I'm Up On California Rocker: 2019 Photo Album

CaliforniaRocker has a year end review in photos. A couple of my photos are in the post. One of GLAARE and another of Spare Parts for Broken Hearts.

Spare Parts for Broken Hearts at The Hi Hat

Bootleg Theater: Henry Hall with Jack Symes and Monastereo

It was time to squeeze in one last 2019 residency. To do that, I headed off to the Bootleg Theater to catch Henry Hall's residency. With falsetto vocals, he gave a smooth jazz set. Also, strangely, his life was very familiar to the story line from the movie Hangover -- an ongoing joke.

Henry Hall

Opening was Jack Symes and Monastereo. Jack Symes was in from New York. He did a solo singer-songwriter set. He was in town for a family wedding. His future in-laws were in the audience. Also, he had a huge fan who knew all his songs. 

Jack Symes

Monastereo opened the night with a stunning set. It took me until the end of the set to realize that the drummer/vocalist was Darren Weiss of PAPA. Then I immediately understood why I enjoyed the set so much. The sound was funky and included a cow bell for one song. Prior to the set, I over-heard Jack Symes mention to friends that Monastereo's sound was fantastic. It sure was.

Monastereo

Interview with the artist: Bob Villain

Bob Villain at The Echo

Interview with the artist Enjoy:

How would you describe your music? Music from the shadows.

What inspired you to start incorporating the tree branch arms (see photo)? I’m like a tree, I grow from the ground up.

Own final thoughts: Grimm's Fairy tales, Scott Walker, Nosferatu, JT Leroy, fictional, real. Equal parts nightmare, fantasy, and puppet show. Channeling the heroes before us, clanging on my guitar, & bringing simple synth sounds to lull you all back into the darkest womb.

Quick Hit Artist Interview: Lijie

Lijii at Chinatown Summer Nights

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

What is currently influencing you as a musician? Reading poetry, listening to BeeGees, classic soul music (Solomon Burke, Etta James, Sam Cooke), Fleetwood Mac, SYML (I used to listen to this artist when he was in a band called Barcelona, from Seattle Washington, check him out he is AMAZING), Sia, Lana, Rihanna, Fiona (Apple), any artist whose name ends with an "ah" sound, and Khalid.

What's a dream venue/festival you'd love to play at and what about it intrigues you? Oooh, this is a good question. There are so many venues I would love to play, the first one that popped into my head is the Hollywood Bowl, because I have seen some of the BEST concerts in my life there (Radiohead, Coldplay, Corinne Bailey Rae, Bjork, Seal...). It's a giant venue, but you don't feel lost inside of it when you're there. It would be a dream come true to play with a live band and full orchestra. In the background the sun slowly sets and the stars appear in the sky, and the audience is enjoying the live music and falling in love with their date while drinking wine and eating sandwiches and crackers with fancy cheese. It would be a beautiful moment/memory for everyone (except maybe the traffic police working the event).

Own unique info: a friend took me shooting for the first time (it was terrifying) and we found out I've got good aim!

5 Nights: Sun Space to The Echo to The Satellite to Harvard & Stone to The Hi Hat

Something that I rarely do occurred recently. I went out five straight nights to catch various bands. There was a band or singer at each night that I wanted to catch so none of this was random. And some of this was also driven by traditions that I hold dear.

First night out was Saturday where I headed out to a venue I'd never gone to called Sun Space. It is a small venue that probably has a maximum capacity set at 35 - 40 people. It is a non-profit and has a Pehrspace vibe -- though much smaller. The location has two small rooms. The back room is dedicated to art while the front room is dedicated to live art (via their Instagram they hold comedy and music nights).

I went there specifically to catch Suzie True. I caught this band earlier in the year at The Smell and had wanted to catch them a second time ever since then. I love how their music speeds along, but the vocals have a melodic tone to it. Also playing was Lindsay B who closed out the night and Foxx Bodies who played prior to Suzie True. Opening the night was Girl Hazel. I only caught a couple songs, but am definitely interesting in hearing a full set after just that brief introduction.

