New Music Alert: Lucy & La Mer's "Better Than I Was Before"

A favorite of mine, Lucy & La Mer has a new song out called "Better Than I Was Before." The opening lyrics key you in to the theme of the song, "I could've made it work. But tell me what's the worth. When your foot's in the door." And the title of the song gives you a strong indication of the outcome. A song about a relationship that doesn't go in the direction one would have thought; however, you realize that you're better off moving on. 

The song has the band's pop-folk smoothness that provides that glimmer of joy through the disappointments of a break-up and the eventually realization of self-improvement. Watch the video and  you get to catch Lucy doing some jump roping and boxing.

Photo taken at The Echo

Interview with the artist: Bob Villain

Bob Villain at The Echo

Interview with the artist Enjoy:

How would you describe your music? Music from the shadows.

What inspired you to start incorporating the tree branch arms (see photo)? I’m like a tree, I grow from the ground up.

Own final thoughts: Grimm's Fairy tales, Scott Walker, Nosferatu, JT Leroy, fictional, real. Equal parts nightmare, fantasy, and puppet show. Channeling the heroes before us, clanging on my guitar, & bringing simple synth sounds to lull you all back into the darkest womb.

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 Artist Interview: Greg Felden

Greg Felden at The Echo

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

When did you know you wanted to be a musician/singer? Great question. I played violin as a kid and loved it. I picked up the guitar as a teenager and definitely had a moment of thinking "Oh, I can do this and it's all I want to do with my time." That said, it'd sure be great if life were significantly longer so I could live out every passion I've ever had. There have been a lot.

What’s your favorite (own) song and what makes it the favorite? Don't make me choose from among my children. I kid. But honestly, it's usually the case that the most recent song I've finished is my favorite. I see that as a good thing. Hopefully it means I'm getting better over time. The latest is called "Little Things," and it isn't on the album I'm releasing. Hopefully it will be on the next. You'll have to stay tuned.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Gustaf

Gustaf at The Echo (shot for BuzzbandsLA)

Interview with the band (with Lydia). Enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? Audio drag for ego slobs.

For the band and its future, how would you define success? Handheld sustainable euphoria.

Thanks for catching our set in LA! Such a fun night.

The Echo: Brass Box with Bob Villain, Foie Gras and THIEF

This was the final night of the Brass Box residency at The Echo. Lead singer Ammo is also in a band called Black Flamingo, which dates back to 2010-ish. Anyone who follows me on Instagram knows that I love Black Flamingo and the various offshoots from that band, which includes Draemers and Black Box. To me, Brass Box has the sound that best reflects the Gothic sounds of Black Flamingo. That, of course, means I have a special place in my heart for Brass Box.

I do have to admit I felt a bit out of place at The Echo on this particular night. I felt like I was in the distinct minority of individuals who wasn't dressed in all black. Yet it didn't really matter all that much. The driving goth sounds of Brass Box sent shivers up my spine.

Brass Box

Supporting Brass Box were some solid artists/bands that I was coming across for the first time. Opening up the night was Bob Villain. He came up on stage and one had to look at his hands. Attached to both hands were tree branches that extended a good two feet or so. His fashion sense made you think of a mythical forest creature from Lord of the Rings. Then he started to sing and I was blown away. Seriously, it is like Neil Diamond decided to dress as a forest creature. Bob Villain's vocals are gold.

Bob Villain

Foie Gras with red lipstick smeared across her lips and a powdered white face, I immediately thought about Harley Quinn. Of course, based on her video "Psychic Sobriety," maybe she was meaning to come across as an old fashion Gothic vampire -- but dressed in white versus black. It was a fascinating set that ended all too soon.

Foie Gras

THIEF ended the night diverting into some metal tunes. Ammo happened to mention to me that she's teaming up with one of the members on a new project. I'll have to keep an eye out for it. She was definitely enthusiastic as THIEF pounded their way through their set.

