Los Angeles Music Scene: Coachella and Stagecoach Cancelled

Not a surprise at all, Coachella and Stagecoach got cancelled for a third time. Originally scheduled for April 2020 and then getting shifted to October 2020 before landing on April 2021. Los Angeles Times (Jan 29) reports:

To the surprise of absolutely no one who has been paying attention to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Festival, scheduled for three consecutive weekends in April at Indio’s Empire Polo Club, have been canceled.

. . . Meanwhile, other festivals have begun to hint at possible returns later in the year. Chicago’s Pitchfork Music Festival applied for permits to host an event in September of this year, and Bonnaroo is currently booked for the same month in Tennessee. Several major festivals in Europe like Spain’s Mad Cool are, as of now, still on schedule for summer.

Bonnaroo happening in September? I don't know this for a fact, but I would bet that Tennessee hasn't locked down as hard as California. I would think this festival is a go. I don't know about Chicago. I know they locked down hard. I would bet that most European festivals will get cancelled if they have a summer schedule. Europe isn't exactly speeding along when it comes to vaccinating their citizens. 

Might Coachella get rescheduled for October 2021?  I suspect it would be partially based on a calculation regarding if a massive event like Coachella could be run in both October 2021 and April 2022 without running staff into the ground. I'm sure the fans would show up. Also, it depends on how well vaccinations go in California. The Los Angeles Times (Jan 21) reported the following on that:

Vaccinating Californians 65 and over could take until June to complete, the state’s epidemiologist said Wednesday, raising new concerns about when other groups will be eligible for the vaccine and underscoring the rapidly dwindling COVID-19 vaccine stockpiles.

Now perhaps that is just our politicians playing it conservatively and trying to get Washington DC to send more funds to the state. Yet, would Goldenvoice want to roll the dice based on what is being communicated by our politicians? The benefit of Coachella is that it is outdoors so considering that daily cases should be dramatically lower by that point in time even though we wouldn't have hit herd immunity (just basing that on the political communications), it might be worth taking the chance. There would just need to be some legal issues settled about this being a potential super spreader event as well as people providing that they recently tested negative.

Los Angeles Music Scene: Moon Room Shuts Down

A couple weeks back while out for a walk, I noticed that the Moon Room had shut down. Even though this venue is walking distance from where I live (a long walk), I'd never gone to this particular venue. In retrospect, that seems strange to me since I know that promoters that I support such as Softer Sex Productions, Rove LA and Wild Riot held events there.

During this pandemic, I did happen to walk pass it every so often while out exercising. The building has a small enclosed patio and people would be in that area drinking and eating. So the venue was definitely trying to stay afloat. 

The official shut down happened at the end of September so I guess it took me a few months to realize that the venue had gone out of business and then a few more weeks to write a blog post about it.

This is from their final Instagram post (dated Sep 29th):

One year ago today we took over as proprietors of what would become Moon Room. Sadly today we are letting you know we have served our last drink. Our goal was to be a place where you could have a good drink, see a local band or DJ, dance, smoke, and not have to deal with asshats. Felt like we we (sp? - were) just hitting our stride when covid hit but like many places the combo of limited seating, lease challenges, and an uncertain outlook make it too much of a challenge to continue. Thanks to Matt, Juston, and all of our staff who fought to keep going by our side to the bitter end. And thanks to our customers- it was an honor to serve you and we will see you on the other side.

They decided to shut down months before Save Our Stages got passed, but even then I wonder if they would have qualified for funding. They might have been in a similar situation as Silverlake Lounge, which has had problems qualifying for government assistance due recent ownership changes.

Though it is unfortunate that the venue has shut down, perhaps a new tenant will keep the location as a music venue.

Los Angeles Music Scene: Live Nation Acquires Majority Stake in Livestream Platform Veeps

Just a couple weeks ago I reported on the fact that Live Nation borrowed $500 million dollars. Of this amount, $75 million was going to pay down debt, leaving them with $425 million for general corporate purposes, which included acquisitions. 

