Quick Hit Band Interview: Weslee

Weslee at Chinatown Summer Nights

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

How would you describe your music? I would say our music is a reflection of the vibe/place we are in at the time we are writing it. I mean us as people don’t have just one mood so why should our music, haa.

You mentioned you moved to Los Angeles from London? Did you consider any other US cities and what convinced you to go with Los Angeles? I actually moved to New York from London! It honestly took me a couple years to finally make the move from NY to LA. Always seen myself as more of a city girl, but the west coast way of life is growing on me.

Quick Hit Band Interview: The Dead Coats

The Dead Coats at Redwood Bar

Interview with the band (with Lormin Warner). Enjoy:

How would you describe your music? Genre-wise, I would describe it as experimental punk. We really love incorporating different genres into our songs and challenging ourselves to see what we can do next. Merging the old rock and roll with the new, bringing our own vibrant feel. Keeping our honest, genuine-selves into our music is important to us, in a world where being honest and genuine seems all too foreign. We always incorporate humor into our music live and in our albums. People have told us that our music, no matter the venue, brings a sensation that we are playing to them in their bedroom, exposing our souls for them so see.

You mentioned that the Redwood Bar was your last stop of your tour. Do you have a fun story from your tour? In San Diego, we played this cool place called, "The Che Cafe," where this guy who came to the show brought this giant loaf of bread. He got us all to sign the bread-loaf, and gave the bread a good life. He sent us pictures of the bread being tucked into bed and being read to. The bread had a good life.

We have a song called "Celebration Time," where we do quick-stops and our bassist, Joe, does funny snippets. At the Redwood Bar, Joe actually called his Mom during one of those snippets and told her that we were on Cash Cab. He told her that money was at stake and that he needed to know the person who invented Lego. Fortunately, his Mom thought it was hilarious when we explained later that we were never on Cash Cab, but instead we were on stage in Los Angeles playing a gig.

Own Q&A. How do you keep your live performances so interesting? We love new ideas and gimmicks. We all have these different versions of ourselves we will bring out; whether that be our drummer undressing into a complete fishnet-underwear set on stage, our singer bringing audience members onto the stage while throwing around a stage prop-head or covered in blood. Even hiding our drummer in a storage container and bringing him on stage secretly has been an option. Every show is completely different and we love to inspire and entertain our audiences while keeping our own sense of how to do that.

(Interview was first posted on CaliforniaRocker.

Quick Hit Band Interview: The Adjacents

The Adjacents at Shaken Vanity Block Party

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

What's the story behind how the band formed? The band started as a phantom entity between both Louis Medina (guitar/vocals) and Anibal Colmenares (guitar/vocals) around their high school year in 2012. They both met each other in Hawthorne High School and have been going through a revolving cast of members since that year. Everything changed in the beginning of March 2019. Jesse Sanchez, who happens to be Louis’ cousin, joined on bass and Jack Flynn joined in on drums. They are now a four piece unit called The Adjacents.

If the band wasn't pursuing music, what do you all think you might be doing in its place? It would be going back to school to further pursue personal interest. Jack Flynn already has a degree from Merced University. Louis has his Associates in English but stopped to pursue the band. Anibal would have attended school for film while Jesse would have gone for Journalism.

Own final Q&A. What does The Adjacents as a band mean to you? It’s what you want to achieve and strongly know what you believe in.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Rambling Ways

Rambling Ways at The Satellite

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

What is currently influencing your sound? As far as songwriting goes, we’ve been playing around with the sounds we’ve always loved a little more freely lately. Like trying to let the songs breath and sort of have a pulse of their own. And with influences, it goes way back to being inspired by the greats like Credence Clearwater Revival, Cat Stevens, Fleetwood Mac, Dylan, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton , etc etc. but there’s also bands from now like Kings of Leon , Gary Clark Jr., and Lukas Nelson that get us going.

How has the band grown together as a group? We’ve grown together in a lot of ways, between different genres of music and just in our personal lives that made us really own our vibe and hone in on the sounds we want to create. The fun thing about our band is that we’re family. We’ve known each other since we were little kids growing up in Miami so it’s easy to read each other and it’s just enhanced through music. There’s nothing better than making music with the people you’ve known your whole life.

Quick Hit Band Interview: I Speak Machine

I Speak Machine at The Satellite

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

How would you describe your music? The best way I ever heard my live show described was the Doris Day wrangling a ton of synthesizers. Not sure what that says about the songwriting, but I’ll take it. I’d describe I Speak Machine as dark, melancholic and sometimes a bit juvenile/childlike. Great for headphones and smoking weed.