THIEF

Quick Hit Band Interview: Fell Runner

Fell Runner at The Echo

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

What's the story behind how the band formed? We formed at CalArts while we were studying music. It started out as a bit of an experiment in incorporating some of the ideas we were inspired by from Ghanian Ewe music. It has blossomed from there into a band where any influence and direction feels like fair game. That's what keeps it interesting to us.

For the band and its future, how would you define success? It feels like a success to be playing music with friends for people that want to hear it, so the more of that the better.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Badtalkers

Badtalkers at The Echo

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

How would you describe the band's sound? A mixture of old school hip hop and indie rock influence. It's a blend of different sounds we grew up listening to.

What’s your favorite song out there and what makes it the favorite? "Sing a Song" by Earth, Wind and Fire. One of the greatest funk and soul classics ever made. Also, "Dead Inside" by Younger Hunger, because it slaps.

Own final thoughts: Is Elon Musk real? Have you seen his Twitter? Are we in a simulation? He wild.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Sugar Candy Mountain

Sugar Candy Mountain at The Echo

Interview with the band (via Ash). Enjoy:

What's the story behind how your band started? The current Sugar Candy Mountain line up came about because Will played drums with everyone. He was in Sean’s project fpodbpod off and on for years. He met me playing in my solo project almost ten years ago, and he played in Papercuts alongside Jeff. We all really love each other’s playing. I feel very fortunate to be part of this group of musicians.

What’s a dream festival you’d love to play at and what about it intrigues you? Well there’s a few. I’d love to play Gizz Fest in Australia because it seems like the best way to play around that country. I would also love to play Pickathon in Portland, because I’ve been following their line ups for years. Finally, I throw a fest every June called Hickey Fest up in the Mendocino Redwoods- it’s a great weekend that brings our music community together every year, but for me personally, it’s a lot of work. I would love to play a small fest like Hickey Fest without having to run the show too.

Own final thoughts: A Few of Our Favorite Things

1. Maple Syrup

2. Houses that smell good

3. Marfa, TX

4. Running

5. Flossing

Quick Hit Band Interview: Polartropica

Polartropica at The Echo

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

What is currently influencing your music? Most recently my songs have been influenced + inspired by animals (that should not be in the zoo), tank tops, summertime, fruit you can find at the Farmer's Market, internal conflicts, sticking together through the bs, Netflix and Sid the Cat.

What inspires you to write/compose your songs? Very inspired by all of the badass femme producers, musicians, artists and filmmakers busting through the patriarchy with their explosive talents and creativity.

Own thoughts: My favorite fruit is watermelons! I could eat watermelon every day for the rest of my life just plain straight out of the shell with a spoon, or change it up some days with a little squeeze of fresh lime or mixed into a fruit salad with berries, stone fruit and cherries!

Quick Hit Band Interview: Slugs

Slugs at The Echo

Interview with the band (with Marissa). Enjoy:

What's the story behind how the band started? I'd been writing songs and recording them in my bedroom for about a year when I met Sarsten (bass/vocals) at our coffee shop job and then, Josh (guitar) at a house show. The three of us, plus my brother James, started to jam on my acoustic songs and soon after started playing shows whenever we could.

How has the band gelled together as a group? It's a blast! We're all friends and we love playing music. I want to see us all succeed and to do it within a rock n roll band together, that's a dank dream.

Quick Hit Artist Interview: Cassandra Violet

Cassandra Violet at The Echo

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? Orchestrated pop with a massive amount of vocal harmonies.

Do you have a message or objective behind your music? If so, what is it? What it means to be a woman, assert your voice and be yourself.

Final thoughts. Something unique about me: I am also a whistler!

Two Sundays/Two Members of Feels along with friends

I've followed Feels for a number of years now. Way back when they were called Raw Geronimo. That probably makes me a super fan compared to others. Yet, to be honest, over the last year, I've seen solo sets by the members of Feels more than I've seen the band as a whole. That trends continued recently. On the final Sunday of 2018 and the first Sunday of 2019, I caught members of Feels, Shannon Lay and Laena Geronimo, doing solo sets.

