la-underground
Aug 26, 2017 · 2 min read
Laura Burhenn

We are writing this a mere few minutes before her record release tonight to share our thoughts on the lady behind The Mynabirds.

To be honest, we can’t exactly recall how we first encountered her music but somehow over a series of interweb transactions in the early 00’s we presented several of then DC-based Laura Burhenn’s first shows in Los Angeles beginning in 2004 at The Hotel Cafe. (By the way, The Hotel Cafe is pretty cool today but back then it was so fucking awesome that you could book a show directly through Marko or Gary Jules and set up three pro DV cameras on tripods mounted on cafe tables and no one said anything. Hence, we have this great video from that first show.) As per our usual ghost mode, we booked those shows but never met her until years later.

Laura Burhenn performing a cover of Radiohead’s “Karma Police” at the Hotel Cafe in 2004

After nearly a decade of hounding her to move to LA (mostly via MySpace messages), we pretty much gave up only to see her join the The Postal Service reunion touring band a few years back and then learning later she indeed finally made the change of postal codes to 90026. She’s always been a sweetheart and a fantastic musician, from her time in Georgie James, O+S, and Bright Eyes to when we just randomly saw her in Molly Kate Kestner’s band recently. Tonight, she celebrates the release of “Be Here Now,” an album deeply influenced by the current state of the world that comes with all the dark juxtaposed political themes and bright pop melodies you’d want from a sharp-witted songwriter. If you go, give her a hug and whisper in her ear.. Los Angeles loves you, Laura Burhenn.

The Mynabirds perform tonight at the Bootleg Bar. Stream/Download the album here.

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