Quick Hit Band Interview: Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara at Harvard & Stone

Q&A time with the band (via Cassie). Hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? Grunge surf doo wop.

What’s your favorite Santa Barbara song and what makes it the favorite? I really like our song "She Needs a Little Light". It's melodic and catchy but with a dark undertone to it.

Own Q&A: Dream band to open for? Best Coast.

Sloppy Jane at Zebulon

I headed off to Zebulon for the first time. It's a nice location in Atwater Village, just by the LA river on Fletcher. I'd gotten an e-mail from Bloody Death Skull saying they were playing a free show. I was like, "Why not? They're always fun to photograph, I've never been to Zebulon, and it is free." Also, on the bill was a band called Sloppy Jane. I'd never seen them before and only tangentially knew about them via a photo that I'd come across one day and the fact that video blogger Scene and Heard TV mentioned them to me once in a conversation we had.

There is this similarity between Sloppy Jane and Bloody Death Skull. Both had large bands on stage. Sloppy Jane was comprised of 8 musicians and Bloody Death Skull had 10 on this night. There was this feel of a music commune going on.

During set up, two members of Sloppy Jane were sitting next to a mini-television/VCR combo set. One kept playing around with the machine. She'd hold the VHS tape, play with it and then put it into the VCR. I think she did this two or three times. When she put the tape in for the final time, she pushed a button repeatedly on the set. I wasn't sure if the set was malfunctioning and she was trying to fix it or if she was just playing around. Or maybe she was just trying to get static lines to show up on the television, because as soon as Sloppy Jane started to play, the picture quality had all these static lines across it.

Sloppy Jane

Just before the set began, all 8 members of the band sat together as a group. Some were talking with each other. Some were just watching the others. Others just staring off into space. Anyways, another reason why I got this sense I was watching a music commune gather together.

Then the band started. Lead singer, Haley Dahl, turned her back to the audience for a brief second. She turned back around and blue blood vomited out of her mouth. She then stripped down to her birthday suit. I was temporarily taken aback. I knew she played nude via the photo and conversation, but it was still a shock when there was a crowd around the stage and the rest of the band just kept playing as if nothing had happened.

The rest of the set had you sometimes wondering if you were watching a band or an artsy play. Why do I say this? Well, beyond Haley being nude for 75% of the set, there were other moments like when two members of the band were hugging it out. Also, there were moments when I wasn't sure the members of the band were actually in coordination. One could almost say they were going off on their own, in tune with their own musical feelings. Or maybe I should call it independent improvisation.

Sloppy Jane

Putting the whole set experience together, I can only say it was marvelous.

Anyways, I'm sort of limiting my thoughts here on Bloody Death Skull as I recently wrote up a review on them, which you can read here if you wish.

Bloody Death Skull

Quick Hit Band Interview: Love and a .38

Love and a .38 at The Satellite

Q&A time with the band (via Justin). Hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? I would say our sound is all encompassing of rock n roll and its various sub genres. Some songs hit like Aerosmith and sometimes we will hit you with a track more like Muse.

How did the band gel together as a group? The band as a whole gels together great. We all have a mutual respect for each other and what everyone brings to the table creatively which makes for a great chemistry in studio as well as on stage.

Pipe Dreams and Santa Barbara at Harvard & Stone

I first saw Pipe Dreams at Echo Park Rising. I'd first heard of them way earlier via Jana Jordan. Jana was one of my first Instagram followers. They put on a fun set at Echo Park Rising. Ever since that time, I've wanted to catch them again. Well, I noticed that they were playing with the residency band, Santa Barbara, at Harvard and Stone. I decided to head out even though I learned that Pipe Dreams was playing the midnight slot, which is past my normal bedtime.

Pipe Dreams

Anyways, first up for me was Santa Barbara. This band started things out a bit mellow. I was like, "Okay, this is going to be a kick back set." And then their last song hit and the band tossed all the mellow to the side and went on the wild side. Awesome. Pipe Dreams closed it up, playing some Lo-Fi sounds. I couldn't help but love how bassist Jayme played with a smile on her face along with an almost I-don't-care attitude style on bass.

Santa Barbara

Quick Hit Band Interview: The Unending Thread

The Unending Thread

Q&A time with the band (via Cesar). Hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? We call ourselves an experimental indie band. Sometimes we go by jazz punk. Regardless, our music is the eclectic accumulation of influences spanning the math rock, rn'b, jazz, and prog rock genres.

Do you all (or individually) have a favorite music-themed movie, tv show, book, etc? And then of course, why the choice? I've been vibing to a lot of video game sound tracks, especially from The Legend of Zelda and Undertale. The newest Legend of Zelda game takes a lot of cues from previous games, but some of the cues sound like they could be in Miyazaki movies which have some of the best scores of all time. The harmonies are so lush and I love the stacked 4ths voicings on a lot of the piano. It's very contemplative and sometimes mysterious. Undertale's sound track gives me a sense of nostalgia from older RPG games as well especially since the tracks use a lot of 8-bit sounds.

