Foxygen – Photo by Ceethreedom
The holidays may be over and all your presents long unwrapped, but no need for the long face. The chance to give yourself the greatest gift of all, amazing live music experiences that is, has just begun. From fist-pumping good times with hip-hop heavyweights such as The Roots, KRS-One, and Run the Jewels to mosh-pit fueled punk rock ragers with Anti-Flag, JFA/Pulley, and The Dictators NYC – 2015 is already gearing up for a fantastic start with a variety of artists and performances. Whatever your musical palette desires, January is serving it up hot and fresh. Enjoy!
January 1 — The Roots — The Observatory
Critically acclaimed hip-hop/neo-soul living legends The Roots are scheduled to headline an intimate performance at The Observatory. The group has been rockin’ minds and bodies since 1987 and most recently serve as the best house band in late night on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
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January 2 & 3 — Foxygen — The Roxy
We last caught Foxygen this past Summer putting on a larger than life show, with a beautiful, messy mix of hodgepodge aesthetic of classic ’50s – ’70s sounds and wild stage antics from front man Sam France. Don’t miss your chance to see one helluva engaging performance! Supporting act is Tobias Jesso Jr.
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January 3 — Anti-Flag — The Troubadour
Political punks Anti-Flag celebrate the 10 year Anniversary of their milestone album, The Terror State, playing the album in its entirety at their headlining show at The Troubadour this month. Thrash to all the classic tracks live! Supporting act is The Bombpops.
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January 4 — JFA & Pulley — The Roxy
Longtime skate/hardcore punks JFA and SoCal punk rockers Pulley have been kicking ass and taking names for years. Now they’re back to do it again at The Roxy – prepare for punk rock mayhem! Supporting acts are Ill Repute, Naked Aggression and The Dips.
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January 4 — American Nightmare — El Rey Theatre
Boston hardcore punks American Nightmare (aka Give Up The Ghost) are set to tear shit up with a blizzard of sound and fury at the El Rey Theatre. With supporting acts Bl’ast! and Rotting Out rounding out the bill, you won’t know what hit you!
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KRS-One – Photo by Ryan Bussard
January 7 — KRS-One — The Observatory
Philosopher, activist, author, lecturer and old school hip-hop icon KRS-One is about to drop some serious knowledge, rhymes and beats that will speak to your mind, body and soul. Don’t miss this seasoned pro, live!
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January 9 — Aesop Rock — El Rey Theatre
Critically acclaimed hip-hop artist/producer Aesop Rock has teamed up with MC Rob Sonic and DJ Big Wiz, under the moniker Hail Mary Mallon, for their 2014 album release Bestiary. Now they bring the album to life with the Bestiary Tour. Live, the duo will have DJ Abilities man the decks and opening act Homeboy Sandman kicks off this special night of music.
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January 9 — Swamp Dogg — The Echo
’70s cult soul artists Swamp Dogg is back on top with a new album, The White Man Made Me Do It, and vinyl re-releases of his original work, via Alive NaturalSound Records. Reflective, insightful humorous and full of Southern soul flavor – you want want to miss out on the Swamp Dogg revival! Sharing the stage are special guests Bobby Patterson, Vera Lee and E from Myron & E (DJ Set).
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January 11 — Tamaryn — The Echo
If you’re a fan of indie dream-pop duo Tamaryn (vocalist Tamaryn and long-time collaborator Rex John Shelverton), you won’t want to miss this special farewell show. According to their Facebook page, this will be the final show with Rex and playing their stunning albums The Waves and Tender Signs. Supporting acts are Puro Instinct and Hibou.
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January 14 — Run The Jewels — The Regent
Run the Jewels aka the duo of Killer Mike and LP have found a special place on our Best Songs and Best Albums list of 2014 with their sick, sophomore album RTJ2 and crazy addictive track “Blockbuster Night Part 1” that is full of fierce flows, that leaves us bobbing our heads every time.
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January 16 — The Dictators NYC — The Roxy
NYC’s proto-punk rockers The Dictators are back! This time in their newest incarnation that includes both original and non-original members but every bit as badass as ever. Supporting acts are Angry Samoans, Prima Donna and Motor666. Time to jump in the circle pit!
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The Budos Band – Photo by Ceethreedom
January 16 — The Budos Band — The Regent
NYC’s nine piece collective The Budos Band know how to serenade a crowd with their righteous Afro-beat/funk/soul sounds. Touring now in support of their fifth album, Burnt Offering, you won’t want to miss the new tunes live! Supporting act is local rock n’ rollers Death Valley Girls.
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January 16 — Kid Congo and The Pink Monkey Birds — The Echo
Kid Congo Powers (The Gun Club, The Cramps, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds) and The Pink Monkey Birds will take you on a musical trip through garage-punk and soulful fuzz-psych terrain – prepare to get weird and wild!. Supporting act is Uke-Hunt.
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January 16 — The Muffs — The Satellite
’90s indie rockers The Muffs, fronted by singer-songwriter Kim Shattuck, are back and ready to rock your world with songs from their 2014 release (first new album in 10 years!), Whoop Dee Doo, out now on Burger Records. Opening acts are Summer Twins and Inger Lorre.
