As a child of the 90s with two younger sisters, my mom would often play us Disney Radio growing up. This was the heyday of the boy band pop stars. Backstreet Boys and ‘N Sync were constantly played throughout our house, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t thoroughly enjoy listening to both bands with my family. My personal music tastes have gotten a bit heavier, and guitar driven as time went on, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a soft spot for boy band music. Big Time Rush was a name I was very familiar with hearing, but I had aged out of the demographic that their TV Show was aimed at. So I never really listened to them. None the less, I’ve heard from multiple friends, and even my girlfriend, who gushed with excitement over how good this band is. I felt I would be doing myself a disservice by not seeing what post 90s boy bands have to offer and decided to head down to the Kia Forum to see Big Time Rush. Bringing with them Jax and fellow artist Max, I was ready to scream like a fan girl for the Can’t Get Enough Tour.
Opening the night was a pop singer known as Jax who came to prominence coming in 3rd on the 14th season of American Idol. I feel American Idol singers have a certain aesthetic to them that makes them feel larger than life, and untouchable. This was not Jax at all. She hit the stage with a full denim jump suit, a smile that lit up the room, and energy that felt friendly and enjoyable. Starting the night with “90s Kids” Jax was there to entertain every person that was able to get the show early. She was constantly working the full stage, and nearly leaning off the edge of the stage to get as close to the fans as she could. She was backed by guitarist Nash Overstreet and drummer Jess Bowen, who both kept their performance on Jax’s level of exude just as much playful energy as their front woman. Jax only played a 30-minute set consisting of songs like “Cinderella Snapped,” “Teenage Dirtbag,” “Like My Father,” “Crazy Ex GF,” and ending the set with “Victoria’s Secret.” The final song caught me off guard, as I had actually heard it before. Making me feel even more connected with this artist I thought I didn’t know. Jax was the perfect opener for a night of pop singers, as her joy in performing was felt by every single person who was fortunate to catch her set.
Up next was an artist known as MAX. Another artist I must apologize to for not knowing their music before going into the show, but I believe this helped MAX win me over. As soon as he stepped onto the stage, MAX was dancing non-stop throughout his set. The man was grinding and grooving all over the place, and it elevated the energy of the crowd to a new level. Starting his set with “Love Me Less,” MAX found a way to deliver a performance that was both sexually driven with his flamboyant dance moves but had those softer crooning moments as he worked the mic stand. Even the saxophonist got down with dancing with MAX, that just made the whole set feel like anyone could jump on stage and fit right in with this performance. MAX kept up the sexual tension and love making with the crowd throughout his whole set, and his songs benefitted from it. With songs like “Holla,” “Acid Dreams,” “Someday/Me and You Against the World,” “Blueberry Eyes,” “Strings,” “Satisfied,” “Lights Down Low,” and ending with “Mug Shot.” While listening to MAX’s music on CD is fantastic and enjoyable, you very much benefit from seeing him perform live. His charismatic energy is unavoidable as he will win you over with charm and the sincerest wink to the audience I have ever seen.
Finally, it was time to see what a more modern boy band has to offer. Starting off their set by emerging from behind their set dressing, and just standing their soaking in the cheers from the crowd, you could feel the love fans have continued to pour over this band since the beginning. Opening with a song off their newest album Another Life, “Can’t Get Enough,” the boys of BTR were ready to dance all across the stage, and up their three tiered elevated stage dressing. Though I am used to the troupe of boy bands having five members, Big Time Rush being comprised of only four guys: Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, Carlos PenaVega, and Logan Henderson, these stellar performs still layered their vocals perfectly to bring beautiful harmonies to each song. One of the most personal moments that BTR does is bring onstage four lucky fans from the audience to participate in their song “Worldwide.” One lucky fan who was brought on stage announced that this was her eleventh show of this tour. And the band made her feel so special for her dedication to them. As this was also the Los Angeles show, being right down the street from Hollywood, we got a special appearance from two members of the Big Time Rush TV Show. That being Gustavo Rocque (Stephen Kramer Glickman) and his assistant Kelly Wainwright (Tanya Chisholm). Gustavo, in character, specifically reminding the crowd that he’s the reason Big Time Rush is as big as they are. BTR fans were delighted to a nearly two hour set that included songs like “Elevate,” “Song For You,” “All Over Again,” “Can’t Forget You,” “Love Me Love Me,” “Paralyzed,” “Nothing Even Matters,” “Invisible,” “Confetti Falling,” and a three song encore of “Windows Down,” “Boyfriend,” and “Till I Forget About You.”