Suzie True

On Sunday, it was off to The Echo to catch Kevin. I saw Kevin for the first time in August at Echo Park Rising and have been rather addicted to this band since that point. Quincy and Kimi have way too much fun playing off each other. It is just great seeing them having so much fun on stage. The night actually belonged to French Vanilla who was ending their tour. This was my first time catching them this year. I just love how their punk rock sounds include a saxophone. Opening the night was Mary and Heaven Pegasus. They switched off with each other during a 30 minute set. When one was playing, the other would rush off stage and change into a different wardrobe. It was rather amusing.

Kevin

Monday was spent at The Satellite to catch Livingmore and Oriah. Oriah opened up with some rocking sounds. Livingmore is obviously a band I spent a number of nights catching throughout 2019. And I should say that includes 2018, as well. I've mentioned to lead singer Alex that sometimes they go more country and other times they hit the rock tunes. I think this time they hit a perfect mix between the two. Closing out their residency was King Leg.

Livingmore

Another residency was ending Tuesday at Harvard & Stone. The Little Miss was playing her last set there. I previously saw her way back in October 2018 at the Resident. I did happen to see her as the MC at a recent Stories Books & Cafe. Her MCing was so funny, I decided I needed to catch her live as soon as possible, which was helped along by the fact that she was doing a residency at Harvard & Stone. I have to say I was a little tired out as this was my fourth night out, but I just did a quick hit and run and skipped out on the other two acts. I believe I was in bed by 11:30 p.m.

The Little Miss

My final night out was Wednesday at The Hi Hat. At this point, I was really exhausted, but I had to catch Zealyn. I hadn't caught Zealyn since last year's WFNM holiday party. This particular Wednesday night was also a WFNM holiday party. I just love Zealyn's vocals and leg kicks. Opening was Fyohna, LeyeT and Spectre Jones. I previously caught Spectre Jones at The House of Machines. That band has the best vocal sounds. Unbelievable. LeveT had those youthful energy and pop vocals. Fvohna was electronic synths. Fvohna had one of those accidents that everyone hates to see. Her Mac laptop took a 3 foot drop from the stand to the floor. I swear there has got to be an easy way that would prevent that stuff from happening. I probably see it happen 2 or 3 times a year.

Zealyn

Most amusing moment throughout those five nights happened at The Hi Hat when a person in the audience set up a chair at the front of the stage and sat there throughout most of the four acts. Ah, The Hi Hat is not Hotel Cafe.

I don't know the next time I'll ever do something as crazy like that. Five straight nights puts a strain on the body. But I will say, I enjoyed all five nights.

I'm up on California Rocker: Interview with Mars Rodriguez

I'm up on California Rocker with an interview with Mars Rodriguez.

Photo taken at Hotel Cafe

Quick Hit Artist Interview: Anna Pancaldi

Anna Pancaldi at the Moroccan Lounge

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? I'd say it soulful, honest and raw.

Where is your favorite spot to write music? And why the spot? For me, I write all over the place, which I really love. I travel a lot touring and spending extended periods of time here in America, but being based in London. So you have to get used to being prepared to make it anywhere haha.

Own final unique piece of info: I used to love eating peas with juice when I was a kid hahah!!

Quick Hit Artist Interview: Thomas Hunter

Thomas Hunter at Stories Books & Cafe

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? The songs of mine that I keep for myself are kind of all over the place. I write songs every day so whatever I’m listening to or inspired by at that time usually informs the way I decide to tell the story. Right now, I’m obsessively listening to Roy Orbison, Van Morrison (specifically Veedon Fleece), Sly Stone, and strangely, Jimmy Buffet.

Do you have a message or objective behind your music? If so, what is it? It is all about telling stories. I love stories. I love saying things that I would never want to say in public. I love telling stories that make me uncomfortable or are hard to tell. I also love making up stories to tell. Whatever moves me.

