Oberhofer @ Spokane A Club (Review)
Every once in a while when you are doing something you truly enjoy you remember the reason you started doing it. That is exactly what happened at the Oberhofer concert at the Spokane A-Club on Wednesday April 4th. Listening to the unique melodies by lead singer Brad Oberhofer and watching the extremely energetic movements around stage reminded me why I love photographing and writing about music.
I have seen many different bands during the last two years. Many of which I have not enjoyed to much. But seeing Oberhofer reminded me why I loved photographing and writing about music. From now on I will only be covering music which is truly entertaining to me.
One of those shows that makes me excited to cover music was Oberhofer’s performance at the Spokane A-Club on Wednesday. I have been a huge fan ever since I saw them open up for Sleigh Bells last Summer. This time Oberhofer was the headliner and they had a bag full of new experiences including a full length album and a live performance on David Letterman in March. The most notable difference is the interesting combo of OoOoOooO’s and other sound. Their 90’s inspired music is some of the most energetic music I have heard in a while. It also has a quality that is actually DIFFERENT then every new band coming out today. The energy in their song is nothing compared to the energy on stage. The lead singer and master mind behind Oberhofer, Mr. Oberhofer himself, runs around on stage playing his guitar with his fingers alone like his shirt tail was on fire. Not literally but with the same charisma as if it was. Certainly the best concert I have been to this year, 2012. Be sure to pick up their debut album, Time Capsule II NOW!
Oberhofer @ Spokane A Club (Preview)
On April 4th New York city indie band Oberhofer will be hitting the stage at the Spokane A Club late at night. After playing a bunch of shows at SXSW and playing “Away From You” on Late Night with David Letterman their North American tour is heading it way closer to Spokane WA.
Drawing on influences ranging from Brian Wilson to Descartes, the 21 year old is fixated on the idea of making philosophically minded, energetic melodies that just make people smile.
“Music is this thing I just inherently do and psychologically, I have a desire to make as many people happy as possible. Music helps you think about stuff, it helps you feel, you know?”
With an unforgettable way of speaking directly from the heart, Brad Oberhofer’s songs have a pulse that form the very core of what makes Oberhofer, Oberhofer. To put it quite simply, a great Rock & Roll band.
Referring to his songwriting as “a time capsule of exactly how I’m feeling at a particular moment”, each song on his forthcoming debut, Time Capsules II, is a clear, unrestrained look inside the head of Brad Oberhofer. “Gold” is a reflection on two magical weeks spent with a first love that inadvertently initiated his musical endeavors. “Away Frm U” is an upbeat pop song about saying goodbye to that love.
North American Tour Dates
3/27 – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL *
3/28 – Taylor University Student Union – Upland, IN *
3/29 – Mission Creek Festival – Iowa City, IA
3/30 – Cactus Club – Milwaukee, WI *
3/31 – Maintenance Shop – Ames, IA *
4/02 – 7th Street Entry – Minneapolis, MN *
4/04 – A Club – Spokane, WA *
4/05 – Sunset Tavern – Seattle, WA *
4/06 – The Biltmore Cabaret – Vancouver, BC *
4/07 – Jinx Arts Space – Bellingham, WA *
4/08 – Squeak & Squeak Music Festival – The Space – 729 Court C – Tacoma, WA
*
4/09 – Mississippi Studios – Portland, OR *
4/11 – Rickshaw Stop – San Francisco, CA *
4/15 – Coachella – Indio, CA
4/22 – Coachella – Indio, CA
4/25 – Hi Dive – Denver, CO +
4/26 – Replay Lounge – Lawrence, KS +
4/27 – The Luminary Center for the Arts – St. Louis, MO +
4/28 – MOTR Pub – Cincinnati, OH +
4/29 – The Basement – Columbus, OH +
4/30 – Beachland Tavern – Cleveland, OH +
5/01 – Andy Warhol Museum – Pittsburgh, PA +
* with Pond
# with DIVE
^ with A Place To Bury Strangers
+ with Young Man
This will be a show not to miss out on. Below is a Youtube clip of my two favorite song of theirs. If you like these then be sure to check out Oberhofer on April 4th 2012 at the Spokane A Club.
CURRE$Y & TOO $HORT @ WSU Senior Ballroom
It always a good time when Washington State University’s Student Entertainment Board puts on one of their legendary concert. Weather its selling out a 5,000 student Ludicris concert, bringing the hottest new artist, Wiz Khalifa or Big Sean, every concert is a hit. Their most recent concert with TOO SHO$RT and CURREN$Y was no exception. A co-headlining rap concert that had as much hype as the previous concerts this one was not different.
Currency hit the stage 9:30 to a room full of amped up college students who do not get to attend many concerts when they attend college in the middle of no where. CURREN$Y’s went through a number of his hit songs from his mix tapes and Pilot Talk. Skilled in his ability to shoot out a lyric and connect with the audience the show eventful. Smiling when the crowd chanted out to play his hit songs, and laughing a little saying he would get to them later in the night.
