Quick Hit Band Interview: The Sweet Kill

 

The Sweet Kill at Harvard & Stone

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

What is currently inspiring the band (in terms of music)? I created a Dark & Gothic 2021 playlist on Spotify so the search for hidden gems both old and new to add to the playlist is super inspiring!

How would you like your music to impact people who listen to your music or see you play live? For those who are listening, I would want that individual to come to the show (now that we have them again) and vice versa; for someone who's at the show and digging the vibe to dive into the Spotify!

Own final thoughts: I wage war against addiction. I write about the darkness to create the need for the light. The Sweet Kill desires to connect to those afflicted with the heavy of life. To provide a fun space to unplug from the grid with like minded trudgers is my goal!

Heading Out in 2022: Harvard & Stone and Permanent Records Roadhouse

It ended up that heading out to VIVA! Pomona would be my last time I did concert photography in 2021. As the new wave of COVID-19 hit Los Angeles, many venues shut down for a couple weeks. The urge to do some band photography took hold and off I went to Harvard & Stone on January 3rd. I went to catch  Friends Don't Die, a band that I consider to be one of my favorite bands that I saw for the first time in 2021. I just love their melodic sounds. Opening up for them was a band called Funds for Jimmy. They rocked it out. The sound guy loved them so much that he requested that they play an encore.

Funds for Jimmy

Friends Don't Die

Then later that week on January 7th, I went off to Permanent Records Roadhouse to catch GospelbeacH. That led to one of those amusing moments for me. Billy Tibballs and Uni Boys played their 60s / 70s rock sounds. Then I stood around playing around on my smart phone waiting for GospelbeacH to hit the stage. The band wasn't setting up their gear. I decided to go check out some used records and then went back to see if they were about to hit the stage. Instead, I noticed that the drum set was being packed up. Oh, it hit me that GospelbeacH was the first band up that night and I'd missed them.

Billy Tibballs

Uni Boys

Harvard & Stone: Strawberry Army and The Bites

I first came across Strawberry Army in early 2019 when they played during a Wild Riot event. I saw them two additional times after that. Both of those times were at the Bootleg Theater. They opened up for The Paranoyds one of those times and played with Kate Clover the next time. The band has been somewhat active in 2021, playing shows in San Diego and Pomona. Well, they made a late announcement that they were going to play Harvard & Stone this past Monday. I didn't want to miss this night. This band has a pop-punk sound with some raspy vocals and a dynamic stage performance. Did I enjoy the set? When it felt like the set finished up within minutes of starting you know it was a fun set. The one disadvantage of the set was that Harvard & Stone gave them very low red lights throughout the set making it difficult to do any photography.  

Strawberry Army

Up next was The Bites who brought their own stage lights. A friend brought some lights and cameras to video the whole set. So lights weren't an issue for their set. This band is a perfect Sunset Strip band with their rocking 1980s sound. They had their fans crowded right up to the front of the stage. And unlike many bands where the fans eventually move a few feet back, these fans stuck right up front throughout. To end the set, the band took a group bow. Hey, it was deserved, they're very entertaining.

The Bites

Harvard & Stone: The Sweet Kill with Beck Black

It was off to Harvard & Stone for the first time since music re-started in Los Angeles. The Sweet Kill is doing a July residency with some gothic themes. The band played a driving and relentless set with the lead singer dressed to the nines while the bassist went shirtless. That was a contrast of vampire proportions. One thing I somewhat forgot about Harvard & Stone was that sets start really late, which fit in perfectly with the rise of the vampire sounds. The set started off at around 11:45 p.m. and didn't end until 12:30 a.m. Though there were some technical difficulties that pushed the time slot. The bassist had some tuning issues, which caused the band to have to stop a couple of times at the start of the set. What did I notice: as the band was about to start, the bassist carried three cups of water and carefully placed them to the side. I noticed him only drink one of the three, but that doesn't mean he didn't down all three during the set.

