As the summer heats up, the New Orleans music scene begins to cool off a bit as bands head for cooler climates. Often during the summers, we get a nice selection of smaller independent acts that come through town to bridge the gaps between festival appearances. The month starts with Outer Spaces at Siberia on June 1. The Baltimore-based indie rock ensemble released their new LP A Shedding Snake, May 27; this show will be a great chance to see some of the new material. On the 5th, folk punk troubadour Frank Turner will be at the Joy Theater with Gogol Bordello. Canadian blues rockers The Sheepdogs will take the stage at Gasa Gasa the next night (June 6). The Sheepdogs have a fun retro sound that’s definitely tinged with the trappings of 1970s guitar rock. Fans of the Radiators will find a lot to love here.
Multi-instrumental guitarist Buckethead will be playing House of Blues on June 8. The enigmatic Brian Patrick Carroll delivers his virtuosic performances in a white mask and bucket hat. Carroll has just released over 250 studio records, including the most recent Pike #226. Just a couple of nights later on the 11th, St. Lucia will be playing the Civic Theater with Kind.
The electropop performer released his second studio record Matter in January. Expect an evening of catch hooks and soaring vocals. In the same vein, the Shreveport based Hydrogen Child will be doing their shimmer-pop thing at Gasa Gasa on the 13th.
On the rock side of things, the Memphis-based group The Dirty Streets will play Siberia June 11. This relatively young band is getting great reviews for their brand of southern garage rock. Definitely check out their latest record White Horse.
If you’re looking for something a little smoother, Domo Genesis will be at the Hi-Ho Lounge June 12. The Los Angeles-based rapper is a member of the excellent Odd Future collective. His new record Genesis was released in March and is easily one of the most fun records I’ve heard all year.
Brooklyn based singer-songwriter Steve Gunn (formerly of Kurt Vile’s band) will be at Gasa Gasa June 13. Gunn has an excellent feel to his music. It is comfortable and challenging all at once. Expect to get caught up in the stories that are woven into his lyrics. Along the same lines, indie folk ensemble Lord Huron will be at the House of Blues on the 17th. This group has really grown into their sound over the past year and emerged as a force on stage.
Finally, Lake Street Dive will be at Tipitina’s June 21. This Boston-based indie folk group impressed me at Hangout Fest last year. I cannot wait to see what they’re able to do in a club setting. It is a great month to see some up-and-coming acts, so get out there and check in on the new sounds.
Note: Dates are subject to change. Playlist of mentioned bands available at: bit.ly/InTune6-16
Bonnaroo Begins
For much of the music world, June means one thing: Bonnaroo. This year the festival is celebrating its 15th birthday with performances from Pearl Jam, Dead and Company, LCD Soundsystem, HAIM, Ween, CHVRCHES, Death Cab for Cutie and more. Bonnaroo has set the tone for what the next generation of American music festivals will look like. If you can’t make it there in person, keep an eye on our website for my daily updates and photos.