How would you like your music to impact people who listen to your music or see you play live? Create a brief escape route, like exiting off a highway on a long road trip at 3 am; to stop time a little. I know I’m not for everyone, but I hope to bring a bit of joy.

I'm Up On Buzzbands: Home Sick Fesitval

I'm up on BuzzbandsLA where I shot the Home Sick Festival at Pomona's The Glass House. The last time I shot at The Glass House was way back in 2016. On this Friday night, it took a couple hours to make it to Pomona, but it was worth it as I got to see:

Nice
Entry
Glitterer
Automatic
Vowws
Full of Hell
Ceremony
Drab Majesty
Joyce Manor

Joyce Manor at The Glass House

Quick Hit Band Interview: mmmonika

mmmonika at Chinatown Summer Nights

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

What inspired your band name? The band sat down all together for the first time sharing a meal made by a lovely woman in the mountains named Monica.

What motivates you to write your music? Depression and friendship!

Own final thoughts: the band's favorite food is Costco churros.

I'm Up On Buzzbands: The King Khan & BBQ Show

I'm up on Buzzbands with a photo gallery of The King Khan & BBQ Show and opening band The Night Times at the Teragram Ballroom.

The King Khan & BBQ Show

This was a fun set. At some moments, I was thinking that King Khan was doing a Chandler Bing imitation with his hand movements. Read more of my thoughts via the link.

The Night Times

FOMO and Satellite Nights 2020

It was the annual FOMO and Satellite Nights week to kick off 2020. For me, it was off to 3 of the nights. I wish I could have gone out another night, but I've been stuck with a lingering cold since Christmas and decided it was best to limit my outings. Of course, it probably would have been best if I just stayed home during all the whole week, but then I had FOMO.

My first stop was to The Satellite on Monday to catch the first night of WASI's residency. I selected this night to catch WASI, because I also wanted to catch Sugar Rum Tantrum. Prior to this night, I had previously seen Sugar Rum Tantrum back in 2018 at Broke LA. I was eager to catch another set, because lead Melinda West makes the accordion sound melodic. To me, the sound from an accordion is jarring, but she plays it in a certain way that makes the sound very pleasant. The one problem with her set, after her first song, she put the accordion to the side.

Sugar Rum Tantrum

Shira put on one nice performance. Time was spent on the floor with legs kicking in every direction. Punk Crush closed out the night with pop punk sounds. They were given praise by the audience for the anime cartoons that were playing behind them. As for WASI, the fun part of their set is when they invite their friends do dance with them. Up on stage for one song was Melinda West and a couple other friends. As the song progressed, Holander (who was DJing) was brought up, as well.

Shira

There is an amusing note about Holander. Last band up that night was Punk Crush. They were wanting to start their set, but the DJ music was playing. The band seemed to be trying to get Holander's attention so that she'd shut down the music so that they could start their set. Holander, meanwhile, was having too much fun dancing.

WASI

Punk Crush

Next up was the Echoplex on Tuesday. I'd just been there Friday night for Ariel Beesley's birthday party so all the security guards at the Echoplex were like, "Oh, you again." I was there that night to catch Boy Deluxe. Boy Deluxe is the new iteration of Ever So Android. They announced the name change in late 2019 and I believe they played one or two sets under that name. I was eager to catch them for the first time and it was great to catch them during FOMO. I was going to take off right after their set (cough cough, due to my cold), but decided to stick it out to catch Hello Forever and A.O. Gerber. Hello Forever had the women coming out to catch this folk band with a lead singer who has -- what I'd describe as -- mountain man sexuality. A.O. Gerber had that singer-songwriter vibe going. And was enjoying the fact that this was the first time she ever got to play the Echoplex as the lead musician (not backing someone else up).

Boy Deluxe

Hello Forever

A.O. Gerber

I didn't head out Wednesday or Thursday. I was tempted to go to Zebulon on Thursday night to catch The Tissues, but just didn't have the energy to do it.

Maybe I should't have gone out Friday night, but I did anyways, returning to The Satellite where I caught Twin Oaks, Bandie and Wax Charmer. I walked in on Twin Oaks as they were playing. Maybe I missed half a song. They started out the night with a mellow sound. The audience didn't mind. There was a solid fan base there for the set. They mentioned that their lyrics were on the sadder side of the scale. To me, Bandie was the find of the week. Their pop sounds were brilliantly composed. Closing out the night for me was Wax Charmer who knows how to put on a show. Shot after shot I took, I was thinking, that's a nice pose.

