It’s an exciting time for the music industry, aspiring artists in particular. With so many technological advances at their fingertips—singers, songwriters and rockstars alike have more ways to create, record and share their music.

But one thing that has yet to change is the value of the concert. Just 10 years ago the album was shared to promote the tour. Today, it’s the tour that’s used to promote the album. The concert, no matter what the time period, is important. A good concert, imperative for a successful artist. Up and coming alternative folk band, Erland, sensationally solidified that notion last night. 

The Hotel Cafe—a golden corner stone for live music in North Hollywood—can make an artist, but considering their jam packed evenings (artists back to back) they only have about 40 minutes to do so.

As friends and family of the four-man band from Santa Barbara, eagerly filled up the few seats, Cahuenga Boulevard cruisers strolled into the cozy venue unaware of what they might hear. It took one song for them to learn the band name. It took one song for them to be hooked.

In February, Erland, sat down with Neon Tommy and spoke about how the band started, what they’re doing and what their plans might be for the future. Their story isn’t anything out of the ordinary. Erland Wanberg, lead singer, wanted to embark on a solo singer-songwriter journey.

“I didn't really want, a band per say. I'd just left a band and was like I wanted my own thing. And then sure enough I got these guys in a room and I was like 'Damnit, I'm not going to be able to do it again'," he said. 

So the group hit the ground running to make their mark. They went to the studio, put their debut album “On Our Side” (2013) on Bandcamp, iTunes and Spotify and toured with Andrew McMahon. The usual routine. 

Their chemistry, however, is anything but. At 8:07, following the four beat intro, the guys were in the zone, ready to sing and play their hearts out, ready to win over new ears with “Fall to Fly.”     

The single—their second favorite song to play live, after “Working For Free”—is every artist’s or person’s (for that matter) dream. In order to make it, you’ve got to bite the dust at least once or twice. Their facial expressions displayed all the bumps along the road, as Erland’s powerful vocals and the captivating instrumentals were telling of just how ready (and capable) they are to fly. 

They’re multi-talented multitaskers, each playing at least on instrument while singing. Their sound is chilling—brooding with ambition, belief in themselves, their music and their fans. 

Their framily (friends and family) reciprocated those vibes as they got up to dance. They begged for an encore as new listeners tapped and shuffled their get along to the syncopated beats and intricate guitar picking. 

“My Love”—their hit single— won over new listeners like it did upon its release… immediately. But it was their last song, a new one that had audience eager to use their “free album download cards” as soon as they got home. 

“Down on luck, high on hope,” they sang. Undoubtedly another inspiring anthem for up and coming artists. 

At 8:43, although 36 minutes too short, the intimate set left the audience satisfied. It’s a good thing they’ll be able to hear more from Erland soon. The band will be playing two shows once a month in Los Angeles—at The Hotel Cafe and The Mint. 

They get it. The concert, a great concert, is imperative. The album might keep fans but the concert generates them. An awesome live set (proof of talent and hard work), combined with hope, can only lead to a successful carer. 

So stay tuned, go out and grab a seat, because these fellas are just getting warmed up. 

Read more of NT's show reviews here.

Reach Staff Reporter Cortney Riles here. Follow her on Twitter here.