Song Spotlight: The Opera's Crystallized

I took off to Zebulon on Memorial day to catch Hysteria (you can read my Hysteria NFV Song Spotlight here). Now I didn't want to head out for the full four band line-up. I've mentioned this in past blog posts, but I'm trying to put a quota on the numbers of nights I go out each week. I was partially successful at this during the early part of the year, but April onwards has fallen apart. I'm just too addicted. After listening to Hysteria's single that they were celebrating, I decided I was heading out even though I knew it would bust my quota for the week (already knew I wanted to head out on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday). But it is a holiday Monday, I rationalized. I knew the approximate start time for Hysteria (they were the last band up), but decided I should at least see two bands.

The Opera at Zebulon

NFV Song Spotlight: Jia Pet's just shut up

When it comes to covering shows for a blog site (be it in the past for Buzzbands or currently for US Rocker Music), I am always there to cover the opening band. Honestly, I don't think I've ever missed an opener while covering a night for a blog site. Caveat being when there were strict restrictions on being able to shoot inside a venue where photo passes were band specific, which isn't on me. 

Jia Pet at the Lodge Room

That obviously applied to catching the opening act for SASAMI, Jia Pet, at Lodge Room. You can read my official review with photos here for US Rocker Music. What first caught my attention when Jia Pet hit the stage was her radiant smile. That alone built up some anticipation to what was upcoming. Personally, I had no idea what to expect as I'd never heard of Jia Pet before and had done no research on her music. That anticipation for the set was also helped by the fact that I'm going to assume that a couple of her friends were stage center on the floor and were enthusiastically responding to every moment of the set. 

The song spotlight is her second and third song of the night: "just shut up . . ." The reason that it is her second and third song was that she mentioned that she was gong to play it again. There was no complaints from the audience about that idea of hitting the tracks once again.

Jia Pet at the Lodge Room

The first five words of the lyrics got me, "I'm hanging on a cigarette." It is sung with almost monotone vocals, but there is this undertone of a hook to it. Personally, I don't smoke. So why would I love that opening line? It reminded me of Ariel Beesley song "Slower Than Usual." (Ariel Beesley, one of my favorite Los Angeles artists, now sings under the moniker Tender Misfit.) The part of her lyrics that talks about a cigarette goes as such, "Smoke your cigarette, slower than usual." 

The two songs are vastly different. Tender Misfit's song is punk pop and is about falling in love one night. You can watch the music video here if interested. Jia Pet's is a electronic song and is about "acting up and doing something I'll regret." A song about being young and doing things that everyone else thinks will result in regret. 

Jia Pet at the Lodge Room

I've mentioned this in past blog posts. I love watching TCM. I love watching movies from the 1930s and 1940s. Someone smoking a cigarette can be very poetic. Who cares if it causes cancer or not -- at least in the moment. Because seriously, "Everyone, Shut Up!"

Setlist: Neuro Fuzz, just shut up . . ., just shut up . . ., candy painted misfit, Bubbly, Cuckoo, Interlude (A Bee's Dream), come home honey, Ribbon.

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): June 22nd - June 28th

A Handful (Bucketful) of Show Alerts

Sunday, Jun 22nd: Night Talks at The Paramount. Doors at 7 p.m.
I covered the band in 2022 for Buzzbands. You can read it here.

Sunday, Jun 22nd: Soft Palms at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.
You can read my "Rainbows" song spotlight here.

Tuesday, Jun 24th: Disco Shrine at The Roxy. Doors at 7 p.m.

I've known the genius behind Disco Shrine, Jessica Delijani, for years. You can read my 2019 US Rocker Music Q&A here.

Tuesday, Jun 24th: Mikayla McLean at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my "Run!" song spotlight here.

Wednesday, Jun 25th: Seko at The Goldfish. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my "Danny's Song" song spotlight here.  

Wednesday, Jun 25th: The Red Pears and Archer Oh at The Echo. Doors at 7 p.m. Sold Out.

I covered both bands for US Rocker Music in 2024. You can read that article here. 

Thursday, Jun 26th: Billy Tibbals at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.

You're always in for a great show when seeing Billy Tibbals.

Thursday, Jun 26th: The Red Pears at The Smell. Doors at 8 p.m. Sold Out.

