New Music Alert: Holy Wars' "Little Godz"

Holy Wars has a video out of their song "Little Godz." The music hits you in the face at full speed. It only allows you brief moments to let your guard down before kicking it back up. The music had me thinking U2's "Achtung Baby"/"Zooropa" albums. 

The video has people surrounded by smart phones, unable to escape the power of the devices as they're imprisoner by them. There is a neck collar around each with multiple smart phones attached to these collars. Eyes are hypnotized by what is being shown. Does the video provide any hopefulness? No, the last scene is of a person stuck under the power of those little godz.

Lyrics of the song: I battle with a God inside my brain. A torment into taught, a school of pain. We say forget me not but we’ll still fade to dust. Compare compare compare combust.

photo take at Madame Siam

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 40

A Wednesday night meant WFNM night. I had some various things I needed to do so showed up online well into the night. I was able to catch Luna Aura and Holy Wars.

Luna Aura played the set in a bedroom with a friend on guitar. They actually had some social distancing going on there with him playing at the headboard and she was sitting on the edge. She was particularly excited by the fact that she was raising money for Music Cares. She realized early on that she hadn't put up the link to donate and so shut down the livestream and then restarted it so that she could put the link.

Her music had a pulsating sound to it. The guitar's beat drove the music forward while her vocals emphasized every beat. She had fun playing to the online audience, sticking out her tongue at times and using her arms and hands to full effect.

Luna Aura

Then came Holy Wars. Three of the usual four band members took part in the set. If anyone has watched any Holy Wars sets online, you know upfront that this set would rock. The band goes all out for these online sets. For this one, it appeared like they were playing in a music studio. They had the stage and floor lights flashing. They had the amps set up. The sweat was flying. And the audience got to punk-rock out for 30 minutes.

Holy Wars

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 8

April 17th thru April 19th was spent watching a couple of online festivals. The whole weekend was spent watching sets here and there of the Couch LA festival. The one cool thing about this particular festival was that half of the money raised would get donated to The Satellite and The Hi Hat. On Friday night, I was only able to catch Egg Drop Soup. The band played from their 3 homes. Three cameras tracked the band members. I have to say they did a solid playing their punk music from unknown distances from each other.

Egg Drop Soup

Saturday was spent catching The Gooms and Lauren Ruth Ward. The Gooms was a one person show with the other three band members taped to the wall of the shower. I've seen a handful of online sets played in bathrooms. I believe that Early Evil, who played on Saturday, was also in the bathroom. Is it something to do with the acoustics of a bathroom or the best place to play and not disturb the next door neighbors? Lauren Ruth Ward was the last band for Saturday night. Lauren played it up to the camera throughout the set. Amazing music, as always.

The Gooms

Lauren Ruth Ward

On Sunday, many of the bands took it up a notch. Easy Friend is hanging out in the desert. I guess he's officially moved to the desert and out of Los Angeles. He owns property out there and plans to live on around $6,000 a year. That's some minimalist living. His set includes a few minutes of just looking out into the desert as the wind whipped past. Then you could hear the noise of a motorcycle. He road up and started his set. SLUGS did Egg Drop Soup by one. Egg Drop Soup had 3 members playing from 3 locations. SLUGS had 4 members playing from various locations. I can't believe over a year has passed since I last saw that band at the Moroccan Lounge. Dream Phases is writing some new music while in isolation. And played his set in the dark confines of his apartment. Holy Wars really outdid everyone that I caught during this festival. They didn't play live (honestly, not sure if Egg Drop Soup or SLUGS were playing live, either). They put on this great long form music video with a couple cameras and inserted TV shows from the 1950s or 1960s. During the video, they interacted with those watching online via the comments section. It was just super awesome.

