Ingrid Michaelson - Up Close and Personal

Ingrid!

Ingrid is back!  And I'm one of the lucky few who was able to attend one of her intimate "pop-up" shows in support of the release of her new album, Human Again.  She played at Hotel Cafe in Hollywood - probably the venue I've been to the most.  I love the intimacy of Hotel Cafe.  The maximum occupancy is approximately 150, so you know you're gonna get a truly personal show. 

I can't even express how amazing this show was.  I had only downloaded her new album a couple days ago, so I didn't have too much time to learn the songs she was going to perform, but the one song I found myself listening to on repeat (and the song I almost teared up to when she played it live) is called "Ghost."  That is by far my favorite song on the album.  It's one of the most heart-wrenching breakup songs I've ever heard.  Sample lyrics:

"Do you remember when the walls fell
Do you remember the sound that the door made when you closed it on me
Do you know that I went down to the ground
Landed on both my broken-hearted knees
I didn’t even cry
'Cause pieces of me had already died"

Trust me.  It's a tear-jerker.

The most exciting part of her show?  She invited one lucky fan up on stage to sing with her.  The song is called "The Chain."  It's off one of her previous albums and I think it's safe to say that it's my favorite Ingrid song.  It's sung in a round and Ingrid only had bandmate Allie Moss with her on stage, so she needed another voice for that song.  She asked for a volunteer and only two people raised their hands.  I was one of those two people.  The thought of maybe being able to sing on stage with Ingrid Michaelson was enough to make my heart beat out of its chest.  It's always been my dream to be invited on stage to sing with one of my favorite singers.  And who did she choose to sing with her?  The other girl that raised her hand.  Yup.  Story of my life.  But that's okay.  The other girl did a great job and I was genuinely excited for her.  My day will come...sooner or later.

Ingrid played the majority of the songs on her new album, while sneaking in some old fan favorites.  She had the crowd in the palm of her hand.  (Which, incidentally, is the name of one of her new songs, "Palm of Your Hand," which was just featured in an episode of Grey's Anatomy).  I've seen Ingrid four times in concert and every time, I'm captivated.  Not only by her voice and her music, but by the stories she shares with her audience.  She's known to vamp a lot between songs, sharing funny and engaging stories and she constantly keeps the audience laughing.
 
Once the show was over (too soon, if you ask me), I met up with her back stage and had a really nice conversation with her.  It's actually my second time meeting her and I really love how genuine and sweet she is.  They always say "Don't meet your heroes" but with Ingrid, thankfully, I wasn't disappointed.  She was open and honest and funny and I'm so thankful that I had this opportunity to talk to her.  She's playing at the Wiltern in April and of course I already have my tickets.  After the first time I saw her in concert, I made a solemn vow to never miss Ingrid when she's in LA.  I'm sticking too that vow.

Coachella 2012

So here's the Coachella lineup.  I have to admit, I've never actually been to Coachella.  I always want to go every year because of how many incredible bands are there, but I usually can't afford it and the thought of being in the desert in the searing heat and bright sun probably isn't the best for my fair, Irish skin.  But this is an impressive lineup. And it's TWO weekends!

The acts I'm most pumped about?  The Black Keys, Florence + the Machine, La Roux, Bon Iver, Martin Solveig, Mazzy Star, Cat Power and of course Feist!

Lyrics of the Day

Sometimes I wonder why
I'm so full of these endless rhymes
About the way I feel inside
I wish I could just get it right.

- City and Colour

Death Cab!

 KCRW hosted a private Death Cab for Cutie show at Bob Clearmountain’s Berkeley Street studio in Santa Monica. This intimate setting is a perfect venue for watching a band you truly love. The past few times I’ve seen Death Cab in concert I was really far away amongst a crowd of thousands, so it was such a treat to see them up close and personal. The excited crowd of 150 people stood shoulder to shoulder in eager anticipation waiting for the band to take the stage. 

After 14 years together, Ben, Chris, Jason and Nick released their seventh studio album, “Codes and Keys,” back in May. Throughout their ten-song set, they performed songs from the new album as well as some fan favorites. Opening with “Crooked Teeth” (one of my favorites) from their seminal album “Plans,” the quartet seemed right at home on a relatively smaller stage than they’re used to. 

They led right into “A Movie Script Ending,” followed by a song from the new album, “Doors Unlocked and Open,” which had everyone moving in unison to the strong and steady beat. That’s just one of the many things I love about this band. No matter how mellow they may seem, their live shows always get people moving. 

They performed the new album’s lead single, “You Are a Tourist” next. The audience hung on to every word as lead singer Ben Gibbard sang “define your destination/there’s so many places to call home.”

Following “Tourist,” there was a mini-break in the show where the band was interviewed by KCRW’s Annie Litt and we got to know a little bit more about the quartet. For any Death Cab fan, it was a brilliant dialogue where they discussed their lyrics, music, touring, books they’re reading and how they’ve managed to stay strong as a band throughout the last decade and a half.

After the interview, they kicked back into gear with “Portable Television” – laden with a groovy tambourine (tambourines are ALWAYS groovy!) and a predominant drum beat. 

After “Blacking Out the Friction,” they played a couple more songs from “Codes and Keys,” including the album closer, the sweet and carefree “Stay Young, Go Dancing.”

For their “non-core” – as Ben called it – they closed with the full and rich “Sound of Settling.” The show was over way too soon, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. This really was an incredible venue and the acoustics were top notch. 

The performance and interview will air on Tuesday, November 1 on KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic.” Be sure to tune in! It will also be streaming live on line during the radio broadcast.

You can catch Death Cab for Cute currently on tour and their “Keys and Codes Remix EP” will be available on November 22.

Sad News!

Awww man.  I was so excited when  Jenny Lewis announced her "I Heart Cali" tour.  I got my tickets to see her at McCabe's.  It would have been my 14th time seeing her in concert.  (Yes, 14th.  I'm a "JenHead."  What can I say?)  Well sadly, she just announced that the tour has canceled and rescheduled for a later time.  I'm bummed, but seeing as how she's citing a family emergency, more than anything I hope she's okay.  I can be patient and wait for new dates to be announced.  I just hope everything's okay.  Hang in there, Jenny.  We all love you.  You're worth the wait.

Performing Tonight!

It's been a while, but I'm performing tonight at Room 5 in Los Angeles.  Come one, come all and watch me perform original songs and some covers from my favorite artists!

Lyrics of the Day

"I've just seen a face, I can't forget the time or place
Where we met, she's just the girl for me
And I want the whole world to see we met
La da da die die."

The Beatles, "I've Just Seen a Face"