Quick Hit Artist Interview: Christinna O

Christinna O at The Hi Hat

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? I would describe my sound as a new channel of R&B, submerged with influence from jazz, electronic, and soul . . .

What’s your favorite song/track (your own) and what makes it the favorite? The most honest songs always end up being my favorite. My next single ”Lay It Down” would have to be my favorite. It's honest about me finding that person that I can lay down my burdens with, to feel safe and valid in vulnerability and ultimately . . . love!

The Hi Hat: Purple Bite night

Purple Bite highlighted some of their current and former clients this past Friday night. The night was filled with variety of sounds and the crowd was filled with familiar faces.

Alicia Blue started the night off with some singer-songwriter sounds. I just recently saw Alicia Blue at a Wild Riot event at El Cid. I didn't even know she was playing The Hi Hat on this particular night and when I saw her coming on stage, I was thrilled. There is something magically about her vocals. And she had the comment of the night, "I've always been an old soul. Interestingly, all my recent boyfriends have been younger than me."

Alicia Blue

Dyllan has a pop sensibility. I happened to cross paths with Mikel of Purple Bite in late April and asked him about his new clients. He mentioned Dyllan. So yeah, I won't lie, Dyllan was one of the main reasons I showed up at The Hi Hat for this event. You can tell she has a passion for music and I can't wait to hear her throughout the years.

Dyllan

Molly Moore is someone I saw last year at Chinatown Summer Nights when she was singing in a band called Cosmos and Creature. Her set on this night brought the dance tunes to The Hi Hat. And I noticed that her guitarist brought her own fans with her. Just before their set was about to begin, a couple friends came over to the stage and gave her some waves and love.

Molly Moore

Magic Bronson turned up the funk volume. Or is it funk? I find it hard to describe their music. It is a sound that makes you want to Pogo dance. It is a sound that makes you want to form a mosh pit. Though no one formed a mosh pit, you could see folks in the audience having big smiles and going just a bit wild in their dance moves.

Magic Bronson

Georgi Kay is someone I've seen on various bills throughout Los Angeles for a while now. I've also seen her hanging out at various venues. I've just never gotten a chance to catch a set. Well, on this night, I got to do so. She's a one person show with her electric drum, computer and vocals. It was one enjoyable set.

Georgi Kay

Closing out the night was the Yip Yops. The Yip Yops have gone from a four piece to a two piece as two members of the band decided to head off to college. Yep, this band is still very young. I believe when I first came across the band, at least one of them was still 16. On this particular night, the floor lights flashed bright and the music was electric with slamming drums and guitar riffs. We'll have to see if they stick with the two piece or eventually add in new members.

Yip Yops

Quick Hit Band Interview: Badtalkers

Badtalkers at The Echo

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

How would you describe the band's sound? A mixture of old school hip hop and indie rock influence. It's a blend of different sounds we grew up listening to.

What’s your favorite song out there and what makes it the favorite? "Sing a Song" by Earth, Wind and Fire. One of the greatest funk and soul classics ever made. Also, "Dead Inside" by Younger Hunger, because it slaps.

Own final thoughts: Is Elon Musk real? Have you seen his Twitter? Are we in a simulation? He wild.

The House of Machines: Holy Wars

It was off to the Art District to catch Holy Wars at The House of Machines. It was a cool setup for the night. It was opening night for artist Jonah Nimoy's gallery show: Demons in Disguise. There was an improve/technology mixer based music from Roy Mayorga who played throughout the gallery hours. It reminded me of my adventures to some of the more artistic type venues in San Francisco back in 2013. There was also a special enclosed installation put on by Holy Wars. Unfortunately, I got in line way too late and so have no clue what awaited people once they entered the installation. It must have been fascinating, because individuals spent up to 15 minutes inside the exhibit.

Though the night really did belong to artist Jonah Nimoy, one has to admit that a number of individuals showed up just to catch Holy Wars. Recognizable music fans started to pop into The House of Machines starting at around 10 p.m. As always, Holy Wars did not disappoint. The crowd was pressed up against the stage throughout the set. The band, as always, put their heart and soul into their set to the delight of the crowd. A couple new songs. Some crowd surfing. Video imagery. Use of props. Around 45 minutes of awesomeness. 

From The Hi Hat to The Satellite: Party Nails, Cannons, Greg Felden and more

There was some good music that hit the Los Angeles music scene a couple weeks back.

Over at The Hi Hat, Party Nails and Cannons closed out their west coast tour. Opening was Somme who just happens to be Party Nails' roommate. I had actually come across Somme in April at The Satellite. Her pop tunes got the night started off on the right foot.

