Quarantine Online Sets: Version 38

NEL had an hour plus Instagram Live set on Saturday, August 29th. She tried to also have it stream on Facebook, but it sounded like Facebook had updated some settings and she wasn't able to set it up. She was celebrating her video release of the song "Finished." I first happened across her via another Quarantine Online Set when she played the Brave New World festival in May. I found her music enticing and her attitude refreshing.

She played a number of songs as well as answered questions that came up from those watching online. She is a very self-deprecating and modest musician. She mentioned a few times how she was messing up chords and lyrics. I really didn't notice. Okay, I did notice once because she had to slow herself down on the keys to try and get the chords correct, but the other times if she hadn't mentioned it I would have noticed anything.

Her song "Finish" is about an inability to connect romantically and not being able to follow through with love. There is another meaning, as she mentioned during the chat, which is about life in general and not being able to finish goals.

 

 

Quick Hit Band Interview: Punk Crush

Punk Crush at The Satellite

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

What's the story behind how your band started? We bought a questionable drum set on Craigslist and I drove to Long Beach and almost hit multiple people on the way. One thing led to another and here we are!

What’s the favorite part of your Punk Crush set? We like the part where we scream at each other, and also at the audience, with fiendish glee.

Final thoughts: for future inquirers, we are not looking for a bassist.

Quick Hit Artist Interview: A.O. Gerber

A.O. Gerber at the Echoplex

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

What is currently inspiring you (in terms of music)? Honestly my friends' music is my biggest inspiration most of the time. I learn everything from them.

Outside of music, what are some of your other interests? I've been having a lot of fun trying to get better at graphic design and digital art. I also love reading and just generally being outside.

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 37

The only online set I caught last week was The Paranoyds. Hey, honestly, if I could only catch one online set during the week -- this band would be one I'd circle to fill that spot. I've loved this band since the first time I caught them at The Factory. Their pop-punk tunes just grab your attention.

Their set was on the Dr. Martens' Instagram page and was at 1 p.m. So I caught the set while doing the work-from-home situation. They looked in good cheer and sped through a quick 15 minute set. All the band members were in place so the full band sound was on display.

If I had known it was just 15 minutes, I would have stopped working. Instead, I let their music be my motivation to get through what I needed to do at that moment.

The Paranoyds

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 36

The following online sets took place nearly two weeks back, but I still have fond memories of a recent Wednesday night. It started off with WFNM and Disco Shrine. This is the second time Disco Shrine has played an online set for WFNM. I'm pretty sure I got a shout out at the start of the set. I love getting shout outs. It only happens on rare occasions. What's so cool about her online sets is that they're so similar to her live sets. She spent the set dancing to the camera with microphone in hand. A highlight song was her recent release, "Future Memories."

Disco Shrine

Next up was Royal and the Serpent. I just recently came across them via a Buzzbands' Spotify playlist. On the playlist was the song, "Overwhelmed." I was immediately overwhelmed by the song. I couldn't get it out of my head. The lead singer has rather unique vocals. For WFNM, I loved her interaction with the online audience. A very memorable set. 

Royal and the Serpent

Karmic closed out the night on WFNM. The whole band got together for their set. The two lead singers just have the best vocals. They blend together for some New Age Jazz sounds. There is also the undercurrent of Latin influence. This is the type of music you play while on a drive up the California coast. 

Karmic

After Karmic, I switched over to Desert Nights to catch Lauren Barth. While she played, I imagined myself sitting at a coffee house. I was drinking hot chocolate and eating chocolate chip cookies. And I was scanning a photography book while the beautiful music drifted through my ears. Someday.

Lauren Barth

Quick Hit Artist Interview: Edgar Everyone

Edgar Everyone at the Lodge Room (shot for Buzzbands)

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

How would you describe your music? I would say it's mostly Electro Pop. Synthesizers, drum machines and vocal melodies in the foreground, but I also come from an indie rock background so I add some guitars on the productions too. Keywords for the style: electronic, dancy, pop, glamorous, French Touch, melodic, and at times melancholic.

Do you have a favorite music-themed movie, tv show or book? And then of course, why the choice?  Ahah, I would say Wayne's World actually! Just because I used to watch this non-stop as a kid growing up in France. I actually had the version DUBBED in French which is quite ridiculous and later when I got older I finally watched the original version and it changed my life :)

Own unique thoughts: I lived in Hong Kong for 2 years! (note that in the movie Wayne is actually learning Cantonese which is HK's language ahah) And being there it actually felt like 10 years . . . I was in my early twenties and still working in an office, before I committed to music full time. I don't know if you're ever been there but Hong Kong is quite a magical place. I actually went back 4 times since I moved out. It's still in my heart. And now with the protests and the political tensions, my nostalgia for the place is more alive than ever.