Bandi

Wax Charmer

Twin Oaks

Quick Hit Artist Interview: Greg Holden

Greg Holden at the Moroccan Lounge

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

How would you describe your music? This is always a difficult question to answer without either sounding like a hopeless cliché or a pretentious asshole. But a while back I referred to it as English Americana, and that sort of stuck.

I found your lyrics just so emotional. Would you mind talking about your writing process? My best songs almost always come out of learning or reading about something that truly devastated me, which is probably why my shows are filled with songs about refugees, the homeless, and suicide. Great party songs for a Friday night show!

I read that you've spent your music career in London, New York and Los Angeles. Any thoughts on the differences/similarities in those cities when it comes to their music scenes? They’re all so different. When I lived in London, I still had a day job, and wasn’t “in the scene” or anything like that, so I would never try and speak for London’s current musical climate. It’s a great city though and people are really open to unique expressions of art and music (especially when the weather’s nice, ha ha). New York was just immediately home for me, and where my favourite musicians and best friends lived and played. It was a wonderful time in my life, filled with nightly live collaborations, too much booze and countless inspirational moments in the city with freakishly talented musicians and people. Unfortunately, New York has out-priced itself and has driven away many of its creators. There’s barely any music being made there anymore. Money is what makes and breaks that city, and always will be. A bummer really because it’s such a great place to live and create in. Los Angeles is booming, and everywhere you turn someone is creating something. I didn’t love it at first, but it’s growing on me in a profound way, and I’m always creating here, and have no shortage of people to do it with. Each city is wonderfully unique in its own way and I’m very grateful to have lived in all of them.

Own Q&A: I heard you are a vegetarian. That sounds like that would be a challenge on the road. Any tips on how you make it work? Whole Foods and Chipotle.

Interview originally published on CaliforniaRocker.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Oriah

Oriah at The House of Machines

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

How would you describe your music? Spirit Animal Rock & Roll.

What’s your favorite Oriah song and what makes it the favorite? Always changes! Usually anything new. Right now, it’s “You Get What You Give” which we just released a couple of days ago.

Quick Hit Artist Interview: Jesse Ruben

Jesse Ruben at It's a School Night

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

When did you know you wanted to be a musician? I knew I wanted to be a musician when I was 5. I used to sit in the room while my dad rehearsed with a band. It looked like magic. I wanted to be a part of it. It wasn't until I was 16 that I figured out that I wanted to be a songwriter. The first time I picked up an acoustic guitar, I knew that's what I was going to do.

Outside of music, what are some of your other interests? I love to travel (especially to Spain), cook, read, talk about writing songs, spend time with creative people, and run (I do the NYC Marathon every year)

Own final thoughts: Something unique about me? I'm a twin. My sister is 4 minutes older than me. And a foot shorter.

Echoplex: Ariel Beesley with Suzie True and Pink Sock

It was Ariel Beesley's 28th birthday party at the Echoplex. I was sick and coughing, but I didn't want to miss this night. She literally kicked her way through her birthday. She did 4 or 5 high kicks. Some of those kicks ending with her foot higher than her head. There was a little help in terms of keeping her balance with the microphone stand, but I'm still not sure how she didn't lose her balance with at least one of those kicks.

Ariel Beesley

Early in the set, the audience spontaneously sang Happy Birthday. And towards the end of the set, Pink Sock brought out a cake for her, which sent her into tears. It was a tender night that was highlighted by her brilliant music the talks about heart break. She mentioned that she always looks for a man who will love her like she should be loved. She said she came to a realization that her friends in the audience provided her with that love.

Opening up the night was Suzie True. I had just seen them 3 weeks earlier at a small DIY venue called Sun Space. I also first caught them at The Smell. It was a revelation to catch this punk pop band on the much larger stage of the Echoplex. I did notice at the other two venues how this band liked to put on a show, but on a larger stage they were able to do so much more. Like with Ariel Beesley there were high kicks. They also were able to do much more jumping and stage movements without ending up against the edge of the stage.

Suzie True

Pink Sock came on after Suzie True. I remember catching this band for the first time at Echo Park Rising 2018. I was shooting for Buzzbands and was rushing from venue to venue. I was in the middle of heading to another venue, but noticed all these people jumping out of Ubers and such and running into Little Joy. I figured that must be a good sign so I went in to catch the band. Flash forward to 2020, and I finally caught the smooth jazz sounds of this band for the second time. To close out their set, Ariel Beesley jumped on stage and danced from the first note to the last note.

