Author Archives: Luanne Lim

TVD Ticket Giveaway: Sound Bites, a Benefit for D.C. Central Kitchen at the Ronald Reagan Building, 5/4

By Luanne Lim | Published: April 23, 2014

After a long and abnormally cold winter, Spring has finally arrived. What better way to enjoy the warmer weather than with food, drinks, and good music?

Enter DC’s Sound Bites. The music fest previously hosted at the 9:30 Club has been relocated to the Ronald Reagan Building this year. The event features food and drink samples from over 25 restaurants, a Bar Battle between mixologists and, of course, music. Playing at this year’s Sound Bites are eclectic singer-songwriter Billy Thompson and his band, the eight-piece brass band Black Masala, The Get Down’s Saturday DJ Harry Hotter and band Ingleside Collective.

Sound Bites takes place on Sunday, 5/4, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Event tickets have already been on sale, but if you haven’t purchased tickets yet, we’re giving a pair away!

Posted in TVD Washington, DC | 6 Comments

TVD Ticket Giveaway: M3 Rock Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion, 4/25-26

By Luanne Lim | Published: April 21, 2014

It’s almost that time of year again when music festivals roll into town, bringing bands and music lovers of all genres together for a day or weekend full of music, booze, and possible leg cramping.

These fun-filled weekends come in a variety of sizes and genres. The nationwide Vans Warped Tour is basically a traveling concert, hitting up numerous cities in a span of 50+ days. On the west coast, there’s indie, grunge-rock Coachella and SXSW. On the east coast, there’s the CMJ Music Festival for up-and-coming artists, and the hard-rock and metal M3 Rock Festival.

This year, the M3 Rock Festival celebrates its sixth year of bringing metalheads together for one big hurrah at the Merriweather Post Pavilion. Though tickets went on sale last month, if you still haven’t gotten yours, have no worries! We’re giving away two-day lawn passes each month leading up to the festival.

Posted in TVD Washington, DC | 16 Comments

TVD Vinyl Giveaway: The Afghan Whigs, Do to the Beast Test Pressing

By Luanne Lim | Published: April 15, 2014

Since splitting up and reuniting from 2007 until 2011, alt-rockers the Afghan Whigs have regrouped, once again, and this time for more than just live performances.

Earlier this year, the Afghan Whigs announced the official release date of their first album in sixteen years. Titled Do to the Beast, the album went on sale in North America today. Do to the Beast marks the seventh album for the band and features ten brand new songs, including the single “Algiers.”

Sixteen years is a long time to wait for new music. In honor of the Afghan Whigs’ first release in sixteen years, we’re giving away one of the test pressings of the long-awaited album Do to the Beast.

Posted in The TVD Storefront | 18 Comments

TVD Vinyl Giveaway: Devo/The Flaming Lips, “Gates of Steel” 7″ Silver Test Pressing

By Luanne Lim | Published: April 14, 2014

We’re heading back to the ’80s for this Record Store Day exclusive vinyl giveaway…

1980 was a big year for American band Devo. The new wave combo released their third album Freedom of Choice, which featured the band’s biggest hit, “Whip It.” With a strong single, Devo’s third album peaked at number 14 on the Billboard charts and, according to the band’s official bio, “represented a peak in their songwriting.”

In addition to “Whip It,” Freedom of Choice also featured “Gates of Steel,” which was covered by fellow American rockers The Flaming Lips just last year. In celebration of Record Store Day, The Flaming Lips will be releasing a limited edition, silver 7″ of their previously unreleased “Gates of Steel” live cover, with Devo’s live version of the song from the DEV-O Live EP as the B-side.

The release is limited to only 7,500 copies. What’s even more limited edition than that? We’re giving away one of the test pressings.

Posted in The TVD Storefront | 37 Comments

TVD Vinyl Giveaway: Conor Oberst, “Hundreds of Ways” b/w “Fast Friends” 7″ Test Pressing

By Luanne Lim | Published: April 9, 2014

Though he has played in a handful of different bands throughout the years, Conor Oberst has kept one thing consistent: the release of new music.

Primarily known for being the lead singer in Bright Eyes, Oberst is taking the solo path, releasing a new solo album on May 20. In an interview with Rolling Stone, the singer-songwriter said the new release has a “country-flavor” to it. Titled Upside Down Mountain, the release will be his first solo album since 2008. The album will feature the track “Hundreds of Ways,” which was released as a single earlier this year.