Somme

Cannons came up next. This was my first time seeing Cannons though I happened to hear about the band back in 2017 when some photographers I know caught their Echo Park Rising set. They had their fans out on this night as The Hi Hat filled up nicely for their set. To me, their music had a low key type dance quality to it. I got a Twin Peaks vibe from this band.

Cannons

Like, Somme, this was my second time catching Party Nails. This band brought the dance party to the 11 p.m. hour. I half figured that lead singer, Elana, worked off more calories than I do in a week. She was in constant motion and during that whole time she never had to catch her breath.

A couple days later it was off to The Echo to catch some Grand Old Echo bands. Greg Felden opened up the late afternoon with his Americana tunes. It was also his Made of Strings LP release party.

Greg Felden

Sons of the Southwest came on next. Actually, the band gave part of their time to their lead singer's father who played a couple songs. It was cool seeing a father and son playing the same show.

Sons of the Southwest

It was Game of Thrones night, but I had to stick around for part of the Jessie Williams and Coyote set. I happened to catch one of their sets in 2018 at The Hi Hat. Also, Jessie Williams in in The Lonely Wild. I'm not sure if The Lonely Wild is still active, but they're a band I first came across years ago and have caught their sets a number of times. If they're not active, it is great seeing Jessie Williams continue on her own.

Jessie Williams and Coyote

Jason Hawk Harris happened to be playing between sets out on the patio. I got to pop in and out to catch his country western vocals.

Jason Hawk Harris

I'm up on California Rocker: Interview with Lauren Rocket

Lauren Rocket at The Mint

I'm up on CaliforniaRocker with an interview with Lauren Rocket. Click on this link.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Velvet Starlings

Velvet Starlings at Hotel Cafe (Rove LA/Baltisoul event)

Interview with the band (with Christian). Enjoy:

What is currently having an influence/impact on you? My “Generation” and authenticity of what the message should be. It would be cool if everyone opened their eyes to be honest with themselves and to be cool with not following the social media herds. Really, it is as if we are living in a time where "following" is the coolest thing. We might even "like" things just because someone might not like us if we don’t. I feel the next Lennon, Dylan, Joni Mitchell or Cobain might come around if we start going against the grain a little bit. Everything seems a bit manufactured and contrived, and it isn’t just music, it’s everything right now. We need some authenticity. Per Lennon, "Give me some truth.”

What’s your favorite Velvet Starlings' song and what makes it the favorite? Off our current EP: “Sold Down The River”

“Sold Down The River” is our most controversial song, at least lyrically, as it’s chorus message is kind of on the nose. It’s got a Lennon solo era vibe. It was our idea of an anthem for anyone who feels like our generation has been ‘sold’ out or sold an idea of something that isn’t real, whether it is of a political or religious nature, or the establishment's idea of what you should be taking to heal your body, mind and soul; or silly out dated ideas, such as what is right or wrong when it comes to relationships.

It feels sometimes like you’ve been waiting or hoping for something to change, but it never does. Too many false promises, lies, betrayal and deceit from a corporate America and government that have no conscience. What is left for our generation and those that come after us? We can no longer accept what is being "sold" to us. “We’ve been searching for a diamond in a coal mine and we’ve been praying for a single ray of sunshine.” It’s all in the lyrics. Anything we’d been thinking about along those lines made it in.

In fact, there were twice as many lyrics as the verses needed. Definitely some socio-political commentary along with some attempts to be Dylan-esque with a heavy splash of Lennon “We’ve been sold for pennies on the dollar when they promised us a new tomorrow. We’ve been Sold Down The River, been sold to the highest bidder. It’s hate and gold that make the sinners don’t take all from the givers. We won’t be Sold”.

If you’re talking musically at the time, we’d been messing around with a few song ideas, as we are always continually writing. A lot of our writing includes the Vox continental, in this case, the organ riff with the main verses and choruses of the song finished. Then the rock n roll bridge sort of happened which was needed to get the point across, as halfway through, it goes to an unexpected groove completely off the map of the typical pop rock arrangement.

Own final thought:

4 favorite songs with color blue in their titles -

“Love is Blue” - Paul Mauriat, 60s / harpsichord & general European Bacharach vibe . . . Beautiful instrumental.

“Blue Orchid” - Jack White, it’s just an awesome song with rocking riff.

“Behind Blue Eyes” - The Who, one of my favorite or rock ballads of The Who or anyone for that matter.

“Blue Monday” - New Order classic, Peter Hook bass line.

Quick Hit Artist Interview: MAWD

MAWD at Hotel Cafe (Rove LA/Baltisoul event)

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

How would you describe your music? It's all over the board. One day I want to rock and the next I want to play a pretty folk song with some sweet harmonies. I'd say it's a mix of indie rock, folk rock, folk, with a splash of good ol' rock n' roll.