I have been listening to metal and rock music for so long, I forgot how good and catchy pop music truly can be, and how much fun boy band music really is. Jax and Max were the perfect openers to this show, as they got all the screaming fans excited about the music they were waiting to hear. From screaming teenagers, to screaming 20 and 30 year olds, to dudes just losing their mind, Big Time Rush is carrying the boy band torch with pride and a faithful fanbase behind them.
My first experience with The Offspring was seeing the music video for "Original Prankster" on MTV. I begged and pleaded with my mom and dad to buy me that album on that song alone. Young Matt didn’t understand how release dates work, and we came to find out Conspiracy of One, hadn’t come out yet. My dad bought me Americana instead as it was the newest album at the time, and I was instantly hooked as a The Offspring fan. Jump to 20+ years later, and I am finally getting the chance to see The Offspring for the first time at the FivePoint Amphitheatre on their Let the Bad Times Roll Tour and bringing with them Simple Plan and Sum 41. I was ready to rock out with bands that teenage Matt never got to see live, and everyone in the FivePoint had to feel the same way, as we sold out the venue!
Opening the night was Sum 41, and they were ready to start the show their set off with “Motivation,” singer Deryck Whibley forgoed his guitar this night, to be able to have more freedom running around the stage. This opened a whole new style of performance as a lead singer for him, as it allowed him to engage with the audience even more. Lead guitarist Dave Baksh’s fingers were on fire as he ripped through the solos in Sum’s songs. Bassist Jason McCaslin runs those bass lines with precision and no fucks given attitude. Drummer Frank Zummo is probably the second most animated person on stage, even being stuck behind the kit. Making faces, and blasting on the kit, he makes sure he doesn’t get lost in the mix. Playing an all killer, no filler, set consisting of songs like “The Hell Song,” “Over My Head (Better Off Dead),” “We’re All to Blame,” “Walking Disaster,” “In Too Deep,” “Fat Lip” and ending with “Still Waiting.” Sum 41 has sadly announced that they will be disbanding the band after their next worldwide headlining tour. So, we better all turn up for them when they come to say their final goodbye.
Up next was Simple Plan who I have only seen once prior to this night, and that was at Warped Tour ’18. So, I never feel I truly got to experience what a real Simple Plan show was like, and holy crap did they blow me away. Starting off with the classic “I’d Do Anything,” Simple Plan was here to make sure everyone was just having a good time. Singer Pierre Bouvier was exuding golden retriever energy, as he just ran across the stage with the most infectious smile. Guitarist Sébastien Lefebvre and Jeff Stinco trade off licks with ease and style. Drummer Chuck Comeau looks like he’s always trying to catch his breath playing these songs, but never misses a beat or moment in the songs. Simple Plan went the extra mile to create crowd participation as they launch beach balls into the audience that bounced around throughout the latter half of their set. Chuck Comeau even wanted to high five every fan in the pit, and proceeded to crowd surf across the entire pit, slapping fives to everyone that could get to him. They even played a cover of “What’s New Scooby Doo,” that included someone dressed in a Scooby-Doo outfit shooting t-shirts into the crowd. It was a party all set long with songs like “Shut Up!,” “Jump,” “Addicted,” “Welcome to My Life,” “Iconic,” “Where I Belong,” ‘I’m Just a Kid,” and ending with “Perfect.” I’m so glad I finally got to experience a full Simple Plan show, as they built an even bigger fan out of me.