Thursday, Jun 26th: WFNM's Grant Owens' birthday party at Bar Lubitsch. Doors at 7 p.m.

Friday, Jun 27th: Boy Deluxe at The Goldfish. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my "Bait" song spotlight here.

Friday, Jun 27th: Julez and the Rollerz at the Moroccan Lounge. Doors at 6:30 p.m.

You can read my "Call Me Up" song spotlight here.

Saturday, Jun 28th: Dengue Fever at Levitt Pavilion. Doors at 7 p.m.

I caught this band back at the 2017 Music Taste Good festival in Long Beach. You can read about that festival here.

Saturday, Jun 28th: Dum Dum Fest at The Echo. Doors at 6 p.m. Festival headlined by Male Tears.

Saturday, Jun 28th: Eastside Fux Vol III Festival (via Badass Bands) at Zebulon. Doors at 3 p.m. Festival headlined by Jagged Baptist Club.

Saturday, Jun 28th: Suzie True at Scribble. Doors at 8 p.m.
I covered their 2024 set for US Rocker Music. You can read that article here.

NFV Song Spotlight: SASAMI's Lose It All

I first came across SASAMI in January 2019 at The Echo. 

SASAMI at the Lodge Room

There's a little fun music history involved in that. 

First, The Echo used to have FOMO week. The first week of January would be dedicated to free shows at The Echo. Like any year during that music era, the week was packed with top notch local bands (you can see a schedule here). Here are some awesome performers:

NFV Song Spotlight: Hysteria's Reason to Pray

Hysteria fronted by Dakota Cosgrove took to the Zebulon for only their second set ever. The set was to celebrate their "Reason to Pray" single release. I wasn't planning on heading out on Memorial Day. I was going to stay home and watch an old war movie (Where Eagles Dare), because of . . . well . . . Memorial Day. I did watch that movie at a later date. Was it a good idea to head out to Zebulon on this night? It definitely was. 

Hysteria at Zebulon

NFV Song Spotlight: MacGregor Burns' Paradise Motel

I went off to a Ryan Pollie presents night at The Fable mainly to catch Swimming Bell. I'd seen Swimming Bell back in 2022 and figured I'd catch another set. If I were more real life work focused, I probably should have been tapping away at my computer instead of heading out to The Fable. The company I work for is going through system upgrades and people who send out reports are sending the reports out much later than normal and the reports are filled with errors. It will all get resolved eventually, but there's always that rough patch where sometimes you just got to put in the extra effort to deal with all. Well, I was like screw it, it is 8 p.m., I'm heading out to catch some live music. I should note that I don't always prioritize music over work. I often pass on various assignments for US Rocker Music due to real life work. Don't worry, I'm not trying to drive myself into unemployment due to my love of the LA music scene, but I do try to walk that fine line. 

MacGregor Burns at The Fable

NFV Song Spotlight: Julez and the Rollerz' Call Me Up

On Julez and the Rollerz's Instagram account, they announced that they were "playing a short and sweet set" at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Before heading out, that announcement was a bit of a disappointment for me. This was the first time I was going to catch the band in about a year and they were going to play a shortened set? Then I got to the venue and saw that they were playing a 9 song set. Hmm, that seemed like a normal number of songs to play during a set. Also, my estimate is that their set clocked in at the 30 minute mark. That to me is your standard set length in the LA music scene so I feel like I got more than anticipated of their 60s retro rock. I suppose that is called under-promising and over-delivering? 

Julez and the Rollerz at Permanent Records Roadhouse

NFV Song Spotlight: Audrey Lisette Band's Take Back the Memories

The Audrey Lisette Band Instagram page describes their music as "genre fluid band." The Spotify bio says that their music mixes jazz, rock, and blues. The band's WFNM night at Hotel Ziggy definitely aligned and expanded on that description. The set opened up with "Love Again" that featured her deep vocals and 70s rock chops. The song has addictive climatic moments that resolve in repeat fashion. The song ended with a lengthy and enjoyable riff.  

Audrey Lisette Band at Hotel Ziggy

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): June 15th - June 21st

A Handful of Show Alerts

Sunday, Jun 15th: El Colmo at Alex's Bar. Doors at 2 p.m.

