2020 Los Angeles Music Scene in Review

I’ve always done a year-end round up of my favorite “new to me, but maybe not new to you” lists. Well, let me go in a different direction this year end for obvious reasons. 

2020 in Review 

#20 Pink Sock / Echoplex 

Let’s start things off with Pink Sock. Anyways, a few years back, I got stuck outside The Echo without a photo pass. A quick e-mail was sent to one of the bands that was playing that night. Down came said drummer to rescue me. 

When this is all over: I’m going to see Emily Kinney in concert. Hold me to it.

Pink Sock

#19 Ariel Beesley / Echoplex 

A photo from her birthday show. Is it too early to say happy birthday for 2021? 

When this is all over: I’m buying myself a Canon EOS R5.

Ariel Beesley

#18 SHIRAGIRL / The Satellite 

This will be me (?September 2021?) when I head inside my first concert venue in over a year. 

When this is all over: yes, I am betting September 2021 - hey, it used to be Q1 2022. 

SHIRAGIRL

#17 Wax Charmer / The Satellite 

Going through my photos, this band really knows how to put on a performance. I love how the band interacts together as well as individually. 

When this is all over: will this be all over before or after Echo Park Rising 2021 is supposed to occur? 

Wax Charmer

#16 Automatic / The Glass House / shot for Buzzbandsla 

Buzzbands had their list of concerts they wanted covered for the month of January. There was a mini-music festival going on at The Glass House that was on the list. I noticed that Automatic was on the line-up. I also hadn’t been to The Glass House in years so I put my name in to cover the show. I left my “real” job at around 3:30 p.m. and just sat in traffic on the 210 Freeway. Part of me just started thinking I should send Buzzbands an e-mail and apologize that I just didn’t realize how bad traffic was and I wouldn’t be able to get to cover the night. Also, add that I was under the weather, which was totally true. But at the same time I was thinking, “I really want to see Automatic.” 

When this is all over: I’ve got to catch Jenny O, Mara Connor and Pu$$y Cow at least once. Traditions need to restart. 

Automatic

#15 Ceremony / The Glass House / shot for Buzzbandsla 

I can’t wait to see music fans in pure ecstasy again. 

When this is all over: I’ve got to shoot at The Glass House at least once.

 

Ceremony

#14 Strawberry Army / Bootleg Theater 

This band is fun to shoot. Tell me I’m wrong. 

When this is all over: How many times will I see Black Flamingo, Brassbox, Draemings and Kevin?

 

Strawberry Army

#13 Kate Clover / Bootleg Theater 

Every so often back in the day I’d run into Kate Clover hanging out at Zebulon. Those were the days. 

When this is all over: Who wants to open up a music venue? 

Kate Clover

#12 Neon Cowgirl / Club Tee Gee 

One of these days The Child should do a set. Just throwing that out there. I love the biographical lyrics of Neon Cowgirl. 

When this is all over: I do hope Livingmore asks me to photograph one of their sets. 

Neon Cowgirl

#11 Cheekface / The Satellite 

Do you know they have a song called “Glendale?” Do you know I live in Glendale? There are actually other local music scene folk who live in Glendale. I’m not sure Cheekface likes Glendale. I’m not sure I like Glendale. 

When this is all over: I’ve got to catch in-person some of those musicians/bands I saw on Home School (aka School Night) and WFNM. 

Cheekface

#10 Tillie / The Geometro Party 

That time I got invited to an underground party. Yeah, that doesn’t happen that often. 

When this is all over: I might travel beyond a 5 miles radius from where I live.

Tillie

#9 The Walks of Life / Highland Park Bowl 

One year during Echo Park Rising, I did a long walk over to Cosmic Vinyl to photograph a couple random bands for Buzzbands. I came across Sam Marine (The Walks of Life). I was impressed. 

When this is all over: How many music venues will still be around? 

The Walks of Life

#8 Broken Baby / The Satellite 

This is the last time I went to The Satellite. Perhaps this photo is just perfect. From my count 6 music venues have shut down (perhaps one or two of them might manage to re-open at other locations). For the life of me, I can’t figure out how other venues are able to hang on with no revenue over the last 9 months. 

When this is all over: I caught a couple online sets of Skullcrusher. I really want to see a live set. 