Finally, it was time for the hometown heroes to hit the stage and bring their California sound to the Californians. Starting their set off with “Come Out and Play” which was the song that really helped to launch their career. As the unique drum beat started up and the Arabian guitar riff rang out, the crowd erupted with excitement. The Offspring has been performing for nearly 30 years, and they still sound amazing. Vocalist Dexter Holland still sounds like he did all those years ago, which helps all of use punk kids get transported back to our high school days. Lead guitarist Noodles proves his fingers can still noodle around the guitar to create some of the most iconic punk licks of the late 90s and 2000s. Bassist Todd Morse and drummer Brandon Pertzborn held down the low end and created the rhythm’s that let the moshers go crazy. Something I really loved about The Offspring’s set is that they would have chat breaks with the audience. It felt like we were all just hanging out with these guys in a bar shooting the shit. It let you connect even more with the band and even though they can be thought of as larger than life people, it really made them personable. The Offspring played a set that spanned their career featuring songs like “All I Want,” “Want You Bad,” “Let the Bad Times Roll,” “Original Prankster,” “Staring at the Sun,” “Hit That,” “Hammerhead,” “Gotta Get Away,” “Gone Away,” “Why Don’t You Get a Job,” “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy),” “The Kids Aren’t Alright,” and ending with a two song encore featuring “You’re Gonna Go Far Kid” and “Self Esteem.”
There’s something music does to our brains that just helps release endorphins and bring the mind into a euphoric state. I have been listening to all these bands for song long but have rarely seen them all live. This was a lineup that teenage Matt would have broken open the piggy bank to see, and adult Matt did not let that thought escape him. Hearing these songs live really did transport me back to my teenage years, sitting in my room with a pair of headphones and a CD player whose anti-skip technology never worked. It’s experiences like this why I love live music and find it such a comforting experience that I hope never goes away again.
Most people enter the music industry looking to make a name for themselves in a band, or maybe as a solo artist. Some are even able to branch out past their band and grow an additional following through a different musical avenue or even through a different medium. However, very few achieve cross platform success, as well as household name recognition like Danny Elfman. The man has fronted a massively popular 80s new wave band with Oingo Boingo, masterfully composed some of the most iconic movie scores, and influenced a countless number of people throughout the decades. The man recently celebrated his 70th birthday, and he’s invited all of us to his birthday party. Dubbed From Oingo to Batman to Big Mess and Beyond, Danny Elfman came to the Irvine FivePoint Amphitheatre with a goal to not just put on a concert, but to put on a multi layered show for his fans.
Opening the night was an electronic music group from Georgia known as Boy Harsher. Fronted by Jae Matthews, who haunting vocals creeped into each person’s ears, and echoed around their brain cage. Backed by producer and programmer Augustus Muller. Muller felt like he had four arms coming out of him, as he jumped between his soundboard, computer, drum board, and woodwind type instruments. Boy Harsher brought a dance vibe with them, playing an electropop/dark wave mix that I could hear playing at some of my favorite goth clubs. People were clearly vibing with the band, as you could find people dancing in their seats through the venue. Playing songs like “Keep Driving,” “Give Me a Reason,” “Fate,” “Westerners,” “Come Closer,” “Tower,” “Tears,” “LA,” and ending with “Modulations.” Boy Harsher put on a solid set as musicians. Though I feel they could benefit from a bit more production visuals. Something to help elevate the feeling you get from listening to their music.
As everyone packed into the FivePoint Amphitheatre waiting to see the man whose music has defined so many people’s aesthetic and style, many fans came dressed in costumes. From variations on Jack Skellington and Sally, to Pee Wee Herman (RIP), and anything & everything skeleton themed. These fans new the assignment for how to dress to a Danny Elfman show.
As Danny Elfman walked on stage and lights hit the stage, Elfman packed the stage with musicians. From a traditional band with guitars, bass, and drums, to two percussionists, and a full orchestra lining the back of stage. As some one who has not seen a Danny Elfman show before, I was elated to see that this was not going to be a traditional concert experience. Elfman began the show by stripping his shirt off to reveal a body that you would not expect a 70-year-old to have. Yet, Elfman was changing instruments and interpretive dancing throughout the entire show. The man felt like a boundless ball of energy and the crowd kept feeding that energy back to him. Danny Elfman managed to fit 33 songs into his set, floating between songs from his latest album Big Mess, Nightmare Before Christmas classics, orchestral performances of some of his biggest musical scores, and dedicating 1/3 of the entire show to Oingo Boingo songs like “Ain’t This the Life,” “Grey Matter,” “Jus Another Day,” “Only a Lad,” “Who Do You Want to Be,” “No One Lives Forever,” and “Dead Man’s Party.” No matter what era of Elfman you are a fan of, there was a song for you to lose yourself into.
