New Music Alert: Jesse Jo Stark's "Tangerine"

Jesse Jo Stark at Harvard & Stone

Jesse Jo Stark has a new song release called "Tangerine.". "I'll be your tangerine, you can peel me with your tea, and I'm so sweet and taste so sweet." A love song that revolves around fruit, a very sweet fruit, let's be honest. She uses her sultry vocals and "Summer of Love" fashion to good effect. Her vocals bring a sorrow of someone who is in love with someone, but that individual has addictions that cause heartache. If only the relationship could work out, there would be so much that could be experienced.

Glendale Open Arts & Music Festival

A music festival in Glendale? Well, actually, this was the third year of the Glendale Open Arts and Music Festival. This was my first time going; however. I don't recall why I didn't attend the first two years. Probably other things got in the way, because Gavin Turek played the first year of the festival and why would I miss Gavin Turek? This year, Allah Las and Jesse Jo Stark headlined the event.

Since I live in Glendale, I actually walked to the festival. Perhaps a little long of a walk, considering I was bringing my camera equipment, but still cool to walk to catch some bands instead of always driving -- even if driving means just heading over to Highland Park or Echo Park.

Thumpasaurus opened the day for me. I originally saw this band play Broke LA 2017. On this day, they all wore white overalls. When I walked up, I noticed on the backs of the overalls, the word "Trump." Hmm, they're making a political statement. Then I noticed it said "Thump." Ha ha.

What did I notice: a little kid with a toy guitar got up on stage. One couldn't help but notice that he was paying attention to how the guitarist was playing and was attempting to mimic the movements on his toy guitar.

Thumpasaurus

Georgia Anne Muldrow came up next. I actually missed the first song or two, because she started her set early. I was dehydrated from my walk so went over to Panera Bread to get a lemonade. I walked back over only to discover that she had started her set about 10 minutes early. Part of me was thinking Spike Lee and Blackkklansman while watching her set.

Georgia Anne Muldrow

Jesse Jo Stark was the main reason I headed out to the festival. I actually love the bio that was put up on the website:

Jesse Jo Stark, the brooding singer-songwriter who was one of Guns N’ Roses opening acts last year, performs with a full-throttle voice that growls through spooky lyrics about zombies, spiders, and the terrors of love. American Songwriter magazine compares her to Mazzy Star, and even the cynics at Vice admit she’s on the rise.

"Even the cynics at Vice admit she's on the rise." I love that willingness to punch back a little at the cynics by posting what they state. They're always going to be those who don't like your music so you may as well accept it.

I will also say I think American Songwriter only listened to one or two of her songs. Yes, there is some Mazzy Star in one or two of her songs, but I also think she's willing to blast it out like a true rock star.

Noticed: the wind was blowing a touch and some of the song sheets fell off one of the music stands. I couldn't help but notice how detailed the music sheets were. It just made me love Jesse Jo Stark all the more.

Jesse Jo Stark

Allah Las closed out the night. Fans were packed in for this band that played it cool on stage with their mellow rock jams. You know the fans were out when one of the members was celebrating a birthday and folks at the very beginning of the set were yelling out their Happy Birthday well-wishes.

I have to say I have a long history with Allah Las. I've seen them at two prior festivals from years back: Silverlake Jubilee and Eagle Rock Music Festival.

Allah Las

Concert Review: Draemings with Jesse Jo Stark, Ever So Android and Brass Box at The Echo

The Echo. One thing I've learned about the Los Angeles music scene: if you're interested in checking out a specific night and you suddenly see an added name pop up on the website and if that band/individual is up first, you better show up early even if you don't have a clue who that individual is. That was the case on this specific Draemings residency night.

I noticed that Jesse Jo Stark was added to the line-up. I'm not hip on the fashion scene so I had no clue who she was, but after doing some research I learned a whole lot more. I made sure I was there by 8:00 p.m. as were a whole lot of other individuals. Her music has that Mazzy Star feel to it. That is a connection that one can't complain about. She was calm and comfortable on stage while her bassist had this gritted teeth wild look that just caught my attention.

Jesse Jo Stark

After Jesse Jo Stark, Ever So Android came on stage. This was my second time seeing this band. They are one of my new favorites. The lead singer paces that stage like a caged animal.

Just before their set I had the following paraphrased conversation with a fellow photographer:

Me: I’m here to see Ever So Android.

Photographer gives me a side eye look like I’m crazy. [On Instagram, I stated that this was the night to head out to see Draemings, because Ever So Android was on the bill. So I was there to see both. I just failed to mention this fact.]

Ever So Android played their set.

Photographer: What did you say their name was?

Me: Ever So Android.

Photographer: They’re so good! [One more convert.]

Ever So Android

Brass Box came on stage next. The lead singer used to play with Black Flamingo. There is a connection here as the lead singer from Draemings also played in Black Flamingo. It was like a family reunion. Actually, it is always nice to see this happen as that let's you know that the breakup of a band didn't cause a breakup in friendships. Brass Box has an ethereal sound that has a touch of influence from Black Flamingo.

Brassbox

Draemings did their third residency set. The Echo was packed for the weirdness. Lead singer Kimi, dare I guess wrong, was dressed like a flaming Phoenix bird. Another member of the band was dressed up like a manic toy soldier. With their theatrical fashion and wonderful stage decoration, it was a set to remember. Well, let's not forget that college radio '80s/90s alternative rock sound. Oh yeah.

Draemings