Pink Sock

Quick Hit Band Interview: Dirty Cakes

Dirty Cakes at Shaken Vanity Block Party

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

What's the story behind your band? Rock and Roll, Honest & Dangerous . . . Loud, Fuzzy and Fast. While Charley has been kicking around the LA music scene for 7 years now, Rick joined the band after playing with The English Beat and Becky was in The Lunachicks for their first 2 records.

Is there a specific decision the band has made (good or bad) that it feels other bands/artists can learn from? DIY first, we put the live show above all else. We leave it all on the stage, and expect nothing for it. Rock and Roll isn’t a choice or a decision . . . it’s who we are. We embrace that, there is no act or character being played. You can sniff bullshit a mile away . . . our enthusiasm, joy and honesty are a hallmark.

Own unique fact: We played our first show 5 days after the first time we all played together. It was 25 minutes long to a standing room only Maui Sugar Mill Saloon, and we crushed it!

2019 Top 25 Favorite "New" Bands/Artists

1. My Top Favorite 2019 New Artists (new to me, but maybe not new to you):

First, what was I thinking in 2018? I left Ariel Beesley off my 2018 list. How stupid. She's turned into one of my favorites. Her music and lyrics are just so well thought out.

Ariel Beesley at The House of Machines

Check out her song: Slower Than Usual

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Annie Hardy at the Redwood Bar. I hadn't run into Annie Hardy in years. It was so great to get a re-introduction.

2. My Top Favorite 2019 New Artists (new to me, but maybe not new to you):

First, what was I thinking in 2018? I left talker off my 2018 list. How dumb. She rocks from the first song to the final song.

Check out her song: Collateral Damage

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Bone Acre at Echo Park Rising. Desert rock with body contortions that get photographers excited.

3. My Top Favorite 2019 New Bands (new to me, but maybe not new to you):

The UK Invasion. I had some real luck when it came to UK bands/musicians. First up is Champs who will get you rocking.

Check out their song: Shadow On The Sea

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): The Coathangers at Happy Sundays Long Beach. They were closing out the festival at Alex's Bar. It was too hot. Too sweaty. Too packed (for me, anyways). But also fantastic, because of all that.

4. My Top Favorite 2019 New Artists (new to me, but maybe not new to you):

The UK Invasion. Second is Greg Holden who will have you in tears. He currently lives in Los Angeles, but I'll still put him down under the UK Invasion list. Also, it is probably embarrassing to admit that this was the first time I'd ever heard of Greg Holden.

Greg Holden at the Moroccan Lounge

Check out his song: Boys In The Street

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): The Colour Coast at The Hi Hat. This one isn't from their November residency, but one earlier in the year. Why? First time and so far only time I've ever posted a video on Instagram. That made it a special night.

5. My Top Favorite 2019 New Artists (new to me, but maybe not new to you):

The UK Invasion. Third on the list is Tom Speight who will have you reflecting back to that movie called Once.

Check out his song: Something To Say

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Draemings at Echo Park Rising. Kimi had played all over Echo Park Rising throughout the extended weekend. I had shot for Buzzbands Thursday thru Saturday. I was out on a Sunday to chill and catch full sets of bands instead of running from one band to the next. I think Kimi was out to celebrate, as well. What a blast.

6. My Top Favorite 2019 New Bands (new to me, but maybe not new to you):

Wait, you say, they're not new to you: Aging Actress features Lauren Ruth Ward. I was lucky enough to catch a number of their initial sets at Club Tee Gee.

Aging Actress at Club Tee Gee

Check out their song: Aging Actress (or just any LRW song)

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Ever So Android (now called Boy Deluxe) at Echo Park Rising. They were playing in front of a packed crowd. Hope was totally energized. And I feel like I shot one of my best photos from the festival during that set.

7. My Top Favorite 2019 New Artists (new to me, but maybe not new to you):

Wait, you say, they're not new to you: BIIANCO features Gabby from Smoke Season. Those synths will have you dabbing interpretative style.

Check out the song: Get Up

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Feels at The Echo for their record release party. I've followed this band for years. It was great to celebrate with the band and at the same time cover the night for Buzzbands.


8. My Top Favorite 2019 New Bands (new to me, but maybe not new to you):

Wait, you say, they're not new to you: Cuffed Up features Sapphire from Gypsum. Gypsum has given the Los Angeles music scene Rosie Tucker and Cuffed Up. That is one solid musician tree.