Broken Baby

#7 The Mulhollands / Viper Room 

I have two all time favorite Los Angeles music scene bands: The Mulhollands and Automatic Music Explosion. Even though these bands shut down years ago, I bet that they still rank as the bands I’ve seen the most times. This night at the Viper Room was a reunion show for The Mulhollands. I hope another one happens again someday. 

When this is all over: I’ll get my #quickhitbandinterviews going on a more consistent basis.

The Mulhollands

#6 The Shakers / Viper Room 

Lead singer Jodie has moved out of state. But it was like the band had never stopped playing live sets. Magic at the Viper Room. 

When this is all over: Take a trip and explore another city’s music scene. 

The Shakers

#5 Sofie Winterson / Zebulon 

February 25th. This was the last time I stepped inside a music venue. I purposely put a hold on my live music outings a couple weeks sooner than I had to. Zebulon was part of the Red Alert campaign on Sept 1st. I do hope they survive. 

When this is all over: Shoot some shows for Buzzbands. 

Sofie Winterson

#4 Michael Crain / “Six at Six” series on Instagram Live / curated by @the6660s

I got asked if I wanted to photograph a “Six at Six” series. Outdoors. Check. Masks. Check. I was in. 

When this is all over: Do some interviews for CaliforniaRocker. 

Michael Crain

#3 Fart Barf / Echo Park Rising / Bands in a Barbershop stage 

Echo Park Rising went virtual this year. I got to capture one set live. 

When this is all over: hangout at the front of the stage with four or five other photographers at a local music venue, not shooting for a music site or similar, just shooting because we love the band. 

Fart Barf

#2 Mars Rodriguez / “Six at Six” series on Instagram Live / curated by The 6660s 

I do believe Mars Rodriguez ties as the band / musician I’ve seen most “in-person” in 2020. How many times? Twice. I purposely made sure I got to see her a second time. Love her one person sets. I do find it a little amusing that the most times I’ve seen a band / musician in 2020 live is just twice. Usually, there are bands / musicians that I’ll see 5 or 6 times. Maybe because like Livingmore, I’m one of their go to photographers. Or a Ramonda Hammer or Spare Parts for Broken Hearts where they’re part of the Los Angeles music scene that I am most associated with. Or a Kevin that is just too cool not to see multiple times. 

When this is all over: I want to find a band before the swarm of photographers descend on the band, just want to be one of the first. 

Mars Rodriguez

#1 Joshua Payne Orchestra / Los Angeles River 

I wear a mask while exercising in this COVID-19 world and I’ve learned one thing about wearing a mask while exercising: walking up hills around my neighborhood is very difficult to do while wearing a mask. My lungs just don't get enough air. So I switched things up and started walking along the Los Angeles river, which doesn’t require as muchexertion on my part. Well, one day, I came across a musician who was in the process of packing up his gear. Then a couple weeks later, I saw him again, packing up his gear. I decided to go over and ask for his name. And that’s how I came across Joshua Payne Orchestra. 

When this is all over: I need to ask Feels for a photo pass.

Joshua Payne Orchestra

Los Angeles Music Scene: Save Our Stages Approved by Congress

The Satellite

The second COVID-19 stimulus bill just got approved by Washington DC (President Trump delayed the signing by a few days when he decided to push for a $2,000 per person check). Of much interest to Los Angeles local music scene fans, it included the Save Our Stages funding of $15 billion. From Rolling Stones (Dec 21):

Legislation allocates $15 billion in funding to “venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions” as Save Our Stages act is folded into $900 billion stimulus bill 

Of the $15 billion, $10 billion is dedicated to music venues and promoters. Venues can apply for grants equal to 45% of 2019 gross revenues with a cap of $10 million. Priority is given to those who lost 90% of their revenue over the last year. Two weeks later, those who have lost 70% can then apply for a grant. Considering that Los Angeles venues shut down in mid-March, that would indicate an 80% drop in revenue if revenues are straight-lined across the year. I'm not sure how revenue trends throughout the year for local venues so I'm not sure if Los Angeles venues will be in the first or second wave.

. . . Speaking on the Senate floor Monday, Amy Klobuchar said the bill will help venues cover six months of expenses to make it through what will hopefully be the tail-end of the pandemic . . . “The grants can be used to cover all the major costs the venues have to pay to stay in business including rent and mortgage utilities, employee wages, key benefits, maintenance costs, state and local taxes, payments to contractors, purchases of protective equipment.”