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January 17 — Geographer — El Rey Theatre
We caught indie synth-pop trio Geographer last year putting on a raging show full of stage dives and crowd interaction, that could seriously not be beat. The band is back on stage but only playing a mere handful of dates this Winter, so be sure to catch them live! Supporting acts are Haunted Summer and Smoke Season.
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January 18 — Pato Banton — Los Globos
Reggae music lovers unite! UK reggae star Pato Banton and the Now Generation are hitting the West Coast with a special stop at Los Globos this month. Expect positive vibrations and dance-able beats to keep you moving your feet – an experience you won’t forget! Special guests are DJ Willy Gee and DJ Ricky.
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January 19 — Saosin with Anthony Green — The Observatory
Newport Beach’s post-hardcore heroes Saosin return to the stage with their original lineup featuring Anthony Green (Circa Survive) on vocal duties. Old school fans rejoice! Kicking off this one of a kind night are Taken and Souvenirs.
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January 22 — Waters — The Roxy
Rock group, Waters, have toured with the likes of Tegan & Sara and Smallpools. Now they’re hitting the road with a headlining tour of the West Coast in support of their 2014 EP, It Might All Be Ok, produced by Ryan Rabin of Grouplove. Rock out like no one’s watching to the new songs live! Opening act is Riothorse.
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January 23 — Twin Shadow — The Troubadour
Twin Shadow aka George Lewis, Jr. is a synth-pop force to be reckoned with and it’s impossible to resist his smooth charm with jams like his new single “Turn Me Up” from his forthcoming album Eclipse. Catch him up close and personal at the Troubadour this month, swoon!
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Fidlar – Photo by Ryan Bussard
January 23 — Fidlar — The Regent
If you like loud, fast rock n’ roll, get off your ass and go see Fidlar! This must-see group will light a fire under your ass and mosh pits and crowd-surfing are regular occurrences at their shows. Kicking off this raucous night of music are Meatbodies and The Frights.
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January 23 — White Arrows — El Rey Theatre
Los Angeles’ psych electro-pop outfit White Arrows are touring in support of their impressive new album, Bardo, featuring the tantalizing single, “I Want a Taste.” Get a taste of the music live! Supporting acts are James Supercave and Say Say.
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January 23 — Wand — The Glass House
Wand had humble beginnings as the bedroom project of frontman Derek Janzen and it has since grown to be a full-fledged touring band. The prog pop group headline the Glass House this month, in support of their new EP Mirage House. Opening acts are local darlings The Lovely Bad Things and Endless Bummer.
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January 24 — Bad Suns— El Rey Theatre
Los Angeles alternative rockers Bad Suns are touring now in support of their 2014 debut album, Language and Perspective (Vagrant Records), featuring catchy, anthemic singles like, “Cardiac Arrest” and “Transpose.” Come hear what all the fuss is about! Supporting acts are Coasts and Maudlin Strangers.
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January 24 — Russian Circles — The Roxy
Chicago’s Russian Circles will be crushing it at The Roxy this month with their unique and melodic, underground metal sound. The instrumental trio will blow your mind! Opening act is Mammifer.
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January 24 — Mates of State — The Observatory
It’s been awhile since hubby and wife, indie-pop duo Mates of State rocked out in Southern California. They recently released a cover of Miley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop” and there’s no telling what other new songs they might play live. Don’t miss out! Opening act is Fictionist.
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January 29 & 30 — Patti Smith — The Theatre At Ace Hotel
Artist, poet, singer-songwriter and Godmother of punk Patti Smith is scheduled to headline The Theatre at Ace Hotel this month. Don’t miss your chance to see this living rock n’ roll legend live in concert! ‘Nuff said.
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January 30 — The Hood Internet — The Echoplex
Chicago duo The Hood Internet, aka ABX an STV SLV, are known to many as mash up maestros and mixtape heroes, featuring ferocious tunes that span the indie, pop and hip-hop spectrums. Make sure you come ready to party! Supporting act is Big Wild.
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January 29 & 30 — Sam Smith— The Forum
UK pop/soul singer-songwriter Sam Smith rose to prominence in the mainstream music scene when he was featured on Disclosure’s breakthrough single, “Latch.” Now he’s touring in support of his own debut album, In The Lonely Hour, which boasts addictive songs, “Money on My Mind,” and “Stay” to name a few. Opening act is George Ezra.
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January 31 — Indigo Music Festival — The Observatory
Commence drooling because the two-day Indigo Music Festival boasts a killer, must-see lineup this year including: The Melvins, Deafheaven, Blonde Redhead, Deerhoof, Moving Units, Rocket From The Crypt, Black Angels, Converge, Youth Code, Fever the Ghost and more! .
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Kishi Bashi – Photo by Dominoe Farris-Gilbert
January 31 — Kishi Bashi String Quartet — Luckman Fine Arts Complex
We caught violinist Kishi Bashi earlier this year, delivering a breath-taking avant-pop serenade and we couldn’t be more stoked that he’s back in Los Angeles, this time with a string quartet. Expect to hear gorgeous live renditions of songs from his new album, Lighght.
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