Variety (Jan 19) reports on how some of that $425 million (likely) is being spent:

Live Nation, the world’s largest live-entertainment company, has acquired a majority stake in Veeps, the ticketed livestream platform launched by Joel and Benji Madden of the band Good Charlotte. 

Information on how much Live Nation invested to get this majority stake was not disclosed. Perhaps the amount will be discussed in the Q4 earnings call, which should occur in early February. If not, an approximate estimate can probably get derived when their Q1 earnings come out in early May via their cash flow statement.

Is livestreaming really a long term winner? Admittedly, I've watched a lot of livestreams since March 2020 and I've seen some movie quality concerts in my time, but there really isn't anything like a going to an actual concert. When this pandemic is over, are people going to be satisfied just watching from their couch? I guess we'll find out.

The article closes out with this hint about when we can expect the return of live music.

The move is a logical one for Live Nation: While infectious-disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci has said that mass gatherings like concerts may return by the autumn “if everything goes right” — a big if, considering the United States government’s weak response to the pandemic — the process will inevitably be gradual, and it may be some time before people feel comfortable gathering in enclosed spaces with fellow humans.

I've recently thought that live music would return to Los Angeles around September, which would be late summer / early autumn (I call it fall, but whatever). It is important to note that Live Nation during their Q3 earnings call in November was targeting summer for the return of live music. It'll be interesting to see if they shift their schedule. I will admit that I am pushing back my September estimate based on the following LA Times (Jan 21) article: 

Vaccinating Californians 65 and over could take until June to complete, the state’s epidemiologist said Wednesday, raising new concerns about when other groups will be eligible for the vaccine and underscoring the rapidly dwindling COVID-19 vaccine stockpiles.

That timetable would push back vaccine access for people not currently on the priority list for at least four months, based on state epidemiologist Dr. Erica Pan’s estimate at a vaccine advisory committee meeting. The current priority list, in addition to older residents, includes healthcare industry workers and employees and residents of nursing homes.

It was my understanding that vaccinations would be widely available for everyone come April. That might be true for other states, but doesn't appear to be true for California. Of course, California might be messaging a pessimistic forecast to their timeline for a variety of reasons -- such as trying to get more federal funding. If it takes until sometime in June to vaccinate everyone over the age of 65, I'm not sure (even considering how vaccinations are surely in a ramp up stage) how you'd be able to vaccinate the majority of people between the ages of 18 to 64 by September (technically, the first of two doses would need to occur by August). So perhaps my target date for the reopening of our local music venues should be pushed a couple months to November.

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 79

Zoe Clark (who has a passing resemblance to Zoe Kazan) was up on WFNM this past Friday night. She was performing from Nashville. She started her set singing her new single, "Last One Standing." The lyrics are classic, "I throw up a little bit when I see couples in the park . . . all these guys are asking if my friends are single." Yep, a song about being bitter about love and yet wanting a serious love versus just one night stands. The song is a mix of singer-songwriter / beat poetry along with a slamming guitar backing.

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 78

Sunflower Bean was up on Dr. Martens' Instagram Live doing a quick 13 minute set. Stupid me, I accidentally forgot it was on Dr. Martens' Instagram Live and not Culture Collide's. I kept refreshing Culture Collide's Instagram for a couple minutes before finally doing the preverbal hitting my forehead. I ended up missing most of the first song. Luckily, as is the world of Instagram, I got to catch that first song that I missed via "tape delay."

I did get to catch the full second song, "Twentytwo." I got a 70s folk vibe that overlay across 90's Sixpence None the Richer's "Kiss Me" inspiration. Their guitarist looked like he would fit well with the 70s and that vibe fits nicely with the name of their band. 

Got to love the lead singer's footwork when it came to nailing the end of a song.

I'm really glad it finally dawned on me that I was suffering brain freeze. An awesome set.