You can read my review of 2024 set on US Rocker Music here.

Sunday, Jun 15th: Shamon Cassette at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.
Played the Happy Sundays Festival in 2024. You can read my US Rocker Music review of the festival here. 

Wednesday, Jun 18th: Giselle at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight "Skeletons" here.

Friday, Jun 20th: Broken Baby at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

Played  the Happy Sundays Festival in 2023. You can read my Buzzbands review of the festival here. 

Friday, Jun 20th: Jesika Von Rabbit at The Redwood Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight "Psychic Spice" here.

Friday, Jun 20th: Jordan Gruver at Hotel Cafe. Doors at 7 p.m.

Made my 2024 list of "favorite new to me, but maybe not to you" list. You can read that list here.

Friday, Jun 20th: Lone Kodiak at The Echo. Doors at 7 p.m.

Caught the band way back in 2016.

Friday, Jun 20th: Ramonda Hammer at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.
I covered their 2019 set for Buzzbands. You can read it here. 

Friday, Jun 20th: Valley Queen at Scribble. Doors at 8 p.m.

Saw Valley Queen three times in 2024. 

Saturday, Jun 21st: Shannon Lay at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight "All This Life Going Down" here. 

Saturday, Jun 21st: Trousdale at the El Rey Theatre. Bands start at 8 p.m.

I covered the band in 2021 for Buzzbands. You can read that list here.

NFV Song Spotlight: Swimming Bell's 95 at Night

I first came across Swimming Bell, the moniker for Katie Schottland, in late November 2022. I was off to Permanent Records Roadhouse to catch an Emily Rose & the Rounders set and Swimming Bell was the opening band for me (I say opening for me as I missed Selland & Starr set -- I believe this was the night I was expecting Selland & Starr to come on after Emily Rose and was hanging out around the stage while the Permanent Records crew was breaking down equipment and I finally realized I missed their set). I learned at the time via one of my Q&A interviews that Schottland is a New York native and had moved to Los Angeles a couple years back. Since that was 2022, I'd say she's an adjusted Los Angeleno (or maybe not).   

Swimming Bell at The Fable

NFV Song Spotlight: Ferry Townes' Salt

Ferry Townes, the moniker for Julia Gargano, walked up to the Hotel Ziggy microphone during a WFNM night with a smile and an enthusiasm for her music that was shared by the audience. It didn't take long for someone to yell out, "So f*cking awesome." Her response, "Thank you, dude."

Ferry Townes at Hotel Ziggy

As I've mentioned in past blog posts, WFNM has an in with American Idol contestants. Now personally, I long ago stopped watching American Idol. My amusing excuse is that I can just catch a more curated American Idol in person at a WFNM night at either Hotel Ziggy or Bar Lubitsch. Gargano was part of Season 18 and finished 7th. Per her bio, her moniker Ferry Townes is a homage to The Staten Island Ferry, which she used frequently, having grown up on Staten Island.

Her music has an alternative pop quality that at times tip-toes over to alternative country such as her opening song "Roll One More." That song hooked me immediately. She then told the audience, "God, it feels so good to scream into a microphone right now, to be honest, it's been that type of week." With that, she launched into "Death This Morning" which is about a time when she was hanging out in London and had one too many margaritas even though she had a session the next morning.

Ferry Townes at Hotel Ziggy

When someone called out that her music was ferocious. She responded with, "Ferocious, I've got to use that adjective more often. Guys, you're a ferocious crowd." She then went into "More Than You Deserve," which is about giving a guy way too many chances. While tuning up for the cover of Miley Cyrus' High, she asked the audience to listen carefully to the lyrics. 

And I don't miss you, but, I think of you and don't know why

Ferry Townes at Hotel Ziggy

The meaning of that Cyrus song was a perfect lead-in to the song "Salt." She introduced the song by saying, "It's about the moment that you let someone go and then they just move on. What's that about? I have pride. I'd never go back and tell that person I was feeling that way, but here's the truth of that time." Like her over-all set, "Salt" was played solo with her on guitar. While strumming the guitar strings, she gave her vocals an emotionally raspy and strained quality. During a musical bridge, she whistled in a shaky manner that had one thinking she just might break out into tears. 

