2020 Los Angeles Music Scene in Review

I’ve always done a year-end round up of my favorite “new to me, but maybe not new to you” lists. Well, let me go in a different direction this year end for obvious reasons. 

2020 in Review 

#20 Pink Sock / Echoplex 

Let’s start things off with Pink Sock. Anyways, a few years back, I got stuck outside The Echo without a photo pass. A quick e-mail was sent to one of the bands that was playing that night. Down came said drummer to rescue me. 

When this is all over: I’m going to see Emily Kinney in concert. Hold me to it.

Pink Sock

#19 Ariel Beesley / Echoplex 

A photo from her birthday show. Is it too early to say happy birthday for 2021? 

When this is all over: I’m buying myself a Canon EOS R5.

Ariel Beesley

#18 SHIRAGIRL / The Satellite 

This will be me (?September 2021?) when I head inside my first concert venue in over a year. 

When this is all over: yes, I am betting September 2021 - hey, it used to be Q1 2022. 

SHIRAGIRL

#17 Wax Charmer / The Satellite 

Going through my photos, this band really knows how to put on a performance. I love how the band interacts together as well as individually. 

When this is all over: will this be all over before or after Echo Park Rising 2021 is supposed to occur? 

Wax Charmer

#16 Automatic / The Glass House / shot for Buzzbandsla 

Buzzbands had their list of concerts they wanted covered for the month of January. There was a mini-music festival going on at The Glass House that was on the list. I noticed that Automatic was on the line-up. I also hadn’t been to The Glass House in years so I put my name in to cover the show. I left my “real” job at around 3:30 p.m. and just sat in traffic on the 210 Freeway. Part of me just started thinking I should send Buzzbands an e-mail and apologize that I just didn’t realize how bad traffic was and I wouldn’t be able to get to cover the night. Also, add that I was under the weather, which was totally true. But at the same time I was thinking, “I really want to see Automatic.” 

When this is all over: I’ve got to catch Jenny O, Mara Connor and Pu$$y Cow at least once. Traditions need to restart. 

Automatic

#15 Ceremony / The Glass House / shot for Buzzbandsla 

I can’t wait to see music fans in pure ecstasy again. 

When this is all over: I’ve got to shoot at The Glass House at least once.

 

Ceremony

#14 Strawberry Army / Bootleg Theater 

This band is fun to shoot. Tell me I’m wrong. 

When this is all over: How many times will I see Black Flamingo, Brassbox, Draemings and Kevin?

 

Strawberry Army

#13 Kate Clover / Bootleg Theater 

Every so often back in the day I’d run into Kate Clover hanging out at Zebulon. Those were the days. 

When this is all over: Who wants to open up a music venue? 

Kate Clover

#12 Neon Cowgirl / Club Tee Gee 

One of these days The Child should do a set. Just throwing that out there. I love the biographical lyrics of Neon Cowgirl. 

When this is all over: I do hope Livingmore asks me to photograph one of their sets. 

Neon Cowgirl

#11 Cheekface / The Satellite 

Do you know they have a song called “Glendale?” Do you know I live in Glendale? There are actually other local music scene folk who live in Glendale. I’m not sure Cheekface likes Glendale. I’m not sure I like Glendale. 

When this is all over: I’ve got to catch in-person some of those musicians/bands I saw on Home School (aka School Night) and WFNM. 

Cheekface

#10 Tillie / The Geometro Party 

That time I got invited to an underground party. Yeah, that doesn’t happen that often. 

When this is all over: I might travel beyond a 5 miles radius from where I live.

Tillie

#9 The Walks of Life / Highland Park Bowl 

One year during Echo Park Rising, I did a long walk over to Cosmic Vinyl to photograph a couple random bands for Buzzbands. I came across Sam Marine (The Walks of Life). I was impressed. 

When this is all over: How many music venues will still be around? 

The Walks of Life

#8 Broken Baby / The Satellite 

This is the last time I went to The Satellite. Perhaps this photo is just perfect. From my count 6 music venues have shut down (perhaps one or two of them might manage to re-open at other locations). For the life of me, I can’t figure out how other venues are able to hang on with no revenue over the last 9 months. 

When this is all over: I caught a couple online sets of Skullcrusher. I really want to see a live set. 

Broken Baby

#7 The Mulhollands / Viper Room 

I have two all time favorite Los Angeles music scene bands: The Mulhollands and Automatic Music Explosion. Even though these bands shut down years ago, I bet that they still rank as the bands I’ve seen the most times. This night at the Viper Room was a reunion show for The Mulhollands. I hope another one happens again someday. 

When this is all over: I’ll get my #quickhitbandinterviews going on a more consistent basis.

The Mulhollands

#6 The Shakers / Viper Room 

Lead singer Jodie has moved out of state. But it was like the band had never stopped playing live sets. Magic at the Viper Room. 

When this is all over: Take a trip and explore another city’s music scene. 

The Shakers

#5 Sofie Winterson / Zebulon 

February 25th. This was the last time I stepped inside a music venue. I purposely put a hold on my live music outings a couple weeks sooner than I had to. Zebulon was part of the Red Alert campaign on Sept 1st. I do hope they survive. 