With a four story video screen placed behind the band, Elfman orchestrated some amazing visuals to go along with the show. During the orchestral songs like “Spider-Man Main Title,” “The Batman Theme,” “Beetlejuice Theme,” “Wednesday Main Titles,” We got customer video snippets of the movies that were played for us. When Elfman played more of the original songs from Big Mess like “Dance with the Lemurs,” “Devil Take Away,” “Happy,” “In Time,” “Sorry,” “Native Intelligence,” and “Kick Me,” we were taken on an acid trip mindfuck experience akin to the tunnel scene from Willy Wonka. I found myself asking myself “Should I have taken something before coming to this show?” The show even included a heart felt moment when “Breakfast Machine” from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure was performed. Elfman stood center stage and banged on a snare drum ala Pee-wee style the whole song, as we got a video package dedicated to Paul Rueben’s, who sadly recently passed.
I’ve not left a concert experience on such a life high like I did this night in a long time. Danny Elfman crafted a show experience unlike any I have been fortunate enough to see. The musicality and precision of all the performers were top tier, and everyone was in rhythm perfectly. If you ever have the chance to see Danny Elfman, I implore you to make it a priority and get yourself to one of his shows.
The Toyota Music Pavilion in Irving, Texas was the place to be on a recent starry night as Young The Giant took the stage, igniting the venue with their boundless energy and passionate musical prowess. As part of their much-anticipated heading North American tour, the California-based band delivered an unforgettable show, with direct support from Milky Chance and the mesmerizing opener Rosa Linn, creating an unmissable experience for all in attendance.
As the sun began to set over the picturesque amphitheater, Rosa Linn stepped onto the stage, and her soulful voice immediately captured the hearts of the audience. With her unique blend of indie pop and R&B influences, Rosa Linn proved to be the perfect choice to set the tone for the night. Her opening set was short but captivating, featuring standout tracks from her debut EP that showcased her impressive vocal range and emotive delivery. The crowd was drawn in by her raw, authentic performance, and she received a warm reception as she left the stage, undoubtedly leaving a lasting impression on those eager for more.
As dusk settled in, the stage transformed with an enchanting setup for the highly-anticipated Milky Chance. The German duo, known for their infectious blend of folk, electronic, and reggae-infused sounds, effortlessly charmed the crowd from the moment they took the stage. Frontman Clemens Rehbein's soothing vocals and mesmerizing guitar work were met with thunderous applause as they launched into fan favorites like "Stolen Dance" and "Cocoon." The setlist showcased the band's versatility, as they effortlessly shifted from upbeat tracks that had everyone dancing to more introspective songs that tugged at heartstrings. The seamless blend of live instrumentation and electronic elements created an entrancing atmosphere that had the audience completely immersed in the music. Milky Chance delivered a performance that was equal parts soulful and invigorating, leaving the crowd eagerly awaiting the headlining act.
As the lights dimmed, an air of anticipation filled the venue. Young The Giant emerged, greeted by a thunderous roar from the ecstatic crowd. Opening with the high-energy anthem "American Bollywood," the band wasted no time in showcasing their remarkable showmanship and musical prowess. Lead singer Sameer Gadhia's magnetic stage presence was undeniable, as he effortlessly connected with the audience, encouraging them to sing along and dance to every beat. The band played a masterful mix of songs from their diverse discography, blending indie rock, alternative, and even some hints of pop seamlessly.
Highlights from their set included fan-favorites like "Cough Syrup," "Apartment," and "My Body," each performed with an electrifying energy that had the entire venue pulsating with excitement. The band's tight musicianship was on full display, with each member delivering standout performances that underscored why they are considered one of the most compelling live acts in the industry.
As the night drew to a close, Young The Giant returned for a much-anticipated encore, delivering a fantastic performance of "My Body”. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd singing every word back to the band, creating an indescribable sense of unity and connection.
Young The Giant's heading North American tour with direct support from Milky Chance and opener Rosa Linn at The Toyota Music Pavilion in Irving, Texas, was nothing short of a mesmerizing musical experience. Each artist brought their unique flair to the stage, leaving the audience captivated and inspired. From Rosa Linn's soulful serenade to Milky Chance's infectious beats, the night was a testament to the power of live music to bring people together. Young The Giant's headlining performance was a tour de force that solidified their status as an unstoppable force in the contemporary music scene. If this concert is any indication, the future of live music is undoubtedly bright.