I focus on the "six months of expenses." Those of us in Los Angeles know that music venues have already been shut down for 9 months. My speculation is that venues won't open until September. Maybe I'm too pessimistic and they open in June. Either way, venues in Los Angeles (and I say Los Angeles, because I have to believe that Texas will allow Austin venues to open up months before Los Angeles allows venues to open) may be shut for 15 to 18 months. Six months of expenses could be just 1 / 3 of the need -- though some of the rest could be covered by borrowing from a bank, fundraising, online concerts, merchandise sales, temporarily getting rent reductions, loan term changes, etc etc.

The Chicago Tribune (Dec 21) adds a Senator Amy Klobuchar Q&A from Variety that considers my above concern.

SINCE SAVE OUR STAGES WILL LARGELY BE COVERING EXPENSES FROM THIS YEAR, DO YOU EXPECT ANOTHER STIMULUS BILL NEXT YEAR?

Yes, especially for the state and local governments and others, and Joe Biden has committed to that. Every month that goes by, you learn about who has been hardest hit -- people as well as businesses, and we’re going to have the benefit of that hindsight by February.

It does seem that Variety and Senator Amy Klobuchar realize that this $10 billion isn't enough and that many venues will still close if additional grants aren't provided. Of course, her answer takes a more macro look at the need for a 3rd stimulus package versus answering directly about music venues. Is that cause for concern or is she just being cautious with her language -- she is a lawyer after all? But my honest opinion is that if various states allow their venues to start opening up soon in 2021, there would be less Congressional support for venues in states that keep them shut down until later in the year.

New Music Alert: Jesse Jo Stark's "Tangerine"

Jesse Jo Stark at Harvard & Stone

Jesse Jo Stark has a new song release called "Tangerine.". "I'll be your tangerine, you can peel me with your tea, and I'm so sweet and taste so sweet." A love song that revolves around fruit, a very sweet fruit, let's be honest. She uses her sultry vocals and "Summer of Love" fashion to good effect. Her vocals bring a sorrow of someone who is in love with someone, but that individual has addictions that cause heartache. If only the relationship could work out, there would be so much that could be experienced.

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 75

I noticed an Instagram Stories from Lauren Lakis saying she was going to go on at 7 p.m. on a Sunday to play an Instgram Live set. She asked for song requests. I sent in a request for "Fear of God." She came on at 7 p.m. with red and blue lights flooding the screen, clashing in the center. There were Christmas lights twirled around the microphone stand. And she played sitting on the floor, her legs folded. 

Her guitar was her only backing instrument along with vocal reverb. There was a sorrowful, gothic take to her music. The electric guitar was played with somber tones. And then she hit "Fear of God" and the music shifted to a driving forcefulness. It really felt like I was watching her video with a full band sound and all the benefits of recording. Such a powerful song. After she ended the song she mentioned that whenever she plays that song her shoulders and neck tense up.

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 74

Home School is always an enjoyable hour -- now in the middle of the day.

Sofia Valdes opened it up with a full band -- who all wore masks. Her voice had lullaby vocals with just a touch of soul crooning. Her accented English singing had her music sounding like sweet syrup. One of her song titles was "Amsterdam." I do love that city.

Sofa Valdes

Foreign Air definitely mixed it up in this line-up. They performed their set in a workspace that had the vocals echoing throughout the building, I'm sure. It was pure experimental music, taking inspiration from the range of 60s rock to 80s college radio to heavy metal. Their opening song was layered above samples of "Que sera, sera." I noticed that one of their electronic kits was above a booked titled, "The Animator's Survival Kit."

Foreign Air

Closing out the afternoon was Charlotte Jane with some country/folk vocals. Her set was done on a balcony, overlooking her city. Off in the distance one could see a body of water. Birds flew past on occasion. And it was a bit cold as she had to warm up her hands when shifting to the keyboards. She happened to mention that it was weird doing a livestream and that her non-emotional plants were her audience. She also mentioned that she had been to School Night in the flesh before and hoped she would be able to play live in the future.