It's rude that you still wear the shirt that you knew was my favorite
Wish I could pour my perfume all over your bed

Quote of the night while tuning: Awkward silene or a bad joke?

Setlist (likely not in the correct order as Ferry Townes jumped around the songs list): Roll One More, Death This Morning, There It Was, Be Here, Aftermath, More Than You Deserve, High (Miley Cyrus cover), Salt, Ruby.

NFV Song Spotlight: Danny's Song by Seko

Seko was the first band up during Pretty But Wicked's night at Zebulon. I was impressed as soon as the first notes were played of their opening song "Say Hi To The Son." While writing this blog post, I had to do some research on the band (I had never heard of them before). To be honest, my first observation was that their band name is very similar to the long time Los Angeles band Sego. 

Seko at Zebulon

NFV Song Spotlight: Jagged Baptist Club's Temptation Death House

Jagged Baptist Club took to the Permanent Records Roadhouse stage, yelling out "Los Angeles!!!" The band is fronted by Blake Stokes who has to rank as one of the more engaging lead singers of the Los Angeles music scene. He gave his audience a complement after their first song of the night, "Now ladies and gentlemen of Los Angeles, California, I have to tell you something . . . I'm already impressed. We were playing eleven shows in England. And they were very good at clapping. And in the past, you Americans have not been very good at clapping. But guess what, you're very good at clapping." He then called out someone who had stopped clapping to the beat set by their drummer Morgan Ponder. 

Jagged Baptist Club at Permanent Records Roadhouse

NFV Song Spotlight: Memo PST's I Used To Be A Pretty Boy

Memo PST brought the punk to Zebulon. One has to give it up to Secret Fires who booked a great night of music. The night did belong to the headliners Gustaf, but Memo PST was not to be ignored. The band "was formed in 2022 by longtime associates Orville Neeley and Chris Shaw." Neeley takes the electric guitar duties while Shaw handles the vocals and front man responsibilities. 

Memo PST at Zebulon

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): June 8th - June 14th

A Handful of Show Alerts

Sunday, Jun 8th: Dagger Polyester at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.
In 2023, I covered the band for Buzzbands, which you can read here

Sunday, Jun 8th: Lauren Lakis and Taleen Kali at The Echo. Doors at 7 p.m.
In 2023, I covered Lauren Lakis for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

Also, in 2023, I covered Taleen Kali for Buzzbands, which you can read here.

Monday, Jun 9th: Ultraviolet Communication at Club Tee Gee. Doors at 8 p.m.
You can read my "No Return" Song Spotlight here. 

Tuesday, Jun 10th: Lucy & La Mer at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.

Flash back to 2017 when Lucy & La Mer made my list of Top New Bands (new to me, but maybe not new to you) list. You can see the list here. 

Wednesday, Jun 11th: Guantanamo Baywatch at Moroccan Lounge. Doors at 9:30 p.m.
In 2023, I covered their Happy Sundays Long Beach for Buzzbands, which you can read here.

Wednesday, Jun 11th / Thursday, Jun 12th: Zola Jesus at 2220 Arts. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2022, I covered her set for Buzzbands, which you can read here

Thursday, Jun 12th: Bitter Half at Old Town Pup. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my "FY IMY" Song Spotlight here.

Saturday, Jun 14th: Ava Maybee at The Roxy. Doors at 7 p.m.
In 2024, I covered her for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

Saturday, Jun 14th: Lily Waters at Boomtown Brewery. Doors at 8 p.m.
Just like Lucy & La Mer, Lily Waters made my 2017 Top New Bands. Same link. 

NFV Song Spotlight: Paper Citizen's Heart On Fire

I've been wanting to catch up with Paper Citizen for a few months now. The band is the brainchild of Singaporean Claire Gohst. I had previously circled a date at The Escondite in January, but the night got cancelled due to the Los Angeles fires. Fast forward three months and I noticed that she was playing another show at The Escondite. This time, there was no interference to my getting to catch a set other than a rather bad accident on the southbound 2 freeway, which resulted in a less than 30 minute trip turning into a 1 hour torture drive.

