Moroccan Lounge: Brenda Carsey with KiSMit, Liv Slingerland and Livingmore

It was off to the Moroccan Lounge to take photos of one of my favorite Los Angeles bands: Livingmore. Though I had to make sure I showed up early to catch KiSMiT. When I was asked if I wanted to do some photography, I checked out KiSMiT (I'd already heard and seen Liv Slingerland
and Brenda Carsey). They have a song out called 'Every Shade of You' that brings back the romantic sounds of the 80s. From what I can tell, this duo/couple met on a cruise ship where both were working as musicians. One knew immediately that the other was meant for them while it took the other a little bit more time to figure that out. This is a duo to keep an eye out for.

KiSMiT

Liv Slingerland had perhaps the comment of the night: It is strange to write songs about people who were once in your life, but aren't in your life anymore, but they're still there in this song.

Liv Slingerland

It was Brenda Carsey celebrating her fifth year in Los Angeles with her band called Brenda Carsey and The Awe. This was actually my first time seeing her first set. I happened to catch a couple of her songs while running around taking photos for Buzzbands at Echo Park Rising. Backing her on vocals was Nicole Kiki Jaffe, who I've seen prior. Also, was Leila Milki. I'll have to catch one of her own sets. 

Brenday Carsey and The Awe

Livingmore closed out the night. This band has quickly become one of my favorite bands. Lead singer, Alex, has those vocals down. I was thinking about it: when you see her live or listen to her voice on Youtube, you get the same sound. This just tells me that she has stellar vocals that aren't manipulated via a sound guy. 

Livingmore

Lodge Room: Dan Sadin with friends

It was off to the Lodge Room to catch Dan Sadin. I got an invite by his PR group. I didn't exactly know what to expect. When I arrived, there were seats set up in the auditorium. I thought that was a little strange for a local rock concert. I think those there also thought it strange as the bands had to encourage folks to take a seat instead of hanging out in the rear near the bar. The seats actually worked to create an intimate environment in a packed room for the various singer-songwriter/acoustic sets during the night.

Dan Sadin

Dan Sadin has some Bruce Springsteen vibes. His guitar and lyrics put you into a reflective mood. Also, just take a look at his song titles: "The Way That It Hurts," "Here Comes The Heartbreak," "Edge Of The Dark," and "Lost on Nothing." Those are some moody song titles. "Here Comes The Heartbreak" title makes you think of love that is coming to an end and you just know that it is around the corner.

Holy Child

Opening up the night were a number of his friends, many who backed him during this set so in a way it was a family affair for the night. Liv Slingerland, Talker, Colyer, Holy Child and FRENSHIP played mini-sets of 2 to 3 songs. Liv Slingerland is a musician who I've followed for a couple years as she used to back-up Lauren Ruth Ward. FRENSHIP is a band that Dan Sadin plays in. They had a fun time joking about Dan. They also put him front and center. They let him go off on his guitar during the songs. Talker is the name for Celeste, who also happens to play with FRENSHIP. She also backed up Dan during his set as did Colyer who brought some awesome Hotel Cafe vibes. Holy Child did a mellowed down version of their set that I saw at Echo Park Rising 2017. When I saw them setting up, I was wondering if they'd have any of the thrilling stage show that they put on at Echo Park Rising. It was definitely toned down, to work with the night's music style, but you could see traces of Liz's stage show presence.

Liv Slingerland

Quick Hit Artist Interview: Liv Slingerland

Liv Slingerland at The Echo (LA)

Q&A with the artist. Read and enjoy!

How would you describe your sound? I’d describe my sound as alternative rock. I’ve always loved classic rock and pop rock. A few bands that were my favorites growing up and are still my favorites to this day are Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and The Pretenders.

What inspires you to write/compose your songs? My inspiration for songwriting usually comes from wanting to work through an experience, situation, or set of feelings taking place in my life at the time of the writing. Often my songs will stem from a small idea or emotion and I will end up adding to those bits by drawing from both real life and imagined imagery and experiences depending on what chords, melodies, and lyrics come to mind.