New Music Alert: Alaska Reid's "Big Bunny"

Alaska Reid is out with a new song called "Big Bunny." The song is in support of her EP release with the title "Big Bunny," as well. If a song called "Big Bunny" sounds a little strange, maybe similar to the book "Watership Down" or the movie "Donnie Darko," the song represents a diary glimpse of her life. Here is what she had to say in an Instagram post about the EP release:

Big bunny is a diary of my life — be it through lyrical journeys or the fact that some of these songs are like old friends that I’ve been carrying the bones of since I was 14 years old & playing bars on the Sunset Strip with my boots and my acoustic guitar. Thanks to everyone for listening.

The style of the song has me thinking Natalie Merchant and the 10000 Maniacs. As the song progresses, it still holds that Natalie Merchant style, but just with a tight rock edge.

Lyrics that stick with me are:

If it hurts Lil, just let me know 

I’ll do anything to help you let things go 

Going back to living slow 

Yeah if it hurts just let me know  

Sometimes one just wants to go back to when life wasn't as fast pace and one had simpler wishes.

Photo taken during Echo Park Rising for Buzzbands

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 2

Cancelled Fest was a 3 day event that I believe was put on by the local band Goon. I caught a handful of bands on Thursday and Friday. On Thursday, I caught Eric Davis and Just. On Friday, I got to catch Alaska Reid, Draag, Jake Whitener and Skullcrusher.

Alaska Reid

The musician that I really wanted to catch was Alaska Reid. The last time I caught her was during Echo Park Rising 2019. She was playing at Little Joy Cocktails. For this festival, she came online a few minutes late, but when she did it was such a joy to see her online. She's currently in Montana, which honestly might be a better place to be then Los Angeles. There is just a beauty to her shy persona.

Skullcrusher

A big surprise of the sets I caught was Skullcrusher. I honestly was expected a solo version of the band's punk set. Some vocals screams to end the festival. Nope, I got this wonderful folk that just sweeps you up into a hug. Click here to catch her song "Places / Plans." What was amusing throughout the set was one member of the band putting together a jigsaw puzzle through out the set until I believe the final song where he finally joined in.

Jake Whitener

Jake Whitener mentioned that he used to play in Alaska Reid's band, Alyeska, so there was a nice connection there.

Draag

Eric Davis

Just

Haunted Summer (The Hi Hat) and Alaska Reid (Bootleg Theater)

I don't normally jump from one venue to the next. In fact, whenever I do think about going to two shows on the same night, I often find myself just heading home after the first show.

Yet for Haunted Summer and Alaska Reid I did make a drive to different venues on the same night. I hadn't seen either for a few months. The last time I saw Haunted Summer was back in June 2018. And I hadn't caught Alaska Reid since October 2017.

The night started off at The Hi Hat to catch Haunted Summer. They're heading over to Italy to play some shows and they wanted to do a test run of their acoustic set. Though acoustic, it was as dream inducing as their full sound version. And by dream inducing, I don't mean a nightmare type dream, but a wonderfully pleasant dream.

Haunted Summer

After their set, it was off to the Bootleg Theater to see Alaska Reid. This was my first time seeing her performing under her name. The previous times were always under the band name Alyeska. I think there's just something catchy about her soft-spoken vocals and carefully crafted guitar chords. And even though, from what I could tell, it wasn't the most highly promoted event; there was a solid crowd out to catch her set. People stood close to the stage instead of relaxing 5 feet back. There is definitely something about her and her music that resonates with people.

Alaska Reid