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 35

The Gooms got to take over Culture Collide's Instagram Live on a recent Tuesday afternoon. They played outside the drummer's apartment complex. That led to an interesting couple encounters. As they were playing one song the upstairs neighbor asked them to quiet down, because she was working from home. The encounter apparently caught the attention of a couple people who were walking pass. Once the song ended, the folks on the sidewalk gave the band some compliments that contrasted with the upstairs neighborhood. Both encounters were just heard and not shown on Instagram.

The band did their best to accommodate the upstairs neighbor. The drummer stopped playing his drum and instead tapped the side of the apartment wall. 

I have to check my records, but I think I've seen this band more than any other in this online world. They have such a playful style to their music.

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 34

After taking a couple Fridays off, Los Angeleno was back on August 7th to showcasing 10 to 15 minute sets starting at 8 p.m. 

Opening up the night from the desert was CJ Miller from the band Dimber. Even though done solo, the music definitely showcased a rock sound. The final song was about finding joy wherever you can find it.   

Dimber

Next up was Midnight Prism. With keys and psychedelic lights, I swear I was watching a cool 80s MTV video. I have to say that the way the lights were used, it made it look like she was floating over a void versus sitting/laying on her floor. Her first single actually came out on Friday night called "Picture of the End."

Midnight Prism

Annabelle Maginnis is someone I've followed for a few years now. She was, in fact, the only person in the lineup that I'd seen before (though I'd heard of Dimber, Nico Turner and Maya Jupiter). She played in her bedroom. The first thing I noticed was a vine that she had growing across the room. To be honest, it gave me an idea of what I should do to bring some joy to my bedroom.

Annabelle Maginnis

Nico Turner had an amusing set. Why? Her dog seemed to want some audience attention. During one song, the dog decided to lay down in front of Nico Turner. Then instead of wagging of the tail, the tail seemed to want to strum Nico Turner's guitar strings.

Under soft purple lights, the online audience got to enjoy the soft changing sounds backed up by an electric guitar.  

Nico Turner

Around the 13 minute mark, the recording froze, but the music continued. I wonder if the dog ever decided to leave it's spot. 

Aalok Bala also played under purple lights. In the room, there were masks (Hindu?) that hung on the far wall alongside a modernist painting. Imagery shadows danced across the wall. Her music looped her vocals, allowing for layered growth in the music. It really had me thinking of Anita Baker. 

Aalok Bala

Closing out the night was Maya Jupiter. She played her recorded set outside a hillside home. There were pine trees for a backdrop. She had a trio of musicians backing her up. Her music had a Latin folk sound to it combined with political rap. 

Maya Jupiter

Quick Hit Artist Interview: The Little Miss

The Little Miss at Harvard & Stone

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? I would describe our sound as modern rock with an old time-y Americana influence. Sort of Florence + The Machine meets Johnny Cash.

How do you go about combining lyrics and sound? It all comes together at once for me (at least most of the time). I usually start out by trying to get to the bottom of how I feel. It can take some time, but I try to find the most honest and raw initial lyric, and then I add on from there. It's really exciting when the melody comes out at the same time as the lyrics, because it feels like the true FEELING of it is all there. The words and the sound are unified - a single entity - as one in the same.

Own Q&A. Hmm. I guess I'd want to be asked about what I hope to accomplish with my music? And the answer is this: It sounds cliché, but I hope to make people feel less alone. That's what music has always done for me. I think that's what it does for everyone - we hear ourselves in someone else, and it takes away the shame or isolation that comes with feeling alone in our emotions. Not only that, but I want to shine a light on the impact of some of our social conditioning. My music wrestles with what it means to be living under a capitalistic, patriarchal society. I want people to see their own self-loathing, or their own perfectionism, procrastination, etc. in my lyrics and to know that we're all working through this stuff together - hopefully towards a more free, equitable and fulfilling version of society.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Spectre Jones

Spectre Jones at The Hi Hat

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

What is currently inspiring the band when it comes to music? There are five of us, and we’re different stuff, but our current output is inspired by a lot of classic stuff like the Beatles and Fleetwood Mac. But yeah, we love all kinds of music!

For the band and its future, how would you define success? Success for us is sharing some love with people through our music. Anytime somebody hears something in their headphones or at a show and it connects with them and makes them feel seen, that's a success.

