Acoustic Side of OC Music Awards

At the most heavily attended Acoustic Finals night in OC Music Awards history, Billy Kernkamp and his band came out on top, walking away with $2,500 toward Fender gear and four days of recording time at Red Bull Studios.

The event was held Friday at the historic Yost Theater in Santa Ana, able to seat up to 800 fans as opposed to last year’s show at the Gypsy Den, which holds a capacity of less than 100.

But the large venue didn’t intimidate the opening band, I Hate You Just Kidding, who opened with a sweet and intimate set. The Costa Mesa couple that makes up the band, guitarist Jeremy Brock and singer Jessi Fulghum, playfully and humbly talked to one another and the audience throughout their set, adding to the band’s warm atmosphere.

Little things like a toy glockenspiel, an occasional harmonica harmony and a snare drum beat with one stick quickly built an endearing rapport with the audience as well.

“It seemed like everybody really liked it, so we’re happy about that and we did our best,” Fulghum said, “We just want for more people to have heard of us.”

Friday night’s contest winner, Billy Kernkamp, took the stage next with a guest guitarist before bringing out the whole band.

The stage grew more and more crowded throughout the set, growing from only two musicians to six, then 10, finally ending the set with 11 band members and fans on stage, all singing and having a great time.

“Thank you so much to the Orange County Music Awards for bringing us all together and supporting each other,” Kernkamp said during his set. “I want you to remember, it’s not about us, it’s about you guys coming out and supporting. You guys’ coming out is why we do this.”

The alternative country singer/songwriter was nominated for Country Americana last year as well, but did not progress. Friday night Kernkamp and his band were No. 1.

“I feel great, I love it,” Kernkamp said before being announced as the evening’s winner. “It’s not about awards. The validation comes from when my mom tells me I did good.”

Following Kernkamp, Stacy Clark overcame minor equipment malfunctions to present a Katy Perry/Avril Lavigne fusion.

Clark’s strongest songs, including “Touch and Go” as featured in the latest Bell Palm Pre commercial, were those when her guitar was laid down and she let her hips sway.

Marc B followed with his toe tapping surf/reggae songs as the audience continued to build. Bassist Yoni Berk was especially enjoyable to watch, hitting the groove hard and infecting the audience with what can only be described as “boogie.”

Mike Vitale took the stage alone next, closing the night with endearing songs and a humorous rapport with the audience.

Vitale performed with enthusiasm and a smile on his face, utilizing loop pedals and audience chants to close out the night.

OC Music Awards director of events and marketing Ashley Eckenweiler couldn’t have been happier at Friday night’s turnout.

“This is our largest turnout for the best live acoustic finals yet,” Eckenweiler said in an interview between sets. “This year has had the largest turnout at every showcase we’ve had. I think the best bands have been involved and we have great sponsors this year as well.”

At the end of the night, OC Music Awards producer Luke Allen took the stage, armed with a giant check and a Red Bull recording certificate.

Finally, and without overbearing suspense, Allen announced Kernkamp as the evening’s winner.

“I know it’s not cool to be excited about these things, but I’m really pumped guys,” Kernkamp said into the mic while accepting his prize. “I know I say this all the time, but we are here to serve you. We do this because of you.”




-David Sachs

Wolf In A Spacesuit set to release limited edition vinyl

Wolf In A Spacesuit are releasing two singles, Bark of a Cedar and I Fee Nthg, on white vinyl through Hi-Scores Recording Library. The limited edition vinyl will be available in February but you can pre-order a copy now HERE. There are only 500 copies available, so if you're a lover of vinyl be sure to send in your order!

According to the Hi-Scores Recording Library website, Wolf In A Spacesuit are also scheduled to play a show at Piano's in Brooklyn, NY on Feb. 25th. The show will be part of a Hi-Scores Recording Library showcase. 

You can read our review of Wolf In A Spacesuit's debut EP, Pomegranate Stationary, HERE or read our interview with the wolves THIS WAY.




Posted by Eszter Zimanyi

Lady Gaga at Nokia 12/21

Hate her or love her, Lady Gaga has undoubtidly been
one of the most talked about artists of 2009.

Known for her bizarre and sometimes obscene antics (staging her suicide at the VMAs, breaking whiskey bottles on a piano at the AMAs), people often question whether there lies any musical substance under the kermit and body lace dresses.

I have to admit I bought The Fame expecting nothing more than a pop dance album (which everyone needs in their collection) and it delievered. Tracks like "Starstruck" and "Boys Boys Boys" had bubblegum lyrics such as, "Let's go see the Killers and makeout in the bleachers" that were lighthearted and somewhat laughable. But there were also tracks such as "Papparazzi" and "Poker Face", which gave a glimpse to a more serious side of GaGa. When The Fame Monster was released in November, I was suprised and happy to hear a more artistic side to GaGa. The bubblegum pop lyrics had been left in the gutter and replaced with visions of monsters and sexual inuendos.

I was excited to see which side would emerge on the stage of the Nokia on Monday, December 21st. She emerged solo in a light up leotard muttering De De De de de the begginning of her "Dance in the Dark" track and the electro pop opera began. Every aspect that has molded the image of Lady Gaga was present in this show, from the lavish outfits to the gothic-like vibe in her dancer's makeup. "Do you love me?" she asked the crowd and a wave of approval shattered the air as a response. There is no doubt in my mind that Gaga has popped the bubblegum layer that was once associated with her image and instead replaced it with her artistic visions. Although I do agree with Ann Powers that an underlying theme was sometimes hard to determine, this only the beginning for her and what a high bar she has set. I encourage anyone who can find tickets to the two other nights at Nokia (Dec 22nd and 23rd both are sold out) to go. Do not be afraid to release your inner monster and go crazy. Because for me the show was Am ma ma ma mazing.

Here's "Alejandro" live from last night's show:

New Arcade Fire album in 2010!

There had been some talk circulating the internet that the Arcade Fire was working on some new songs, but the band was careful to not give away too much. Fans, including myself, kept asking the question "does this mean a new Arcade Fire album in 2010?". Well, now it's official. According to Billboard.com, the Arcade Fire is nearly complete in recording their yet-to-be-titled third full-length album, which is due out in the spring.

The band spent six months with producer Markus Dravs, who has collaborated with well-known artists such as Bjork and Brian Eno, and also took part in engineering the band's 2007 release Neon Bible.

Expect a North American tour in 2010!

"Neon Bible" by the Arcade Fire.

Filmed by Vincent Moon for La Blogotheque.