The Sweet Kill

The Sweet Kills bass problems might have been partially caused by the fact that the bass was lent to the opening band, Beck Black. Beck Black's set was delayed as the battery had died on their bass. It took a few moments to figure out what was happening and The Sweet Kill was kind enough to offer up their bass (which might have thrown off the tuning). Beck Black's set started off with the melodic sounds of the synth that grew in power until diving into full rock power. What did I notice: when the lead singer reached for her bottle of Perrier during the set, she slipped and fell to the stage floor. She played it off beautifully by grabbing the bottle and taking a few gulps of water while laying on her side.

Beck Black

New Video Alert: Bone Acre's "Sorrow"

Bone Acre just recently her video for "Sorrow." For the song, she brings her desert rock sounds and intertwines them with pain. The result is a passionate cry with lyrics such as "Love can't last a life time so they say."

The video is filmed in the desert with Bone Acre surrounded by Joshua trees. You can see her standing at times on a lonely dirt road and at other times on a remote rock formation looking out into the distance. She is at times dressed in white while clutching a human skull (fake, of course). All this while the beats are methodical and purposely kept at a solemn volume. To keep us with some hope for the future, images of blooming flowers at the open and close of the video are superimposed on top. Though death can bring great sorrow, perhaps the cycle of life can bring hope.

 

taken at Harvard & Stone

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.

5 Nights: Sun Space to The Echo to The Satellite to Harvard & Stone to The Hi Hat

Something that I rarely do occurred recently. I went out five straight nights to catch various bands. There was a band or singer at each night that I wanted to catch so none of this was random. And some of this was also driven by traditions that I hold dear.

First night out was Saturday where I headed out to a venue I'd never gone to called Sun Space. It is a small venue that probably has a maximum capacity set at 35 - 40 people. It is a non-profit and has a Pehrspace vibe -- though much smaller. The location has two small rooms. The back room is dedicated to art while the front room is dedicated to live art (via their Instagram they hold comedy and music nights).

I went there specifically to catch Suzie True. I caught this band earlier in the year at The Smell and had wanted to catch them a second time ever since then. I love how their music speeds along, but the vocals have a melodic tone to it. Also playing was Lindsay B who closed out the night and Foxx Bodies who played prior to Suzie True. Opening the night was Girl Hazel. I only caught a couple songs, but am definitely interesting in hearing a full set after just that brief introduction.

Suzie True

On Sunday, it was off to The Echo to catch Kevin. I saw Kevin for the first time in August at Echo Park Rising and have been rather addicted to this band since that point. Quincy and Kimi have way too much fun playing off each other. It is just great seeing them having so much fun on stage. The night actually belonged to French Vanilla who was ending their tour. This was my first time catching them this year. I just love how their punk rock sounds include a saxophone. Opening the night was Mary and Heaven Pegasus. They switched off with each other during a 30 minute set. When one was playing, the other would rush off stage and change into a different wardrobe. It was rather amusing.

Kevin

Monday was spent at The Satellite to catch Livingmore and Oriah. Oriah opened up with some rocking sounds. Livingmore is obviously a band I spent a number of nights catching throughout 2019. And I should say that includes 2018, as well. I've mentioned to lead singer Alex that sometimes they go more country and other times they hit the rock tunes. I think this time they hit a perfect mix between the two. Closing out their residency was King Leg.

Livingmore

Another residency was ending Tuesday at Harvard & Stone. The Little Miss was playing her last set there. I previously saw her way back in October 2018 at the Resident. I did happen to see her as the MC at a recent Stories Books & Cafe. Her MCing was so funny, I decided I needed to catch her live as soon as possible, which was helped along by the fact that she was doing a residency at Harvard & Stone. I have to say I was a little tired out as this was my fourth night out, but I just did a quick hit and run and skipped out on the other two acts. I believe I was in bed by 11:30 p.m.