Check out their song: Small Town Kid

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Holy Wars at Madame Siam. So I could probably list every set I've seen of Holy Wars as a favorite set from 2019. That would get rather redundant though. I was thinking about their set at The House of Machines, but I went with Madame Siam, because there were way too many of us photographers packed in front of that tiny stage.

9. My Top Favorite 2019 New Bands (new to me, but maybe not new to you):

Wait, you say, they're not new to you: Final Child features Jennifer Akerman, who used to front a favorite band called Bloke & Bird. And hey, we have a pretty good inside joke that revolves around a venue that I'd rather not get angry at me so I won't mention the venue.

Check out their song: Hold On

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Janelane at Happy Sundays Long Beach. Seriously, what singer in Los Angeles has those vocals. I'm not talking vocal range, I'm just talking vocals that pulls you into the music.

10. My Top Favorite 2019 New Bands (new to me, but maybe not new to you):

Wait, you say, they're not new to you: Kevin features Quincy from Cat Scan and Kimi from Draemings. My first attempt in catching their set at Echo Park Rising ended in total failure. I went up to Kimi and had a "What?" look. Luckily, they play everywhere and always, which is good for me.

Kevin at Non Plus Ultra

Check out their song: Bike

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Catching Jett Kwong during Asian Pacific American History Month is becoming a rather cool tradition. I hope the tradition continues in 2020.

11. My Top Favorite 2019 New Artists (new to me, but maybe not new to you):

Wait, you say, they're not new to you: Lauren Rocket from Rocket. I've followed Lauren Rocket from Rocket to The Child to a couple other smaller projects. Yeah, I'm a long time fan.

Lauren Rocket at The Satellite

Check out her song: Rattlesnake

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Jesse Jo Stark at The Hi Hat, headlining for Dr Martens. Sultry vocals that are backed by a power band.

12. My Top Favorite 2019 New Artists (new to me, but maybe not new to you):

Wait, you say, they're not new to you: Lizzy Land from Mating Ritual. Her songs have a hook like you won't believe.

Lizzy Land at Madame Siam

Check out her song: Sweet Melodies

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Jr Jr at the Lodge Room handed out Peanut Butter and Jam sandwiches. Enough said.

13. My Top Favorite 2019 New Artists (new to me, but maybe not new to you):

Wait, you say, they're not new to you: Prince of Lilies features Pyn and iQueen of Barb Wire Dolls and Royal Distortion. Those two ruled the Sunset Strip for years. They're currently back in Greece, but they played a handful of sets in November at the Redwood Bar.

Prince of Lilies at the Redwood Bar

Check out their song: The Year I Broke

Side note: One musician that I always like to catch every year is Jenny O. It didn't happen this year. Well, I better catch her in 2020 then.

14. My Top Favorite 2019 New Artists (new to me, but maybe not new to you - alphabetical):

I happened to come across Christina Castle when she was playing with another musician, which I supposed you could say I should put her in the "Wait, you say, they're not new to you" section of this 2019 rundown. But only a couple months passed between that first moment I saw her and when I ran into her own project. When I shot her set for Buzzbands at Echo Park Rising, Shane Carpenter (local music expert) said this about her set, "The most refreshing set at Echo Park Rising and favorite pop act ever at Echo Park Rising."

Check out her song: Crazy Lover

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Kate Clover at The Hi Hat, opening for Jesse Jo Stark. Kicks. A hand in my camera lens. My camera couldn't capture everything in the low lights of The Hi Hat, but that didn't stop me from getting a thrill from the set.


15. My Top Favorite 2019 New Artists (new to me, but maybe not new to you - alphabetical):

Eva Dol and The Strange TimesEva was the first band up one night at The Satellite. I believe it was her first time on stage. For someone being on stage for the first time, I was amazed at how she controlled her set.

Eva Dol and The Strange Times at The Satellite

Check out her song: Queen Demo

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Makoto at Zebulon. I hadn't been to Zebulon in months. I decided to head over on a random night. Experimental jazz that intrigued.

16. My Top Favorite 2019 New Artists (new to me, but maybe not new to you - alphabetical):

Gracie Gray creates a beautiful atmosphere with quiet determination.

Check out her song: Morphine

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Mara Connor at the Moroccan Lounge. Mara ranks as one of my favorite singer-songwriters even if she has No Fun.

17. My Top Favorite 2019 New Artists (new to me, but maybe not new to you - alphabetical):

Isla June has those cool jazz sounds that everyone needs every so often.

