
Photos and words by Scott Sheff Even veteran musicians get butterflies when stepping on stage, especially when playing at the famed Troubadour. Such was the case with award-winning English singer-songwriter Beth Orton, who admittedly was nervous as she played the venue for the first time in her career. While fans save ticket stubs to remember their favorite shows, Beth planned to save her Troubadour artist wristband as her own personal memento. But as the nerves gave way, the music triumphed. Accompanied by her husband Sam Amidon on guitar, and former Soul Coughing member Sebastian Steinberg on [...]

Photos by Debi Del Grande LA's The 88 held its record release party/show for The Fortune Teller at The Troubadour. Adam Merrin belted it out while looking dapper. Gliss and Aaron Embry also had friends and family in the house, making it one solid evening. [View with PicLens] [...]

The Stepkids have announced details regarding their next album. Titled Troubadour, the album will release on September 10th via Stones Throw Records. Consisting of Jeff Gitelman (guitar/vocals), Dan Edinberg (bass/keyboard/vocals) and Tim Walsh...
For reasons as yet unbeknownst to me, I've yet to get fully acquainted with Bridgeport, Connecticut's cherished disco maestros The Stepkids although if you're in a similarly ignorant position, here's some superficial info I've gleaned over the wearying course of this afternoon. The trio comprising Tim Walsh, Jeff Gitelman and Dan Edinberg released an eponymous LP in the winter of 2011 as Wikipedia so reliably informs ( their entry is incidentally invested with a pretty nifty psychedelic GIF), and are to follow it up with a sophomore recording entitled Troubadour later on this year as a blighter in [...]

Photos and words by Leslie Kalohi You may not know the name, but media-savvy individuals will recognize Willy Moon’s bombastic ditty, “Yeah Yeah,” which played during last year’s Apple iPod campaign. The lanky New Zealander brought his genre-bending blend of rock to the Troubadour before a well-dressed crowd, with Moon even pointing out some lovely ladies up in front. Willy Moon’s songs took on an edgier, “punkier” feel for this show, as the album’s slick production was brought to life with the help of Gigi Golderro (drums) and Juliette Jackson (guitar). At only [...]

Photos and words by Debi Del Grande A little throwback to 60s pop was going down at The Troubadour as Pete Yorn's new endeavor with J.D. King had us grooving and swaying. With just a couple of hours before the self-titled record would officially be released, The Olms played a short, but sweet set. The dynamic duo was not alone on stage as a backing band helped bring the tunes to full life. King, decked out in his mod attire, went from keyboards to even a flute. I couldn't stop staring at his flashy [...]

Photos and words by Scott Sheff With a new self-titled album, Junip, the Swedish-based trio ended its two-night, sold-out run at The Troubadour with a fiery set of folk rock. Like many bands, listening to an album only gives you a glimpse into the sound of the music as it’s performed live. Junip is no different. Packing the stage with an ensemble of musicians for the tour, lead singer José González and bandmates filled The Troubadour with a sound bigger than the venue itself. The ambiance around the music was equally fitting of the band’s dark, [...]

Photos and words by Scott Sheff On the first night of two sold-out shows at The Troubadour, British indie folk rockers Daughter gave the crowd a spectacular performance, and even got a little help in return from the fans. Throughout the night, the soft-spoken lead singer and guitarist Elena Tonra captivated the crowd with her sweet and soothing vocals, and lit up the room with her infectious smile. Many sang along, especially to “Youth.” Near the start of the song, she flubbed the lines and quickly dropped an f-bomb with a giggle knowing what she [...]

Photos and words by Ethan Shvartzman Mixing older tunes with some new, summer was happening at the Troubadour as Holy Ghost! came to town. The percussion-heavy (3 drum kits on stage), old analog synth-drenched brand of DFA-dance-rock got the crowd grooving. The band members rotated through various instruments and at times the stage resembled a mad scientist's layer as they congregated behind the synth banks engrossed in the nearly infinite rows of nobs and wires. The set closer "It Gets Dark" was a winner. Local faves Classixx hit a high note early in their [...]
In general, I’m not always immediately drawn to modern acoustic or folk artists but every once in a while I’ll have the pleasure of running into one who transcends any misgivings I may have about that kind of sound. This was ... Continued

We have had the privilege to watch the rise of Troubadour from its earliest conversations to being a full-fledged brand that we have deep respect for. Samuel Bail and Abel Samet set off to create uncompromised leather products. We were energized by their progress as they travelled Europe and North America looking for the best of everything. The brand reflects their successful search with thoughtful design, supple leather, quality hardware and exceptional branding. Every component of the brand is well thought out and executed with intention. Knowing the great quality of the products, we naturally invested heavily in the collection. We [...]
After 20 years of making music, Built To Spill can still bring a creative energy to their live performance.