Shannon Lay

Shannon Lay was at Zebulon for the final Sunday of 2018 and Laena Geronimo was at The Echo for the first Sunday of 2019. If one goes to their solo sets to get a different take on the psychedelic rock of Feels, one would be disappointed. Instead, both bring thoughtful singer-songwriter sets. Shannon's set definitely has vibes of ancient elves. Laena found joy in finishing complicated guitar chords.

Laena Geronimo

Earth Girl Helen Brown

Closing at Zebulon on that final Sunday was Earth Girl Helen Brown. Shannon Lay also joined in with the backing band.

Anna St Louis

Justin Sullivan

At The Echo, Anna St Louis and Justin Sullivan brought lovely solo sets. Anna St Louis and her music was so memorizing that it almost felt wrong to disturb the music in anyway. The crowd was equally attentive to Justin Sullivan. Who responded, "You're so quiet. Not like other venues I've played at where anything goes."

Fell Runner

Fell Runner and Red Channel changed things up to close out the night at The Echo. Fell Runner sounded like Arnold Schoenberg had decided to turn his music into rock sounds. Their sound was just fascinating in its sophistication. Red Channel ended the night with a quick 20 minute set, bringing two synths into a dancing mode to send folks home.

Red Channel

Quick Hit Artist Interview: Nicky Blitz

Nicky Blitz at The Echo

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

What is currently influencing your music? Really looking for words that pop out at you. They are everywhere. Just finished watching "Sharp Objects" on HBO and that really fucked me up, so here comes the emo sound.

What’s a dream venue you’d love to play at and what about it intrigues you? I want to play at night at Coachella because it's Coachella and people are buckwild in the desert.

Own final thought: I'm a unique completely harmless psychopath.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Egg Drop Soup

Egg Drop Soup at The Echo

Interview with the band (via Sam). Enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? Thrashy punk gone surfing and/or surfy punk gone thrashing. 

What’s the favorite part of your set? What’s not the favorite part of our set? Lol, but really, we love mosh pits, melting faces, and making general mayhem

 Own final thoughts: Next time you see us, ask us where our name came from . . .

Quick Hit Artist Interview: JR Slayer

JR Slayer at The Echo

Interview with the artist. Enjoy:

What are the influences that impact your music? My life and my environment. Elliott Smith. New Order.

What thrills you about performing live? I get to be my complete self. Nothing can affect me when I am performing. I get lost and it’s the safest place to be. It's home.

Quick Hit Band Interview: The Great Sadness

The Great Sadness at The Echo

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? I would say what Stephen and I do in The Great Sadness is the merging of all the dark elements of metal, hard rock, delta/country blues and no wave/punk. We mix it in an emotional blender and the result is entirely our own. We like our music heavy and visceral.

What band/artist would you most like to open for and why the choice? Right now we would LOVE to open for Big Business. They are coming from the same place we are. Their sound is thoughtful, epic and pounding. Honestly, we love them. Do you hear us BB?

Is there a question(s) that you always love to answer? We would love to answer any questions about life after death or ice cream.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Dancing Tongues

Dancing Tonuges at The Echo

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

What's the story behind how your band started? We started playing music together in high school and formed our first band when we were about 16. We kept playing together in different bands throughout college and always found ourselves working on songs together that didn't really fit whatever project we were in at the time. We realized pretty quickly that the two of us would rather be focused on working on the songs we were writing together than spending our creative energies elsewhere. So, we decided to move forward as the two of us, writing the kind of music that we liked, which at the time, and still continues to be heavily influenced by post-punk, punk, darkwave and new wave. The two of us just clicked since we shared a lot of the same sort of influences and complimentary creative approaches, and we just didn't stop writing. We got to the point where we had written and recorded so many demos and songs that we decided to put a name on our project, recruit a bass player to perform with us, then start playing shows. We have kept at it and now we’re still here making more music and performing it!

