This year I’m starting a monthly post of some of my favorites—artists, tracks, discoveries, shows, and videos that really shined during the month. Without further ado, here are my January musings:

Album:

Dear Nora: Mountain Rock (Reissue). This gem was placed in my lap via a writing assignment for my internship at mxdwn. Listening to the calming, gentle folk rock made the job so effortless, and when I put pen to paper, thoughts just flowed easily from my mind. Read my album review here and take a listen below to get lost in the mountains:

*Please note this is the 2004 version. You can purchase the reissue here.

Also catch Dear Nora this Thursday, January 19 at the Bootleg Theater in Los Angeles.

Song:

“Let it Happen” by Jon Bap

I came across this song on my Spotify Discovery playlist, which I listen to religiously each week. I loved it so much that it completely set the tone for my next playlist (coming soon!) Take a listen here and get lost in dreamy contemplation:

Show:

GIRLSCHOOL 2017 (Jan 27-29)

I’ve only been to two shows so far this month, one being in a Hollywood backyard and presented by Beating Lights who always put together really fun hangs, and the other being the Smell’s benefit show at the Belasco theater with Ty Segall, Bleached, Best Coast, No Age, Health and more.

But the show I’m anticipating this month will come later, as Girlschool L.A. will be taking over the Bootleg Theater on the evenings of January 27-29. I attended this festival last year and it was absolutely stellar—filled with powerhouse leading ladies in the indie, punk, hardcore, and pop scene, and kicking off with a panel discussion about what the industry is like for women, there was no lack of girl power to go around. This year Chelsea Wolfe will headline, which will take the weekend to a whole new level. So, get out your finest black and join me for these amazing female-fronted acts!

Purchase tickets to GIRLSCHOOL 2017 here.

That’s all I have for this month, but as my finds grow in number, so will this list! Have a suggestion or recommendation? Name it in the comment below!

xo, Ilana.