Quarantine Online Sets: Version 62

Lauren Ruth Ward dropped by Dr. Martens' Instagram Live for a 15 minute set. Wearing an American flag top, she jumped right into her blues rock set after setting up the Live performance. Her set was full on energy with arms in full motion as she danced in joy on the rug floor. 

After her first song, she came up to the camera and said with cheer, "Hi, everyone."

Lyric of the quick set: "While I feel the bleed."  Perhaps a more biological take on Divinys' "I Touch Myself." The song was done with a miniskirt flip and similar PG-13 suggestions. 

To end the set, she said, "Hope to see you soon." Yes, sometime, she shall return to the live stage.

On Dr. Martens' Instagram Live

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 15

Friday evening was spent catching the Brave New World Festival. The festival was curated by Alicia Blue and Nicole Kiki Jaffe. The line up featured Hannah Connolly, Chloe Fuller, NEL, Lauren Ruth Ward and Nicole Kiki Jaffe. Alicia Blue wasn't able to play the festival due to illness.

Nicole Kiki Jaffe

I had never come across Hannah Connolly, Chloe Fuller or NEL before and let's just say that I'm a fan of all three now. Along with the fact that I'm a big fan of Nicole Kiki Jaffe and Lauren Ruth Ward, I'll say that this was one online festival that shouldn't have been missed. If I heard correctly, 1,000 individuals tuned in throughout the festival.

Hannah Connolly

Hannah Connolly's music is sincerely thoughtful. The music soothes and the vocals blend in perfectly. Chloe Fuller brought a touch of country and folk with vocals that invoke imagination. NEL brought some soul to the music and a feisty attitude to the festival. Lauren Ruth Ward had the psychedelic lights going on. Nicole Kiki Jaffe had that soft touch.

Chloe Fuller

NEL

On a technology basis, it was an interesting set. They did the festival using Zoom technology that was seen via Facebook. Actually, I can't help but believe that Facebook has noticed this type of use and will attempt to replicate it so that musicians can do this using Facebook technology versus Zoom.

Lauren Ruth Ward

Cuffed Up played a couple songs via Youtube on Saturday. All four members were playing from their own homes. For a few moments, I was wondering if they were playing live. The music sounded so good. Luckily, for their neighbors, they only played a couple songs. They were jamming loud. I'm sure their neighbors were wondering what was going on. Sapphire mentioned that she was sure her playing was causing issues for her neighbor. Two songs is a really short set, but it was great catching up with this band.

Cuffed Up

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

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 3

On Saturday, I caught part of Lauren Ruth Ward's talk with Holy Wars. Then I switched over to catch Ariel Beesley on Instagram. She played outside her home on a ukulele. Occasionally, she rushed off to get her dog. She also talked about her songwriting process and stories behind the songs. She even sang a very raw song that isn't ready for prime time. It was very personal type moment that you won't usually get in a concert setting.

A couple hours later, I went over to Pancakes and Whiskey to catch Lauren Ruth Ward. It is always a pleasure to catch a Lauren Ruth Ward set be it in person, online -- or even just running into her when she's out supporting the Los Angeles music scene. I hung around to HNRY FLWR who was playing from New York -- Temple of the Void.

Lauren Ruth Ward

HNRY FLWR

The Hi Hat: Purple Bite Holiday Party

Whenever I run into Purple Bite PR around various music venues in Los Angeles, it is usually because they represent many of the top music talents around town and their bands/artists are playing sets. Many of their clients did residencies across Los Angles in 2018 and prior years. Lauren Ruth Ward and Jesse Jo Stark are perhaps the biggest names on their client list to have residencies. But other residencies were put on by Magic Bronson, Saigo, and October's Child. And I'm probably over-looking others.

Lauren Ruth Ward

On a recent Saturday night, they put on a free holiday show showcasing their talent at The Hi Hat.