The Little Miss

My final night out was Wednesday at The Hi Hat. At this point, I was really exhausted, but I had to catch Zealyn. I hadn't caught Zealyn since last year's WFNM holiday party. This particular Wednesday night was also a WFNM holiday party. I just love Zealyn's vocals and leg kicks. Opening was Fyohna, LeyeT and Spectre Jones. I previously caught Spectre Jones at The House of Machines. That band has the best vocal sounds. Unbelievable. LeveT had those youthful energy and pop vocals. Fvohna was electronic synths. Fvohna had one of those accidents that everyone hates to see. Her Mac laptop took a 3 foot drop from the stand to the floor. I swear there has got to be an easy way that would prevent that stuff from happening. I probably see it happen 2 or 3 times a year.

Zealyn

Most amusing moment throughout those five nights happened at The Hi Hat when a person in the audience set up a chair at the front of the stage and sat there throughout most of the four acts. Ah, The Hi Hat is not Hotel Cafe.

I don't know the next time I'll ever do something as crazy like that. Five straight nights puts a strain on the body. But I will say, I enjoyed all five nights.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Repenter

Repenter at Harvard & Stone

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

What's the story behind how your band started? Repenter started from the meeting of like-minds, bleeding hearts, astronauts, that want and wanted desperately to make music that was honest and vulnerable to the core, and serious as a heart attack. And so we are. Clawing, relentless and always hungry to create no-bullshit rock n roll.

What are some of your favorite spots, locations, areas in Los Angeles? What make them your favorites? Anywhere that’s dark and makes a mean old fashioned. And at the beach walking alone along the water’s edge, seeing a real line where people end and nature is unconquerable. It’s a relief.

Quick Hit Artist Interview: Kat Myers

Kat Myers at Harvard & Stone

Interview with the artist. Hope you enjoy:

What is currently inspiring your music? Over the past year, I experienced a lot of very big changes in my life. Lately, a lot of my songs have been about navigating those changes and trying not to lose my mind :). I do try to use humor in my songs, even if the subject matter is dark. Finding humor in difficult situations has always helped me.

What’s a dream venue/festival you’d love to play at and what about it intrigues you? Oh man, that’s hard! There are so many, but one in particular that I‘d love to play would be Governors Ball in NYC. I lived in NYC for 7 years before moving to LA and a big piece of my heart is still there. I find something really magical about that festival and being surrounded by the city. The island also has a history of being used for asylums so it has an interesting energy. I dig :)

Quick Hit Artist Interview: RF Shannon

RF Shannon at Harvard & Stone

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

What's the story behind when you knew you wanted to be a musician? I decided to become a musician when I devoted myself to make sense of a world that is coming unhinged. No other pursuits seem to bring satisfaction to my soul in a way that I can bring my best self into existence.

What inspires you to write/compose your songs? I’m inspired by a responsibility to question the structures of so called reality, and bring a vibe of “something else,” still trying to figure out what that something else is.

Harvard & Stone: Jesika von Rabbit with Sirens in the Night

Way back in 2011, I happened to catch Jesika von Rabbit's band called Gram Rabbit. Then I failed to catch the band again. Based on my Internet search, that band hasn't broken up, but she mainly performs under Jesika von Rabbit now. (I also happened to catch Annie Hardy of Giant Drag fame this year. I also hadn't seen her since 2011. It is strange how those things work out.)

This particular set has to rank as one of the best sets I've seen this year. Her set was a combination of thrilling stage show and pulsating beats. As for that stage show, she had two dancers join her for parts of the set. There were two different costume changes during the hour long set. I'd say they started out as bikini dancers then changed into showgirls then ended as rabbits. Of course, they ended the show dressed as rabbits. And that sound has a driving electronic beat connected with staccato vocals. Shall we call it desert rock derived from a drug induced weekend in Las Vegas?

Jesika von Rabbit

Sirens in the Night opened the night. This is a side project for some of the musicians in Jail Weddings. Jail Weddings is a band that dropped off my radar for a few years. It was a thrill to catch this side project and their just a touch quirky music.

Sirens in the Night

I guess one can say that this night was dedicated to bands that I've ignored for far too long.

Quick Hit Artist Interview: Nikki Lorenzo

Nikki Lorenzo at Harvard & Stone

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

What are some of the things that are currently influencing your music? Poetry and quite simply experiencing life.