Charlotte Jan

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 73

Way back in 2013, I first came across Cori Elliott at the Chinese New Year Festival in Chinatown. She was playing a set with her band, The Vim Dicta. Interestingly, I also saw her being interviewed on a local news station regarding the high gas prices that hit us during the time. I loved the band's sound and caught them on occasion, seeing them once in both 2014 and 2015. Then they fell off my radar. Fast forward to 2018, and I noticed they were playing a set at The Satellite. I made sure I got to catch their set. How did I let so much time pass between seeing them? Well, apparently, they had taken a break and that was their first set in a couple years.

I'm not sure the band played since that time, but I kept my fond memories of the band.

Fast forward to a few days back and I noticed that the lead singer, Cori Elliott, was scheduled to play a midday set on WFNM. One had to know that I was making time to catch the set. It was a short 12 minute set with her playing three songs: "Eyes," "Crutch," and "Too Far Gone." The songs had a moody tone to them via the use of the bass keys on the piano with dashes of hope via the xylophone. 

Her last song "Too Far Gone" will have you in tears. Here's part of the lyrics:

Well I’m too far gone I’ll take the train straight home Please remind me what happened in the morning

Always mad at the feeling Night will end and day begin again Got in your car and on the highway Let’s let the road be our savior again

But I’m too far gone I’ll take the train straight home Don’t remind me what happened in the morning Don’t remind me what happened in the morning Don’t remind me what happened in the morning.

Two people, going their separate ways. One by train and the other by car. Let's talk in the morning, but then maybe we shouldn't. Just the sense of loss and emotional emptiness. Just makes one tear up.

Los Angeles Music Scene: Is Live Nation getting slightly less optimistic about the return of live music in the US?

The Satellite

On November 5th, LiveNation's CEO Michael Rapino said on the company's Q3 earnings call:

We still expect shows at scale next summer but recognize that some exact timeline of this return will vary by region and so we continue to focus on remaining flexible . . . So if you have a new if you have a new tour well let's think about the fall into 2022 but let's sit tight until January before you start moving any costs in place to get ready. So that's kind of a -- that the general sense is let's -- let's reset, let's get through 2021 summer with whatever we reschedules from 2020, add new stuff into the fall to 2022 as we get a better visibility into January.

That appears to give a distinct indication that they expected shows to start up in the summer of 2021. And my interpretation was that they expected ALL shows to return.

Is LiveNation getting a touch less optimistic?

On December 7th, Live Nation president Joe Berchtold said the following on  CNBC: 

In the key US, Western European markets, it continues to be our expectations that by next summer we're back with our major outdoor shows, our amphitheaters here in the US, festivals globally, we'll be able to do those shows.

I didn't see a transcript of the interview so this is my own personal transcript of the interview.

Berchtold appears to be restricting summer shows to outdoor amphitheaters and festivals. That appears to provide additional clarification to the November 5th statement. 

CNBC's headline of the interview was: Live Nation president Joe Berchtold says he expects U.S. shows will be back by summer 2021. That is true, but over-looks the specifics. 

If I'm hearing the interview correctly, LiveNation does not expect their Los Angeles venues such as The Echo, Echoplex and The Regent to open up in the summer.  

Los Angeles Music Scene: The Shutdown of a Scene

Photo of The Satellite

The Los Angeles TImes (Dec 11) has an article up looking into the Los Angeles music scene and the length of the shutdown. The article talks with artists ranging from Purity Ring to Mariachi Las Colibri to concert promoters Brownies & Lemonade.

Got to say I found it interesting that Brownies & Lemonade's Digital Mirage festival series has drawn millions of viewers. I remember them running a stage at Broke LA. Good for them. 

Here's the quote that I keyed in on:

“Everyone has their own degrees of despair,” [Megan James of Purity Ring] said. “The bulk of our income will be deeply cut for a long time to come. I didn’t imagine last year I’d be thinking about leaving L.A. But where do we go?”

I mentioned a two things earlier in this pandemic to a couple well known influencers of the Los Angeles music scene (I'll keep their names private as they might not want to be mentioned in this blog post):

1. For every month that music venues stay shut down, it'll take two months for the scene to recover to pre-pandemic levels. (Now since the music scene has remained shut down for so long, perhaps that doesn't work out very well now as it starts to become extreme.) We've been shut down for 9 months now so my assumption would be that it'll take 18 months to recover. If we stay shut down for say another 9 months, it'll take 36 months or 3 years to recover.