Los Angeles Music Scene: 4th Street Vine Change in Ownership

(Yes, not 4th Street Vine, I know)

Okay, I've never been to 4th Street Vine. The first time I even heard of 4th Street Vine was in November when I came across a video that highlighted the plight of various Long Beach venues. 

Since that point, the venue has been sold to Dustin and Emily Lovelis who have a history with the venue.  

The following was written on an Instagram post about the couple: 

They started out at 4th Street Vine as customers and as with so many others, we became friends. Dustin performed at 4th Street Vine muliple (sp?) times over the years with his band. He and Emily are part of this community. 

The previous owners state in the post is that the sale wasn't a result of COVID-19, but was driven by personal reasons. They have a teen son and they've entered into other ventures. I find it interesting that the Lovelis couple are willing to take on ownership considering that music venues in Los Angeles county won't open up for a few months (my bet is September). 

It looks like the Long Beach music scene is seeing some significant "backroom" changes as Iguana Kelleys changed hands back in January 2020. I haven't seen any updates on the venue. It is possible the new owners are in the same situation as Silverlake Lounge.

New Music Alert: Lauren Lakis' "Fear of God"

Lauren Lakis has a music video out for her song "Fear of God." The video starts with a nun walking across the sun drenched desert ground. By the dress, you can tell the individual is a nun, but there is a very strong streak of rebellion via the short cut habit. While the nun is in pray, the devil shows up to tempt. They dance through out the night and day. There are smiles throughout the dance, but when it all ends with a moment of cigarettes, you see a sense of regret and disappointment that those moments of abandonment didn't lead to something lasting. 

She writes the following on her Instagram page about the song and video:

Nuns were an important part of my childhood; some were teachers of mine, and some were just simply present around the school and church. I’ve always felt fascinated by them - how could a woman choose to commit herself to her faith in such a permanent way? I felt pretty inferior and shameful in their presence, like my sinfulness was only illuminated by their holy aura. I’ve always loved the idea of subverting the idea of the “Bride of Christ” and decided to explore that theme in the music video. I thought, what if we found a nun in the desert, having her own “Temptation of Christ” pilgrimage, invited to dance with the devil . . . giving in to the ultimate temptation . . . only to feel disappointed afterward? 

Lyrics of the song: How the days go by when you live a life of sin.

photo take at The Hi Hat

Los Angeles Music Scene: Silverlake Lounge in Need of Funds

(Yes, not Silverlake Lounge, I know)

The last time I went to Silverlake Lounge was back in late 2018. Though I didn't hit up Silverlake Lounge throughout 2019, I still would occasionally check out the calendar to see what bands / artists were being booked. This is the venue where I first came across Local Natives. They had a residency and I went twice. The venue was packed all the way back to the doorway. I'm sure if a fire marshal had walked by, the place would have been shut down. So yes, I have found memories of the venue.

The owners of the venue have now set up a GoFundMe campaign. Here's some of what is written:

Like many other small local businesses, The Silverlake Lounge is in dire need of assistance to stay alive during this pandemic. We have been closed since March 2020 following local ordinance due to Covid 19, and have been unable to qualify for federal PPP/EIDL assistance, because of the timing of when we took over this historic venue in late February 2020 just weeks before the pandemic took hold here in Los Angeles . . . Because of the timing of the transfer we were only open for 2 weeks before shuttering like many other local businesses. With investing money wrapped into updating and training staff, we are now in danger of loosing (sp) all of the work that we have put into it. All funds raised will go directly to current and back rents, insurance, utilities, and equipment for setting up service and bringing back our staff, under restrictions when we are allowed to re-open.

The venue is in need of $150,000.