It's probably safe to say that Tom Odell's recent trip to the States has been nothing short of successful. A bit of a recap, there was Tom's US television debut on David Letterman last week (so good Letterman basically mentions he'd manage him), there was the filming of a new music video, and a stint of sold out shows including this one at the world famous Troubadour in West Hollywood. The young Odell is definitely doing all of the things that you want to make it right on this side of the pond. Along with his three-piece band, [...]
Seeking a night full of blistering white noise for my ears to hemorrhage, I ventured to the METZ show at the Troubadour in West Hollywood. I was full of anticipation after listening to the band's self-titled debut album on Sub Pop Records. I was curious to see how it translated live. Combining brutal white noise with repetitive melodies to create a negative drone, METZ enticed the audience to get lost in the music without restraint. The band splices together heavy rumbling drums and deep rhythmic bass runs with harsh guitar noise experimentation ridden in hardcore punk, reminding me of Flipper [...]

Photos and words by Scott Sheff Boise, Idaho bands took over The Troubadour with veteran indie rockers Built to Spill headlining the two-night run and up-and-comers Junior Rocket Scientist paving the way. Built to Spill came out jamming from the get-go, and did not relent throughout the night. Lead singer Doug Martsch and bandmates shredded through a set of songs off BTS' collection of studio albums, but also included a couple covers from two very different bands. While its cover of Blue Oyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear the Reaper” was enthralling and thoroughly enjoyed by the crowd, [...]

Photos and words by Scott Sheff The get-up of surgical masks and scrubs may be a tongue-in-cheek poke at its own name (and homage to bands Crime and The Residents) , but the eclectic sounds of Liverpool’s post-punk revival /noise rock band Clinic were delivered with surgical precision Wednesday night at The Troubadour. With lead singer Ade Blackburn’s distinct voice and the band’s use of unique, non-conventional instruments such as a harmonium and melodica, the live experience is nothing short of enthralling and infectious. Early arrivers were treated to two bands ready to bust onto [...]

Photos and words by Scott Sheff The get-up of surgical masks and scrubs may be a tongue-in-cheek poke at its own name (and homage to bands Crime and The Residents) , but the eclectic sounds of Liverpool’s post-punk revival /noise rock band Clinic were delivered with surgical precision Wednesday night at The Troubadour. With lead singer Ade Blackburn’s distinct voice and the band’s use of unique, non-conventional instruments such as a harmonium and melodica, the live experience is nothing short of enthralling and infectious. Early arrivers were treated to two bands ready to bust onto [...]

Photos and words by Leslie Kalohi “We are the ongoing museum of rock n’ roll,” Robyn Hitchcock declared drolly at the start of his set at the Troubadour. An accurate statement, based on who accompanied him on stage as part of The Venus 3: former Harvey Danger frontman Sean Nelson on co-vocals and R.E.M.’s Peter Buck on guitar, who also served as show opener along with drummer Bill Rieflin and Young Fresh Fellows’ Scott McCaughey on bass. Weaving in a heavy dose of his dry, British wit, Hitchcock entertained and fascinated with lovely [...]

The Stepkids will release the anticipated follow up to their self-titled 2011 breakout debut album this fall. Troubadour is set for release this fall on Stones Throw Records. They will also bring their...

Since their killer debut back in 2011, we have been dying for more from the Stones Throw indie band the Stepkids . The Connecticut trio is finally ready to make their next move, though, as they announce the upcoming release of their sophomore full-length, Troubadour. To get us excited for the record, the band has performed the first cut called "The Art of Forgetting" as part of the In The Red Bull Studio series. This summer is going to be pretty busy for the Stepkids, as they plan on performing at Bonnaroo, Brooklyn [...]