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 33

It was a Wednesday night and on this night it meant catching a couple artists on WFNM and then jumping over to Desert Nights to catch a couple more. 

The night started out with Bailey Bryan coming from Tennessee. She had some technical difficulties that caused her to sign on and off a few times. The video was showing, but we couldn't hear any audio. She handled the problems with charm. It was good that the technical problems were figured out, because she put some effort behind her set as she had professional lights set up. She played a tuneful song before switching to what she called "bad bitch" songs. The songs had an electronic rap push to them. Folks would definitely be dancing in front of the stage if the set was live.

Bailey Bryan

Aaron Taos was up next from the East Coast. Due to COVID-19, he was hanging at hit parent's home. His fingers picked at those guitar strings with precision and rhythm. His vocals had a syncopation beat to them. Over-head, the ceiling fan was cooling him off. 

Aaron Taos

With the end of his set, I switched over to Desert Nights. Naomi Green had just started her set. She played her giant harp. Based on the conversation after the set, a previous harp was stolen during a Desert Nights event. Now who would steal a stand up harp? In fact, I would have to think that security cameras would easily be able to see who stole a harp. It isn't like someone can put it in one's pocket. Anyways, the music was calming and had me floating a couple feet above the ground. She also had some technical difficulties with her phone going to sleep while she was playing and she would constantly stop her music to get it to wake up. Interestingly, it never disrupted her music. I wonder if she could have kept playing through? I've not done an Instagram Live so I'm uncertain on that.

Naomi Green

Closing out the night for me was Brianna Falcone. She played most of her set with her guitar, but then ended the set using a dulcimer. I'll be honest, I'm not sure I've ever seen someone play a dulcimer. I could be wrong. As she mentioned herself, her music has a prayerful sound to it. It created a sense of meditation. When she spoke, she also spoke in a manner of prayer. I don't know if she is a religious person, but I swear I could see her being a pastor.

Brianna Falcone

Quick Hit Artist Interview: Lindsay B

Lindsay B at Sun Space

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

What do you currently find inspiring when it comes to music? I’m inspired most by the things that don’t work out for me, the wrongs I can’t make right, and drunk texts.

What’s your favorite song (own) and what makes it the favorite? My favorite song that I’ve written is from my first EP called “Nobody’s Waiting.” I’ve only played it live once in the last 3 years. I wrote it after calling up an ex and putting my heart on the line for him. He rejected me, I spiraled and wrote this song. It’s easily the most confessional song I’ve ever written, and I consistently use it as a standard for other songs I write, a reminder to be allow myself to be vulnerable.

Own final thoughts: I have a new record coming out in the spring of 2020 called “I Should’ve Stayed Home”. Stay tuned!

Quick Hit Artist Interview: Hux

Hux at The Hi Hat

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

What do you currently find inspiring when it comes to music? I find writing about my story in my music even if it feels messy. It inspires me knowing someone else from across the world could listen and find relatability in any of my lyrics with their own lives. That’s extremely powerful.

What’s a dream venue/festival you’d love to play at and what about it intrigues you? My dream venue would be a sold-out show at the Gorge Amphitheater. It overlooks the Columbia river, it’s absolutely beautiful.

Quick Hit Band Interview: The Letter Openers

The Letter Openers at The House of Machines

Interview with the Mac of the band. Enjoy:

How would you describe your music? Rocknroll, garage rock.

The Letter Openers have been together for years. What keeps the band together? We actually broke up for about a decade. A couple years ago, Martin & I reconnected and started jamming on some of my new songs. We weren't planning to reform the LO's, but that's what the new music sounded like. So, we decided to revive the name, brought Matt back into the fold, and drafted Jon in, to play drums. We started playing out a year ago, and have been gigging & recording ever since. As far as what keeps us coming back for more . . . I think we really enjoying playing together, have a decent amount of overlap taste-wise, and we still get along pretty well.

Own final thoughts: we're fond of paying respects to some of our influences . . . Cheap Trick, MC5, The Replacements, Big Star, Pretty Things, Thin Lizzy, Redd Kross The Who, Johnny Thunders . . . loud guitars, melodies, hooks . . . can't get enough of 'em.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Wacko

Wacko at The Satellite

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

What's the story behind how the band started? We found Luc pretty much on the streets in Santa Monica and Zaine and Alan met when Zaine was on tour in Virginia. Alan grew up there and Zaine eventually convinced him to move to California to make art. Gartex is huge in the underground techno world and we met her at the club and it was pretty much real recognize real and all of a sudden we had a band.

