Tag Archives: videos

Features, Music Videos, News, Reviews, Videos

Warped Pleasure of the Week: Dead Sara

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It’s that time of year again boys and girls. Teenagers, PETA warriors, and one journalist-like, music loving blogger will be sweaty and dehydrated for the chance to see a handful of metal-core bands and one or two fairly awesome closers. But wait, don’t hate on Warped Tour just yet. I know it tends to be a biased music production, but with over 90 bands performing there is bound to be something for everyone — a few diamonds in the rough — which is why I’m highlighting some particularly shiny Guilty Pleasures of the Week for the rest of June.

I have to start with gruff, rough-around-the-edges rock group Dead Sara, because I have a weakness for female-fronted bands. And the first moment that I heard the unique vocals of Emily Armstrong part screaming, part singing over the powerful guitar riffs that are an ode to the nu metal style of the 90s, I was in love. Armstrong seems to channel the fiery rasp of Janis Joplin as she pours either pure emotion or raw energy (I can’t tell which one) into the lyrics “So go for the kill/’Cause no one else cares!” from the single “Weatherman”.

But don’t get me wrong, Armstrong is no Joplin. Armstrong is at times missing style and magnetism in her voice, causing some to say Dead Sara’s debut full length album as a whole falls a little flat.  Despite the huge growth spurt of the band, it’s probably going to be up to their live performances to convince audiences that they are definitely not a one-trick pony and have more to offer. (Just check out some of the meaningless heavy debate on the YouTube page for this video for more on how unconvinced a few people are.)

But… it is their first album. They are allowed a first album to put themselves out there and grow from here on out. Despite the lack of dynamic, I’m excited to see what they can pull out for their sophomore attempt. But what do you think? Do you think we’ll hear more from this band in the future?

Features, News, Videos

Guilty Pleasure of the Week: Cansei de Ser Sexy

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CSS logoPortuguese pseudo-pop band CSS is kind of a walking contradiction — in the best way possible. Lead singer Lovefoxxx has a witty tenacity for lyrics that play on the whole idea of the pop and dance music genre in general. And with a band name that translates in English to “tired of being sexy”, they’re surprisingly refreshing at times, both with their subject matter and their willingness to walk the thin line of downright bizarre.

Don’t believe me? Try checking out their song about Paris Hilton, which uses the word “bitch” about a million times. (Not an exaggeration…well, sort of an exaggeration.) Their latest single “City Grrrl” plays on the popular view of beauty in world-famous New York City, and gives a really smart insight into American pop culture from the eyes of an outsider. Witty — and you can dance to it. Think about that, or ignore the smart mumbo jumbo and just sing along.

 

Music Videos, News, Reviews, Videos

Guilty Pleasure of the Week: I’ve got a girl crush on Kimbra

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I’m pretty sure this counts as a girl crush. I daydream to this woman’s voice. I can’t stop listening to her lyrics! Though I have to admit, her accent is throwing me off and sometimes I have no idea what she’s saying. Who am I talking about? The lovely New Zealand talent Kimbra, that’s who.

Does she seem familiar? Perhaps you are one of the 48 million (and counting) who saw the famous video cover of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know”, also known as five people playing one guitar. I saw that video. And I didn’t stop there. No, then I had to look up the original video, then I had to Google search the vixen that stole my heart with her cool cropped hair and amazing voice.

And what I found was Kimbra, a twenty something, jazz-inspired, Nina-Simone-possessed sensation who just recently dropped some goods for America in the form of an EP. And I really hope she catches on because her talent is undeniable, her style is a fresh new interpretation of jazz, and her adorable personality is completely contagious.

You’re so welcome. Also, ten points to everyone who spots the Kid Coolout in the video. Ten more points if you actually know who Kid Coolout is.

Features, Music Videos, News, SD Locals, Streetside Sessions, Videos

Streetside Sessions: Social Club

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When we rolled a piano out onto the streets of San Diego with local band Social Club, we weren’t quite expecting what would happen next. These guys (and one gal) graciously offered to be the guinea pigs of Streetside Sessions, a video feature that you’re only going to get here on the Indie SD. At least, you’re mostly only going to get it here. You can always check out Social Club’s website to hear more from the amazingly catchy yet refreshing pop rock band, and try to catch a show or two since they’ve proven that it’s never a dull moment backstage with these guys.

Social Club opted to grace us with an acoustic performance of their song “Debris” and since it hasn’t quite been recorded yet, consider this an inside look into the beauty of the band. With an acoustic piano, bass, drum set, and acoustic guitar all out on the streets of San Diego, we shot this band with the backdrop of  downtown in the distance – complete with the international airport’s aircraft overhead — don’t miss Southwest Airlines’ free promotion – you’re welcome, SW!

Interviews, News, SD Locals, Shows, Video Interviews, Videos

Becoming a Part of the Social Club

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Green room full of feather boas, stage lights and sombreros? Check. Oddly placed hanging decorations on the walls? Check. Contraband liquor smuggled in backstage? Check. When you’re hanging with local San Diego band Social Club, it’s never a dull moment.

Watch the Social Club Interview video. Click the HD button to watch in High-Definition.

I honestly never thought I’d see the green room of PB bar Typhoon Saloon (nor did I actually think that they had a green room), but I have to admit I’m impressed. The props that are stored back there make it an interesting place already, and after adding a few lights, me and my camera-savvy friend Thierry corralled all of the members of Social Club together for what proved to be a very interesting interview.

It’s so easy to relax and have fun around Thea and the three J’s (John, James, and Jeff — and yes I mixed up their names at some point that night.) And dubbed one of the “prettiest” bands on their label, they’re not too bad to look at, either. On stage or off, all of the band members have a unique energy: John with his searing emotions in each lyric and each point he makes about the band; Thea with her gentle mysteriousness; James and the famous faces he flashes on stage – when he’s not smiling brightly from ear to ear behind the scenes; and lastly Jeff, the energetic adventurer of the group who probably doesn’t need that double shot of espresso in the morning: he’s just naturally that energetic.

Yes, you’ll see the typical questions but one thing is evident; this band is full of unique and diverse personalities that show in their music as much as it shows in their personal experiences. Their sound is a huge catchall of everything good that just somehow makes so much sense. So basically, if Dr. Frankenstein had created musical life by adding a bit of punk rock, a bit of mellow singer-songwriter, some modern age hip hop influences here and there and sprinkled it all with a pinch of classical background, the creation would have been Social Club — only way more interesting and much more beautiful. Maybe they haven’t been compared to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein before. I swear that comparison made sense in my mind.

Don’t leave it up to me to describe their sound. Listen for yourself!