MOONPOOLS AND CATERPILLARS REUNITE AFTER 14 YEARS - REUNION SHOW IS ON!!!

Moonpools & Caterpillars are Kimi, Tim, Gugut and Jay Jay.

"Los Angeles...it's gonna happen" was the cryptic message posted on the Moonpools and Caterpillars official Facebook page on Jan. 28th. Which means that after 14 years, the Los Angeles band will reunite to play once again. OH YEEE-AAAH. Now, all we need to hear are dates and venues which they'll hopefully announce soon and I'll be first in line to grab some. Stay tuned for more details.

It began back in August of 2010, with rumors of a reunion show which was fueled by Moonpools and Caterpillars' own Facebook page revealing full-band practice sessions and the teasing a possible show at the intimate Hotel Cafe. And with that news, fans were foaming at the mouth for a chance to see Moonpools and Caterpillars one last time. Let's hope, at least for me who has never seen this band live, that this happens.

Comprised of Kimi Ward Encarnacion, Jay Jay Encarnacion, Gugut Salgado and Tim de Pala, Moonpools and Caterpillars' rise to fame was accidental. It's said that during one of their shows, an A&R representative from a record label went to one of their shows looking to sign a different band that was also performing that night. Well, the A&R guy got there early and caught Moonpools' set and loved them so much he signed them on the spot. As for the other band? Who knows?

Moonpools and Caterpillars last show at The Whisky A Go Go

Through the years, Moonpools and Caterpillars have grown a cult-like following by word of mouth, friends making copies for friends, listening to their songs on long car rides and singing along to their universal lyrics of life, proving that their albums hasn't aged through the years and their songs could easily play on radio today. Today, years later, I still listen to these albums and with the help of the internet, fans –new and old – can rediscover this band that continues to entertain. For me, this was basically the start of Picksysticks and my love for women-fronted bands began.

Check out their appearance on Disney's "Wish Upon a Star" which happens to be Katherine Heigl's very first movie.

Moonpools and Caterpillars performing "Hear" in the 1996 Disney movie "Wish Upon a Star."
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IT'S THE WEEKEND: PARTY TO YOUNG LONDON

Young London are Sara Graziani and Matt Rhoades

Wow. This electro-pop duo is hyping me up for the weekend. Comprised of Boston duo Sara Graziani and Matt Rhoades, Young London just released their dance-inducing, explosive self-titled debut album on January 10th. Hit songs up the wah-hoo, they wowed with hits like "Celebrity" and "New Reputation" at SXSW and their video for "Let Me Go" have amassed nearly 100,000 views since it was released four months ago. Their debut album is available in stores and on iTunes right HERE.

"Let Me Go" by Young London
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The Dø Covers Janelle Monaé's "Tightrope"

Olivia Merilahti of The Dø performs at The Bootleg Theater in 2010.
photo by picksysticks

The UK's The Gaurdian just premiered a new song from French outfit The Dø. Actually, it's not a new song but a new cover of Janelle Monae's "Tightrope."

The Gaurdian excerpt:
Artists often cover songs either as a way of adding a layer of "authenticity" (see Travis's acoustic take on Britney's Baby One More Time, or as part of a TV talent show and they have no choice. On both occasions a good cover – to quote Simon Cowell – involves "making the song your own" and while that's always nice when it happens (Johnny Cash's reworking of Nine Inch Nails' Hurt is taken as the definitive version now), it's also fun just to hear someone giving a song a go for the hell of it. That's where French/Finnish duo the Dø's take on Janelle Monaé's Tightrope – premiered here – comes into its own. (read the rest of the review at The Gaurdian)

Also see:
The Dø @ The Bootleg Theater

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CASSADEE POPE LAUNCHES FIRST EVER SOLO TOUR

Cassadee Pope begins her acoustic tour this Friday.
photo by picksysticks

Hey Monday lead singer Cassadee Pope has been performing in front of audiences since she was 13 years old. So when Hey Monday surprised their fans when they announced the band would be taking a 'hiatus' it came as no surprise to learn that the now 22-year-old Pope turned to what she's known most of her life - the stage.