We done blew it out on our journey to our momentous 500th show, Hunnypot Live #492! Changing it up a little we presented a panel on top of our normal panel, moderated by Kyle Emerson-Brown (Artist Manager) with Rosie Howe (Music Supervisor Netflix), and Tasha Peter (Music Supervisor Bad Sneakers) for a lively discussion on the current state of Music Supervision and the Music Industry.
We enjoyed the captivating sound of Los Angeles-based band Pretty., transporting you back to the unforgettable era of New Wave, the sensational Latina vibes of alternative Pop Urbano artist Dani B, and a mind-blowing, rock 'n' roll performance by power-trio Kid Baron. As a closer we partied to the culture-changing songs and irresistible beats of Doll Machine.
#WhereMusicLoversGoToPlay #492 7/31/2023
Kyle Emerson-Brown is the creator of the Industry Talks music network. super connector. music catalog and asset broker. Also known for epic VIP industry pool parties!
Tasha Peter is a Music Supervisor and Coordinator at Bad Sneakers led by Kier Lehman. Tasha grew up singing with her sisters, playing multiple instruments and has always had an ear for music and a deep love for TV/Film.
After graduating from Belmont University with a BBA degree in music business and a minor in graphic design, Tasha started her career at Dreamworks Animation Television as a Music Assistant and quickly worked her way up to Music Supervisor. While at DWA, she worked on projects such as Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, Gabby’s Dollhouse, and more. Tasha then transitioned to work as a Music Coordinator for Kier Lehman (Insecure, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, The Mitchells vs the Machines, etc.). She has coordinated on multiple TV shows and films including the award-winning series Abbott Elementary, Truth Be Told, CSI: Vegas, Nimona, House Party, On The Come Up, and many more. Tasha Music Supervised the Apple TV+ show, Life by Ella, and is currently working on two animated Apple TV+ shows in production.
Rosie Howe is a music supervisor and a creative biz wiz who works with filmmakers, TV producers, gaming companies, advertising agencies, and brands from all across the globe. Her superpower is procuring unforgettable music from artists, producers, and companies through artist relations, music supervision/licensing, and original music production. She loves to work with her diverse network of professionals to provide clients with the power of music.
Rosie is a member of the Guild of Music Supervisors and spends her free time providing helpful feedback and educational resources to musicians starting out through workshops, panels, and one-on-one sessions. She has been featured on Behind the Music podcast, panels and workshops for The Grammy Museum, Billboard, The Guild of Music Supervisors, Synckeepers, Music Biz Mentors, and has contributed to the magazine-style blog Ms. In The Biz.
Website Facebook Rosie Facebook Instagram
PRETTY. is a 5-piece band out of Burbank, CA that delivers a NEW New Wave sound combining elements of The Smiths, INXS, and The Killers. The group has been featured on several radio stations including 95.5 KLOS, BBC Lincolnshire, KCSN 88.5, KX 93.5, KVCM, WMFO, as well as some international stations. When on the number one morning radio rock show, The Heidi and Frank Show they were interviewed and featured on the “Stay or Go” segment and received one of the highest approval ratings in the segment's history with a whopping 98%.
Currently, PRETTY. has a commercial airing for the historic Greek Theatre and Mercedes Benz which features their song “HYA” from the EP, “honey, it was paradise”. The EP was the highest-rated project in the May issue of the industry magazine, Music Connection and featured in the end-of-the-year Top Artist special issue.
Having packed out shows at The Peppermint Club, Bardot-Hollywood, Resident DTLA, among many others, the group delivers an energetic stadium-like live performance impacting audiences of all ages.
Dani B is an alternative Pop Urbano artist, she has more than 660k followers on Tiktok and over 80k on Instagram and YouTube. After signing with Austral Records in 2022, at just 18 years old, she was already invited to take part in the Stgo Flow festival with artists such as Pailita, Soulfia, and Jordan 23 among others. Just a month after releasing her debut album "Huellas", which had already reached more than 50k plays on Spotify. She also has been chosen for the official playlists of Spotify's "Pop Chile", and "Latin Fresh Finds" and as the cover of Amazon Music's "Sector Pop" and "Alternative Sector", where other Chilean artists such as Princesa Alba and Cami are also found. In turn, her audience has grown considerably after the singer's appearance on open television in the program "El Retador" from Mega, one of the largest channels on Chilean television. After this, she shared the stage with Denise Rosenthal and Francisca Valenzuela on February 17, 2023 at the Grade 3 festival, at Sporting de Viña del Mar.