Easy Friend

Early Evil

SLUGS

Dream Phases

Holy Wars

Before heading over to Couch LA on Sunday, I spent the afternoon watching bands playing the Live From Quarantine festival put on by Magic Giant. I actually tuned in to catch Meg Myers, but she had technical difficulties and wasn't able to play the festival. The second reason I tuned in was to catch Glen Hansard. I so remember catching the movie "Once" back in 2007. So long ago, but I loved that movie and fell in love with the music. During his short set, he played a few lines of "Falling Slowly." Beautiful. Filling in for Meg Myers was Max who shifted his set forward. He was totally cool with it and did a great job at it. Closing out my time with Live From Quarantine was Shaed. I totally didn't realize that this band sings the song "Trampoline." I swear at times when I hear this song on the radio I figure it is a song by Lorde.

Magic Giant

Glen Hansard

Max

Shaed

Madame Siam: Holy Wars with Christina Castle, Sam Fischer and Fever Joy

I'm not sure there are a lot of Los Angeles bands out there that can bring out the photographers like Holy Wars. I counted at least 10 photographers hanging out in the tiny space of Madame Siam.

This band will make you scream out your anguish and then turn that pain into, as the say in their own music, rebirth. It is those lyrics and sounds that connected not just with the photographers, but the packed out crowd in Madame Siam.

The moment of the set has to be when lead singer Kat climbed onto the shoulders of one of those photographers, Scott. Scott then took her on a walk through the floor of Madame Siam. I was later told that Scott had a big fear as he was carrying Kat around the floor. No, it wasn't that he was worried he might fall. He had left his camera on the stage and he was worried that someone might swipe it. It was a valid worry as over the years I've learned about many photographers that have had their cameras stolen. Of course, it also looked to me that the walk took a lot of energy out of Scott. He worked up as much sweat as Kat did.

As for me, I learned a few days prior to the night, that they were going to have a synth band member for the night. That person was Emily, who I call the bassist of choice for Los Angeles bands. I swear when I show up to catch a band, I'm never surprised when I see her on bass. So on the back half of the set, I pushed through the crowd, probably upsetting a number of individuals. I found my way to where Emily was playing and took a number of photos as proof that she was on synth. And well, she also played a couple songs on bass, as well.

Holy Wars

Opening the night was Sam Fischer. His backup singer was his wife of 1 month. They had that honeymoon glow. Of course, he couldn't remember how long they'd been married. His wife had to tell him their wedding was a month ago. I'm sure he was trying to figure out how many weeks back it was. His song "This City" is a wonderful combination of guitar play and vocals. Though the song, itself, has a bit of a dark tone as he soars through the lyrics, "The city is going to break my heart."

Sam Fischer

Christina Castle performed one quick set. It timed in at 15 minutes. This is my second time catching her. Both were at Madame Siam. Though I was disappointed with the short set, I was still thrilled to have caught those 15 minutes. She is one of those musicians that can switch genres from song to song and make it flow together. One moment, she's on the keyboard, giving you that perfect singer songwriter tune. Then the next, she's bouncing on stage, doing some rapid fire rapping.

Christina Castle

Fever Joy put on the most visual striking set of the night. Their lead singer, Avery, sported striking aqua dyed hair and a Batman-like black strip across her eyes. It just made her eyes stand out. Of course, that look works perfectly for one of their songs, "R.Y.W.B," where she belts out the lyrics, "behind your eyes." This band is more than willing to spread the wealth when it comes to the various talents of the band. Those vocals are pierce, but the band lets the heavy beats of the guitar and drums drive the music for extended periods with vocal silence.

Fever Joy

The night was a WFNM night. It was also the founder's, Gran Owens, birthday bash.

The House of Machines: Holy Wars

It was off to the Art District to catch Holy Wars at The House of Machines. It was a cool setup for the night. It was opening night for artist Jonah Nimoy's gallery show: Demons in Disguise. There was an improve/technology mixer based music from Roy Mayorga who played throughout the gallery hours. It reminded me of my adventures to some of the more artistic type venues in San Francisco back in 2013. There was also a special enclosed installation put on by Holy Wars. Unfortunately, I got in line way too late and so have no clue what awaited people once they entered the installation. It must have been fascinating, because individuals spent up to 15 minutes inside the exhibit.