I am going to assume that they've already tried to apply for the $15 billion in grants that was set aside for "Save Our Stages." It isn't mentioned, but they do specifically mention PPP (paycheck protection program) and EIDL (economic injury disaster loans). Unfortunately, Silverlake Lounge got caught in "no man's land." The new owners purchased just at the wrong time where they weren't an ongoing venue long enough. Also, perhaps since there was a transfer of ownership, the 2019 revenues can't be used to apply for part of the $15 billion "Save Our Stages" grant money? Or maybe bar like venues just don't qualify for the grants? 

A GoFundMe campaign was set up for the Akbar in December, which is in the "general" area. They've so far raised $211,000. Let's hope the Silverlake Lounge has similar success.

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 77

Is it a surprise that the first online set in 2021 that I would catch would be promoted by WFNM? Not really. NOA was the artist of the evening. I remember catching her on a previous WFNM night. I really enjoyed her set so I tuned in this time around, as well. I caught a couple songs, but then due to this work from home world I had to stop watching as someone was trying to talk with me and we ended up working through things for 30 minutes or so. Luckily, the livestream was saves so I got to catch the remainder of NOA's singer-songwriter set. 

As her set started, I swear I heard dishes clicking together in the off-screen kitchen. She was coming to us from Canada and was playing inside her home. She has a very enthusiastic personality. She kind of reminds me of Disco Shrine in terms of personality. As her set continued, she gave shout-outs to those who were watching online. She called out her mom who could then be heard giving a short shout in the background. Was she the one clicking the dishes at the beginning of the set? Between sets, her family clapped afterwards. 

Her song "Slow" was about that period when you start a new relationship and you just can't wait to see the other person again. That was followed up by singing a John Legend cover, "Ordinary People," which is when one is past the infatuation phase of a relationship. A couple interesting selection of back to back songs.

Los Angeles Music Scene: The Blue Whale closes down

On Dec 30th, The Blue Whale jazz venue decided to permanently shut down.  

WBGO (Dec 31) has the following to say: 

Another small but glowing constant for jazz over the last decade has quietly been extinguished.

The Blue Whale, a 100-capacity performance space in the Little Tokyo district of Los Angeles, announced on Wednesday that it was closing permanently. Like many other bars and nightspots across the country, it had been dark since mid-March, due to restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The loss of The Blue Whale punches a hole in the jazz infrastructure of Los Angeles, which was already a patchwork. It’s another blow to the cultural life of a city and county laid low by the pandemic, and a clear setback for the expanding reach of improvised music among an enthusiastic younger audience.

I'm not a big fan of jazz. I recognize many of the legends of jazz and I occasionally listen to KJazz 88.1, but I don't go out of my way to catch live jazz music. 

Yet reading about this venue shutting down caught me by surprise. This happened after the coronavirus relief bill was signed into law on Sunday, December 27th, which includes the $10 billion for Save our Stages grants. Prior to the 27th, we all knew that Save Our Stages money was in the bill as early as Monday, December 21st -- if not earlier. 

I am a little curious on what's going on here and find it concerning for the future of other Los Angeles venues. 

Did The Blue Whale know it wouldn't qualify for a grant? Seems hard to believe since it had a long history of operation.

Or did the owner decide to just move on to something new, but then why wait until after Save Our Stages passed?

Coronavirus Diary: Jan 10th

What's happened in the past couple months since my last diary post? Well, hmm . . .

Anyways, for Christmas, I did a modified drive by to see my parents. Gifts were exchanged via the use of an automobile trunk. Gifts were placed in the trunk and then retrieved. A brief conversation was held from the driveway and the garage. Masks were worn. I think it was all done with an extreme degree of safety.

To keep my camera skills going, I've started taking my camera on my walks. I go on multi-mile walks so it is extra weight, but worth the camera memory workout. If I haven't said this already, I have the intension of buying a Canon R5 once the music scene opens back up or soon after that moment. 

In terms of the Los Angeles music scene, if you've read through my blog, you'll notice I've started paying attention to even the smallest news about the scene. I honestly wonder if Save Our Stages is enough to keep our venues open until September (my bet on when the music returns). And when I walk around Los Angeles, I see all these buildings up for lease (not exactly a great sign for the economy) and wonder, "Would that make for a good venue?"