2. Megan James is saying that she is thinking about leaving Los Angeles. I have to say that watching online Instagram/Twitch accounts such as WFNM, School Night and Desert Nights, I've noticed a number of Los Angeles based musicians have already moved out of Los Angeles. So one might say they are former Los Angeles based musicians.  

The articles also has a poll where they ask musicians when they believe concerts will return:

14% say winter of 2021. Yeah, they're too optimistic or are thinking about concerts returning in areas that aren't known as Los Angeles. Considering that the vaccine won't be widely available until April (at the earliest), I say not happening.

9% say spring of 2021.

23% say summer of 2021. That aligns with Live Nation's view (though their opinion seems tied to open air concerts/festivals).

27% say fall of 2021. This aligns with my opinion. I've argued on Instagram that live music in Los Angeles will start in September. September is when summer ends and fall starts.

27% say 2022. That actually was my original thought process as I just didn't believe a vaccine would get approved in 2021. But I was wrong so have moved up my timing to September. Maybe I'll be wrong again and it'll move up even earlier.

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 72

It has been a very long while since I last watched a Desert Nights' Instagram Live. There was a long break and then I missed a night. Anyways, I got to catch ADY on a recent Wednesday night. There was apparently an audio glitch between ADY and Valida at the beginning, a synching issue. To be honest, I didn't notice any audio glitch. I guess that's the world of technology.

With her boyfriend working the camera, ADY started off with an R'nB sound. At times, when not working the camera, the boyfriend could be seen walking in the background. Cherry Glazerr showed up in the comments -- cool friends in high places.

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 71

Wonder & Awe Productions hit Facebook / Zoom on a recent Monday night. Wonder & Awe Productions is put on by Brenda Carsey. The performers go through rounds versus sets. 

Starting off the rounds was McKail Seely who was celebrating her 27th birthday. Her set had a country leaning and one of her songs was about a breakup that occurred just as she starting quarantine. Her comment of the night had to be, "My ego just had an orgasm."

Kid Lightning followed. His guitar playing really inspired me. I was thinking, "Wow, that guitar playing sounds thrilling." His vocals layered a folk-country sound. Lyrics of the set, "This is the era of the taker. Our architecture is just built that way." He has a real way with words. 

This was my third time catching Chase Petra. I've only seen this band online. Kind of interesting fact. They were all wearing masks and dedicated one of their songs to the capitalist overlords. Their use of masks as well as their distance from the microphone gave their music a muffled sound. 

Ending each round was Brenda Carsey. Her first song had a big, old school, showtune sound to it. Another tune was like the music from The Rocky Horror Picture Show or watching Dracula rise from the grave. Her vocals can soar like very few and her keyboard playing had the camera shaking. 

Stories Books & Cafe: GoFundMe Campaign

Stories Books & Cafe which hires a handful of Los Angeles musicians is having to raise money due to the recent COVID-19 shutdown. The above video has to be one of the quirkiest fundraising videos I've ever seen. It speaks to the uniqueness of the book store.

My time at Stories Books & Cafe is usually spent browsing around when I get to Echo Park a few minutes too early before the doors open at The Echo or Echoplex or when they have events on the patio. 

I believe the last patio show I went to was in October 2019 when Jess Jones, Nicole Kikik Jaffe, Arianna Tibi and Loretti were all on the same bill.

If you wish to donate, you can do so at their GoFundMe page.  

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 70

WFNM shifted to a lunch break concert versus their normal Wednesday evenings. Beka opened it up from London. Behind her was a Christmas tree. Her vocals were very calming as she sang, "You and I should be more than friends." She mentions that her cup was clinking while she played. To end her set, she brought on her brother for an Instagram Live Q&A.

Beka

Dylan Dunlap closed out the concert playing a piano that looked like it was from the 1940s. A well worn and well used instrument. I think you could even hear the clicking of the pedals. His comment of the set had to be, "My phone just told me I've been on my phone for too long. That's funny." It was cool to learn that he had communicated with Beka earlier in the week. Nice to see that these now WFNM alumni spent time talking with each other. During one particular song, he said, "I'm laughing, but this is such a sad song. I apologize." He also gave a cool lesson in music composition during another song. He's definitely someone that one needs to catch in the main room of Hotel Café.