Though the night really did belong to artist Jonah Nimoy, one has to admit that a number of individuals showed up just to catch Holy Wars. Recognizable music fans started to pop into The House of Machines starting at around 10 p.m. As always, Holy Wars did not disappoint. The crowd was pressed up against the stage throughout the set. The band, as always, put their heart and soul into their set to the delight of the crowd. A couple new songs. Some crowd surfing. Video imagery. Use of props. Around 45 minutes of awesomeness. 

Holy Wars (Gold-Diggers) and machineheart (Madame Siam)

Holy Wars was playing their final set of 2018 at Gold-Diggers. This is a venue that I'd actually never even heard about. Kat of Holy Wars mentioned to me earlier that it used to be a strip club. In fact, LA Weekly called it the best strip club in 2013. Now it appears to be a venue for DJs and bands. And based on the website, there is also a boutique hotel and recording studio in the building. From the outside, it doesn't look like much, but from the pictures on the website, a lot of work has been done to make things look classy inside.

The place was packed in with familiar faces such as Lauren Ruth Ward, Emma Cole, Kevin from Buzzbands to name a few. This night was actually the second time that week that I'd run into Lauren Ruth Ward. She yelled across the room to me, "We have good taste in music." Annabelle from MetronOhm and Michelle from Michelle Young and the Collection backed up Holy Wars for a couple songs. The night was a fun celebration of a part of the Los Angeles music scene that I so enjoy. Holy Wars, of course, killed it. I've said this before and I'll say it again, listening to Holy Wars is just so cathartic.

Holy Wars

Now I actually saw machineheart back in October. So I'm a little late in writing something up about the night. I saw the band a couple times in 2016. I first saw them at The Satellite. Then I later caught a truncated set at Music Tastes Good. They had these awesome pop tunes at the time. I noticed that they were playing a free show at Madame Siam and I knew I had to catch their set. Their music on this recent October night shifted more towards a rock sound.

It was actually an interesting set to watch. Madame Siam has a lengthy stage, but it is basically cut into three smaller stages due to pillars. So the way the band was set up, lead singer Stevie Scott was on one stage with the drummer while the bassist and guitarist were on the far left and right stages. Stevie actually mentioned how strange it felt to have her band mates basically playing close, but separate. I really do hope I catch them again in 2019.

machineheart

Chinatown Summer Nights: Holy Wars, Blacktop Queen and Gothic Tropic

One of my favorite events during the summer are the monthly Chinatown Summer Nights. I've been going to these nights for a number of years now. I was really anticipating this night as Holy Wars and Gothic Tropic were playing.

I almost missed the start of Holy Wars. I was stuck with my real job 15 - 30 minutes longer than anticipated. I got there with about 5 minutes to spare. This is a band where every song drips with emotion and missing a single song is just too much, in my opinion. I first saw this band about a year ago at Harvard and Stone. At this point, I've seen them a handful of times. And that thrill just never leaves. I noticed on Instagram that someone commented that Kat had that Beetlejuice style going. I don't disagree, but I was also thinking Pris (Daryl Hannah) from Blade Runner.

What I noticed: Nicolos Perez (guitarist) ripped out his guitar strings to end the set and tossed his guitar to the side. He's done this in the past. I'm going to need to remember to capture this moment if he does it again.

What I noticed 2: I wasn't there to see all the bands, but I have to say a lot of photographers showed up for Holy Wars. As one photographer friends said, "They're famous now." 

Holy Wars

Blacktop Queen was the middle band for me. Too many folk were stuck in the beer garden for this set. The lead singer mentioned this when saying something like, "They've put the beer garden fence just far enough away to make things awkward. I'm going to need to make this feel less awkward."

Their music combines styling moves and pop-dance tunes. The band dressed in yellow, making one think for a moment of Stryper. The lead singer put on the stage show with some shifty moves that had his guitar swinging all over the place. Kevin Bronson, who hosted the day, mentioned that if Blacktop Queen didn't sing his favorite "Desert" that he might just need to jump to his death. They held that song to the end and that song does provide those pop-dance hooks. I could see this song being played at dance clubs across America. 

