In 2011, Wouter “Wally” De Backer, best known as Gotye, blindsided music lovers both here in the States and internationally with his universally relatable single, “Somebody That I Used To Know,” off his recently released album Making Mirrors. He’s sent musical shock waves worldwide and this week embarked on a completely sold-out tour, with LA’s El Rey Theatre running out of tickets after only five minutes. This Belgian-Australian artist is well on his way to conquering our country, and LA Music Blog was on site to catch his United States television debut on the Jimmy Kimmel live outdoor stage on February 1st.
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For over a decade, Anthony Raneri has fronted one of the biggest punk bands in the music scene, but this multi-talented artist has proven he has a few more tricks up his sleeve with the release of his solo EP, New Cathedrals. Released independently on January 17 via Raneri’s newly-minted label, Gumshoe Records. The decision to self-release was any easy one for Raneri. Continue reading…

You can try to categorize They Might Be Giants, but you’ll find yourself in a bit of a pickle as there really is no easy way to define this dynamic duo from New York (consisting of John Flansburgh and John Linnell), but one thing is certain: the special 30th anniversary show that they performed at UCLA’s harmonic Royce Hall on Saturday night was a fantastically fun-filled free-for-all. Take from that description what you will, but with thirty years now behind them and another thirty to hopefully come, They Might Be Giants proved that their eccentric musical style is still alive and well, and their performance was indeed a joyous one.
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In the early hours of Saturday morning, on a ranch that appeared to be in the middle of nowhere in Simi Valley, a collection of DJs, artists, performers, and masseurs (yep, that’s right) gathered for what was advertised as Expansion 7, the latest in “a monthly excursion exploring the advancement of music and art.” The description does not really do justice to the sights and sounds of this extraordinary event in the most unlikely of settings.
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On Saturday, January 21st, Dashboard Confessional’s frontman, singer-songwriter Chris Carrabba, brought his unique brand of acoustic music and heartbreaking poetry to a sold-out show at the House of Blues. His decade-long career pulled a crowd with an age range as broad as the emotions in Dashboard Confessional songs.
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Taking a break from his day job as the effervescent frontman of the Hold Steady, Craig Finn has released a low-key, subdued set for his debut album. In truth it’s almost too subdued to be believed at first. The Hold Steady are one of the most celebratory, energetic live bands around, and Craig Finn always performs in the style of an over-excited kid who cannot believe he’s been given the stage. It’s an intoxicating mix that is somewhat at odds with the persona on his solo album. This is Finn in contemplative mode, writing and singing about the things in life the Hold Steady songs cannot reach.
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El Rey Theatre was packed Wednesday night with fans of San Diego’s Augustana, who gained national recognition with their radio hit, “Boston,” back in 2005, but before they had a chance to ascend the stage, an exciting new act, Graffiti6, stole the spotlight.

Formed in 2008, Graffiti6 is a British duo comprised of DJ/Producer Tommy D and singer/songwriter Jamie Scott. This powerhouse of pop music garnered American attention with a slew of TV sync licenses, which landed their music on such shows as Grey’s Anatomy, Teen Wolf, and Football Wives just to name a few. Their first single, “Stare Into the Sun,” was featured on ad campaigns for The Sun Newspaper, and encouraged the duo to record their first full length album, Colours, which releases TODAY, January 25, 2012.
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