Paper Citizen at The Escondite

NFV Song Spotlight: Mini Trees' Spring

I first came across Mini Trees (the moniker for Lexi Vega) at the 2019 Echo Park Rising festival. If you so wish, you can find a photo I took here on a Buzzband's photo gallery from the festival. I only caught a song or two. That's just how it is when you're running and gunning for a blog site. The band played at Trencher. Trencher was a restaurant (since closed) and I remember people coming in and out to pick up or order food throughout the time I was there. 

Mini Trees at the Art Center College of Design

The duo of Jeffertitti and Chloe Kat charm at Hotel Cafe

It was off to Hotel Cafe on a Wednesday night to cover a Lisa Crawley single release party for her song "What You Can Do." I wrote up an article for US Rocker Music with a Q&A that you can read here. The night included the opening duo of Jeffertitti and Chloe Kat. This was my first time seeing Chloe Kat on stage (I believe, always possible I've seen her as part of a backing band) though I'm rather sure I've seen her around town. As for Jeffertitti Moon, well, what long time Los Angeles music fan hasn't crossed paths with Jeffertitti?

Jeffertitti and Chloe Kat at Hotel Cafe

Quick Hit Artist Interview: Jameson Tabor

Jameson Tabor recently played the WFNM at Bar Lubitsch with keyboard support from Elise Go. He had a million dollar smile and a dance performance that was no doubt influenced by his musical acting background. His engaging performance had the crowd chanting UFO with him during the song "UFO." UFO is the acronym for Unexplored Feelings of Obsession. With arms outstretched, he provided the early crowd with a warm singing embrace to start the night off on a positive note.

Jameson Tabor at Bar Lubitsch

NFV Song Spotlight: Madam Bombs' Girl with a Fuse

I first came across Madam Bombs at The Redwood Bar in 2022 when they played alongside Speed of Light and The Pumps. At the time, I was unfamiliar with the band. I had gone there specifically to catch Speed of Light and The Pumps. Speed of Light used play in the short lived, but memorable DIY punk scene Bands In A Barbershop. I was familiar with The Pumps via Rio Infante who played in the band Strawberry Army.

Madam Bombs at The Escondite

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): June 1st - June 7th

A Handful of Show Alerts

Monday, Jun 2nd: Raue at The Roxy. Doors at 7 p.m.

Made my list of favorite new to me bands of 2023.

Tuesday, Jun 3rd: Bitter Half at the The Escondite. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my "FY IMY" Song Spotlight here.

Thursday, Jun 5th: Swimming Bell at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

Check out her recent release "96 at Night" here on Youtube. 

Friday, Jun 6th: Guantanamo Baywatch at Alex's Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

I covered their 2023 set at Happy Sundays Long Beach for Buzzbands, which you can read here.

Friday, Jun 6th: Sunflower Bean, Gift, Tashaki Miyaki at the Lodge Room. Doors at 7 p.m. Set times start at 8 p.m.

I covered Sunflower Bean's 2024 set at Zebulon for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

I did a 2024 Q&A with Gift for US Rocker Music, which you can read here. 

Check out my Tashaki Miyaki "City" Song Spotlight here.

Review: Cody's Program does the walk-off at The Goldfish

Cody's Program had a packed crowd at The Goldfish during a Rocknite LA night. It was partially driven by the backing vocalist Kelly Rose Golden (in a band called Rigby) who had a gaggle of friends surrounding her on stage while the band was setting up. I was hanging out at the stage with my camera, waiting for the band to start their set and I was gently edged out of my spot due to her crowd of friends. I wasn't upset by it. I just found it amusing. As the DJ played the tunes over the sound system, many of them were dancing. 

Cody's Program at The Goldfish

NFV Song Spotlight: Lower Merion's Wolf Shirt (How I Picture Dallas)

Lower Merion is the brainchild of Ryan Pollie. Playing alongside him are Ben Absent, Brooke Tannehill (who plays under the moniker Brookelen), and Pearce Gronek (who plays with Tannehill in the band We Shrunk). 

