Caitlin Linney at "On The Rox"

On legendary Sunset Boulevard is the venue “On The Rox,” which is basically the adorable younger sister to a badass older brother, “The Roxy.” Once you get past the sassy gothic doorwoman with a top hat, you venture up stairs to a small bowling alley shaped room, where a petite blonde songbird was playing.

            This very talented singer/songwriter’s name is 22-year-old Caitlin Linney. She hails from rural North Carolina and has moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of music. I found out about Caitlin through word of mouth, and her awesome website. She has been making waves in the local music scene, most recently playing at the famous Hotel Café, where signers like Sarah Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson still perform today.

            From what I have heard, Caitlin’s performance at “On The Rox” was different from any show she has previously played in LA. This time around, a band was involved. The audience was excited to see her with a live band, because most had only heard her acoustic recordings. They were ready for something different, and Caitlin Linney totally delivered.

            The tiny blonde stepped up to the stage later than expected. The other acts for the night were running a bit long, and had some technical issues. She took hold of the microphone with confidence and introduced herself and the band. It was quick and to the point, and I got the sense that she really wanted to jump right into performing.

            In a billowy floral top, cowboy boots, and guitar in hand she looked like a cute Taylor Swift Junior, that was, until she opened her mouth. This girl has pipes! I was so upset that I pre-judged, because she is the farthest thing from Taylor (Miss Swift is not the greatest live performer, remember Stevie Nicks Grammy performance?).

            Caitlin and the added sound from the band was awesome. It really rounded the music out, and set her apart from other musicians that just use a single instrumental element. With piano, guitar, bass, and drums the sound of the music was much richer, and the beats were fun to bounce along to.

           
As her set went on, I could tell that she was feeding off the audience and getting more into it. With each song performed, the audience was getting to know a different layer of Caitlin. Her songs are very personal, and mostly come from direct experiences.

The performance was a journey of ups, downs, and female power jams with contrasting elements.

            Her song “Paradise” is a pretty love song about being with someone and realizing that they are all you need. It was played acoustically, as she gazed dreamily plucking away at her guitar. While her other song, “My Own Ship” was about not needing someone to be with to feel complete anymore. She was on the piano with the full band, and it sent a strong message of confidence, and girl power. Get the sense of a relationship and break-up song? I DID!

            You can tell how personal her works are by the look on her face when she performs. Caitlin has this amazing way of sending a message with her body language that works really well. I really enjoyed this one special moment when she removed her guitar and stepped in front of the keyboard. I was getting the sense that she was guarded with the guitar, and without it, she was free to dance around and become really comfortable with the space, and the audience. I have to give the girl credit because it was a tough room. Size wise it was pretty small, so she was battling with people talking. Also, since “The Roxy” is directly underneath, the bass was making the floors and walls vibrate competing with her sound.

            With all the challenges, and her first time performing with a full band in LA, I would definitely check out another one of Caitlin’s shows. The music and lyrics were nicely crafted, and she has some really interesting material. Her beautiful melodic voice, set to awesome lyrics was the perfect combination.

I am excited to see where she will be in a few years. If she figures out how to get an edge over the other female musicians in the area, this girl could be on a fast track to breaking the business, and for a new LA transplant that’s pretty cool.

I’m terrible at comparing different singers to one another. Instead, I took some video of her performance and you can decide who she sounds like. Check it out!