Club Tee Gee: Neon Cowgirl

The last time I saw Holly Marilyn was back in late 2016 at Hotel Cafe. The only reason I caught that set was because I noticed something that Lauren Rocket (a friend of Holly's) said on social media. I had spent a number of years following Holly in the band The Child and for a short while when she backed the band Night Terrors of 1927. For her, the last few years have been spent living in Nashville. She just recently returned to Los Angeles.

When I learned that she would be at Club Tee Gee as Neon Cowgirl, I circled it on my calendar. Like the last time I went to Club Tee Gee (to catch Aging Actress), I walked the mile to the venue. It was a nice way to walk off some calories from a large lunch. The night was attended by many of her friends so there was a very supportive crowd. She mentioned that even with a support crowd, she was still nervous. She mentioned that past sets hadn't gone all that well, but that this one seemed to be going in the right direction. Gone were the pop/synth sounds of The Child. Replacing it was an introspective singer-songwriter's set that explored some of her darker past experiences.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Trends

Trends at El Cid

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

How would you describe your music? I think our music conveys a palette of emotions. A lot of our songs were written over the course of several years, and with each life experience our perspectives have expanded. Overall, it’s melancholic and reminiscent of late 90s music.

What is one of the band’s high or low moments and what makes it stand out? We spent a year looking for someone to join the band as a bassist. We’d finished writing the record and had to delay playing live because we were down a person. It was grueling setting up so many auditions and not being able to find the right fit. Definitely a frustrating and difficult time, but in the end, Jose was worth the wait. He’s a bit out there, and as it turns out he had responded to one of our ads, but forgot to reply when we tried to set up a meeting. It took a year for him to circle back. Things happen in their own time, apparently!

Own unique band info. Each of us always dreamt of being in a band that felt like family. I never liked the idea of just showing up to rehearsals and gigs and taking off right after. As individuals, we all really enjoy investing time and effort into building lasting relationships. We’re there for each other and I think our connection is something that translates well at the shows.

Quick Hit Interview: Magic Bronson

Magic Bronson at The Hi Hat

Interview with the band (via Matt). Enjoy:

What's the story behind how your band started? Me & Mike both lived out in the suburbs in Agoura and Thousand Oaks & knew each other through different bands we played in at the time. I was in an indie hip hop band playing bass & he was drumming for a few different groups. I ended up running into him at a local bar one night in 2011 and he invited me over to his dad’s garage studio to hang out and jam sometime. We started recording & writing the first day we got together and realized we worked together really well in the studio and had a lot of the same influences and it kind of just took off from there.

What struggles has the band had to over-come to get to this point as a band? I think mostly just staying positive and trusting the process. For us, we know if we are always writing & recording good things will happen. Sometimes it can be hard to find the right people to take you to the next level or step, but if you keep at it and put out good songs people will hear them and be willing to help.

Final thoughts: People always ask us where the name Magic Bronson came from: We’d been trying to figure out a band name for months and couldn’t come up with anything. We knew we wanted a play on something, but weren’t sure what. I had recently seen the movie “Bronson” with Tom Hardy about the London criminal Charles Bronson and Magic Johnson has been in the news a bunch because he was going to become a part owner of the Dodgers. In Mikes backyard one day while taking a studio break, I just blurted out what about Magic Bronson and it just stuck. We didn’t find out about Action Bronson till about 3 months later, but people liked our name so we kept it.

The Satellite: The Manx with SkullCrack and Wacko

It was a photography night at The Satellite featuring the work of Anthony Mehlhaff. His photos always capture the energy of the punk rock scene. The exhibit was held in the back bar. Now it wasn't just a photo exhibit. There were always bands playing. I caught the first three bands: Wacko, SkullCrack and The Manx.

Wacko

I was familiar with 2 of those bands though I'd never seen them before. I had wanted to catch Wacko at Happy Sundays Long Beach, but scheduling problems created a conflict. And The Manx has played at the American Barbershop and I've just not been able to catch a set.