You mentioned you grew up in Placerville. Any interesting culture shock stories related to your move to Los Angeles? I've grown up going to San Francisco a lot and lived in a few other bigger cities, so there wasn't too much of a culture shock. However, I think the biggest shock of them all is the traffic! The small town I grew up in people would ask you how many miles it would take to get somewhere because generally 5 miles meant it takes 5 minutes. In LA, you have to say about how many minutes (or hours) it takes to get somewhere because miles mean nothing! 5 miles could mean up to an hour!

Own final thoughts: I guess one of the more unique things about me is my pet chinchilla Caper. She's always the star of the party. I've had her about 5 years and she is one of the loves of my life!

Quick Hit Band Interview: New Dialogue

New Dialogue at Hotel Cafe (Rove LA/Baltisoul event)

Interview with the band (with Ela). Enjoy:

What's the story behind how your band started? Our band started in LA when Taylor and I met at a summer job a few years back. We started writing songs and playing in the city and eventually met the rest of our band through school and craigslist! We’re all from different walks of life, which is what makes our dynamic really fun and different, but we all share the same passions and goals to be an alternative band that makes a difference and creates a new voice for our generation.

Outside of music, what are some of the other interests of the band members? Outside of music we all like to do a variety of things:

Taylor loves to go to the beach and play volleyball, watch movies and write poetry.

Ela loves rollerblading, spending time with friends, and traveling

Michael is a multi-instrumentalist and likes to practice his skills every day. He is also a movie buff

Jason is also recording engineer so he spends a lot of time in sessions with other bands but also loves cooking at home and Rick & Morty!

Jeff is a big arts person. He enjoys drawing and loves his eclectic record collection and you can usually find him at home spinning something old school and drawing.

Own final thoughts: Something unique about us is we are very much like a family and love to hang out, watch movies, play games, make dinner and talk about taking over the world.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Absurdist Fiction

Absurdist Fiction at The Hi Hat

Interview with the band (with Tyler). Enjoy:

What's the story behind how the band started? I started writing and playing music as a way to express and acknowledge thoughts and feelings I didn’t know how to express otherwise. I’ve realized over time playing these songs that they resonate with people because there is no judgement in them, they acknowledge feelings of depression, of loneliness, despair, and etc. and that it is okay to have and struggle with them. Because of this I felt that I had an obligation to do my best to share these songs with people to give them a sonic world that they can be in without carrying all of life with them for a while.

What’s a dream venue/festival you’d love to play at and what about it intrigues you? I would absolutely love to play Desert Daze. I think it’s the best curated music festival in the USA. The thing I find most amazing about it is how they have carved out such an eclectic cultural space to share music and ideas.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Bizou

Bizou at The Hi Hat

Interview with the band (with Josiah). Enjoy:

What is currently influencing the band? Currently we’ve been influenced by early 80s goth bands such as Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, 1919, 13th Chime, and The Cure!!

How has the band grown together as a group? We started this band in February of this year so we’re just getting started. We’ve all been in other bands and were friends before that.

 Own final thoughts: Members in our band have been in The Smashing Pumpkins, Wax Idols, Veruca Salt, Tennis System, and Light FM.

April Ends/May Begins: Local Music Blast - Part 2

For me, the Los Angeles music scene during the transition week between April and May was a real blast. This is part 2 of my adventures.

Tuesday night brought Lizzy Land at Madame Siam. This is an artist I've followed for a few years when she was in the band Mating Ritual. She calls her music experimental pop. That sounds good to me. Her sound reminds me of the sounds from IO Echo and CLARA-NOVA. I was just mesmerized throughout her 30 minute set. Backing her was one of the members from Mating Ritual. It is nice to know that they're all supporting each other.

Lizzy Land

Opening up that night was Savannah Sgro and YVR. Interesting notes is that Savannah Sgro was raised in Las Vegas. Moved to Nashville and now I'm assuming lives in Los Angeles. YVR is a recently married couple -- one could see the glow on their faces when that was mentioned.

Savannah Sgro

YVR

Wednesday night I took a break, but was back at it on Thursday night when I headed off to Zebulon to catch Ever So Android, Crook and Draemings. Interesting fact: I've interviewed all three bands.

Draemings stated they were debuting new music. I don't know. It didn't sound like it. The crowd loved every moment of the set. I loved every moment of the set. If this really is their new music, I have to believe they're going to gain a number of new fans. Okay, I have some "humorous" doubt on the new music claim, because it was all so brilliant. Noticed: Kimi set things off with her leopard imagery and had the crowd renaming the band KIMI!!! KIMI!!!

Comment of the set: We're debuting all new music tonight so hopefully you're not here for the hits.