Currently, she is preparing many releases for 2023, including national and international collaborations. New music brings a new and refreshing sound. In addition, the artist is preparing a tour in Canada and the United States in July.
Kid Baron, an alternative rock band hailing from Los Angeles, was established in 2022 by Jack Griffo (lead vocals, guitar) and Tristen Bankston (lead guitar). Drawing inspiration from renowned groups like Incubus, Muse, Nothing But Thieves, and Foo Fighters, the band aims to create music that resonates with their audience. According to Jack Griffo, the band's inception was fueled by his personal struggles, which he transformed into something beautiful. "It started with pain. Turning my troubles into something beautiful has brought me so much purpose and made me understand art more than I ever had," he shared.
The band has already achieved significant milestones, such as playing the Troubadour, opening for The Dangerous Summer at the Roxy in October, and selling out a headline show at the Viper Room last May. Completing the trio is drummer Preston Huber.
Genre-defying recording artist, composer, and producer Doll Machine has been electrifying stages with her unique and culture-challenging performances.
With roots in electronic, hip-hop, pop, jazz, and punk, doll machine brings forth a new level of artistic authenticity and self-expression. She’s co-written with Grammy-nominated Telepopmusik, house legend DJ Robbie Rivera and is currently working on a collaboration with Grammy-winning artist, Really Doe. She’s also the co-founder and creative director of the monthly Japantown residency Multi-Player.
Read Doll Machine's recent feature in SPIN Magazine, watch her Day In The Life video.
The Pavillion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas, was alive with nostalgic energy as fans eagerly awaited the Yellowcard's Ocean Avenue 20 Year Anniversary Tour. With an incredible lineup that included direct support from Mayday Parade, Anberlin, This Wild Life, and a surprise guest appearance by Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire, the stage was set for an unforgettable night of emo and pop-punk goodness.
The evening kicked off with the acoustic duo, This Wild Life, whose mellow tunes set the perfect tone for the rest of the night. Their captivating performance, filled with raw emotion, showcased their impeccable vocal harmonies and fingerstyle guitar skills. The audience was immediately drawn in, and the atmosphere grew even more intimate as they played crowd favorites like "Catie Rae" and "No More Waiting."
Next up was Anberlin, a band whose presence on stage instantly ignited the crowd's enthusiasm. Stephen Christian's absence was felt, but the surprise appearance of Matty Mullins was met with thunderous applause. Mullins effortlessly slipped into the lead vocalist role, breathing new life into Anberlin's classics like "Feel Good Drag" and "Paperthin Hymn." The band's energy was infectious, and the audience was singing along with every word, as though the songs were still fresh and relevant.
As Mayday Parade took the stage, the crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch. Their performance was nothing short of electrifying, and lead singer Derek Sanders had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. Their setlist was a perfect blend of old and new, with anthems like "Jamie All Over" and "Terrible Things" resonating deeply with the fans. The band's signature emotional delivery and tight instrumentals left a lasting impact, and the camaraderie between band members was evident in their onstage chemistry.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived: Yellowcard's 20-year celebration of their iconic album, Ocean Avenue. The stage was adorned with an impressive visual display, featuring imagery reminiscent of the album's iconic cover art. From the first note, the crowd was transported back in time to a period of their lives when Yellowcard's music was a soundtrack to their emotions and experiences.
Ryan Key's powerful vocals, backed by the band's tight instrumentation, breathed new life into the beloved tracks. The audience erupted with joy during songs like "Only One," "Way Away," and, of course, the iconic "Ocean Avenue." Every lyric was sung with passion, and the unity between the band and their dedicated fanbase was palpable throughout the night.
As the night came to a close, the overwhelming feeling in the air was one of gratitude and appreciation. The Yellowcard's Ocean Avenue 20 Year Anniversary Tour was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of a genre-defining album that had a profound impact on countless lives.
