Electric Guest: Local Band We Love

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From KCRW DJ Chris Douridas:

As many of you know, I host a weekly club night on Mondays called Bardot which has become a godsend – I’m constantly humbled by the incredible artistry that appears on that tiny stage in Hollywood. Often they are new bands that have become favorites on my playlist early in their careers.

This week was a bell ringer for several reasons. For one, we featured the 7th public performance by Electric Guest, fronted by the diminutive and charismatic Asa Taccone.

Despite being virtually unknown, they are one of the most promising unsigned bands in the world, aided by the fact that they’re managed by Monotone Inc. (Jack White, Vampire Weekend, The Shins, Cold War Kids) and produced by Brian Burton (AKA Danger Mouse).

Stream Electric Guest’s “Troubleman”

Troubleman by KCRW

Danger Mouse (Gorillaz, Gnarls Barkley, Broken Bells, The Black Keys, U2) is at that point in his career where he can do no wrong. At this precious moment, he is the arbiter of what is hip, redefining pop and elevating what might be otherwise esoteric concepts into radio-ready joyrides.

Brian came to the project thanks to his longstanding friendship with Jorma Taccone, Asa’s brother, who is famous for his contributions to The Lonely Island (with Andy Samberg) and their renegade musical sketches on Saturday Night Live (ie. “Dick in a Box”!).

I first played Electric Guest on air at KCRW on May 28 and it was one of those radio debuts that reminded me of how lucky I am to have a platform to share music I love. And standing in the crowd this past Monday, watching the band on stage – and watching Brian watch the band onstage – inspired still another moment of joy and deep gratitude.

I should mention too that the evening was rounded out nicely by our opening band, Kye Kye, and headliner Vanessa Carlton, who’s about to release Rabbits on the Run, the finest album of her career thus far. Vanessa’s set featured an impromptu appearance by Stevie Nicks, the legendary solo artist and front woman of Fleetwood Mac. Flabbergasted fans lunging for their cell phone cameras and twitter accounts pushed Stevie into the top trending topics for the next few hours.

Amazing.

Find out about upcoming School Night shows here and definitely keep an eye out for Electric Guest!

— Chris Douridas

(Editor’s note: Electric Guest’s debut album Radical Miracle is currently in the negotiation stages for an upcoming release.  Stay tuned to KCRW for updates.)