Blacktop Queen

Gothic Tropic is a band I first came across in 2012 at Silverlake Jubilee. I saw them on a side stage, El Cid. After that night, I've always kept them in mind. I should note that that 2012 festival had some awesome bands that are still around currently: Las Cafeteras, FIDLAR, Allah-Las, Robert Delong, The Record Company, Mondo Cozmo (via Eastern Conference Champions).

What did I notice? Okay, I didn't actually notice this until looking through photos shot by other photographers . . . but lead singer Cecilia was playing on a clear, see-through guitar.

Gothic Tropic has this smooth tropical sound off set with the occasional guitar jam.

Gothic Tropic

Broke LA 2018: Favorite Memories

For the last few years, Broke LA Fest was held in various warehouse locations from the art district to El Sereno. This year, they shifted locations to DTLA’s Regent Theater and surrounding areas. Music was across three stages. The main stage was the Regent with the Love Song Bar used as a smaller space. The third stage was across the street in an outdoor parking lot, which included a market and with the music powered by the Sunstock Solar Festival. (I was told by those who run the Sunstock Solar Festival to expect their festival sometime in October.) A comedy stage was held at the Prufrock Pizzeria. Broke LA also expanded their festival from a one day to a two-day event. And for those who don’t know, this is a festival where local Los Angeles bands rule the weekend. The festival is meant to explore the local music scene and hang out with favorite bands and find a couple more to add to the list of favorites.

Day 1 Highlights Best Find of Day 1 Award: Princess Cyberspace

Princess Cyberspace

Her lyrics are so catchy and so social media:

“Cuz I got 10 likes
100 likes
1,000 likes
10,000 likes
I’ll probably get more by the end of the night” 

Put those catchy lyrics alongside snappy rhythms and stylist street fashion and you got an after-hour party happening just as the sun was setting.

Here’s my interview with the artist: 

How would you describe your sound? My songs can be described as post-EDM punk pop music with a tropical R&B influence. Perhaps even nu new wave cyberpunk. 

Your lyrics are very catchy. How do you go about writing your lyrics? I keep a diary of lyrics that just come to me during the day on the ‘Notes’ section of my phone and in a physical notebook. During studio sessions, I organize the lyrics into verses, choruses, bridges, etc. with my producer and/or co-writers. 

Any additional thoughts? I think my music is as unique as I am. I am ethnically ambiguous (Filipina, Polish, Irish, Russian) and grew up traveling a lot in an international family. I don’t fit into the ‘white EDM’ scene and I don’t fit into the ‘black hip hop scene’. I fit into my unique sound, and I hope that the people who dig my music can find home in them, too. 

You Never Know Who’s Listening Award: Sugar Rum Tantrum

Sugar Rum Tantrum

The accordion has to rank right there with the bagpipes, right? Hey, don’t worry, Sugar Rum Tantrum makes it look as cool as an electric guitar.

But why their award? The band was saying in jest, “We want to be sponsored by Lagunitas [Lagunitas was running the outdoor beer tent].” Just before their last song, the folks at Lagunitas came over with beers for all the members of the band. Big smiles, “Are we really sponsored by Lagunitas?”

Here’s my interview with the band: 

How would you describe your sound? Sugar Rum Tantrum's is accordion-fronted rambunction folk pop. What the hell is that? We don't know either. It has accordions, violins, and tons of attitude. Every show is a little different, sometimes we have loud distorted guitars with gutsy blues tunes, sometimes we play to naked hippie folk in tents. Sometimes people just plop around and dance in circles that look like nothing more than your standard bird mating ritual. 

How would you like your music to impact people who listen to your music or see you play live? Sugar Rum Tantrum aims for people to embrace their inner weird. To see something new and filled with attitude and make you say 'fuck yeah'. We care about the environment, the polar bears drowning among melted ice caps . . . we do! But mostly, we also care for the reclaimed human spirit...the polar bears within us! ;) 

Own Q&A: If the band could go anywhere for a day where would you go? We'd go to Nashville to meet Jack White. Basically, the White Stripes is an astronomically dividing issue within Sugar Rum Tantrum. The bass player despises their lack of a bass player and simplistic aesthetic . . . whereas Rich [drums] is stern and uncompromising in his love of the Stripes. Basically, the trip would start a big internal band brawl and would be great for catching some authentic videos for our "Behind the Music" documentary that we decided we're going to shoot right now. Hopefully there would be jousting. And Melinda [vocals, accordion] would get some legit Tennessee hot sauce. 