“Hundreds of Ways,” along with another track titled “Fast Friends,” will be a part of a limited-edition 7″ that will be for sale on Record Store Day, which falls on April 19 this year. Because we love giving vinyl to fellow vinyl lovers, we’re giving away a very special copy of the “Hundreds of Ways” b/w “Fast Friends” limited-edition 7″ test pressing! Very rare, indeed.

Posted in The TVD Storefront | 35 Comments

TVD Vinyl Giveaway: Regina Spektor,
“You’ve Got Time” 7″ Orange Test Pressing

By Luanne Lim | Published: April 7, 2014

Though Grammy-nominated artist Regina Spektor wasn’t able to attend this year’s Grammys, she is participating in the upcoming Record Store Day.

Born in the Soviet Union, singer-songwriter Regina Spektor emigrated to New York with her family when she was just a young girl. Prior to the move, Spektor took up piano lessons that ultimately led to her passion for music of all sorts. She began writing songs and performing at small cafes and colleges around New York City. Spektor self-released two CDs, 11:11 and Songs, before signing with Sire Records, then releasing several albums, including the popular Begin to Hope, which featured singles “Fidelity” and “The Call.”

A proud supporter of vinyl, Spektor announced on her official site the limited release of a special edition, orange-colored 7″ for Record Store Day. The 7″ features her hit song “You’ve Got Time” on Side A and “Call Them Brothers” on Side B. There will only be 3,000 copies released, but we have something even more special for you to win. We happen to have our hands on one of the test pressings of these limited-edition singles, and in the spirit of celebrating records, we’re giving it away!

Posted in The TVD Storefront | 22 Comments

TVD Vinyl Giveaway: David Bowie, “Rebel Rebel” and “1984” limited edition 7″ picture discs

By Luanne Lim | Published: April 3, 2014

The month of April isn’t just bringing rain showers that lead to May flowers. April also brings about Record Store Day. And nothing celebrates Record Store Day like a vinyl giveaway!

Music icon David Bowie, aka David Robert Jones, made a lasting mark in the US rock music scene in the ’70s. Hailing from the UK, Bowie is an artist who formed an impression on the public with his unique voice and meaningful songs, and he has been in the spotlight for decades.

First released on February 15, 1974, David Bowie’s single “Rebel Rebel” celebrated its 40th anniversary just two months ago. In commemoration of its 40th year, Parlophone is releasing limited edition 7″ picture discs of Bowie’s big hits. The seventh disc of the limited edition series, “Rebel Rebel” was released on March 10, 2014, and we happen to have a copy of the limited edition 7″ picture disc to give away! And for Record Store Day, we also have the “1984” limited edition 7″ picture disc that is set to be released on RSD this year, April 19.

Posted in The TVD Storefront | 30 Comments

TVD Ticket Giveaway: The Faint at the 9:30 Club, 5/20

By Luanne Lim | Published: March 24, 2014

2008 marked what appeared to be the end of Nebraska band, The Faint. Five years later, the band made a resurgence with the release of a 4-song EP titled Preversions, which ultimately led up to their new LP set for release this coming April.

After releasing their fifth studio album, Fasciinatiion, the Nebraskan foursome, currently composed of Todd Fink, Clark Baechle, Jacob Thiele, and Dapose, realized their songwriting process became somewhat of a dud. Seeing this as a sign for a hiatus, The Faint faded into the background, its members going off on their own creative endeavors. A year after regrouping in 2013, the band is releasing their long-awaited sixth album titled Doom Abuse.

Doom Abuse will be released on April 8. Later that next month, The Faint will be heading out on a nationwide tour that includes a stop at the 9:30 Club on Tuesday, May 20. Haven’t gotten your tickets yet? No worries! We’re giving some away!

Posted in The TVD Storefront | 10 Comments

TVD Ticket Giveaway: Ray LaMontagne at Merriweather Post Pavilion, 6/4

By Luanne Lim | Published: March 20, 2014

Four years after the release of his Grammy-winning album God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise, singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne is set to release a new album this coming May.

The folk singer didn’t originally start out in the music business. After graduating high school, LaMontagne worked at a shoe factory in Maine. He began pursuing a music career in 1999, landing a gig as the opener for John Gorka and Jonathan Edwards after writing and recording a ten-track demo album. In 2004, LaMontagne earned a record deal with RCA Records, with whom he released his debut album Trouble.

Towards the end of May, LaMontagne is embarking on a nationwide tour to promote the release of his fifth studio album. Named after the album, the Supernova Tour will be making a stop at Merriweather Post Pavilion on Wednesday, June 4, and we’re giving away a pair of tickets!