Dylan Dunlap

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 69

Home School (of School Night) is switching their start times to 3 p.m. (PST) on Tuesdays instead of 6 p.m. (PST). Since that is in the middle of the workday for me, hopefully I'll be able to "sneak" off from my at home work situation to watch some sets. They really know how to select musicians and bands.

Eli Smart had an encore screening of his set which was from Episode 8. They're currently in Episode 12. Since I wasn't able to catch that episode, I was happy to watch the set. He played from Kauai, Hawaii. He and his band played on a hillside overlooking the ocean. And all the vegetation around him was green. That's Hawaii. The set was approached in that casual Hawaiian way. There was a pickup truck with Eli and another band member playing on it. Three other individuals joined along the sides to round out the band. The most interesting thing to mention about the set has to be directed at the drummer. He sat on a lounge chair and his drums were carboard boxes. That's right, cardboard boxes, both the snare and bass drums. The carboard box for the bass was stuffed with a wrapped up blanket (or similar item). It should be noted that the cymbal was a real cymbal. For the last song, I loved the lingering twang being left by the guitar.

Eli Smart

Matilda Mann played in the exact same room as Thomas Headon (who played a few weeks back for School Night). What did that mean, she was playing her set from London. When Headon played his set, I figured it was his living room. I guess it is more likely a recording studio or record label studio. Her first song was about a person who is just better at doing everything. She called it her petty song. The next song was inspired by binge watching Gossip Girl and getting to see episodes where wealthy 17 year-olds get to fly off to Paris whenever they feel down and out.  So is Gossip Girl a big deal in the UK? Or just for her? I watched Gossip Girl so I'm not judging. Her music has a lullaby quality to it that fits in with an awesome British accent. 

She had a great conversation going throughout the set saying things such as:

"Sorry for the awkward hair that keeps flying into my face."

"Things don't come easy, but that's good, because that just means you need to try harder."

She mentions that she is scheduled to play a London gig on April 29th. Hmm. I really doubt Los Angeles venues will be opening up by April. 

Matilda Mann

Haiva Ru closed out the set. Their set was in what appeared to be a living room. All the furniture was removed so that all four band members could play without interference from immovable objects. The keyboardist had this intense look and determined way in how she played. Of interest, the keyboardist had 2 synths and a piano. I loved those pitch perfect vocals. The sound had a New Age feel to it. The band also played Chris Isaak's "Wicked Games."

I have to say that there was a strange situation going on with the video. Whenever the drummer played, the video would shake. Now that might not seem strange depending on the floor's stability; however, it only shook around the drummer. So on both sides of the drummer the video was always steady and solid, but around the drummer the video would always shake. I found that strange. Maybe it had nothing to do with the drummer, but was just a malfunctioning video recorder where the glitch just happened to be where the drummer was. 

An online comment by miekekramer stated: "ethereal!" That sounds like a good way to describe the music.

Haiva Ru

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 68

Time for some Home School. Almost Monday started it off with some alternative pop jams. I previously caught them on WFNM's Instagram Live. The WFNM version was in a room of some sort. The Home School set was done on a full stage (they used the Belly Up venue in San Diego) and was pre-recorded. Due to this, it really had a concert feel to it. What was similar between the WFNM and Home School sets was that the band has a real playful style. While listening to their set, I started thinking of the Pet Shop Boys.

Almost Monday

ONR came to us from Scotland. They played their indie pop set out in the countryside of Scotland. Soaring vocals that sped across the open fields. Listening to their set had me wanting to go back to Edinburgh and hang out at some of their local venues.

ONR

Jac Ross closed out the night. What perfect tenor vocals that had me thinking Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie. He appeared to be playing his set at home. He hit those keys with great confidence. Behind him was a photo of three kids. The kid in the middle was doing a backflip just above the knit cap of Jac Ross. It really made it look like the kid was flipping over the singer.  

Jac Ross

Joshua Payne Orchestra under the 2 Freeway

As I mentioned before, I first came across Joshua Payne Orchestra while walking along the Los Angeles River. I went over to where he was packing up his gear and I asked him what his band name was. I soon thereafter got to catch a day set of him playing along the river. And this time, I went down at 5 p.m. to catch him again. This time, he had visuals that played against the wide concreate beam that holds up the 2 Freeway. Visuals of eyes, wheels, and various shapes spanned the concreate as cars and trucks roared pass above us. His music takes its own twist on classical sounds as well as jazz inspiration. A crowd of up to a 100 sat on the river concrete siding or stood along the bike path. Sure, perhaps it broke some of Governor Newsom's COVID-19 rules, but who says he doesn't break them himself sometimes.