Surprise of the Day Award: Top Shelf Band

Top Shelf Band

They did a set on the Outdoor Stage and had the area packed with their college football halftime show music style. Later, as one set was ending inside the Regent and festival attendees were heading away from the stage, they came marching in and set the place on fire.

Here’s my interview with the band: 

What’s the story behind how the band started out? All of us are friends from high school and the RCC Marching Band. We just wanted to play cool music with homies. Now 5 years down the road we've been making some real noise in the LA and IE music scene. We’ve been playing for Sea World since 2014. And we made our first tour across Europe. The Top Shelf Brass Band is a combination of the energy of a marching band, instrumentation of a New Orleans Brass 2nd line, and the vibes of today’s music. 

Is there a specific decision the band has made (good or bad) that it feels other bands/artists can learn from? Stay true to the band's core values. Don't try to cater to any audience. Don't try to "Play the Game". Play for yourselves. Play for each other. 

Day 2 Highlights 

Best Find of Day 2 Award: tiLLie

tiLLie

Okay, so sometimes you have to say to yourself, “I really should have heard of this band/artist way before now.” The main draw of Day 2 has to go to tiLLie. The Regent attendance peaked for her set. You have to love an artist who does an 80’s cover of Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

And she gets the award for best quote of the night, “This song goes out to those who f*cking try to fix you when you’re not broken.”

Best Wake-Up Call Award: The New Pacific

The New Pacific

There was no easing into Day 2. They rocked out right from the start. High leaps off the drum stage. Power rock jams. And a lot of long hair talk between band members. Hey, wake up, it’s 2 p.m.!

Here’s my interview with the band: 

What's the story behind how the band started out? The band started out 3 years ago as a rock project Alec put together when moving to Los Angeles from Nashville. The idea was to put together a band that could be as melodic as it was heavy. We've landed in a really great spot with great members and are excited to start releasing a new batch of songs this week. This next set of songs deals a bit more literally with what’s going on in the world right now. How could you not be with everything going on in the news right now? There’s a lot of raw emotion and exploration of human nature to be dug into. And we’re digging deep. 

Do you happen to have a favorite Broke LA story/thought -- doesn't have to be set related? Jessica and everyone at Broke LA and the Regent did an awesome job organizing it and we had an absolute blast. But there's a place behind the Regent called #CaldersRadPad where a production artist lives and displays his art and it's all made of cardboard. Us and a bunch of the other bands went and toured it and it blew our minds. 

Any additional thoughts? Honestly, we just want to encourage anyone that is interested in making art or having a voice to get out there and get in the garage and make it loud. We’ve all got one shot at this thing. If you’ve got something you really care about, don’t be afraid to dig in. 

Best Emotional Release Award: Holy Wars

Holy Wars

There was a conflict going on between stages as the festival was heading towards a close. Holy Wars and MetronOhm started their sets within seconds of each other. The moment actually perfectly highlighted the friendly vibes of Broke LA. A member of MetronOhm, Kofi, rushed over to the front of the Regent stage as Holy Wars was setting up and called out to Kat (lead singer of Holy Wars), “I’m going to be here with you in spirit.”

Holy Wars’ set was MINDBLOWING as they commanded the stage like no other Broke LA band. The band’s music was rocking. Their stage show was refined to perfection. Whoever was controlling the lights (social media says Matt Shores) must have gotten inspired by the set, because the Regent looked like it was hosting Lady Gaga. It was enough to get one to do a little pogo jumping, body slamming and grinning like a kid in a candy store.

