Author Archives: Hayley Parker

Proving that some things only get better with age, indie rock veterans Modest Mouse took over the Hollywood Palladium last Tuesday night for an evening of unconventional melodies, infectious guitar riffs, and the kind of nostalgia that hits even harder when you’re hearing it live.

Starting as a suburban rock project in 1993, Modest Mouse has spent over three decades marching to the beat of their own drum—and finding plenty of success along the way. Led by frontman Isaac Brock, the band rose from the underground indie scene to mainstream recognition with their 2004 album Good News for People Who Love Bad News, introducing an entirely new audience to their wonderfully eccentric sound.

Opening with “King Rat,” the band wasted no time reminding fans what makes their live performances so captivating. With Brock’s unmistakably gritty vocals cutting through layers of guitar and percussion, the evening unfolded as a wonderfully unpredictable journey through the band’s extensive discography.

And of course, no Modest Mouse show would be complete without “Float On.” A personal favorite of mine, the 2004 hit has become something of an indie rock anthem, offering a reassuring message that resonates just as strongly two decades later.

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It might’ve been a Wednesday night on the tail end of a 21-city journey, but that didn’t stop Quinn XCII from taking the Hollywood Palladium by storm during his LOOK! I’m Alive Tour. With a mix of infectious energy and intimate moments, he transformed the iconic venue into a playground for his genre-defying sound.

Kicking off the night with his 2023 hit “Georgia Peach,” Quinn immediately set the tone with high energy and undeniable charisma. He moved effortlessly between crowd favorites like “Candle,” “Stacy,” “Kings of Summer,” and encore “Straightjacket,” blending upbeat anthems with more introspective tracks.

With humor as sharp as his hooks, Quinn XCII joked between songs that Dua Lipa was performing across town at the Kia Forum that same night, thanking his loyal crowd for picking his stage instead.

“Dua Lipa can’t play guitar though, can she?” he quipped, effortlessly switching from intimate acoustic riffs to full-band anthems, making the Palladium feel like his personal jam session. From signing concertgoers’ shoes to leading scream-worthy call-and-response moments, Quinn XCII made sure every fan felt like an integral part of the show.

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“This was the first CD I ever owned!” one concertgoer gushed with wide-eyed excitement as The Fray delivered a set steeped in nostalgia at The Wiltern.

On the first of two nights in Los Angeles on their “How to Save a Life: The 20th Anniversary Tour,” from the first shimmering chords of “She Is” to the triumphant encore, the Denver band reminded fans why their songs have soundtracked so many pivotal moments over the last two decades. Celebrating their greatest hits and guiding the crowd through a carefully curated musical journey, this performance felt like a heartfelt gift to the fans who have supported them since their beginnings in 2002.

Even as a casual listener over the years, it wasn’t until I stood in the crowd that I truly understood the depth of The Fray’s catalog of iconic songs. Each song felt instantly recognizable yet somehow fresh, from the soaring choruses of “Over My Head (Cable Car)” to the hauntingly tender notes of “Fall Away” to personal favorite “You Found Me,” all of which had the sold out crowd—myself included—belting along as if the songs had never left us.

Singing the first bellowing notes of “Look After You,” lead singer Isaac Slade paused to invite special guest and opening act Landon Barker to the stage. Son of Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, it was clear Landon was no stranger to the spotlight as he strode back and forth, matching Slade’s unwavering emotion. Garnering hundreds of millions of views on TikTok for lip syncing to The Fray’s iconic tracks, this was a full-circle moment that allowed the 20-year-old song to bridge generations, connecting the band’s longtime fans with a younger audience in a shared celebration of music.

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A dazzling fusion of theatrical flair and musical talent, Spencer Sutherland’s performance at The Belasco made every inch of the venue feel alive. One of the final shows of his aptly named “The Drama Tour,” the singer, songwriter, and actor defined what it means to exude star power.

Kicking, strutting, and pouring every ounce of energy into his performance, Sutherland—clad in a sequined jumpsuit that only he could so effortlessly pull off—commanded the stage with a presence that was impossible to ignore.

The setlist, a dynamic mix of hits and deep cuts, showcased his range not only as a vocalist but as a storyteller. Highlights included a rousing rendition of “Everybody” and an emotionally charged performance of “Chicken Little,” leaving the crowd breathless as they tried to match with the singer’s boundless energy.

Just before belting a climactic high note in “Modern Heartbreak,” Sutherland paused dramatically, grinning as he told the crowd, “It’s to build drama”—a fitting nod to the theme that pulsed through every beat of the night. That same energy carried over when he welcomed Luke Spiller of The Struts to the stage, and together, the powerhouse vocalists tore through a fiery duet of “Don’t Stop Me Now,” transforming the venue into a full-blown rock opera. Their voices, attitude, and shared theatricality made for one of the night’s most unforgettable moments.