Are there any unique, funny, high jinks, mundane, etc tendencies that the band is known for – during sets, band practice, otherwise? No tendencies maybe just impulses. Beer buttchugs have occurred within our circle a number of times Idk if that counts. Besides that all the ritualistic occultist stuff is done behind closed doors and nobody knows about that stuff

Own final thoughts: We're awfully certain kindness overcomes. We are crazy k okay. Wise and cerebral kids overthrow. We appreciate casual kisses often;)

Quick Hit Artist Interview: All Things Blue

All Things Blue at The Hi Hat

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

What is currently inspiring you in terms of music? I don’t really know, as far as artists and bands or whatever. Always my friends’ music more than anything else, but I have been watching a lot of older movies lately, mostly mystery or suspense, and that’s been seeping into more and more of our songwriting process, I think. Jerry Goldsmith especially.

Other than Los Angeles, where could you see yourself living/playing music and why? Aside from my hometown, Philly, I think I’d really dig living somewhere like Eugene, Oregon. It would be cool to play house shows again. Richmond is always fun to play but I could never live there. I do love the crowds though, they get wild

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 32

Sometimes technology results in strange situations when it come to live stream music. Honestly, I think it provides moments of levity in this COVID-19 world. This was the case with WFNM this past Wednesday night.

It all started out perfectly fine when Marieme opened up the night at 6 p.m. The first couple things I noticed? You got to notice her blue hair as well as the various paintings that decorated the wall behind her. I sometimes wish I took more effort in putting up paintings and posters in my home. Of course, I'm so lazy that they'd probably quickly become coated in dust. Of course, what really stuck with me were her vocals that one could imagine would soar in a venue. She sang her set to recorded music. When she finished her set and wasn't able to connect with Grant, she did an encore A capella song. Just wonderful.

Marieme

Then technology popped up. X.ARI came up. The set was being played inside what looked like an actual studio. There were acoustic panels on the walls. There were floor lights that caused giant shadows to pop up against the wall, making X.ARI look like she was being haunted by an apparition. She was backed by a guitarist (keeping social distance) and a phone-camera operator to capture it live. There was a lot of effort put into her set.

But then sound issues popped up. We could all hear her vocals, but we couldn't hear her synths or the guitarist. When a new song would start with a guitar intro, she'd start things off by dancing to the music, but it looked like she was just miming. She did keep coming to her phone to see what people were saying on Instagram, but this was likely her first livestream and so she keep scrolling to the first comments and so was getting frustrated that she wasn't seeing any comments from people regarding how well they could hear the sound. Eventually, she realized that only the vocals were being heard, "Oh, my God!" With that, they sang their last song with the acoustic guitar.

X.ARI

Calvin II came on next with his blues music. His set was inside what looked to be a home music studio. Off behind him was a huge computer monitor and on a shelf was a Canon camera with a zoom lens that was lens down on the shelf. As a photographer, that freaked me out. All you need is a decent enough earthquake and that lens goes flying and one can say goodbye to your money.

As blessed as his vocals were, it didn't prevent a technical glitch. I'm not sure what happened exactly, but he was talking with a friend off video. Suddenly, the streaming ended. I'm not sure how that happened. Maybe she accidentally touched something on the phone that turned it off. Anyways, a minute later he got back on and ended a brilliant set.

Calvin II

Okay, one would think two technical glitches would be enough for the night. Yes, that was it, but something just as amusing occurred with Little Dume. The band was playing in what looked like a mountain cabin. They were playing in a large living room with a fire going on in the fireplace and the members of the band were spread out. A friend doing the live stream would focus in on the various members of the band. At times, the brightness of the video would dim and then brighten back up. I'm assuming the phone's flashlight was turning on and off. The band gave some great Americana tunes. And the band provides some great vocal trios. Awesome. And then during their last song, the fire alarm started to go off. The band stopped playing and a couple of the band members attempted the usual antics that we all go through to stop a fire alarm from beeping. Those watching online couldn't help but ask if this was a first for WFNM.

Little Dume

The line-up of bands and artists ended with Almost Monday. Just like with Marieme, the set went off without any glitches. So it started and ended without problems. Their music was guitar pop played with the visuals of cartoon characters that decorated the wall behind the band. One could tell they were having fun as the lead singer often laughed during the music. Their final song was played on the floor with all 3 members of the band squeezed together in an attempt to get them all on camera.

Almost Monday