Sharon Van Etten Shares the Love

MP3: Sharon Van Etten – “Don’t Do It”
MP3: Sharon Van Etten – “Love More”

Sharon Van Etten‘s 2010 effort, Epic, wound up on more year-end lists than she could count on two hands — winning over influential outlets like NPR, The LA Times, Stereogum, and The Washington Post. But while Van Etten was surely happy to receive the praise, the Brooklyn songstress was also busy doing other things, like recording a new soon-to-be best album of the year in the garage of The National‘s Aaron Dessner.

Van Etten credits her success to a “relentless” 2010 touring schedule, and she plans for 2011 to be no different: she recently confirmed a headlining U.S. tour that includes a European stint with The National, three days at SxSW, and a gig at San Diego’s Soda Bar. More information on her new album is yet to be released, but for the full list of tour dates, see below. Continue reading…

SoundDiego Sessions vol. 3 – Erika Davies

We do a lot of talking about the amazing Erika Davies around these parts, but sometimes words just aren’t enough. So, for all you visual learners out there, we had Miss Davies and her band come into the NBC studios to record some songs for us. Watch the video for “Robot Girl” above, then go see her at the Whistle Stop tonight, where she’ll be opening for The Mashtis.

Davies is currently at work on her full-length debut, Galaxy Lakes, and it’s going to be a great one. Unfortunately, the process has stalled due to a lack of funding, but there is something you can do to help.

The swanky vocalist has launched a Kickstarter page to help raise money to complete the album. She has until February 18 to get $2000 in pledges, and she needs your help to do it. Head over to the page and donate whatever you can. Depending on the amount pledged, backers will receive any of a variety of rewards that includes an autographed copy of Galaxy Lakes, a signed 8×11 tintype photo print of the cover art, and a handwritten, signed lyric book.

All in all, it’s a great way to help one of San Diego’s finest musicians achieve their dream. And, on a selfish note, we all get a fantastic album out of it. See? Giving truly is its own reward.

Have You Met New Mexico?

Photo credit: Rebecca Joelson

Seeing New Mexico play is like walking into a tornado. No matter how much you brace yourself or tell yourself you can withstand the force, you’re still going to get knocked on your ass. The San Diego trio’s explosive garage rock assails and enchants the listener with serrated guitar lines and rapid-fire drumming. And, at the eye of the storm, Rob Kent’s tipsy vocals exude danger and rock and roll bravado. Continue reading…

Photos: Man/Miracle at Tin Can Alehouse, January 8, 2011

Photos by Chris Maroulakos

On Saturday, Oakland’s Man/Miracle treated the Tin Can Alehouse to some rhythmic, Smiths-inspired rock. As it has done during every San Diego performance, the band dazzled the crowd with its kinetic arrangements and soaring vocals. Most of the material played was from 2010’s well-received The Shape of Things, and the songs sounded just as good live as on the record.

In case you missed it, here are some photos of the show. And if you want some sounds to go along with the sights, head on over to the group’s Bandcamp page and stream The Shape of Things. If you like it, they’ll even let you buy it. Continue reading…

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