Draemings

Ever So Android went from a 2-piece duo to a 4-piece band. This only expanded their punk sounds. The one disappointment is that they asked for the lights to be lowered (and the Zebulon already has low lights) and their own stage lights weren't operating properly, which meant my camera didn't have a lot of fun.

Ever So Android

I caught Daniel Crook as a solo artist at The Hi Hat and so this was my first time catching the full band. When you first see the band your eyes have to notice the fashion statement, but when the music hits you are pulled into an emotional vortex.

Crook

Friday closed out the music run. I got invited to an outdoor event called Shaken Vanity Block Party. On the first Monday of each month, businesses around the 500 block of Hoover Street apparently are given free range to do what they like. So one business has an outdoor music festival. I went down to catch Dirty Cakes and Speed of Light. Both bands rocked out their punk sounds. Dirty Cakes brought the punk sounds of experience. Speed of Light brought the punk sounds of youthful exuberance. Both bands are fixtures at the monthly/bi-monthly shows that are hosted by The Satellite at the American Barbershop in Echo Park.

Dirty Cakes

Speed of Light

April Ends/May Begins: Local Music Blast - Part 1

For me, the Los Angeles music scene during the transition week between April and May was a real blast. This is part 1 of my adventures.

It started off on Saturday at The Smell. All three bands hit the jazz genre.

It's Butter started off the night. Their drummer couldn't make the night as he got injured while getting ready for the night. If I heard correctly, he tripped down the stairs of his home while taking out his drum kit. He had to go to the emergency room (from what I heard he's doing fine) so the band went on as a two piece. The two remaining members weren't sure how things would turn out, but I say their set turned out fine with some electric guitar driven jazz jams.

It's Butter

The Swells brought their 5 piece jazz sound to stage. Their sound had that cool jazz sound. And then there was the saxophone musician who added the style. Though their sound was on the cool side, they still got the crowd to form a mosh pit.

The Swells

Cotton Ships set was mosh pit jazz. This band has some solid vocals led by BreeAnn and Kenny. You can tell that BreeAnn has a charismatic quality. When not on vocals, she would float around the stage with a cool demeanor. And if that wasn't enough, early on into their set, she jumped into the crowd to make sure that a mosh pit formed during the set. I wonder how many times jazz musicians have started mosh pits?

Cotton Ships

Monday night was a night that I had circled on my calendar a long while back. After a long while away from the stage, Lauren Rocket returned. I've followed Lauren Rocket for years. I first came across her band Rocket. Rocket ended shortly thereafter, but I continued to follow her in The Child, which was a band with Holly Marilyn. There was also the short lived project Lavinia Slaughter. Then there was radio silence for a number of years until finally there was announcements that new music was on the way. Her return brought sophisticated dance tunes to The Mint's stage. Backing her in this new endeavor was Shayne Eastin. Another musician that I followed for years when she played in a band called Spider Problem.

Interesting note: it's probably been 5+ years since the last time I was at The Mint.

Lauren Rocket

Quick Hit Band Interview: Cheer Up Club

Cheer Up Club at El Cit

Interview with the band (with Ethan). Enjoy:

What's the story behind how your band started? Mmm... A bit of sadness, boredom, education, persistence. Good friends and a mutual love of lots of music and playing loud.

How do you go about combining lyrics and sound? A. Generally, we meet up to rehearse and end up fucking around for the first hour or so. I usually have a notebook on me that gets filled up by snippets of conversation, random thoughts, fun stories, words from books, the news, etc. We jam and I moan out some melody, flip through a notebook and find a line that fits the music, mood, and melody. We go on from there. It's pretty organic.

Own final thoughts: We're all producers and all from pretty different places, backgrounds, cultures. 

Currently, finishing up mixes on the first album Get Physical. We have a few singles out on Spotify etc.

Commune at Stories Books & Cafe: Jordan Hawkins and GMNII

Hanging out at Commune is always a fun, relaxing evening. There's time to spend talking with various local music musicians and fans. And then there are the artists who tell stories behind the music or band. On this particular night, Jordan Hawkins and GMNII took to the stage.

Jordan Hawkins' most interesting story behind one of his songs was how he had a chance to study in Copenhagen. Unfortunately, this meant leaving behind the individual he was dating at the time. Though not stated specifically, one would assume the relationship did not last due to the opportunity that presented itself to him.

Jordan Hawkins

GMNII's stories revolved around how they (Gigi and Emma) formed GMNII. They mentioned that the band name came about because the two of them started to write songs during the period of Gemini. Also, they talked about how they met. They met during a Play Like a Girl event at The Echo (Play Like a Girl helps put on Commune). Gigi mentioned how a friend of hers took her to The Echo. Emma was up on stage singing with a group. Gigi just knew that she had to be part of a band that included Emma. And so it happened. Randomness.

GMNII