SkullCrack

It was a wild night with the mosh pit going strong for all three bands. Wacko had a piñata that was quickly destroyed in the mosh pit. The band can contort their body and instruments into knots. SkullCrack brought out the over-sized skull mask for the bassist. Their lead singer screamed out their lyrics. The Manx had the body paint and video game speakers to continue the crowd participation.

The Manx

As for photographers, most were right in the pit, but a couple others just gave up and moved out. As for me, I tried to strategically go in during what seemed like opportune times. Of course, it didn't always work out for me. For The Manx, I went in for some photos and then started to leave. I didn't leave fast enough, because someone in the big pushed me hard in the back. I did a stumble, stuck my arm out and balanced myself against someone who was just outside the pit.

Resident: Feels with Reckling

The last time I saw Feels was earlier in the year when I caught their record release party with The Paranoyds. This was also the first time this year that I've gone down to the Resident. I used to head down to the Resident far more often, but they appear to have changed their format at this venue, shifting away from live music. This was also the first time since the apparent departure of Shannon Lay from the group. I believe that there are now two original members left (Laena and Michael) from the Raw Geronimo days. So in some ways the night felt like a first for many reasons.

The band mixed it up between their two albums, but they also covered a Mariah Carey Christmas song. Laena Geronimo was in a good mood. Swinging her hair. Smiles throughout the set. Taking a stroll into the crowd. It must have felt good playing in front of an appreciative Los Angeles crowd that included a number of us faithful photographers. Amy Allen on bass gave us the stage presence that made her such a great addition to the band a couple years back. And the music was that slightly scratchy garage/punk/rock mix that just has a touch of those original psychedelic sounds. Based on what Laena said, this was their last live set for awhile as they put together a new album.

Their set list was: Tell Me, Car, Find A Way, Slippin, Running, Unicorn, Toll Booth, Mariah Carey cover, Flowers, Anyways, Sour, Post Earth, Deconstructed, Close My Eyes.

Feels

Opening up was Reckling. Their music goes at hyper speed. And vocals that stretches across those speedy jams.

Reckling

I'm Up On Buzzbands: Festy Baby at the Lodge Room

I'm up on Buzzbands.

I covered Festy Baby which had the following local bands/artists:

Edgar Everyone
Annabella Maginnis
slip
Ariel Beesley
VS Colour
Andy Clockwise
Collapsing Scenery

What was fun to notice was how the crowd changed as the night advanced. Ariel Beesley had friends and family up front. Andy Clockwise and Collapsing Scenery had the club set out.

Ariel Beesley

Quick Hit Artist Interview: Dyllan

Dyllan at The Hi Hat

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? Dark Dreamy Pop.

What motivates you to write your music? Mostly heartbreak.

Quick Hit Artist Interview: Greg Felden

Greg Felden at The Echo

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

When did you know you wanted to be a musician/singer? Great question. I played violin as a kid and loved it. I picked up the guitar as a teenager and definitely had a moment of thinking "Oh, I can do this and it's all I want to do with my time." That said, it'd sure be great if life were significantly longer so I could live out every passion I've ever had. There have been a lot.

What’s your favorite (own) song and what makes it the favorite? Don't make me choose from among my children. I kid. But honestly, it's usually the case that the most recent song I've finished is my favorite. I see that as a good thing. Hopefully it means I'm getting better over time. The latest is called "Little Things," and it isn't on the album I'm releasing. Hopefully it will be on the next. You'll have to stay tuned.

I'm Up On Buzzbands: Death Valley Girls with Crocodiles and Kate Clover

I'm up on Buzzbands with photos and write-up of:

Death Valley Girls
Crocodiles
Kate Clover

It was one great line-up that hit the Lodge Room on a recent Saturday night. Two young girls stole the night. Read about it by heading over to the site.

Death Valley Girls