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 67

BIIANCO played a Instagram Live set on Korg. This is my third time catching an Instagram Live set of BIIANCO. Am I a super fan? I guess so. Her online sets are just so similar to her live sets. A lot of artists have to do their sets mostly acoustic and sitting on their sofa or bed. BIIANCO; however, has her keys and drum kit set up and she just goes from one to the other just like she does during her live sets. Her interpretative dancing and background video imagery are always there. When it comes to the drum kit, she swings the drum sticks just like she always does. I swear I wish I could see those online sets live so that I could take photos to my heart's content.

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 66

WFNM had a brief two set night on a recently Wednesday night. But I'm not complaining, because it was a great two sets. Joe Avio started it off with a cool jazz start. Lovely melodies set to relaxing sounds. There was a soft blue lighting to set the mood of falsetto vocals. 

Joe Avio

Closing it out was Ally Nicholas who can really carry a tune. Just loved her vocals. She played sitting on a couch. It was just a great singer-songwriter set.  

Comment of the set: "It is so hard not to smile while seeing the comments. You're all so sweet."

Lyric of the set: "I feel like dying tonight."

Comment left during the set by a xonkervasa: "The voice of 3 angels in one human."

What was admitted during the set: her microphone was duck taped to the stand, because she lost the clip.

Ally Nicholas

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 65

"Six at Six" monthly series on The Satellite's Instagram Live page is one of my favorite online music events. 

November's version started on Sunday with Human Barbie. I had a couple thoughts that popped up while watching the set. My first thought was that he really made me think about story time of the  Princess Bride. Then his knit cap had me thinking about R.E.M. The music sounded like poetry. The voice was perfectly soft and the guitar sounded like there was a soft pedal being applied. During the set, he loved stretching out those arms. 

Comment of the set: You are my beautiful Barbies and I love you. 

Human Barbie

Iress played on Monday. The music had an Irish chant quality. The guitarist and bassist played on the stage while the singer sat in front of the stage. A new song was sung with an opened notebook. At times, there was an Alanis Morissette unplugged feel to the set.

Lyrics of the set: I can see the wolves crying.

Info of the set: The 1st song they sang got 15,000 plays on Monday.

Photographer: I could hear the photographer taking some rapid photos.

Brian who curates the "Six at Six" series cried twice during the set. 

 

Iress

Reckling started off Tuesday by saying, "Hi, anyone out there?" The two guitarists sat next to each other and sang perfect duets. There was this Bob Dylan feel to their acoustic set, but sped up by about 25%. They did a hand stretch before the final song. They looked at each other before starting and cracked up for just a brief second. They ended that song at the exact same moment and looked pleased.

Recklng

The honkytonk sound started if off for Moonfuzz on Wednesday. Loved how the fingers did some rapid playing on those guitar strings. During one song, you know you were really seeing a set played outdoors, because the noise of a truck roaring pass was heard. Though there was some honkytonk, for other songs their vocals had the cries of the ancients. As soon as the set ended, the singer quickly put a mask on. Thumbs up on that move. 

Moonfuzz

Flames of Durga is a band that I've seen live only once at a Wild Riot event, but they definitely made an impression on me that day. On this particular Thursday, I could help but notice that one of the twins was dressed in 70s style while the other was dressed in punk rocker style. I noticed that their earrings matched their tops: red (70s) and black (punk). They also drank LiveWire cocktails. 

The twins brought a classic rocker style to the stage that was definitely not acoustic. In the comments, Usuallymikey said, "Gonna be a noise complaint in the old Silverlake tonight!!"

There set actually started off at 6:15 p.m. A 15 minute delay from the 6 p.m. start time. Seems like during rehearsal a guitar string broke. To end the set, they went faux wild by raising the bass high and gently slamming the guitar. 

Flames of Durga

Closing out the series was Brenda Carsey on Friday. She didn't bring her keyboard for the set. Instead, she played the guitar. No matter what, as Brian said during the set, she has an amazing voice. Nothing like Brenda Carsey sing her tunes. That is a reason why I've seen Brenda Carsey three times live.

Brenda Carsey