Here’s my interview with the band: 

Why the name Holy Wars? The name was inspired by our lyric "Now there's a Holy War in me" in our song 'Mother Father.' When we wrote the first few songs there was still no name for the band and once that was written it was apparent that would be the best way to describe this whole collection of music. That lyric originally came to me when people would ask me how I was doing shortly after my parents’ passing and eventually I would just start to tell them, "every day feels like a holy war in me" to sum it all up. The band has been around for a little over a year. How has the band gel together as a group? 

The band has been together for a year. During that time the live show has continued to develop but even more so the sound has. We're working on our next release now and are planning on surprising everyone with where the band goes next. 

Own thoughts: I always love to talk about the album cover for Mother Father. It was a personal family photo of my mother and my father when they were teenagers. We had their handwriting recreated in the Mother Father title. Something most people don't know. That jacket in the photo that my mom is wearing, I still have and wear today. 

The most amazing thing I saw at our last 2 shows was people walking away with our vinyl with my parents on the cover. They are in the homes of people they've never met. And I feel like in some small way I'm helping them live on.  

Every show we play, I wear her socks and I have a token keychain of my dad's on my pedal board. Every stage I play, they come with me. 

And finally, freak-Out of the Festival: I’m sorry Broke LA, but those mannequins were freaking me out for some reason. Every set that I photographed at the Regent stage, out of the corner of my eye I would see those mannequins. I kept thinking, “I’m about to run into someone.” I’d freeze up and then realize, “It’s just those stupid mannequins.”

Broke LA Preview: 2018 Lineup and Interviews

Broke LA 2018 is just around the corner, Saturday (4/21) and Sunday (4/22). Above is the lineup. This year, they're going to hold their festival over two days. They're also teaming up with Spaceland and will be holding their festival at The Regent. One awesome part of the move to DTLA is that The Regent is within a couple blocks of a Red Line stop.

Also, I should mention that my Quick Hit Band Interviews are inspired by Broke LA. Broke LA holds a media day and I've always done an interview or two on that day. I had a lot of fun doing the interviews and it dawned on me that maybe I didn't have to do interviews just once a year, but I could do it throughout the year. I've ended up doing well north of 200 interviews. This year, Broke LA Festival has four bands on the schedule that I've interviewed.

Below are the interviews along with the dates they were conducted:

Holy Wars - June 2017

How would you describe your sound? Our sound has been described by others as intense, loud, raw and honest.

Your set was just full of entertainment. So just wondering: what’s your favorite part of your sets? I don't know if I have a favorite part in particular but I always love the moment when I can really let loose and vibe off the audience. That does tend to happen a lot in our closing song called "nothing" where I encourage the audience to move with me and the band just goes off. I also love those moments where sometimes you can hear a pin drop and it becomes a dance between us and the audience where none of us know what's going to happen next. Overall, it's important to me to really get across the message of our music and a voice for the lost and the abandoned.

Holy Wars at Echo Park Rising

MetronOhm - January 2018

How would you describe your sound? Chocolate covered velvet bliss cookies.

Do you have a favorite music-themed movie, tv show, book, etc? And then of course, why the choice? What Happened, Miss Simone? Because her level of innovation, tenacity and love for her craft is contagious!

MetronOhm at The Satellite

SAÍGO - February 2018

How would you describe your sound? I make future soul music, infusing R&B, electronica, and pop sensibilities.

How would you like your music to impact people who listen or see you play live? My primary mission is to heal and promote awareness. My intention is to create a positive communion between all those present and instigate thought.

Own Q&A. What's your favorite dinosaur? Stegosaurus.

Saigo at the Bootleg Theater

VŌX - June 2016

How would you describe your sound? angelsounds.

Other than Los Angeles, where could you see yourself living and why? I grew up in a place with dramatic seasons, so I could definitely see myself moving back to somewhere like that. Snow and rain give you a right to be down, and creatives need that downtime more than anyone else.

VOX at The Satellite

Top 15 Los Angeles New Bands (new to me, but maybe not new to you) of 2017

I've done Top 10 lists for a number of years, but 2017 was so much fun, I couldn't limit my list to just 10 bands. Over the past couple weeks different band names kept popping up in my mind. So for 2017, I'm expanding my list to Top 15.