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Banter, barking, and a genuine venue-shaking performance, Role Model (Tucker Pillsbury) captivated crowds with two electrifying, sold-out shows at The Wiltern.

Self-releasing his debut EP in 2017 after recording it in his closet, the 27 year old artist quickly gained a dedicated online following. Combining honest storytelling with catchy melodies, his infectious energy and laid back persona has made him a standout in the indie pop scene.

A couple of tunes into his 19 song set, Pillsbury paused to connect with the buzzing crowd, admitting that while he cherished his time on the international leg of his “No Place Like Tour,” he missed the unmatched energy of US audiences. Rising to the occasion, the crowd erupted into cheers, barking, and nonstop noise between every song, ensuring the atmosphere remained rowdy from start to finish.

That energy wasn’t just heard—it was felt. If it hadn’t been for the sheer intensity of the moment and the lack of concern from fellow attendees, I legitimately would’ve thought there was an earthquake as the balcony shook beneath the weight of the crowd’s movement. My brief concern quickly faded as the singer-songwriter danced across the stage, grinning from ear to ear as the crowd’s excitement only continued to reach new heights.

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Wrapping up the US leg of the Aftercare World Tour, Nessa Barrett graced The Wiltern with two sold-out nights of heartfelt lyrics, angelic vocals, and an unforgettable connection with her fans.

Bathed in a white light, the ethereal vibes were in full effect as the 22-year-old singer took to the stage, met with deafening screams from her youthful fans and a parade of raised phones to capture her entrance. With many audience members even dressed in similar outfits to Barrett, it was clear that her influence went beyond just the music—she’s quickly become a style and cultural icon to her devoted following. The energy in the room was electric, with fans singing along to every word, completely immersed in the emotional journey Barrett took them on throughout the night.

Bringing themes of empowerment, heartache, and accountability to the spotlight, the rising artist poured her soul into every performance, delivering each note with a raw vulnerability that resonated deeply with the crowd. From anthems of resilience like “dying on the inside” to haunting ballads of lost love “i hope ur miserable until ur dead,” her setlist took fans on an emotional rollercoaster, seamlessly blending moments of pain and healing into a captivating narrative.

Rising to fame on TikTok—and quickly garnering over 500 million likes on the platform—Barrett has successfully transitioned from social media sensation to bona fide pop star. Her ability to channel personal struggles into relatable, heartfelt music has truly cemented her place as a voice for her generation.

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Dishing up nostalgia with a hearty dose of empowerment, JoJo’s sold-out performance at The Wiltern served as a tribute to the past and a reminder to embrace the future.

Breaking onto the music scene in 2003, the singer-songwriter’s Los Angeles stop on the Too Much to Say Tour was proof her music still resonates just as deeply as it did two decades ago. Bringing the house to its feet with powerhouse vocals, heartfelt emotion, and a surprise guest, she delivered a performance that was as electrifying as it was intimate.

From the moment she stepped onto the stage, JoJo commanded the audience’s attention, opening with 2025 bop “Nobody” from her 2025 EP “NGL.” With an all-female band and themes of empowerment woven throughout the night, she set the tone for an evening that celebrated strength, growth, and authenticity.

Known for her undeniable talent and resilience in the industry, JoJo transitioned seamlessly through her discography of hits, even treating the audience to a cover of SZA’s 2017 smash “Love Galore.” Stopping to address the audience, JoJo welcomed Grammy Award winning artist and personal friend, Tori Kelly to the stage—a sentence that was met with deafening screams as the duo took a seat. Delivering a cover of SWV’s “Weak,” the two vocalists soared through the song, their voices blending together as if they were perfectly crafted to harmonize.

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Unmatched vocals paired with a dose of powerhouse energy, Tori Kelly left it all on stage as she wrapped up the US leg of her Purple Skies tour on Saturday at The Wiltern.

Gaining initial recognition by posting covers on Youtube as a teenager, Kelly went on to appear on American Idol in 2010. Rising to fame as a household name in the music industry and beyond, listeners were captivated by her soulful range, original lyrics, and girl next door persona.

Announcing that the LA performance would be live-streamed on VEEPS, fans from Brazil, Indonesia, and beyond shared their excitement on Instagram, expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to experience the show from afar. The global reach of Tori Kelly’s music was evident as messages poured in from all corners of the world, showcasing her widespread impact and the loyalty of her diverse fanbase.

Throwing her signature curls as she belted out 2016 hits “Should’ve Been Us” and “Nobody Love,” the Grammy Award winning artist energized the sold out crowd to dance and sing along. Transitioning effortlessly into moments that showcased her raw talent, it was just Kelly and her guitar as she asked the audience for song requests, performing “Unbreakable Smile” and “Paper Hearts,” two fan favorites.