Before CURREN$Y, TOO $HORT took the stage to a enthused crowd that would have rather seen TOO $HORT as the headliner. Not allowing legend and master TOO $HORT no end the night happened only as disappointing technicality that he was booked after CURREN$Y[End Rant]. Never the less TOO $HORT was performing his best with both old material many had been listening to since they were kids and new material I had never heard before. “Whatever you do, don’t hold back” he yelled to the crowd. And they held nothing back, well maybe a little for CURREN$Y.
(PHOTO – 1-7 CURREN$Y & TOO $HORT 8)
Laters,
Logan Westom
www.loganwestom.com
Jordan Lake Album Review – Consistency
Sometimes when you listen to a CD in your car’s cd player you get tired of it after a week. After listening to Jordan Lake’s new CD I wanted to listen to it for another week.
Seattle based Indie Pop artist Jordan Lake released his second LP Consistency at the end of 2011 and is riding strong into 2012 with his new music. Jordan Lake worked on the production of Consistency along side producer Brian Fennell and Brian Eichelberger from the poplar Seattle indie band Barcelona. I had the pleasure of listening to Jordan Lake’s new LP and here is what I thought.
Opening track, As Long As It Takes, sounds much like the design of the CD. Simple nice opener. It makes for a good transition onto the records best track, The Right Time. The Right Time leads the albums as the best track on the record, with an amazing piano piece that builds up to a fast past melody full of energy. The Right Time WILL get you excited for the rest of the album. The next track, My Harmony, offers a small tasty bite of country that complements the indie pop dominance in a way that my ears enjoyed. I am not sure what is was my track four, The Truth, had amazing lyrics accompanied by a violin in the chorus that just sounded awesome. Making It Clear for me would have to be the second best track on the record for its simple guitar fill that just sounded great with lyrics in the chorus. I Promise You, musically, has the most maturity of any other song on the record along with the next track, Rekindled, in both their simple and depth qualities. I feel those two tracks back up next to each other. The final track, Her Wedding Day, was an excellent way to end the record. A nice slow interlude with great lyrics. While listening to it I thought this song would fit perfectly into a Toy Story movie during an slower interlude. With the songs quality it may make it in the Toy Story 4 soundtrack. Who knows?
iTunes Store – http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/consistency/id492714909
Rating – 4 out of 5 stars by Logan Westom/Me Review
Go Download – The Right Time
Rocks Like – The Fray, Augustana, Keane
Laters,
Logan Westom
www.loganwestom.com
Streetlight Manifesto and Reel Big Fish @ Spokane Knitting Factory
The ska rocking people from Spokane enjoyed a night full of amazing ska music from legends Reel Big Fish and Streetlight Manifesto last Wednesday night.
Opening bands Rodeo Ruby Love and Lionize opened up the night before hour long sets from both Reel Big Fish and Streetlight Manifesto. Rodeo Ruby Love brought an indie vibe with their upbeat tunes while the second act Lionize played a more soulful guitar lead music.
After the two short opening acts the night really began with the first of the co-headliners, Reel Big Fish. Old, Experience and timeless Reel Big Fish came out on stage and rocked the Kitting Factory with their humorous stage presence and personalities. Jumping in unison and spinning around Reel Big Fish had the crowd jumping so much that between sets most fans sat down during the stage set up for the next band.
Up next was the final act of the night Streetlight Manifesto. Bring a more punk rock with ska influenced music. Fronted by their horn section and then Tomas Kalnoky. Streetlight Manifesto played many of their hits including Would You Be Impressed, A Better Place, A Better Time and, We Will Fall Together. With two amazing ska bands with two different distinct sounds this show was a show no ska fan would have wanted to miss. Be sure to catch both of these bands before the end of their tour. Enjoy the photos below from the Spokane show at the Knitting Factory.
Photos below: Streetlight Manifesto (1-10), Reel Big Fish (11-16), Lionize (17), Rodeo Ruby Love (18-19).
Laters
Logan Westom
www.loganwestom.com
Streetlight Manifesto @ Spokane Knitting Factory (Preview)
11/22/11 – Huntington, NY – Paramount Theater
11/23/11 – Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Theater
11/25/11 – Atlantic City, NJ – House of Blues
11/26/11 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium
11/27/11 – Hartford, CT – Webster Theater
11/28/11 – Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live
11/29/11 – Knoxville, TN – The Valarium
11/30/11 – Tallahassee, FL – Floyd’s Music Store
12/01/11 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues
12/03/11 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
12/04/11 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts
12/06/11 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Orbit Room
12/07/11 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
12/08/11 – Minneapolis, MN – The Cabooze
12/09/11 – Des Moines, IA – People’s Court
12/10/11 – Boulder, Co – Fox Theatre
12/11/11 – Salt Lake City, UT – In The Venue
12/13/11 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory Concert House
12/14/11 – Seattle, WA – King Cat Theatre
12/15/11 – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre
12/16/11 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
12/17/11 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
12/18/11 – Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
12/20/11 – Venture, CA – Ventura Theatre
12/21/11 – Bakersfield, CA – The Dome
12/22/11 – Pomona, CA – The Fox Theater
12/23/11 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues
BIG SEAN @ WSU Senior Ballroom
No matter where BIG SEAN preforms, he is able to gather a sold out crowd. No matter if it is in the heavily populated city of Los Angeles or the small college town of Pullman Washington.
