out to the show and experience something new.

“Open your hearts to something different and enjoy. We’re here to give you the best show we possibly can,” says Hazelaar.

For more information on the band, Thicker Than Thieves, and the final stops on their tour check out their official website at www.thickerthanthieves.com

Filed Under: Buzz Bands
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