Lower Merion at The Goldfish

NFV Song Spotlight: Destiny Petrel's Dirtbag

Destiny Petrel hit the Bar Lubitsch stage during a WFNM night with a distorted metal walk-on guitar intro. It was like a moment on a Sunset Strip stage. "How are we feeling, guys?" That got some yells from the crowd who packed the venue. What a way to get the blood pumping both for Petrel and the crowd. She then launched into "Trippin In Chanel." It is an unreleased song, but it needs to be released. It started off with a quiet opening -- far different than her intro. Then one knew it was just about to explode. The lyrics got stretched out and the vocals peaked, an indication to her backing band that it was time to blast the ear drums. 

Destiny Petrel at Bar Lubitsch

Review: Muscle Beach Brings European Expressionism to the Zebulon

I took off to Zebulon on a recent Friday night to catch Agender's record release show (you can read the write-up I did of their set here). Prior to heading out, I took mild notice of the opening band Muscle Beach. By mild notice, I mean I glanced at their Instagram page just so that I knew what the band looked like. I walked into the venue not having a clue about what to expect. My assumption was that they were likely a punk band or based on their band name perhaps something in the line of Bonavega. 

Muscle Beach at Zebulon

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): May 25th - May 31st

A Handful of Show Alerts

Sunday, May 25th: Rachel Goodrich at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

I covered Rachel Goodrich for Buzzbands during Echo Park Rising 2018. You can see my photo here. 

Tuesday, May 27th: Mo Dotti at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.
I covered Mo Dotti's 2024 set for US Rocker Music. You can read that here.

Wednesday, May 28th: Sakshi Chopra at Hotel Ziggy. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my "Not My Fault" Song Spotlight here. 

Wednesday, May 28th: Tino Drima at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my "Life on the Patio" Song Spotlight here.

Thursday, May 29th: Agender at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my "Damaged Girls" Song Spotlight here.

Friday, May 30th: Andy Clockwise and The What Four at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

I've followed Andy Clockwise for years. The What Four recently played Bigtop Bandstand, you can read my review here. 

Friday, May 30th: My Veronica and Annie Jets at The Goldfish. Set times start at 8 p.m.

I listed My Veronica as one of my favorite new bands of 2024. You can read that post here.

You can read my Annie Jets' "Avalanche" Song Spotlight here.

Friday, May 30th: The Mormons at Redwood Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

I always have fond memories of seeing this band playing outside music festivals as fans were heading home.

Saturday, May 31st: Jagged Baptist Club and Julez and the Rollerz at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

I covered the Jagged Baptist Club at Happy Sundays Long Beach 2024 for US Rocker, which you can read here. I covered Julez and the Rollerz's Is This Where The party Is? EP release party at Non Plus Ultra for US Rocker Music.

NFV Song Spotlight: Agender's Damaged Girls

Agender's record release show for Berserk at Zebulon was the third time I came across this band. The first two times were memorable moments. My first time crossing paths with the band was at The Echo during one of the last Monday night residencies held at the venue (oh how I miss those nights). It was Crook's 2023 residency and the line-up included Iress and Silent Mass. Iress is a band I've followed since 2019. The first time I saw the band was at Echo Park Rising and lead singer Michelle Malley played the set in a sling around her right arm. As for Silent Mass, I've been following lead singer Ammo Bankoff for years through various bands. She has a new project, I'll be there -- well, actually, she's in New York City these days so I guess technically if she comes out with a new project that plays a Los Angeles set, I'll be there. 

Agender at Zebulon

NFV Song Spotlight: Sakshi Chopra's Not My Fault

Sakshi Chopra stood off to the side, dressed as a modern day genie, while her guitarist played a quiet reflective intro. She then walked onto the staged, standing barefoot on a carpet that took on magical qualities. Standing there, she looked a touch nervous to start off the Hotel Ziggy set (a WFNM night). That nervousness quickly ended once she started to sing and dance through her opening song "Hypnotized." The song mixes in traditional Indian music with modern pop and R'n'B. The set got support from a huge fan base that was beyond capacity of the venue and had many standing in the hotel lobby area.   

Sakshi Chopra at Hotel Ziggy

NFV Song Spotlight: Trent Peltz's Wish I Knew How To Find Her

Doing some research on Trent Peltz, I came across an article that mentioned that he backs Grace McKagan on bass. I've seen Grace McKagan a handful of times and so I decided it was time to glance through some photos. (If interested, I covered Grace McKagan for Buzzbands, which you can read here when she opened for Irontom.) And yes, indeed, I do have photos of him on bass. He also played with her in the band The Pink Slips. I'm going to tuck that piece of information away as those who read my blog know that I love referencing the intertwining of musicians across various Los Angeles bands.