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Radiating energy, charm, and nostalgia, Jesse McCartney concluded Part 2 of the All’s Well Tour at The Fox Theater on Friday night.

Rising to stardom in the 2000s with his debut album Beautiful Soul, McCartney is now celebrating two decades of feel-good tunes and a remarkably successful career. From his early days of opening for the The Backstreet Boys and New Kids On The Block to demonstrating his acting skills on screen and even voicing popular animated characters, the triple threat musician has defied stereotypes of a typical teen star.

Treating fans to a well-curated setlist spanning his career—from beloved early hits “Leaving” and “Right Where you Want Me” to newer tracks “Wasted” and “Faux Fur”— each note was delivered with passion, connection and warmth.

Showcasing not only his evolution as an artist but also his maturity, the singer’s newest tracks from his 2024 EP “All’s Well” feature themes of growing up and parenthood—providing continued relatability with an audience that has aged alongside the Grammy-nominated singer.

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P!NK transformed Dodger Stadium into a spectacle of acrobatics, heartfelt banter, and electrifying tunes as she brought her Summer Carnival Tour to Los Angeles on Sunday night.

Kicking off the evening, Irish rock band The Script delivered a high-energy performance filled with classic hits “Breakeven” and “Hall of Fame” as well as a taste of the tunes from their 2024 album, Satellites. Parading across the stage, lead singer Danny O’Donoghue got the audience’s vocals thoroughly warmed up as the crowd filed in.

Next up: Sheryl Crow. Exuding comfortability on stage, the nine time Grammy award winning artist performed her chart-toppers including “All I Wanna Do” and “Soak Up The Sun.” A soundtrack to the ’90s, it was evident that many in the audience enjoyed reminiscing with her tunes. However, that didn’t stop the younger generations also bopping along to Crow’s timeless tracks.

As the lights dimmed and the audience hushed, it was time for P!NK to take the stage. Known for her incredible vocal control and undoubtedly catchy beats, P!NK has continuously delivered number one hits since her debut in 2000.

Emerging from a pair of lips hung high on the stage, P!NK wasted no time in showcasing her aerial skills. Opening with the fitting tune “Get The Party Started,” the singer flipped her way down to the ground on a bungee style mechanism as the crowd watched on in awe.

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Delivering a night of infectious tunes, Vampire Weekend mesmerized a crowd of 17,000 at the Hollywood Bowl on Wednesday night (6/12). 

Warming up the audience for the main event, The English Beat took to the stage with a reggae cover of The Staple Singers’ hit song “I’ll Take You There.” Serving up a hearty dose of nostalgia with their choice of tunes, it was impossible not to bop along as the stadium filled to capacity.

Formed in 2006, Vampire Weekend shot to fame with their 2008 debut album release, notably due to hits “A-Punk” (famously played by the band at Lollapalooza three times in a row) and “Oxford Comma.” Leaving a lasting imprint on the music industry, their Indie rock style with murmurs of a jam band are incredibly easy to listen to yet seemingly hard to replicate.

Kicking off their set with some fan favorite tunes from their 2010 album Contra, lead singer and guitarist Ezra Koenig, drummer Chris Tomson, and bassist Chris Baio graced the stage with charisma that only 20+ years of experience performing can bring. As their “Vampire Weekend” backdrop cascaded to reveal their full band, the energy continued to increase as the crowd watched, danced and sang on in awe.

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Serving up a hearty dose of nostalgia, British rock band The Kooks took to the Hollywood Palladium on Thursday night to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their hit album, Inside In/Inside Out.

Warming up the crowd while effortlessly gaining a new group of fans, fellow UK rock band The Vaccines played an opening 17 song set covering their 14 year discography. Groovy and familiar yet fresh, it’s hard not to picture their tunes as the soundtrack to a summer’s day with a cold libation in hand. Opening for an impressive list of bands including The Rolling Stones and Red Hot Chili Peppers, the four-piece band is now going on their own headlining tour across Mexico, Australia, and Europe. With the audience amped up and ready to go, it was time for the headliners to take the stage.

Formed in 2004, The Kooks have maintained a certain boyish, small town charm despite reaching mammoth levels of success. “We made it to Hollywooood!” lead singer Luke Pritchard exclaimed at one point, thanking the crowd for their support.

Despite over a decade having passed since Inside In/Inside Out’s release, the packed house was more than happy to travel back in time for the night. From “Seaside” to “She Moves in Her Own Way” as well as a peek into their newer tunes with “Closer” off their 2022 album 10 Tracks to Echo in the Dark, the journey across decades proved a reprieve from reality.

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