Earlier this month, local record label Manimal Vinyl (see our interview last year with its founder) held its 2nd Annual Manimal Festival at Pappy and Harriet's Pioneertown Palace. "In its second year, the two-day event showcases bands on Paul Beahan's record label... alongside musically bohemian peers," described Daiana Feuer from Papermag. "Manimal's experimental pop catalog -- which began most notably by releasing Bat For Lashes' record two years ago -- lends a unified voice to freak folk and its close cousins, many which are collected on yearly tribute albums to Madonna, The Cure, and in 2010, David Bowie. Manimal's focus mainly follows two streams: The ethereal, spooky soloist tradition [and] the dance beat, taking pop to strange outer space." more ›

Tonight Anaheim-based ska-infused pop outfit No Doubt will be headlining the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater twice with Grammy-nominated pop punk outfit Paramore and Swedish new wave rockers the Sounds in tow. Virginia Beach-based funk/hip hop group N*E*R*D are poised to take on the Avalon. And, lastly, Chicago-based pop rock trio Company of Thieves are poised to grace Spaceland. But we strongly suggest heading over to Loft 265 in Downtown to catch local "bohemian glam" duo the Polyamorous Affair. LAist favorites Dios (LAist Interview, Review, #2) are slated to kick things off. more ›

Last Tuesday was the Barack Obama-rama at Spaceland (MySpace) in Silver Lake. Organized by Electrocute's (MySpace) Nicole Morier, the fundraiser featured performances by the Copenhagen-based Wolfkin (MySpace) and locals The Polyamorous Affair (MySpace), the aforementioned Electrocute, Willoughby (MySpace), The Bird and the Bee (MySpace), Hard Place (MySpace), and The Lady Tigra (MySpace), as well as booths for Planned Parenthood and the Obama campaign, a voter registration drive, and a raffle that included Obama Hope campaign posters donated by Shepard Fairey. more ›

Earlier this month, local electropop duo Electrocute (MySpace) -- previously covered here -- performed at Bordello (MySpace) in Downtown LA. more ›