If you're looking for a movie to watch from the 1950s, check out the move "The Big Heat." I caught it recently on TCM. A rather intense film noir crime film that looks into the criminal underground who has the politicians in their back pockets and a police detective who won't back down from his investigation. I've caught a lot of old movies on TCM. I mostly focus on catching movies that are rated 3 1/2 or 4 stars. Since I've been doing this from the start of the pandemic (replaced catching local bands to watching old movies), I have to wonder when I'll have gone through the vast majority of their top film library. I already notice while going through their daily schedule that a lot of the top films have already been watched over the recent months. 

Los Angeles Music Scene: Live Nation Adding Debt - for expansion or survival?

Just came across this news article. Back in mid-December, Live Nation issued $500 million in debt. Per LA Business Journal (Dec 18), it was a private offering at an annual interest rate of 3.75%.

The PR release (Dec 17) states:

The company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to repay $75 million aggregate principal amount of the company's senior secured term loan B facility, for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and organic investment opportunities, and to pay fees and expenses related to the offering. Completion of the offering of the Notes is subject to, among other things, pricing and market conditions.

Most of the debt is being used for general corporate purposes, which could include the ability to expand. I don't necessarily think that the issuance of $500 million in debt is a warning sign about their financial stability as the annual interest rate is at 3.75% while a previous debt issuance of senior secured notes has an interest rate of 6.5% (per the PR release). It is interesting that they are issuing more debt instead of dipping into their available debt capacity of $950 million.

In a November blog post, I wrote the following that discusses their debt capacity: 

They look at what they call "free cash." Free cash makes various adjustments to their cash. For example, they adjust for "ticket-related client funds." I interpret that as the portion of ticket sales that don't belong to Live Nation -- probably advance ticket sales at this point. Anyways, after making those adjustments, their "free cash at the end of the third quarter is $951 million." They also have "over $950 million of available debt capacity." So they really have $1.9 billion in available cash.

I suppose the low interest rate was just too enticing. Of course, it should be noted that this was a private offering so is this a wealthy insider such as John Malone?

Based on the PR release, is this debt issuance for expansion? Considering that the interest rate is much lower than a previous issuance, you have to contemplate the strong possibility that they're heading in that direction and someone is buying into that vision. If that is their direction, one does have to wonder if they're playing a dangerous debt game or seeing some great post-COVID-19 opportunities (similar to Marc Geiger). Their debt will be around $5.3 billion as of December 31st. Just back in Dec 2017, it was under $2 billion.  

(I should note that my assumption a few months back was that Live Nation would end up needing to sell off venues to generate additional cash. That doesn't square with the above so this theory might need to get tossed.)

Their Q4 earnings release should be in early February and will likely provide some interesting insight.  

Los Angeles Music Scene: Is the Bootleg Theater Downsizing?

I got this commercial property sale notice sent to me by a couple people. It looks like the owners of the Bootleg Theater property are looking to sell. 

Now before there is any fear from those reading this post about the Bootleg Theater closing, read the below executive summary:

Located in Historic Filipinotown, the Bootleg Theater has stood out as a pillar of the local community for years. A welcoming venue where not only local, but national, musicians, artists, and performers of all types have been embraced and found a receptive audience for their craft. With events ranging from live musical acts, theater performances, artist’s gallery exhibits, and even the occasional bar wrestling, the Bootleg Theater has provided the local community a venue not only for entertainment but thought-provoking issues as well.

The Bootleg Theater is highlighted as renting space. And if you click on this PDF, you'll see a number of band and artist photography. So it would seem that the Theater is still renting the space and that the owners of the building are looking to sell. (Perhaps the question of current rent collection is up in the air.)    
Now why do I wonder if the Bootleg Theater is downsizing:

2214 Beverly Blvd consists of approximately 3,400 square feet of retail / office / gallery / performance space, includes various mezzanine structures, and has 22-foot-high bow truss ceilings. This space is also currently for lease.    