When this is all over: Shoot some shows for Buzzbands. 

Sofie Winterson

#4 Michael Crain / “Six at Six” series on Instagram Live / curated by @the6660s

I got asked if I wanted to photograph a “Six at Six” series. Outdoors. Check. Masks. Check. I was in. 

When this is all over: Do some interviews for CaliforniaRocker. 

Michael Crain

#3 Fart Barf / Echo Park Rising / Bands in a Barbershop stage 

Echo Park Rising went virtual this year. I got to capture one set live. 

When this is all over: hangout at the front of the stage with four or five other photographers at a local music venue, not shooting for a music site or similar, just shooting because we love the band. 

Fart Barf

#2 Mars Rodriguez / “Six at Six” series on Instagram Live / curated by The 6660s 

I do believe Mars Rodriguez ties as the band / musician I’ve seen most “in-person” in 2020. How many times? Twice. I purposely made sure I got to see her a second time. Love her one person sets. I do find it a little amusing that the most times I’ve seen a band / musician in 2020 live is just twice. Usually, there are bands / musicians that I’ll see 5 or 6 times. Maybe because like Livingmore, I’m one of their go to photographers. Or a Ramonda Hammer or Spare Parts for Broken Hearts where they’re part of the Los Angeles music scene that I am most associated with. Or a Kevin that is just too cool not to see multiple times. 

When this is all over: I want to find a band before the swarm of photographers descend on the band, just want to be one of the first. 

Mars Rodriguez

#1 Joshua Payne Orchestra / Los Angeles River 

I wear a mask while exercising in this COVID-19 world and I’ve learned one thing about wearing a mask while exercising: walking up hills around my neighborhood is very difficult to do while wearing a mask. My lungs just don't get enough air. So I switched things up and started walking along the Los Angeles river, which doesn’t require as muchexertion on my part. Well, one day, I came across a musician who was in the process of packing up his gear. Then a couple weeks later, I saw him again, packing up his gear. I decided to go over and ask for his name. And that’s how I came across Joshua Payne Orchestra. 

When this is all over: I need to ask Feels for a photo pass.

Joshua Payne Orchestra

Los Angeles Music Scene: Save Our Stages Approved by Congress

The Satellite

The second COVID-19 stimulus bill just got approved by Washington DC (President Trump delayed the signing by a few days when he decided to push for a $2,000 per person check). Of much interest to Los Angeles local music scene fans, it included the Save Our Stages funding of $15 billion. From Rolling Stones (Dec 21):

Legislation allocates $15 billion in funding to “venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions” as Save Our Stages act is folded into $900 billion stimulus bill 

Of the $15 billion, $10 billion is dedicated to music venues and promoters. Venues can apply for grants equal to 45% of 2019 gross revenues with a cap of $10 million. Priority is given to those who lost 90% of their revenue over the last year. Two weeks later, those who have lost 70% can then apply for a grant. Considering that Los Angeles venues shut down in mid-March, that would indicate an 80% drop in revenue if revenues are straight-lined across the year. I'm not sure how revenue trends throughout the year for local venues so I'm not sure if Los Angeles venues will be in the first or second wave.

. . . Speaking on the Senate floor Monday, Amy Klobuchar said the bill will help venues cover six months of expenses to make it through what will hopefully be the tail-end of the pandemic . . . “The grants can be used to cover all the major costs the venues have to pay to stay in business including rent and mortgage utilities, employee wages, key benefits, maintenance costs, state and local taxes, payments to contractors, purchases of protective equipment.”

I focus on the "six months of expenses." Those of us in Los Angeles know that music venues have already been shut down for 9 months. My speculation is that venues won't open until September. Maybe I'm too pessimistic and they open in June. Either way, venues in Los Angeles (and I say Los Angeles, because I have to believe that Texas will allow Austin venues to open up months before Los Angeles allows venues to open) may be shut for 15 to 18 months. Six months of expenses could be just 1 / 3 of the need -- though some of the rest could be covered by borrowing from a bank, fundraising, online concerts, merchandise sales, temporarily getting rent reductions, loan term changes, etc etc.

The Chicago Tribune (Dec 21) adds a Senator Amy Klobuchar Q&A from Variety that considers my above concern.

SINCE SAVE OUR STAGES WILL LARGELY BE COVERING EXPENSES FROM THIS YEAR, DO YOU EXPECT ANOTHER STIMULUS BILL NEXT YEAR?

Yes, especially for the state and local governments and others, and Joe Biden has committed to that. Every month that goes by, you learn about who has been hardest hit -- people as well as businesses, and we’re going to have the benefit of that hindsight by February.

It does seem that Variety and Senator Amy Klobuchar realize that this $10 billion isn't enough and that many venues will still close if additional grants aren't provided. Of course, her answer takes a more macro look at the need for a 3rd stimulus package versus answering directly about music venues. Is that cause for concern or is she just being cautious with her language -- she is a lawyer after all? But my honest opinion is that if various states allow their venues to start opening up soon in 2021, there would be less Congressional support for venues in states that keep them shut down until later in the year.