Isla June at El Cid

Check out her song: Red Moon

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): The Paranoyds at the Bootleg Theater. The crowd was in mosh pit high form. There were stage dives. And the band commanded the night. Kimi Recor of the band Kevin/Draemings said of the night, "The Paranoyds are the coolest and nicest band. They also make awesome music - they're the My Chemical Romance of our generation.”

18. My Top Favorite 2019 New Bands (new to me, but maybe not new to you - alphabetical):

As I mentioned before, Kills Birds was a band that Buzzbands really wanted a photographer to cover. I had never heard of them so decided to check out their music. The below song sold me and I was sending off an e-mail asking to be that photographer that got to cover the band.

Kills Birds at the Bootleg Theater/shot for Buzzbands

Check out their song: Ow

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Potty Mouth at The Hi Hat. Little did I know that this would be the only time I'd catch my favorite band from 2017 in 2019. I do seem to run into the band members a lot though at various venues; however.

19. My Top Favorite 2019 New Bands (new to me, but maybe not new to you - alphabetical):

The Knitts have some throwback garage rock.

Check out their song: Get Up! Get Out!

Side note: most seen bands/artists of 2019. Spare Parts for Broken Hearts at 6. Kevin, Ariel Beesley and Livingmore at 5. Holy Wars at 4 (5 if you includes Kat's solo set).

20. My Top Favorite 2019 New Artists (new to me, but maybe not new to you - alphabetical):

Like every other Los Angeles music photographer, I get requests to check out bands/artists. I do try my best to catch a set. Sometimes, it might take months before I finally catch a set. Anyways, Mars Rodriguez asked if I'd check out her set at Hotel Cafe. A one person sound machine that will blast you backwards.

Mars Rodriguez at Hotel Cafe

Check out her song: No Estas

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): The Puscie Jones Revue at Lucky Strike Live. Talk about a full set of sexual energy.

21. My Top Favorite 2019 New Bands (new to me, but maybe not new to you - alphabetical):

Rambling Ways band members have carefully blended their musical instruments to create magic. I saw them 3 times this year. Correction, 2.5 times as one time I went out specifically to catch a set that was cut after maybe 3 songs.

Rambling Ways at The Satellite

Check out their song: Stripped To The Core

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Queen Kwong at the Redwood Bar. I used to see Queen Kwong all the time. Like all the time. Then she moved to Detroit. I noticed she was playing the Redwood Bar and circled the date.

22. My Top Favorite 2019 new Bands (new to me, but maybe not new to you - alphabetical):

Strawberry Army loves to have fun on stage. Hair flings. Leg kicks. Floor sprawls. They're fascinating to see live.

Strawberry Army at El Cid

Check out their song: It Doesn't Matter

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Ramonda Hammer at The Echo (their record release show). There's something that brings the best out of the band, their fans and the supporting bands when it comes to record release shows.

23. My Top Favorite 2019 New Bands (new to me, but maybe not new to you - alphabetical):

I first caught Suzie True at The Smell. More people should go to The Smell. Your next favorite band might be playing.

Suzie True at The Smell

Check out their song: Rat Kid

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Run River North at the Fonda Theatre. A couple years had passed since I last saw this band. Also, 3 or 4 years had passed since I last shot at the Fonda Theatre. Perfect combination of events.


24. My Top Favorite 2019 New Artists (new to me, but maybe not new to you - alphabetical):

syd B's vocals wondered across the Chinatown Summer Nights crowd with soul chill. Two kids were up front in total love. Those kids knew their music.

sydB at Chinatown Summer Nights

Check out her song: Water Me

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Spare Parts for Broken Hearts at The Echo (Ramonda Hammer record release show). The band always plays inspired music, but I swear something they drank gave them that little bit of extra kick for this set.


25. My Top Favorite 2019 New Bands (new to me, but maybe not new to you):

Do I have a favorite of the favorites? Yes. That would be whenyoung. Unfortunately for me, they're part of the UK Invasion, which means I'm not sure when I'll catch a set again. They remind me of all those UK pop bands that invaded the US in the 80s/90s. Maybe that thought process is helped along by the fact that they do a great cover of "Dreams" by The Cranberries. Maybe someday I'll do something crazy and fly to London to catch a set.

whenyoung at School Night

Check out their song: Never Let Go

Side note: memorable 2019 sets of bands/artists (not part of this New Bands rundown): Y La Bamba at The Echo. I caught the band for the first time a couple years back at Music Tastes Good. I was so enthralled that I was a little worried that catching them at The Echo would be a letdown. Wasn't going to happen.