With students finishing up exams and projects before they leave for break, 1500 students packed the WSU Senior Ballroom to experience the BIG SEAN Finally Famous World Tour. WSU students rocked harder then a rock show and screamed louder to the lyrics then a bunch pre-teen Justin Bieber fans. BIG SEAN played a mix of songs from his current record “Finally Famous” and old mix tapes. It was a show that even BIG SEAN did not want to forget. Half way through the concert he jumped down to the barricade and had his manager take some photos of him with the fans, while a hip hop interlude played in the background. After over an hour of intense music and bright lights, the Finally Famous concert in Pullman Washington came to a end. But its not over yet, check out some photos below highlighting the night. Enjoy!
Photos: Logan Westom – Big Sean 1-12, Cyhi The Prynce 13-14 Shawn Chrystopher 15-17
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Later
Logan Westom
www.loganwestom.com
Tech N9ne @ Spokane Knitting Factory (Review)
In just two days Tech N9ne will release his 13th studio album titled Welcome To Strangeland(also happens to be his 40th birthday) and only three days ago he played in front of full venue in Spokane Washington. In a venue that seemed to sell more tickets then they could actually hold, people were packed in tightly along all the walls and balcony area ready for Tech N9ne and company to get out on stage.
The first one on stage was Tech N9ne’s personal security. One on both sides of the stage looking down at the crowd intimidating anyone even thinking about messing with them. Moments later Tech N9ne emerged on stage along side his back up singers. A long row of lights laid along the back of the stage shooting straight up giving the affect of search lights in the venue. After all the tour name was Lost Cities Tour and the stage was decorated with scaled down city buildings. Bright white lights from the front and side added a bright view to the stage with a blast of vibrant lights from behind at times. This rapper came out full of energy and enthusiasm that you never would have know he was 39 years old. Jumping up and down more times then I probably could in a row he got bouncing to the beats along with the young crowd. With the release of the Tech N9ne’s new record of course he was going to play a few new songs for the crowd but without forgetting some of the old hits.
It’s amazing Tech N9ne has been able to record and release 13 amazing records, so dont forget to pick it up on November 8th. Also be sure to hit up his tour when it rolls into your city.
Laters,
Logan Westom
www.loganwestom.com
Tech N9ne @ Spokane Knitting Factory (Preview)
With his signature face paint front and center, Tech N9ne will tear through 90-plus minutes of high-octane performance each night, laying claim to the title of the hardest working artist in hip-hop, but it’s not enough. As Tech attests: “We will not rest until the whole world knows our story.”
Tech N9ne tour dates
10.28 – Eugene, OR - The Hult Center for the Performing Arts
10.29 – Bend, OR – Midtown Music Hall
10.30 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
11.01 - Kennewick, WA – Toyota Center
11.02 - Wenatchee, WA – Town Toyota Center
11.03 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory – Spokane
11.04 – Seattle, WA - The Showbox SoDo
11.05 – Missoula, MT – The Wilma
11.06 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory – Boise
11.09 - Magna, UT – Saltair
11.10 – Casper, WY – The Venue
11.11 – Denver, CO – The Summit Music Hall (16+)
11.12 – Denver, CO - The Fillmore Auditorium (16+)
11.13 – Rapid City, SD – Dublin (18+)
11.15 – Fargo, ND - The Venue
11.16 - Bemidji, MN – Sanford Center Ballroom
11.17 – Minneapolis, MN – Epic Event Center
11.18 - Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre
11.19 – Kansas City, MO - The Midland Theatre
Opening acts include Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun, Jay Rock, Flawless.
Unable to make it out to any of Tech N9ne’s fall tour be sure to look back here for a full review and tons of photos.
Laters
Logan Westom
www.loganwestom.com
Every Avenue @ Warped Tour 2011
I did not actually have time to shoot or watch to much of Every Avenue’s set but I found it pretty cool that this pop punk band had a decent size mosh pit. For a band that does not seem to have to many moshing type fans or songs for that matter, it was pretty cool to see. Every Avenue recently released a new CD at beginning of August titled ‘Bad Habits’. From recent reviews and short tweets from bands they have toured with, their new record seems to be the best work they have recored to date. Enjoy some photos of their last song at Warped Tour 2011 when singer David Ryan Strauchman jumped in the crowd to finish off the song.
Laters,
Logan Westom
www.loganwestom.com
