You've got to really, really want to see a band if you go to the Gibson Amphitheatre. You can't just drop by casually and check it out. One has to commit themselves mentally, physically, and financially for such a trip. By the time you've shelled out an exorbitant sum for parking, had your senses assaulted from all sides by the glowing hell scape that is Universal Citywalk and are finally sitting in the murky, oppressive gloom of the amphitheater, most of us are grumpy as hell and in desperate need of a stiff drink. Fortunately for everyone at that venue The Silversun Pickups are so good that they managed to erase all of those bad memories after the first couple notes. Even the depressing ambiance of the venue was lifted immediately as front man, Brian Aubert couldn't contain his joy at being home, "Forgive us if it’s a little cheeseball, but we’ve been waiting so long to say these three little words: Hello, Los Angeles!” The crowd roared in welcome, and Aubert asked that the house lights be turned on so he could see his adoring fans. After soaking up some of the hometown love, the triumphant Pickups set about the task of blowing everyone's mind (and eardrums). more ›

About once a month here in LA there will be a night of rock that is perfect. A night where you really should do yourself a favor and take advantage of the overflowing monkey cup of killer tunes happening in our own backyard. A night so filled with great music that if you don't go outside and listen to the music you should really ask yourself why you a) read this blog b) have... more ›

What's life like when you guys are touring?


life is good on the road. it is generally exciting and it beats working bars in victoria. my only complaint is that there is often very little time to see the city we are playing in by day. night is for working and day is for sleeping in a van when touring.

When can Los Angeles expect a show from you guys?


2007 is the year for joh to take it south goddammit! nothing official to report though. we played LA twice in support of our debut EP, but we've yet to play it on this first full-length (Bridges). hopefully that'll change soon.

Your album Bridges is hot, tell us about it?


hot...like "oooo that's hot, too hot for the hot tub....yeooooow." may he rest in peace. or was that only from eddie murphy's spoof as the godfather of soul? not sure. in all seriousness, it's an album we're proud of...it's about movement and journeying, and we tried to infuse it with an hypnotic quality like taking a roadtrip. But we also honor the great songwriting traditions, hence a memorable melody is always at the base of everything we do (or at least we hope).

How did you dudes hook up with Neil Osborne?


We did some touring with neil's band 54/40 when we were younger. we played in a different incarnation of joh. he was always very friendly and supportive of the young up and comers. when it came time to choose a producer for the first full length jets record we new we wanted someone with a songwriting background and someone who new what they liked. someone who was ready to voice their opinion - good or bad. plus he wrote 'ocean pearl'...one of my personal faves.

What artists has influenced the bands sound?


the doves, radiohead, simon and garfunkel, oasis. just to name a few.
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FRIDAY more ›

Though dour and somber, Jeff Tweedy is still making music. You can see Wilco tonight when KCRW presents their live show at the Wiltern. The show starts at 8:00 PM. more ›

For a grunge-y, retro-'90s evening, The Roxy is hosting Georgia alt-rockers Collective Soul with Driveblind at 9:00 PM. Doors open at 8:00 PM and tickets are $25.00. more ›

Tonight at the Troubadour, catch Richard Buckner with Damien Jurado and Dolorean at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $14.00. more ›