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.

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 75

I noticed an Instagram Stories from Lauren Lakis saying she was going to go on at 7 p.m. on a Sunday to play an Instgram Live set. She asked for song requests. I sent in a request for "Fear of God." She came on at 7 p.m. with red and blue lights flooding the screen, clashing in the center. There were Christmas lights twirled around the microphone stand. And she played sitting on the floor, her legs folded. 

Her guitar was her only backing instrument along with vocal reverb. There was a sorrowful, gothic take to her music. The electric guitar was played with somber tones. And then she hit "Fear of God" and the music shifted to a driving forcefulness. It really felt like I was watching her video with a full band sound and all the benefits of recording. Such a powerful song. After she ended the song she mentioned that whenever she plays that song her shoulders and neck tense up.

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 74

Home School is always an enjoyable hour -- now in the middle of the day.

Sofia Valdes opened it up with a full band -- who all wore masks. Her voice had lullaby vocals with just a touch of soul crooning. Her accented English singing had her music sounding like sweet syrup. One of her song titles was "Amsterdam." I do love that city.

Sofa Valdes

Foreign Air definitely mixed it up in this line-up. They performed their set in a workspace that had the vocals echoing throughout the building, I'm sure. It was pure experimental music, taking inspiration from the range of 60s rock to 80s college radio to heavy metal. Their opening song was layered above samples of "Que sera, sera." I noticed that one of their electronic kits was above a booked titled, "The Animator's Survival Kit."

Foreign Air

Closing out the afternoon was Charlotte Jane with some country/folk vocals. Her set was done on a balcony, overlooking her city. Off in the distance one could see a body of water. Birds flew past on occasion. And it was a bit cold as she had to warm up her hands when shifting to the keyboards. She happened to mention that it was weird doing a livestream and that her non-emotional plants were her audience. She also mentioned that she had been to School Night in the flesh before and hoped she would be able to play live in the future.

Charlotte Jan

Quarantine Online Sets: Version 73

Way back in 2013, I first came across Cori Elliott at the Chinese New Year Festival in Chinatown. She was playing a set with her band, The Vim Dicta. Interestingly, I also saw her being interviewed on a local news station regarding the high gas prices that hit us during the time. I loved the band's sound and caught them on occasion, seeing them once in both 2014 and 2015. Then they fell off my radar. Fast forward to 2018, and I noticed they were playing a set at The Satellite. I made sure I got to catch their set. How did I let so much time pass between seeing them? Well, apparently, they had taken a break and that was their first set in a couple years.

I'm not sure the band played since that time, but I kept my fond memories of the band.

Fast forward to a few days back and I noticed that the lead singer, Cori Elliott, was scheduled to play a midday set on WFNM. One had to know that I was making time to catch the set. It was a short 12 minute set with her playing three songs: "Eyes," "Crutch," and "Too Far Gone." The songs had a moody tone to them via the use of the bass keys on the piano with dashes of hope via the xylophone. 

Her last song "Too Far Gone" will have you in tears. Here's part of the lyrics:

Well I’m too far gone I’ll take the train straight home Please remind me what happened in the morning

Always mad at the feeling Night will end and day begin again Got in your car and on the highway Let’s let the road be our savior again

But I’m too far gone I’ll take the train straight home Don’t remind me what happened in the morning Don’t remind me what happened in the morning Don’t remind me what happened in the morning.

Two people, going their separate ways. One by train and the other by car. Let's talk in the morning, but then maybe we shouldn't. Just the sense of loss and emotional emptiness. Just makes one tear up.

Los Angeles Music Scene: Is Live Nation getting slightly less optimistic about the return of live music in the US?

The Satellite

On November 5th, LiveNation's CEO Michael Rapino said on the company's Q3 earnings call:

We still expect shows at scale next summer but recognize that some exact timeline of this return will vary by region and so we continue to focus on remaining flexible . . . So if you have a new if you have a new tour well let's think about the fall into 2022 but let's sit tight until January before you start moving any costs in place to get ready. So that's kind of a -- that the general sense is let's -- let's reset, let's get through 2021 summer with whatever we reschedules from 2020, add new stuff into the fall to 2022 as we get a better visibility into January.

That appears to give a distinct indication that they expected shows to start up in the summer of 2021. And my interpretation was that they expected ALL shows to return.

Is LiveNation getting a touch less optimistic?

On December 7th, Live Nation president Joe Berchtold said the following on  CNBC: 

In the key US, Western European markets, it continues to be our expectations that by next summer we're back with our major outdoor shows, our amphitheaters here in the US, festivals globally, we'll be able to do those shows.

I didn't see a transcript of the interview so this is my own personal transcript of the interview.

Berchtold appears to be restricting summer shows to outdoor amphitheaters and festivals. That appears to provide additional clarification to the November 5th statement. 

CNBC's headline of the interview was: Live Nation president Joe Berchtold says he expects U.S. shows will be back by summer 2021. That is true, but over-looks the specifics. 

If I'm hearing the interview correctly, LiveNation does not expect their Los Angeles venues such as The Echo, Echoplex and The Regent to open up in the summer.