The Tallest Man on Earth
Andrea von Kampen
Lodge Room104 Avenue 56, Los Angeles 90042
The Tallest Man on Earth headlines Lodge Room with Andrea von Kampen featured on the bill. The night brings Kristian Matsson’s fall tour to Highland Park, shortly before its November 15 finish in Phoenix. Matsson’s 2023 album Henry St. was his first recorded in a band setting, and he has called it his “most me album yet,” a record that gathers “so many of the different noises in my head.”
The Tallest Man on Earth is the performing name of Kristian Matsson, a songwriter whose singing and writing have often drawn Bob Dylan comparisons. Matsson has acknowledged Dylan as an influence, having begun listening at 15; Dylan’s covers then led him back to early American folk artists including Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. Still, he resists being assigned to a tradition: “I don’t want to be part of a tradition. I just want to do what feels natural to me. This is how I play, and this is how I write songs.” Onstage, The New York Times observed him using “every inch of his long guitar cord to roam the stage,” darting, crouching, stretching and perching before moving again.
The Lodge Room offers a distinctive live music experience on the second floor of a building in Highland Park, where the room’s modest size brings the stage close to the audience, creating a direct connection with the performers. The venue features a bar but does not serve full meals, encouraging guests to focus on the music while enjoying drinks. Shows typically start in the evening, with doors opening around 7 pm and performances beginning an hour later, often including multiple sets or late-night shows. Seating is limited and generally first come first served, so arriving early can secure a good spot. The space’s walls and layout emphasize the music, making it a place to listen attentively while still allowing for a relaxed social vibe. This venue remains a lively part of the local music scene, hosting a range of artists and styles.