Trent Peltz at Bar Lubitsch

NFV Song Spotlight: Maddie Ross' Trash Fire

It was a Rock Nite LA night at The Goldfish. It was my second time heading out to this weekly (Wednesday) night of free music. So far, Rock Nite LA is two for two in my book.

Maddie Ross closed it out on this particular Wednesday. Playing with her was Zach Bilson. I bring this up, because there used to be this music festival called Brokechella that was forced to change their name to Broke LA for a legal reason. The festival focused on the Los Angeles music scene. Anyways, back in the 2017 version, Bilson played in 4 or 5 bands. That is just a memory that stuck in my head. What also stood out that year was that it was the first time I came across my favorite American Idol, Zealyn. It was also the first time I came across Thumpasaurus. Got to say, it was a solid festival line-up.

Maddie Ross at The Goldfish

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): May 18th - May 24th

A Handful (Bucket Full) of Show Alerts

Sunday, May 18th: Goon (3:10 p.m.), Hailey Wild (5:30 p.m.), Madam Bombs (2:00 p.m.), Maybellene Ryder (5:45 p.m.) at the LA County Fair. 

Sunday, May 18th: Emily Rose & the Rounders at The Echo. Doors at 5 p.m.

You can read my "Too Much Too" song spotlight here.

Sunday, May 18th: Osnova at Non Plus Ultra. Doors at 7 p.m.

One of my favorite "New to me, but maybe not to you" bands from 2024. You can read my list
here.

 
Monday, May 19th: Bitter Half at Harvard & Stone. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my "FY IMY" song spotlight here.

Tuesday, May 20th: King Mala at The Roxy. Doors at 7 p.m.

One of my favorite "New to me, but maybe not to you" bands from 2021. You can read my list here.

Tuesday, May 20th: Soft Palms at Genghis Cohen. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my "Rainbows" song spotlight here.

Wednesday, May 21st: Miya Folick at the Lodge Room. Doors at 7 p.m.

I covered her 2024 set at Echo Park Rising for US Rocker Music. You can read that article here.

Thursday, May 22nd: Easy Love at The Goldfish. Doors at 8 p.m.

Used to be part of Summer Twins, a one time favorite band of mine.

Friday, May 23rd: Escape-ism at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my "Charge of the Love Brigade" song spotlight here.

Friday, May 23rd: Isabel LaRosa at The Belasco. Doors at 7 p.m.

I covered her 2024 set for US Rocker Music. You can read that article here.

Friday, May 23rd: Jeffertitti at The Goldfish. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can see one of my photos maxed out on his prior band's Instagram page, The Entire Universe.

Friday, May 23rd: L.A. Witch at the Lodge Room. Doors at 7:30 p.m.

I covered their 2022 set at the Lodge Room for Buzzbands. You can read that article here.

Friday, May 23rd: Luke Pelletier at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m. 

He was part of Pistacioland recently (same venue). You can read my review of that night here.

Friday, May 23rd: Trent Peltz at Hotel Cafe. Set time at 9 p.m.

I recently saw him play at WFNM.

Saturday, May 24th: Kills Birds at The Echo. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my "Glisten" song spotlight here.

Fans dance as Bigtop Bandstand returns to Frogtown Brewery

It is late spring, which means that country music showcases are returning from their winter break. Grand Ole Echo is currently in Season XX and you can read my recent post on one of their weekly Sunday shows here. Also up and running at Frogtown Brewery is Bigtop Bandstand, which I believe is a monthly Saturday event.

The What Four at Frogtown Brewery

NFV Song Spotlight: Kora's Far as I Can Tell

Kora (Kora Puckett) opened the night for Jawdropped on a Friday night at Zebulon.  He introduced the start of the set by saying, "Check the hands on the clock. It is 8:05, it is time to rock." He then proceeded to blast back open the Zebulon stage doors that had just closed. That did not literally happen, but it could have in an alternate universe where music has physical force. 