Looking at the photos, 2214 Beverly Blvd is where we often enter the Bootleg Theater. It is where the ping pong table was/is and where folks would lounge around between sets.

I am thinking that based on the above quotes from the brochure that the Bootleg Theater is downsizing. 

A question is: would anyone want to rent out space right next to a music venue? I suppose a solid sound proof wall would need to be put in place. And another question: what about bathroom usage? It would not be fun if the two bathrooms in the atrium space that connects the two buildings belongs to 2214 Beverly Blvd. Can one really see the Bootleg Theater utilizing just that one bathroom in the bar? There might be some long lines at sold out shows.

The two properties are currently for sale at $5,250,000. My bet is that this is a negotiable price -- to the downside.

Los Angeles Music Scene: My Grammy Awards Idea

This Variety (Dec 10) article caught my attention:

New Grammy Awards executive producer Ben Winston says he is “looking to do something quite exciting with independent venues” either in or around the 2021 show, according to a comment in an interview with Billboard. 

. . . “It’s in and around Downtown L.A., is what we’re saying now, as we’re still trying to finalize the location,” [Interim Grammy chief Harvey Mason, Jr.] said.

If 2021 was a non-COVID-19 year, the Grammy Awards would be at the Staples Center. Without a crowd, having an awards ceremony in such a large space might seem a bit like being in an apocalyptic end time movie. 

It looks like they might be looking for a smaller space. I wonder if they're looking at mid-size venues such as The Wiltern or El Rey Theatre. Of course, the problem with that thought is that The Wiltern is owned by Live Nation and the El Rey Theatre by AEG. There is also the Hollywood Palladium, but that is also owned by Live Nation. Those would hardly fit as independent venues. Maybe if the nominees are in separate locations and the host, award presenters and performers are in another you could see the Teragram Ballroom being used, which would better fit the term of an independent venue.

If it is COVID-19 safe, here's my idea:

1. Use an independent venue of decent size like the Teragram Ballroom for award presenters, hosts, main award nominees and some of the live performances. 

2. Have nominees for select categories at various independent venues across the nation: say cities such as Austin, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Portland and Seattle. At these venues you could have live performances. 

3. Hold a fundraiser that would support both independent venues and musicians. Yes, Save Our Stages passed Congress and was signed by President Trump. It had $10 billion for the independent music industry. But as I've written, I just don't believe that $10 billion is enough to keep venues up and running for the 18 months I suspect they'll be shut down for (at least in California). 

 

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 76

The last Wonder & Awe series of 2020 occurred last Monday. Per Brenda Carsey who puts on the weekly series, said she plans to take a few weeks off at the start of 2021 so this was the last one for a few weeks.

Glacial Palms opened up the round from Silverlake. The three siblings played in their living room. A Christmas tree decked out in all white decorations and their TV had a recording of a fireplace. The song they sang had an Irish/"Once" sound to it. It just slowly unfolded for us. They used a loop recorder to provide additional guitar music.

Ali May Angel came in from West Hollywood. She was having some sound issues, but it didn't matter too much. Her song "You Only Call Me After Midnight" had a deep blues country sound to it. Throughout the round, she also had thoughtful comments about everyone's song. 

Harry Katz came in from Hollywood. His room had a panel divider up to separate the living room from his concert area. He started his first song and then had to quickly stop playing. His headphones were getting in the way of his playing. With that taken care of, he played with Southern rock flair. He took his pick playing up a notch. Brenda Carsey said of his song, "Rustic beauty of a voice." 

Closing out the round was Brenda Carsey coming from Pasadena. Her song was "Bang Bang." It was a song about gun violence. The song dealt with sorrow and frustration with both slams and tender touches of the keyboard. I could really see that song in a Pixar movie when it deals with a particularly sad moment of the story.