Quick Hit Artist Interview: Rufrano

Rufrano at Music Tastes Good

Q&A time with the artist. Hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? Describing my sound has always been a difficult task because I think of myself as somewhat of a schizophrenic songwriter. I feel like I can be in multiple genres at once. Some songs I think are more R&B, sometimes folk, sometimes psych-rock, sometimes electronic, sometimes jazzy, sometimes country, but I'm always focused on the songwriting and lyrical aspect. I admire artists with great lyrical ability like Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, Randy Newman, Joni Mitchell -- people like that. I'm genre-fluid. I like too many styles of music to settle on one aesthetic and be content.

Is there a specific decision that you have made (good or bad) that you feel other bands/artists can learn from? I think it's taken me a long time to be assertive about my music and that ultimately requires confidence. Confidence is not something that comes naturally to me and I sort of have to fake it till I make it. As long as I'm putting hard work into what I'm doing I know I can feel confident. It's the people who feel confident for doing nothing that are narcissists. So that would be my advice to aspiring artists and musicians -- work hard and be kind to others so you can find a healthy ego about your work instead of cultivating some empty persona.

Quick Hit Band Interview: TV Heads

TV Heads at Music Tastes Good

Q&A time with the band. Hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? Our influences range really widely, from ambient and drone music like Christina Vantzou and Stars of the Lid; experimental electronic textures from Suzanne Ciani and Deathprod; to heavy bands like Torche and Harvey Milk and songwriters like Elliott Smith, Aimee Mann, and David Bazan. So I guess our sound is all those sounds channeled through 2 guitars, some synths, bass, drums, and voices. And our weird brains.

What’s your favorite gig/set/tour story or memory? Playing Music Tastes Good last weekend is certainly a highlight that comes to mind. I really loved playing in Marfa, TX on a tour earlier this year as well. It's a lovely place. We never saw the Marfa Lights though. Next time. I'm also really into the idea of being abducted by aliens, and Marfa seems like a good spot for that sort of thing. I'll look into it for the next tour. Any time we get to go up and play in the Bay area is really special. We're heading up there to play at the Rickshaw Stop in SF on the 26th of October to play with our friend Emily Afton!

Quick Hit Band Interview: Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever at Music Tastes Good

Q&A time with the band (via Zac Hotlzman). Hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? I usually leave it to others to describe our music. We have a Cambodian singer and we play and pull from all the sounds that have ever been made and are yet to be made. We appreciate vintage gear but by no means limit ourselves by not using toys we find at the thrift store.

What are some of your favorite spots, locations, areas in your adopted hometown of Long Beach? What make them your favorites? I've got some good memories of eating, dancing, and playing music at Sophie's. Also bringing in the New Year at Alex's Bar was a lot of fun.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Leroy from The North

Leroy from The North at The Echo

Q&A time with the band. Hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? I'd describe the music as a velvet tracksuit with a cowboy hat. Sort of a roots-guitar driven trio with a bit of old country. We're definitely fans of James Gang and bands in that vibe.

What motivates you to write your music? I think my motivation comes from taking in my surroundings and trying to tell a story of people/places/situations that may include emotional losses and victories that resonate within myself.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Whispertown

Whispertown at The Echo

Q&A time with the band. Hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? Psychedelic independent folk & soul rock & roll; acknowledging the darkness on the rocks with a twist of hope.

Where is your favorite spot to write music? And why the spot? Strangely I have not yet been able to depend on any one spot for inspiration; however, I like to plant seeds in the mountains. Really anywhere that provides solitude and space. However, I bet most often it happens sitting on my bed. Probably because it's comfortable.

Own Q&A. Do you believe in Ghosts? YES. (the short answer)

Own Q&A. Why do you play music? Because I feel the truest in this outlet and it seems like the most efficient way to communicate, and I think communication is the key to empathy, and I think empathy could be the key to world peace.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Child

Child at The Echo

Q&A time with the band. Hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? psych / metal / doom.

What’s the story behind how Child started? We met whilst farming bison on Val Kilmer’s ranch.

Interview from July 2016.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Trapdoor Social

Trapdoor Social at Sunstock Solar Festival

Q&A time with the band. Hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? We like to say indie/alternative rock. Kinda like the baby of Radiohead and Death Cab for Cutie who then goes to school and hangs out with all of Tame Impala, White Lies, Macklemore and Muse's kids, and almost forgets where he came from.

Do you think you have a message or objective with your music? If so, what is it? We try to promote sustainability with our work. We think about the ways people might inadvertently cause suffering on a huge scale and see if we can't talk the world around us out of it. The environment is a big issue for us.