What’s your favorite band song and what makes it the favorite? We don't really have a single favorite song and both feel that it changes a lot but if we had to pick:

 Kevin: Little Creatures because it's always fun to play live. It's usually high energy and gets people moving.

Alex: Bigger Picture. It is not out yet. We will be releasing it soon on our upcoming full length, but I like it because it touches on a lot of different aspects of our sound, but at the same time does something very different than the rest of our songs do. I liked writing it, recording it, and have enjoyed the times we performed it live.

Three Days of Music: Chinatown Summer Nights, Happy Sundays Long Beach, The Echo

It was a jammed packed three days of straight awesome music.

It all started on a Saturday in Chinatown for the final Chinatown Summer Nights of 2018.

Emma Cole with Lauren Ruth Ward

Opening up was Emma Cole who had some wonderful cameos, which included Lauren Ruth Ward. Jane Holiday followed up. When I looked at the schedule, I had no clue who he was. Then when he went up on stage, I recognized him. He used to go simply by Jane when I caught his set at The Hi Hat in early 2018. mini bear was up next. That band will get you dancing. Jasper Bones had the crowd packed in and swooning to his vocals. CLARA-NOVA gave us some French inspired pop while I got fascinated with her drum stick.

Then on Sunday I took a long trip down to Long Beach. I don't go to Long Beach all that often. The inspiration for heading off on this day was that a number of bands that I follow were playing a music festival called Happy Sunday: Spare Parts for Broken Hearts, Ramonda Hammer, The Paranoyds, Holy Wars, Draemings, and Death Valley Girls.

Those weren't the only bands I saw though. I also caught DCHAV, No Tides, The No. 44 and The Shrine.

Best memory was when The No. 44 ended their set at Iguana Kelleys. The Paranoyds were up next and weren't anywhere to be seen. One of the individuals running things went to the microphone, "If The Paranoyds are around, you can set up now." The stage remained void of The Paranoyds. Next, the person went up to someone in the audience and I could hear him ask, "Do you see The Paranoyds anywhere? Do you know what they look like?" Well, shortly after that, they walked in, set up, and basically started on time.

The Paranoyds

Another memory has to deal with Death Valley Girls. It was either the first or second song and the lead singer broke a string on her guitar. The look on her face was priceless. The bassist on this night just happened to be the bassist for Cat Scan.

I also happened to take a walk down to the Long Beach Playhouse to see a photo exhibit of Emery Becker's photography. He was a Los Angeles photographer who died in a highway accident earlier this year. It was a very moving tribute to his work. The photos were amazing.

To close out the three day stint, it was off to The Echo to catch the final Slugs residency night. The night had, in order, Egg Drop Soup, Rumblepak, Nicky Blitz, Slugs, and Turtles on Speed. I was eager to catch Egg Drop Soup as a photographer I know did a photo shoot for them. They were a fun band. I had previously interviewed Rumblepak and Turtles on Speed. Nicky Blitz got hot while wearing his a sport's jacket. It was a fun final night to catch Slugs. They were doing a team sports night. Jerseys were in and Lauren Ruth Ward did some on stage cheerleading.

Slugs

Interestingly, the three nights was a nice way to catch full sets of bands that I wasn't able to catch during Echo Park Rising. That includes Emma Cole, mini bear, Spare Parts for Broken Hearts and The Paranoyds. I won't mention Ramonda Hammer as I essentially caught 95% of their Echo Park Rising set.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Cape Weather

Cape Weather at The Echo

Interview with the band (via Natalie). Enjoy:

What's the story behind how you band started? Eric and I became friends in college and have played music together on and off for years. I'd been previously focusing on solo projects, and the last solo record I made was a challenging experience for me. On more than one occasion, I called Eric from the studio to vent, and one day he suggested we write some songs together. The whole band thing blossomed naturally after that.

What’s your favorite band song and what makes it the favorite? I love all the band songs in one way or another, and the favorite seems to change, but I've really been enjoying 'Never Say' recently. The idea of feeling awkward and anxious at a party is something I can really relate to, so it was fun to put that down on paper in a more lighthearted way.