Earlier this month, with Pope's announcement that she would be embarking on her first ever solo tour, there was a collective sigh of relief from millions of fans upon hearing the news that Hey Monday had not broken up but were merely taking a 'hiatus.' It took lead singer Cassadee Pope to clear up the confusion when she released a statement:

"I wanted to let you all know that Hey Monday is not "broken up." We are, however, taking a break and pursuing things on our own...I hope you all understand that this does not mean we'll never release new music or tour ever again...Me and the guys are still friends and always will be, and this was a decision we all agreed was for the best."

So, while fans won't be hearing any new Hey Monday songs anytime soon, the better news is that Pope has been writing new original songs and plans to showcase them on an 18-city acoustic tour across the United States. In fact, one of her new songs called "Lunatic" posted on YouTube has already received over 16,000 hits since she posted it January 10th and reveals a more mature songwriting direction from Pope but still manages to deliver it over pop melodies that Hey Monday fans come to expect. But unlike Hey Monday's power-pop sound, Pope hopes to carve out her own musical identity. "I want the lyrics to be more edgy and darker than anything on the radio. Just doing what I love, the real instruments and guitars but with a real pop twist to it," says Pope.

But don't fret HM fans. Pope also revealed that her set list will include some Hey Monday songs as well as 10-11 original songs she's been working on as well as a possible cover or two. "It's going to be a really fun time, like a 'Storytellers' kind of thing," she says.

Pope first came into public view when she formed Hey Monday in 2008. Their power-pop sound caught the attention of Pete Wetz and they soon were signed to his label and Columbia Records. Since then, the band has toured non-stop sharing the stage with the likes of Fall Out Boy, The Academy Is and All Time Low.

Cassadee Pope embarks on her first ever solo tour.
photo by picksysticks

Now, as Hey Monday takes a break, Pope is heading out solo by playing 18 cities in one month beginning this Friday at Anaheim's Chain Reaction and ending 28 days later in her home state of Florida. Supporting her will be Stephen Jerzak, Justin Young and Darling Parade. If you can't make the Anaheim show this Friday, Cassadee performs at The Key Club on the famed Sunset Strip next Tuesday (1/31). Click HERE for dates and ticket info.

CASSADEE POPE SHOWS

1/27 - Anaheim @ Chain Reaction
1/28 - San Diego @ Soma Sidestage
1/29 - Scottsdale @ Martini Ranch
1/31 - West Hollywood @ Key Club
2/1 - Camarillo @ Rock City
2/2 - Bakersfield @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub
2/11- Chicago @ Beat Kitchen
2/12 - Pittsburgh @ The Altar Bar
2/14 - Philadelphia @ First Unitarian Church
2/15 - Boston @ Brighton Music Hall
2/16 - Teaneck @ Mexicali Live
2/17 - New York @ Highline Ballroom
2/18 - Whitehall @ Planet TrogEnt. Complex
2/19- Baltimore @ Baltimore Soundstage
2/21- Greensboro, N.C. @ Greene Street
2/22- Atlanta @ The Masquerade
2/23 - Gainesville, Fla. @ Double Down Live
2/24 - Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Culture Room

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1/25/93 - BELLY'S STAR RELEASED 19 YEARS AGO TODAY

Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo) and Tanya Donelly (Belly).
photo via Kay Hanley twitter

Awwww. Check this out. My two favorite singers together. Kay Hanley of Letters To Cleo and Tanya Donelly of Belly taken recently by Kay in Boston where the two performed together during a benefit for Foundation to be Named Later on January 14th. Maybe the two will form a band together. I can dream can't I? Who could ever forget Kay serenading Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles in "10 Things I Hate About You." One of the best films ever. I miss the 90's and looking at this pic, 90's alternative never looked so beautiful.

Get More: Belly, Feed the Tree, Music, More Music Videos

"Feed the Tree" by Belly of 1993's Star

And 19 years ago today, Belly released the dream-pop-alternative album Star which spawned hits "Feed The Tree," "Gepetto," and "Slow Dog." Formed in Boston in 1991 by front woman Tanya Donelly, the album reached certified gold and Belly was nominated for two Grammy Awards. They disbanded in 1996 and Donelly went on to record one of my favorite albums - yet under appreciated Lovesongs for Underdogs in 1997. Today? Donelly still immerses herself in music. Last year, she released the fragile and soft, country-esque album Whiskey Tango Ghosts. And last month, she took part in Under The Covers: Please Please Please tribute to The Smiths, singing an acoustic version of "Shoplifters of the World." You can get that album now at American Laundromat. And it's available on iTunes.