Do you have a favorite memory or any thoughts about the Sunstock Solar Festival? I really appreciate the people I meet at the end of the night who say "everyone I met here today are my kind of people - they care, and want to make a difference - this is my community". That's what we want to build.

Quick Hit Band Interview: ZiBBZ

ZiBBZ at The Satellite

Q&A time with the band. Hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? Indie-Pop. Big beats, heavy on the synth and heart-pumping bass with a little bit of rock ’n roll growl by Coco [lead singer].

As you're from Switzerland: when you're out here in Los Angeles, what are some of the things you miss most about Switzerland? And what do you especially love about Los Angeles? We absolutely miss our “home“. Our friends & family, the Swiss fondue and the snowy nights. But we also love living in Los Angeles, getting inspired by all the artists around us and having the freedom to work on what you love is very powerful. It fills our suitcase with inspiration and unique tools which we then take to the stages of Europe and where ever we go.

Own Q&A. What’s your favorite sharpie color? A. Stee [drums]: red, Coco: turquoise.

Music Tastes Good: Day 2

Music Tastes Good Day 2.

Brainstory opened up the festival on Day 2. Their jazz improve had me thinking about one of the opening bands last year, Bootleg Orchestra. It was a chill way to start off the festival.

Brainstory

The Bearcoon duo put on an energetic mid-day set. I couldn't help but think about travelling nomads who make money here and there by putting on sidewalk music sets.

What I noticed: the guitarist knows how to kick. The percussionist knows how to wear a black hat.

Bearcoon

Tied for best set of Day 2: Y La Bamba sound at times reminded me of an old Mickey Hart (Grateful Dead drummer) album, Planet Drum. Sure, Y La Bamba didn't have a line-up of drums, but just how they used their vocals seemed to carry similarities. And then, of course, this band is from Portland and I have a love affair with Portland based bands.

Y La Bamba

Side topic: The Long Beach Stage had a rotating stage. When I first looked at the schedule, I couldn't help but think, "Wait, how's that schedule going to work?" On Saturday, when I first noticed the rotating stage, I was like, "Of course. Duh" There were some amusing moments due to the rotating stage. For Y La Bamba the stage started to rotate a few minutes too early. The lead singer pleaded, "We still have one more song." The stage rotated back in place to let them finish up their set. Jay Som who came on stage after Y La Bamba said, "I'm a little dizzy from the rotating." And as the stage rotated Los Lobos off, they kept on playing in a style that just had me thinking of Disneyland's old Country Bear Jamboree show.

Comment of the day came from Guadalajara's Los Master Plus, "It's about to get a little hotter today, because we're playing some cumbia today!"

Los Master Plus

Dengue Fever lead singer gave us some Asian infused music theory scale vocals. And backing up those vocals were some jazz style sounds. So interesting, so intriguing.

Side topic: as the shade extended across the Long Beach Stage, the crowd grew.

Dengue Fever

!!! put on one great show. The lead singer throughout the set blew kisses into the audience, jumped into the crowd, and put on some John Travolta moves. I'm pretty sure this drove the crowd to dance like no other crowd of the festival.

!!!

Tied for best set of day 2: Peaches put on a theatrical influenced set. Initially, Peaches and her two dancers came out dressed in full body bird-like costumes. As mentioned, in my Day 1 review, the weather was perfect, but how close were they to fainting in those costumes? Well, it didn't take long for Peaches to strip down to her underwear and make a costume change.

Comment of the set: Jesus walked on the water. I'm going to walk across the crowd. (And she did, as fans helped her walk a good 20 meters or so from the stage.)

Lyric of the set: Dick in The Air.

Moment of the set (well, other than walking on the outreached hands): during Dick in The Air, a massive condom floated across the audience. Like massive, like 20 meters across the audience. She walked through the condom and then "came" into the audience.

Peaches

For me, an amusing moment happened during the Los Lobos set. I caught the first part of their set and then took off to catch a few songs of Rhye. Then I rushed back to catch the last part of Los Lobos. I stood towards the back of the crowd. A woman looked at me and I had this feeling she was thinking, "Hey photographer, you're probably not getting the most exciting photos of Los Lobos." I say this, because she said to me as she looked at my camera, "They're so laid back. I love it." Then not a second later, Los Lobos said, "You're definitely the most laid back audience we've had."

Los Lobos

When I was in the photo pit for TUNE-YARDS, a photographer next to me started screaming. We locked eyes and she said, "I'm such a big fan of hers." I say there's some blues-synth fusion genre going on there. Those rapid fire vocals, I'm sure, reverberating across the ocean.

TUNE-YARDS

Sleater-Kenney ended the night with some country/punk fusion sounds. There were some staccato rapid beats coming from that band. It was a great way to end the night. I know this is awful to say, but I took off a little bit before their set ended. As I walked down the road that was parallel to the festival, a skater was sitting on the grass with his camera phone filming the set via the large video monitors that could be seen above the fence that separated the festival from the street. As I walked pass him, I thought, "Now there's a true fan of Sleater-Kenney."