Bottom line, the concert at The Toyota Music Pavilion was a mesmerizing journey through the past, capturing the essence of emo and pop-punk's golden era. Mayday Parade, Anberlin, and This Wild Life delivered stellar performances, setting the stage for Yellowcard's triumphant celebration of Ocean Avenue. Though the absence of key members was felt, the night was a reminder of the lasting legacy of these bands and the enduring power of their music to connect with fans across generations. It was an unforgettable night filled with emotions, sing-alongs, and a sense of community that will resonate with fans for years to come.
Addison Grace’s song "White Lie" is one of those songs that before you know it, it’ll be stuck in your head, and you will be playing it on loop. The lyrics are relatable and cut deep but are sung in such a way that the song manages to be upbeat and high energy at the same time. One of my favorite things about their music video for "White Lie" is how their emotions are shown through the use of close-up angles with a fisheye lens, their facial expressions and hand gestures as well as the overall pacing and trippy effects in the video. The visuals and colors chosen are pleasing to the eye and give off an early 2000s energy to it. They were radiating confidence as they sang the lyrics “I don’t like you” and at a certain point in the song, you can feel the sadness of how they wish the person they used to love was actually genuine.
Overall, I feel like Addison Grace’s song is definitely going to connect with the younger generations and even help encourage them to get away from fake friends instead of putting up with them. If anything, I would have liked to see how the video would have played out if they had someone in it representing the people pleaser they have grown to dislike.
- Toren Brown
Even if you don’t think you know Portugal. The Man, I promise you do. The group's hit song “Feel It Still” went viral after its release in 2017. However, what I did not know about the band was their involvement in the Native American community. The show opened with Native American representatives explaining their connection with the band and how involved the group has become. Not only the whole of the community, but more specifically the females within it. The speakers expressed their femininity and the power that drew from it and the emphasis of feminine strength before the music began. Which was a shock of an opening, but not unwelcomed by any means.
Portugal. The Man were not the only musicians on the stage that night. Joined by the vast Colorado Symphony, playing the instrumental for the band, the groups joined to bring Red Rocks to life. This was my first time shooting at the world acclaimed Red Rocks, and I was flabbergasted by the environment. Being surrounded between two glorious red enormous stones gave the show such an intimate feel. Not to mention the visuals projected by the band emphasizing their more psychedelic side. The group had a spirit perfectly suited for Red Rocks.
If you go to Portugal. The Man show looking for everything to be akin to “Feel it Still”, you are in for a world of shock. The group has an immense variety of music, ranging from electronic, to rock, to indie. They truly can do it all. Portugal. The Man not only makes rockin 'tunes, but uses their influence for the better, which certainly cannot be said about most groups of their notoriety. This is what truly stuck out to me about the band, their truly equitable spirit.
mxmtoon has been making waves in the music scene for the past few years. She began to make noise in the industry around 2017 by posting her original work and covers on social media. It spread like wildfire. Fast forward to 2023, mxmtoon has been racking up the views/listens across all platforms. At the date of this review, she’s amassed 347,573,340 listens on “Falling For U” and 253,805,564 listens on “prom dress” on Spotify. Seeing numbers like this, I knew she was not an act to miss. Let’s hop into it.
Opening for her was Ricky Montgomery. I wasn’t familiar with his music but the indie-pop singer-songwriter got the crowd singing along with every note and word. The crowd really engaged with his musical versatility and soulful vocals. Montgomery had an ability to tell stories through his music which really kept the crowd engaged until he hung it up for mxmtoon herself to take the stage.
As the light dimmed for mxmtoon’s introduction, the crowd erupted into cheers. I thought the crowd hung onto every word that Ricky Montgomery sang, but that was child’s play for how they latched onto mxmtoon’s music. Some of her hits that had every person in the venue singing were “mona lisa”, “prom dress”, and “fever dream”. In addition to her soulful singing, mxmtoon also broke out the ukulele for many of her jams and strummed along to her vocals. Throughout her set, she paused for moments to just talk and interact with the crowd. In these moments of raw authenticity did it dawn on me that she amassed not only a fan following for her music, but for her personality as a human being. I love peeling back the curtain to subcultures like this and mxmtoon and her fans didn’t disappoint on a great time.
Overall, the folk-inspired indie-pop artist absolutely crushed her set at The Observatory in Santa Ana, California. Her set was emotionally charged and a memorable experience. When she’s playing a show near you, get yourself out to that venue! I guarantee it’ll be a blast.