As we say goodbye to 2012 I felt it appropriate to say an official goodbye to the world of Rock Insider. I have not written on this site since early April so most have come to realize the end was near. I must say the prospect of closing up shop makes me well up with tears just writing the words but as with all good things they must come to an end. Rock Insider has been a music source, a soundboard, a heated argument, and my personal diary since 2005. Its hard to believe this site has existed for almost [...]

Welcome back to JAX's "sometimes-like-whenever-i-fee l-like-it" blog. I'm sorry for not posting very often bbs. I discovered DIVE at SXSW this year and managed to fall so quickly for their psychadelic leaning brand of 90s twinged shoegaze I had to see them twice in one day. IT'S THAT GOOD. Debut album is out June 26th on the always amazing Captured Tracks . Tweet

Okay so I'm more than a little biased when it comes to RACES debut LP - Year Of The Witch. But I would be remiss not to inform you that they have their entire album streaming on their soundcloud page before out tomorrow on Frenchkiss Records ! Check it out below. Los Angeles Readers: Don't Miss their album release show this Fri. Mar 30th at The Echo with special guests Living Things and Incan Abraham. Purchasing advance tickets [...]
"Hey, Do you want to go to that Moses Campbell show tonight?" Check out this amazing video for Moses Campbell's track Ceiling . Video is directed by frontman Sean Solomon. Tweet

Obviously I'm a little biased when it comes to Los Angeles based sextet RACES . Our very own JAXART Records released their debut 7 inch last April (still a few copies left here ). Since then, RACES have been slowly building a following in Southern California. They've toured part of the U.S. with El Ten Eleven, released a video for their debut single "Big Broom" on RollingStone.com ( Watch ), and even dropped in on Daytrotter . The band are now gearing up for SXSW leading in [...]

Tomorrow night JAXART is bringing you another night of great new music with Absent Fever ! Details and RSVP can be found below. Hope you can make it out early! [ RSVP HERE ] Thursday Feb. 16th, 2012 7-10PM $5 Donation/ALL AGES Proceeds go to fund a free compilation for young LA Bands. At Space 15 Twenty 1520 North Cahuenga Boulevard Los Angeles CA Performances By::: Dreams. [...]

Just in time for Valentine's Day - So Many Wizards have unveiled the first track off their forthcoming debut full length. "Warm Nothing" LP will be out on JAXART Records later this year. Stream "Lose Your Mind" below at Soundcloud . Don't forget to purchase the single on ITUNES ! The band are still raising money through IndieGoGo to finance their upcoming tour in the UK . Click here to read an interview with the band and please DONATE what you can! [...]
Life fast. Die Young. Bad Girls Do It Well When she's not busy flipping the bird at the Superbowl - M.I.A. has started the campaign for her new single "Bad Girls." Watch her stunning new video above. Tweet
I got called out for not updating my site tonight. So sorry guys! Life happens! Please enjoy this AWWWWWWESOME video for Chelsea Wolfe put together by the fine folks at Incase's Room 205 . Tweet
Azealia Banks : Oh hai 2012. Ima gunna OWN YOU. Check out a new track "Liquorice" below LIQUORICE by Azealia Banks Tweet

Hot chick driving a beautiful muscle car, destroying things, and smoking. Sometimes the simplest video concept can be fucking awesome. Watch Unknown Mortal Orchestra's video for "Bicycle" below. Directed by Michael James Johnson. Unknown Mortal Orchestra: 'Bicycle' from michael james johnson on Vimeo . ALSO LISTEN TO: MP3: Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Ffunny Ffrends Tweet
Swedish duo Korallreven released one of my favorite albums of 2011. Today their new Marcus Söderlund directed video for "As Young As Yesterday" premiered. Personally I think this track deserved a little better treatment than slow motion skateboarding through a cityscape but the vid still works and the song stands on its own. Watch above. MP3: Korallreven - As Young As Yesterday Tweet
The Weeknd - The Knowing (Official Video) from xoxxxoooxo on Vimeo . How am I just now seeing this video? The Weeknd certainly knows how to put a unique stamp on things. Visually stunning and absolutely incredible. This is a TOTAL MUST WATCH . Tweet

I would be remiss not to inform Los Angeles readers of the awesome and TOTALLY FREE show happening tomorrow night at The Echo . Caveman all the way from New York City will be performing live with RACES , Hands , The Bins , and Keegan Dewitt . I had the pleasure of seeing Caveman live at CMJ this year and they are a truly wonderful band. Download music from all the acts below! To RSVP for next Thursday’s show [...]

Well today is seemingly all about I Break Horses - the Sweden based project of Maria Lindén and her musical partner Fredrik Balck. I haven't been able to stop listening all morning. Today the duo announced they will be playing their first U.S. shows supporting M83 in April/May. Really tremendous stuff. I encourage you to watch the video for wired and download "Winter Beats" below! I Break Horses - Wired from Bella Union on Vimeo . MP3: I Break Horses - [...]

San Francisco based retro rock outfit Girls have arguably released the best album of 2011 in Father, Son, Holy Ghost . Their set at FYF Fest early this year showcased a larger band and more well rounded sound. I think its more than a little obvious that Girls show incredible promise to being a career band with may more to offer in the years to come. Tonight they will perform live at the Music Box in Los Angeles, CA with Support from The Tyde , and Rock Insider Favs Melted [...]

The Echo has been my home away from home for the past 6 years and a huge part of my life in Los Angeles since moving here in 2003. This month the venue turns the BIG 1-0! The Echo was the original home of HELL YA! Nights which hosted artists such as Sam Sparro , Chain Gang of 1974 , Cold War Kids, Pop Levi, Foreign Born, 3 Oh 3, and Metro Station over the years. For many it was their first time ever playing the venue. The team [...]

I have been silently sitting on My Morning Jacket 's latest album Circuital all year. Yesterday the band recieved a Grammy Nod for Best Alternative Album. Congrats!!! Tonight My Morning Jacket stop in LA to play the Gibson Ampitheatre with support from Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings . Watch the video for "Holding On To Black Metal" below! Tweet
I have a soft spot for psychadelic leaning rock with whispy vocals - ESPECIALLY around this time of year. Which is why my discovery of Still Corners video for "Into The Trees" could not have come at a better time. The trippy kaleidoscopic video is the perfect way to start a morning. MP3 Still Corners - Into The Trees Tweet

If you have been reading my site for the last 6 years (WOW. 6 YEARS!) You know how thoroughly obsessed I am with both The Dodos and Neko Case . Finally FINALLY I got to see the pairing in action as The Dodos performed "Dont Try And Hide It" last night on Jimmy Fallon with assistance from the firey songstress. My only gripe is Neko Case sat down for the entire performance! Watch the performance at STEREOGUM and enjoy a free download of "So Cold." MP3: The [...]