Posted in TVD Washington, DC | 28 Comments

TVD Ticket Giveaway: Mogwai with Majeure at the 9:30 Club, 5/7

By Luanne Lim | Published: March 17, 2014

The term mogwai in Cantonese is translated to mean “monster,” “devil,” or “demon.” In the music world, Mogwai is translated to mean a really awesome Scottish post-rock band.

Formed in Glasgow in 1995, rock quintet Mogwai consists of Scott Braithwaite, Dominic Aitchison, Martin Bulloch, John Cummings, and Barry Burns. Since their formation, the band has consistently released albums and EPs that are more instrumental than vocal, building a reputation focused around each member’s guitar work.

Currently on a mini European tour, Mogwai is heading across the ocean to tour North America beginning mid-April. As a part of the North American tour, Mogwai is coming to the 9:30 Club on Wednesday, May 7, and we’re giving away tickets.

Posted in TVD Washington, DC | 8 Comments

TVD Vinyl Giveaway: Nick Waterhouse, Holly, autographed LP

By Luanne Lim | Published: March 13, 2014

Mardi Gras may have been last week, but Nick Waterhouse’s latest release, Holly, keeps the jazzy, soulful vibe of New Orleans’ annual festivities going through its dance worthy tracks.

Though his sound is native to Louisiana, Nick Waterhouse is not. Born and raised in California, the singer-songwriter began his music career in 2002, playing underground music gigs in a band called Intelligista. Several years after the band ended, Waterhouse recorded and released a single titled “Some Place.” The single’s success earned Waterhouse a record deal with Innovative Leisure Records in 2011, with whom he released his first LP, Time’s All Gone.

Just last week, Waterhouse released his second LP, Holly. He also announced international tour dates for the upcoming months. In honor of the release of Holly, we’re giving away an autographed copy of the LP.

Posted in The TVD Storefront | 7 Comments

TVD Ticket Giveaway: Band of Skulls at the 9:30 Club, 4/28

By Luanne Lim | Published: March 10, 2014

From finding a spot on this year’s SXSW line-up to releasing their third studio album, the British three-piece has an exciting few months ahead.

Originating in Southampton, UK, Band of Skulls began playing shows in 2008. The band, who formerly performed under the name Fleeing New York, is composed of Matt Hayward, Russell Marsden, and Emma Richardson. Having been on several tours and opening for big name rock acts Muse and Red Hot Chili Peppers, Band of Skulls has built an impressive resumé within the past few years. Adding to the list, the trio is set to play this year’s SXSW again this year, as well as release their new album titled Himalayan.

After playing the Texas music fest, Band of Skulls is heading out on an international tour to promote the new album. As a part of the US leg of tour, they are playing the 9:30 Club on Monday, April 28, and we’re giving away a pair of tickets.

Posted in TVD Washington, DC | 11 Comments

TVD Ticket Giveaway: M3 Rock Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion, 4/25-26

By Luanne Lim | Published: March 7, 2014

Posted in TVD Washington, DC | 13 Comments

TVD Ticket Giveaway: Rod Stewart & Santana, in the city and the venue of your choice!

By Luanne Lim | Published: March 7, 2014

Music legends Rod Stewart and Carlos Santana are teaming up for a summer tour that is sure to rock your socks off.

Well, it may be too hot to wear socks in the summer, but this is a tour that any rock fan wouldn’t want to miss. Rod Stewart, a man who began his career nearly five decades ago and still has it going on, as evidenced by his 2013 release, Time, and multi-Grammy winner, legendary guitarist Carlos Santana, are sharing the stage for a tour titled “The Voice. The Guitar. The Songs.”

Two of music’s greatest icons. One stage. Eighteen cities. It will definitely be a night to remember. Though tickets don’t go on sale until this Friday, March 7, we have your hook-up to scoring tickets to a show in the city and venue of your choice.

Posted in The TVD Storefront | 20 Comments

TVD Ticket Giveaway: Dr. Dog at the 9:30 Club, 3/15

By Luanne Lim | Published: February 25, 2014

In west Philadelphia, born and raised…

Okay, so rock band Dr. Dog may not be from the same area as the Fresh Prince, but the six-piece is from Philly. Strongly inspired by legendary bands of the ’60s, Dr. Dog brings the sound of the Beatles and The Beach Boys to the present… adding their own hometown twist to it, of course. The band returned to their hometown this past winter to record their latest release, titled B-Room.

Dr. Dog is currently on their B-Room Tour, promoting the new album. Since their first show at the 9:30 Club, March 14, sold out, the band added another show to their tour. Saturday, March 15, Dr. Dog will be playing a second show at the 9:30 Club, and we’re giving away a pair of tickets.