15: Pipe Dreams

August: So Jana Ghost was one of my first Instagram followers. I soon noticed that she was in a band called Pipe Dreams. It took around a year, but I finally caught her band at Echo Park Rising. LoFi with a who cares attitude.

Pipe Dreams at Harvard & Stone

14: Warbly Jets

January: They did the first residency night at The Satellite for 2017. I went twice. I seldom go to see a residency twice. The venue was packed. The music. The crowd. I felt swept away.

Warbly Jets at The Satellite

13: Goon

July: I first saw Goon randomly when heading out to catch a prior year Top Ten selection: Alyeska. Go see a favorite and find another favorite.

Goon at The Echo

12: Lucy & La Mer

August: My first interaction with the band wasn't because I saw them live. My first interaction was due to mistaken identity. Well, I decided to check out the band. This band can be rather deceptive. Lyrics tinged with painful memories against a backdrop of catchy melodies.

Lucy & La Mer at Chinatown Summer Nights

11: Ever So Android

March: I first saw them at The Hi Hat. They were the last band up. There were just a handful of us still around. I honestly was planning on sticking around for just a couple songs and then take off. They started to play and I fell in love. They know how to work a stage.

Ever So Android at The Hi Hat

10: Gypsum

October: Immediate reaction was: they sound like Local Natives!

Gypsum at The Echo

9: Zealyn

April: I first saw Zealyn at Broke LA. She has the most awe inspiring vocals and she moves so quickly that my camera has a hard time capturing her without blurs. By far my favorite idol.

Zealyn at Hotel Cafe

8: Trapdoor Social

September: You'll want to head out into nature and dance. Plus, this band puts on an awesome festival run totally by solar power.

Trapdoor Social at the Sunstock Solar Festival

7: Lily Waters

October: Combine Lauren Ruth Ward and LP together and you have Lily Waters.

Lily Waters at The Smell

6: Lauren Ruth Ward

March: Went to Harvard & Stone on a random night. Came across Lauren Ruth Ward. Addicted since that time. I'm sure many others out there would agree.

Lauren Ruth Ward at Harvard & Stone

5: Francisca Valenzuela

September: As is my norm every year, I head out to Chinatown Summer Nights. On this particular day, it was really hot and I was thinking of just going there later in the evening. But I changed my mind and went out early. I'm so happy I did. Her songs were in Spanish and I don't speak Spanish, but it didn't matter. I was listening to wonder.

Francisca Valenzuela at Chinatown Summer Nights

4: JaneLane

August: I first saw JaneLane at Echo Park Rising. Romantic disappointments against a soft touch of dreamy music. Now why wouldn't you love that?

JaneLane at The Smell

3: Holy Wars

June: My history with Holy Wars actually goes back a few years when there was a band called Sad Robot. I count this as a re-incarnation into a totally new sound and band. Some may find their music too emotionally painful. I find it to be emotionally cathartic.

Holy Wars at Harvard & Stone

2: Kid Wave/Lea Emmery

April: I had the opportunity to interview Kid Wave and got into a "debate" about what was the band's best song. She said "Everything Changes." I said "Wonderlust." I'm not going to lie: this is one of the few times I've seen a local Los Angeles band for the first time and known most of their songs beforehand. In my pre-interview research, I clicked on one song and then couldn't stop listening.

Kid Wave at Broke LA

1: Potty Mouth

January: 2017 started off with a big bang for me in terms of the Los Angeles music scene. And one of the main reasons is that I came across Potty Mouth. During their set, I was just blown away. I didn't want the music to end. I'm listing them #1 for a reason: for me, my go to Los Angeles band to listen to online is Potty Mouth.

Potty Mouth at The Hi Hat

Hope you've enjoyed this list. I have to say that this year was one of my favorite ever in terms of finding new bands. Ranks right up with those years where I first came across bands like Eastern Conference Champions, Family of the Year, Grouplove, and Local Natives.