Rainsford

The biggest musician of the night was, of course, Lauren Ruth Ward. I previously mentioned that Lauren Ruth Ward is the most supportive local musician in Los Angeles. One can't help but love the growing success she is having. One can only hope her success continues to grow in 2019. She gave the audience a stripped down set with just her and one other. The acoustic set just let her vocals float across an adoring crowd.

Rainsford definitely had her fans, as well. And just a few cameras were out and about. If I'm not mistaken, she was the only one who did a Christmas cover. She mentioned that she thought it was a holiday party so she had prepared a cover of White Christmas. Well, it was a holiday party and the cover was perfect -- especially since is was cold (Los Angeles version) that night.

Kera and the Lebians

Kera and the Lesbians is someone I've seen on occasion. (She might just go by Kera now, not totally sure on that.) I still remember the first time I saw her at the Bootleg Theater. Her set that night left me misty eyed. She only did a two song set on this particular night, but it still highlighted the emotional impact of her music.

Loyal Lobos

Loyal Lobos was a wonderful surprise. I swear she has lovely hints of Enya. And bringing up Enya, I still remember the first time I heard the Watermark album. I will remember the first time hearing Loyal Lobos.

Also, playing sets were Crow, Oddnesse, O Future and Glory Daze. O Future definitely has one unique sound -- perhaps I'd describe it as Silicon Valley infused music. Oddnesse had a beautiful singer-songwriter vibe. Crow gave a stripped down version of her more artsy set that I remember from when I saw her at Broke LA. I only caught a song or two of Glory Daze. Hey, it was college football playoffs night.

Oddnesse

It has to mentioned that this was a night where a lot of the Los Angeles influences and musicians hung out to celebrate the success of Purple Bite PR.

O Future

Lauren Ruth Ward at The Echo

It was off to The Echo to catch Lauren Ruth Ward's January residency. When I arrived, I was told that there was a new camera policy. The policy is that the band needs to get a photo pass for you. I was disappointed. I took off, heading back to my car. I figured I could just come another Monday night – I didn’t feel comfortable leaving my camera in my car all night long. Then it dawned on me. Laura Ruth Ward introduced herself to me a few weeks back. Why don’t I just ask her? So I put my camera into the car and ran back to The Echo. The door guy let me straight in versus standing in line again. I then hung out waiting for Lauren Ruth Ward to make an appearance. When she did, I approached and asked about getting a photo pass from her. She was so kind and went to the desk to help me out. Off I went to get my camera and back I came into The Echo.

Lauren Ruth Ward's set, of course, was awesome. Her very first message was to the photographers that went something like this, “The Echo has a new first two song photo limit. I’m going to try and bring it for you all.” Oh yeah, she brought it with her free flowing stage presence. At one moment she flew like an eagle. Another moment, she balanced on one leg, leaning out above the stage floor. One couldn’t help but notice her band mate Liv trying to reach out to tab her on the foot to see if she could throw Lauren just a touch off balance.

Lauren Ruth Ward

Most amusing moment of the set started straight off on the first song: Lauren went up to Liv and put the microphone up to her. Dead silence for about 5 seconds. Ha ha. Liv was having none of it even though we all know – those of us in the know – that Liv does solo sets and is an awesome singer.

What can I say: I’ve gotten to hold her hand twice. First time up came at Chinatown Summer Nights when she reached out to hold my hand. And then it happened at The Echo when she once again reached out to hold my hand. Not a high-five, an actual hand hold.

Anyways, the set ended with her off the stage and into the crowd. A crowd that was very appreciative.

Awesome band support: Lauren mentioned as she got on stage that she was sorry that the set was starting a little late, but that she had been out on The Echo patio, listening to the band that was playing out there.

Lauren Ruth Ward

Opening for Lauren Ruth Ward were Nicole Kiki Jaffe and The Years. I unfortunately couldn't fully appreciate Nicole Kiki Jaffe's set. I spent most of her set working on a photo pass and running off to grab my camera. I definitely want to catch a full set as from what I heard was amazing. The Years rocked it out for 30 minutes. After their set, a photographer next to me was in awe.

The Years

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.