What's Kay up to these days? She currently resides in L.A. and fronts the her new band Palmdale, releasing two EPs last year called Get Wasted and How To Be Mean which you can purchase at iTunes right HERE! Below is Palmdale's single "Happiness Has a Half-Life" and for good ol' times sake, "Here and Now" from Kay's Letters To Cleo days.

"Happiness Has a Half-Life" by Palmdale from the Get Wasted EP.

"Here and Now" by Letters to Cleo
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Kim DiVine Has A "Perfect Kind of Love"

Kim DiVine
photo by picksysticks

Kim DiVine has that voice that you've heard of before but never actually knew who's voice it belonged to. Her angelic voice has helped her compile an impressive resume that includes her songs being featured in films, television and commercials and singing in some of the country's biggest venues including Madison Square Garden and Staples Center.

This is her official video for her song "Perfect Kind of Love." It's off her EP Five which she just released this weekend. And if you still don't know where you've heard her voice before here's a hint: She's the voice of Jello-O. You've probably heard her singing the jingle in the Jello-O commercials. Yep, that's her.

"Perfect Kind of Love" by Kim DiVine
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ALABAMA SHAKES Sells Out Troubadour

Alabama Shakes

Alabama Shake's debut album Boys & Girls won't be released until April but they still managed to sell-out more than half of their dates on their tour - including one here at The Troubadour on Jan. 25th. And after watching this video, you'll understand why.

"You Ain't Alone" by Alabama Shakes
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NEW VIDEO: AMY MAY IS 'REAL'

Amy May performs at Santa Monica's Apple Store on 3rd St.
photo by picksysticks

If you're a regular reader of this site, then you're well aware of my love for Amy May. A regular busker on Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade, Ms. May just released an official video for one of my favorite songs "Real." And last night her song was featured on CW's "One Tree Hill." How cool is that. Chalk up another success story from 3rd Street Promenade. "Real" was also featured on Delta Airlines' Hello Music in-flight entertainment recently and with a couple independently released albums under her belt, Amy has hopes her new music will reach the mainstream by launching a campaign to raise funds to record her new album through Indie Gogo. You can help her out right HERE. You can watch her next when she plays the Macha Theater in Hollywood on Jan. 25th. It'll be nice to see her perform on an actual stage instead of the on the streets. Should be fun!

"Real" official video by Amy May.
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DEAD SARA Announced As Featured Band on Warped Tour

Los Angeles rockers, Dead Sara has just been confirmed as one of the featured artists to performs at this year's Vans Warped Tour. With this, Dead Sara is ready to explode onto the music scene. In what has to be one of the longest debut album release teases in history, Dead Sara reminds us why good things come to those who wait. A planned release last August was pushed back to October and then finally this May through Fontana/Universal by way of their own record label Pocket Kid Records. Warped Tour, now in it's 18th year launches June 16th in Salt Lake City, Utah.

"Weatherman" by Dead Sara

See also:
Dead Sara @ The Troubadour

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FREE SONG: "I Want You" from Candy Hearts

Candy Hearts

After receiving rave reviews for their second full-length album Everything's Amazing & Nobody's Happy which was released last September, New York bubblegum-punk rockers Candy Hearts are now currently working on a new EP. Known for the bouncy melodies delivered over punk-pop arrangements, Candy Hearts are currently working on their new EP and are offering a brand-new acoustic demo song titled "I Want You" free through their Bandcamp page. A full band version of the song will appear on their upcoming EP later this year. And while they're doing that, Candy Hearts just announced that they're heading out on tour with Man Overboard in what's being billed by Alternative Press as one of the top tours to attend this winter. Click HERE for tour dates and info.

Anyways, below is one of my favorite songs off of Everything's Amazing & Nobody's Happy. It's called "Tongue Tied." Enjoy!

Tongue Tied by candyhearts