What is one of your high or low moments (music related) and what makes it stand out? To combine the two, I would say being heartbroken, because it felt extremely isolating and lonely; to the point that I had nothing else to do but write about it and create some of my favorite music with it. Also, having a jazz band on the side (which fills another musical part of me) that I got to perform with at The Geffen Playhouse and The Wallis Annenberg Theatre.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Murci

Murci at Harvard & Stone

Interview with the band (with Curt). Enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? We want you to imagine a fantasy world in which Prince, Michael Jackson, Rick James and George Micheal might have hung up their differences and somehow met on a chemical-fueled summer eve behind the mixing board . . . at least, that’s how we’ve imagined it. There’s this element of classic club cuts as well. Pulled from crates of early 90’s Manchester or Chicago in ’85. It’s essentially made for the dance floor and your headphones. However, you choose to escape.

Outside of music, what are some of your other interests? Definitely leisure time. Definitely. Lounge chairs, pools, underground night clubs, bikini designs from the mid 70s, dirty gin martinis . . . that kind of stuff. But when it really comes down to it, it's music 110%. We spend a lot of hard-earned time in the studio, all night long, looking for that next floor shaker to bring to life.

Own Q&A: How do you feel about the local (LA) music scene these days? We definitely would love to see some of these creators pull their forces together. Especially those that are passionate, original and . . . nice. It's big business here, can't let anyone tell anybody you can't make a career out of it. There is a hierarchy, there is a bourgeois state and there's barely any financial support at the bottom of the hill, but hey, fire in the heart will burn down the status quo. We just wanna be a part of that.

Quick Hit Artist Interview: Jimmy Sweet

Jimmy Sweet at Harvard & Stone

Interview with the artist:

How would you describe your sound? I’d describe my sound as a Tarantino love affair.

Do you find greater enjoyment writing a great song or performing a great song? Why the choice? Definitely writing a song. That’s the reason I got into music was the songwriting process. I love creating something from nothing.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Turtles on Speed

Turtles on Speed at Harvard & Stone

Interview with the band (via Dash):

How would you describe your sound? We’ve been told by others that we sound like an alternative Beach Boys, Weezer, the Ramones, and Superchunk. But who knows really . . .

Other than Los Angeles, where could you see yourself living/playing music and why? I could see TOS living and playing in a place like Austin or something - in past experience it’s a killer place for rock shows. And it’s hot, and turtles love heat.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara at Harvard & Stone

Q&A time with the band (via Cassie). Hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? Grunge surf doo wop.

What’s your favorite Santa Barbara song and what makes it the favorite? I really like our song "She Needs a Little Light". It's melodic and catchy but with a dark undertone to it.

Own Q&A: Dream band to open for? Best Coast.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Bone Acre

Bone Acre at Harvard & Stone

Q&A time with the band. Hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? High desert post-punk.

What motivates you to write your music? When I was younger, and I was going through a difficult time with some criticism I was receiving with the music I was creating, I called my grandmother. She is a prolific multi-media artist, and is half Native American. I asked her why. Why do we do this? Why do we put ourselves through the process? She paused and said, "I've asked myself that many times through my life. I feel that the earth speaks to me, and I have to express what it tells me or it will burn me up. I think that is in my blood. I think we do these things because we have to or it will kill us. So, it doesn't matter what people think, or what they say. It's to keep you alive." That was one of the truest things I ever heard anyone say, and I could never pretend to say it any better.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Highland Kites

Highland Kites at Harvard & Stone

Q&A time with the band. Hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? I think my style in a blend of folk and rock, with a little pop thrown in the mix.

What’s a dream venue you’d love to play at and what about it intrigues you? Here in LA I would say the Greek Theater. I don't know why but I've always wanted to play there- I love the ambiance, the sound and the fact that it's outdoors.

(Interview took place in June 2016.)

Quick Hit Band Interview: Teleskopes

Teleskopes at Harvard & Stone

Q&A time with Pelle of Teleskopes. I hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? A lush and spacious racket where our female and male counterparts fist fight it out and shake hands after.

Own Q&A. Is there a new release on the horizon? Yes, very shortly. Look out kids, there's a freight train heading your way.