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Angel Olsen (Photo by Cameron McCool)
Angel Olsen releases Whole New Mess, a new album to be released on Aug. 28 via Jagjaguwar. A super intimate and vulnerable emotional portrait that shows her grappling with a period of personal tumult, Whole New Mess presents Angel working through her open wounds and raw nerves with just a few guitars and some microphones, isolated in a century-old church in the Pacific Northwest.
Angel Olsen (Photo by Cameron McCool)
Asked how she was doing Friday night, Angel Olsen replied that she was “a little tired, but trying to rock out now.” She and her band succeeded brilliantly at that with their rendition of her “Special.” Known for her terrific songwriting, Angel’s live show delivered on the jams at the sold-out Lincoln Theater.
In the vein of her new album, All Mirrors, Angel’s band included a string section (violin and cello), allowing them to play majestic orchestral arrangements that “sound epic,” as she told an interviewer.
Angel Olsen (Photo by Cameron McCool)
Angel Olsen released All Mirrors, her fourth studio album, via Jagjaguwar on Oct. 4. She’s performing at the Lincoln Theatre for two nights on Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2. The first night sold out fast, but tickets remain for Angel’s second show.
I can safely say that all the concerts I attended in 2017 exceeded my expectations, but of course I say that about all live music. I was fortunate to photograph over 80 shows in 2017, from artists both well known to those just starting out. I’m truly inspired watching these talented musicians and their courage in getting up on a stage to lay their souls bare. Or as the L.A. Times’ David Ackert so eloquently put it, “…musicians and singers are willing to give their entire lives to a moment — to that melody, that lyric, that chord, or that interpretation that will stir the audience’s soul.” Continue Reading
Angel Olsen performs at 9:30 Club on Dec. 15, 2017. (Photo by Mark Caicedo)
The first time I heard Angel Olsen sing, the name Patsy Cline kept repeating through my mind, and not because Wikipedia describes Ms. Olsen’s music as indie folk, indie rock, or alternative country, and not because their voices sound anything alike. Perhaps one could make a case that underneath Angel’s county blues melodies, there lurks Patsy’s Cline’s spirit. But for me the purity of their voices share the same mix of vulnerability and world-weariness.
Angel Olsen (Photo by Kyle Coutts)
Recently, Angel Olsen released Phases, a collection of B-sides, rarities, and demos from the past few years, via Jagjaguwar. Angel launched a tour that included a night at 9:30 Club. That first night quickly sold out, so 9:30 Club booked her for a second night on Friday, Dec. 15. You can win tickets to see Angel Olsen on that night with Parklife DC.
Angel Olsen (Photo by Amanda Marsalis)
On Sept. 2, folk siren Angel Olsen will release her third album, My Woman, via Jagjaguwar. Immediately afterward, Angel will launch a tour with a six-piece band, and that tour will make an early stop at the 9:30 Club on Thursday, Sept. 15.
In songs like “Intern,” the first single from the new album, Angel’s unique voice and personality are on display. Although she’s clearly settled into the folk and alt-country genres, Angel carries herself with an upstart punk attitude that distinguishes her from the pack. The New York Times called “Intern” a “synthpop dirge, shimmering and glacial.”
Angel gets a little warmer but no less defiant on her latest single, “Shut Up Kiss Me.” (Well, today, Angel dropped “Sister,” so maybe not her latest single.) Watch the official video for “Shut Up Kiss Me” by Angel Olsen on YouTube:
Parklife DC is giving away a pair of tickets so that you see Angel Olsen when she comes to town. To win these tickets, leave a comment on this blog. You can leave any comment, but perhaps tell us your favorite Angel Olsen song?
For the rules of this giveaway–
Comments will be closed at 5pm on Friday and a winner will be randomly selected. The winner will be notified by email. The winner must respond to our email within 24 hours or they will forfeit their tickets and we will pick another winner. We will email you instructions on claiming your ticket. Good luck!
Tickets also are available online!
Angel Olsen
w/ Alex Cameron
9:30 Club
Thursday, Sept. 15
Doors @7pm
$20
All ages
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