Sleater-Kinney

Music Tastes Good: Day 1

Music Tastes Good Day 1.

Let's just start out with the huge positive. Last year at Music Tastes Good, it was HOT, middle of a late summer heat wave. This year, the weather was perfect. Even at high noon. So sure, Alvvays said during their 5:20 p.m. set, "It's nice there's a breeze now. We're benefiting from that greatly now," but who could argue the point that Long Beach had perfect festival weather.

It's always nice when you catch a band playing a dive bar (and let's be honest, Silverlake Lounge is a dive bar) and the next thing you know they're playing a music festival. That was the case with Spirit Mother who opened up the day at the Long Beach Stage. What did I notice: they sure weren't intimated by the large stage. They roamed that stage like professionals.

Spirit Mother

L.A. Edwards set had me thinking back to an episode of The Andy Griffith Show, The Guitar Player, where Andy helps Jim Lindsey join a band. L.A. Edwards had you believing in the revival of old time Americana country.

L.A. Edwards

Vagabon had one of the quotes of the day, "I didn't prepare any jokes to tell you or I would so we'll just have to sit here while I do this (tuning)." This singer-songwriter would fit in perfectly at Hotel Cafe. And if it weren't for those shades she was wearing, I'm sure her eyes would have shown a fierceness that would juxtapose against those plaintive vocals. And those teeth, she sure knew how to show them.

Vagabon

Juana Molina and her silver hair had the most layered vocals of the festival. I was memorized.

Juana Molina

When I saw Diane Coffee, I immediate tried to think of a movie comparison. Shaun Fleming's (lead singer) set was so lounge singer theatrical that my mind immediately went to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Then I took a look at the Music Tastes Good website and the bio for Diane Coffee mentioned Little Shop of Horrors. Hmm, I say I wasn't that far off.

Diane Coffee

Best set of Day 1: Alvvays. Awesome cool melodic pop driven vocals. Dreamy. That's just how I love my music.

What I noticed: the lead singer made sure everyone in the band was taken care of in terms of their set needs. The leader.

Lyrics I loved: You don't have to leave, you can just stay with me.

Alvvays

Diane Coffee wasn't the only theatrical set of the day. of Montreal had their flamboyant x2 fun. The last time I saw of Montreal was in 2012 at the Culture Collide music festival. That time, I'd say that the flamboyant side of the band was via backup dancers. This time, it was the lead singer.

of Montreal

The last moments of the festival was a rush between stages to catch Built to Spill, Ride, Ween and
Joyce Manor. The two bands at the New Orleans Stage (Built to Spill and Joyce Manor) couldn't help but mention the more -- let's say -- larger bands playing over on the Long Beach Stage. Built to Spill actually wondered out loud why everyone wasn't over on the other side to catch Ride. Their fan base yelled out, "We're here to see you." Yeah, their fan base was there to catch one rumble in the jungle. Joyce Manor joked about cutting their set short so that they could rush over to catch a couple songs of Ween. Of course, I'll admit that I cut out early on Ween to end my night with some Joyce Manor punk -- was I wrong, I don't think so, but I suppose that's based on your taste of music.

Joyce Manor

Built to Spill

As for the "main" stage, Ride had those speakers vibrating, the lights flashing and the crowd screaming. I'd say that Ride probably had the best light show of the festival -- personal opinion. It made for some awesome photos. And what was funny for me: towards the end of the set, the lead singer Mark Gardener started to chew some gum. I started thinking, "They're done with their set." Ha ha, I was wrong, they went on for a few more minutes.

Ride

Based on my informal polling of t-shirts, I'd say that most of the festival goers were there to see Ween. I don't think their fans were disappointed with their alternative college rock sound. There were some amusing moments during the set. During a tuning break during the set, Dean Ween, lifted out his right arm as he tuned with his left. Whenever their drummer hit that beat, he'd point it out with his fingers. The crowd loved it. Then later, there was a stage runner with a cowboy hat. The guy wanted to put it on the head of Gene Ween. Security chased him down and dragged him off the stage. But hey, Gene later said "Thank you" and put the hat on his head.

Ween

If you're interested in seeing more photos from Day 1, click on this Facebook link.

Quick Hit Band Interview: The Soft White Sixties

The Soft White Sixties at the Sunstock Solar Festival

Q&A time with the band. Hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? We wouldn't, that's usually someone else's job.

What’s your favorite gig/set/tour story or memory? The first time we played the Fillmore (SF) opening for the Hives. Real top-notch affair.

Do you have a favorite memory or any thoughts about the Sunstock Solar Festival? Sustainability is a great thing to push and they had a comfortable hammock section. Thanks for having us!