Kora at Zebulon

NFV Song Spotlight: Slowpoke's Tiki Dream

I was doing some research about a particular Rocknite LA event at The Goldfish. I was like, okay, I've seen Cartalk a handful of times. I've seen Maddie Ross. Who's this Slowpoke band? I took a look at their Instagram page and the faces looked familiar. Of course, this being Los Angeles, it was very possible that I just recognized the faces from other bands. That is, in fact, true when it comes to Tamara Simons who plays in the band Goon that I've followed for a number of years. When I took a look at their Instagram page, they only had 20-ish posts with their first post coming in 2022. Hmm. I decided to take a look at their tagged photos. There were a lot more photos and as I scrolled through I finally came up with the answer. Yes, I did know this band. They were previously playing under the name New Media. 

Slowpoke at The Goldfish

NFV Song Spotlight: Kesley Bou's stuck in atlanta

Kesley Bou played a recent WFNM night at Bar Lubitsch. She played a short 5 song set with three of those songs coming from her recent 2024 Bad Dream album. The set opened up with "in the dark" that has the lyrics, "You told me to move on, but I can’t let this one go." Yes, the album is filled with sadness. The next song was also from the album and got the introduction with a chuckle, "This next song is less sad. Give or take. It's called 'the end.'" This one has the lyrics, "Flowers wilting underneath. The weight of your feet." 

Kesley Bou at Bar Lubitsch

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): May 11th - May 17th

A Handful (Bucket Full) of Show Alerts

Sunday, May 11th: Brenda Carsey at the LA County Fair. Set time at 4:30 p.m.

I've followed Brenda Carsey for years. FYI: if you're wanting to head out to the fair to catch her set, make sure you head out early. I went out last year to catch Lucy & La Mer and it was traffic torture.

Sunday, May 11th: Linnea at Club Tee Gee. Doors at 8 p.m.

Read my "Tough Luck" NFV Song Spotlight here.

Monday, May 12th: Devon Ross at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can my 2024 review of one of her sets here.

Monday, May 12th: McKail Seely at Harvard & Stone. Doors at 8 p.m.

She's part of Harry Katz and the Pistachios. You can read my 2025 review of one of their sets here.

Tuesday, May 13th: Dove Armitage at The Roxy. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my 2024 US Rocker Music review here.

Wednesday, May 14th: Iress at The Echo. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my 2024 US Rocker Music review of their set here.

Wednesday, May 14th: King Isis at The Roxy. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my 2024 US Rocker Music review here.

Wednesday, May 14th: Paige Stark at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my "City" song spotlight her band Tashaki Miyaki here.

Thursday, May 15th: Bruvvy at Hotel Cafe. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my 2025 review of their set here.

Thursday, May 15th: Moonfuzz at Alex's Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my "Hell Week" song spotlight here.

Friday, May 16th: Mating Ritual at The Goldfish. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my 2021 Buzzbands review here.

 

Friday, May 16th: Niis at the Teragram Ballroom. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can ready my 2024 US Rocker Music review of their Happy Sundays Long Beach Festival set here.

Saturday, May 17th: Pegzilla at Supply and Demand. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my "Giver" song spotlight here.

NFV Song Spotlight: Sagittaire's Hi, It's Caroline

This was my second time catching Sagittaire, the brainchild of Ivan Mairesse. The first time was at Resident DTLA. That was back in August 2023. I so enjoyed the set that I listed Sagittaire as one of my favorite "new to me, but maybe not to you" bands of 2023. At the time, I described the music as a touch above subliminal.   

Sagittaire at Zebulon

NFV Song Spotlight: Kill My Coquette's Put Me in Your Movie Quentin Tarantino

It was time to head out to a Swyndle LA night at Harvard & Stone. This night was my first time in 2025. Kind of strange, especially since they've booked bands that I enjoy catching such as Blu Jay and the lovebombs. Something always got in the way and so I finally decided that no matter what, I was going to go to a Swyndle LA night. 

That's how I came across Kill My Coquette, the moniker band name for Natalie Denise Sperl. The band started off the set with "Slipped Him a Mickey." It's an homage to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. That's a book that I finally read last year. I picked it up used at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. I've seen both the 2009 and 2011 movies and so it only took me a decade plus to finally read the book.

Kill My Coquette at Harvard & Stone