Episode 28 is with Brain Fragment, a local No Wave outfit with a new record in the works. Originally a noise duo, the band has expanded to five members with even more creative juices flowing. This one is just shy of two hours, featuring stories from the road and the process of recording an album in twelve hours. Listen below.
The Lil' Smokies at Lodge Room, Highland Park CA
The Lil Smokies, a Montana-based all strings band hit Highland Park’s Lodge Room on Feb 1st and played to ears wide open. On tour for their third full length, Tornillo, which channeled hard influence of classic 70’s songwriting, the band were welcomed by an all too eager LA crowd who danced in country-like fashion while an incessant discordant stomping punctuated the night.
Check out some photos I caught below and be sure to grab a copy of Tornillo, out now!
27 – El Haru Kuroi talk music, style and gentrification in Boyle Heights
The long-awaited El Haru Kuroi interview is here! We talked about music, Los Angeles and the obnoxious overpriced tag of gentrification.
Sketchedlist 1-12-20
Episode 2 of Sketchedlist! Featuring Tré Burt, Les Deuxluxes and The Saxophones.
Sketchedlist 1-5-20
Hey folks! I’m rolling out a new thing for the new year. This is the Sketched Sounds Weekly Playlist, featuring five or so tracks that grabbed me this week. Links below.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3SRDeRg2EZSoL7GdZd3fsx?si=JU0DnFgKRrKn0KKu1lleCg
24 – Justin Hates the Simpsons #3
23 – Jen and Henry are Aloud
This episode is with Jen and Henry of Aloud – Miami-born, LA by way of Boston quartet whose mutual love of the classics in British Invasion bears overwhelming fruit. I was introduced to Henry at I believe the Polartropica residency at Bootleg, though we didn’t speak until much later. It was a loud one. A loud. Aloud. Well I reached out for an interview and met Jen who was happy to set it up. We all got together at their place in Hollywood. I couldn’t believe I found parking.
It’s a wall of sound with the band, as I say in the interview, in the best way possible. Their show at Bootleg last month reminded me to wear earplugs because, you guessed it, I’m stubborn and have never bothered to. The last time I tried was for a shoegaze lineup at DC9 a few years ago. Say what you will about preserving one’s hearing, but that fuzz needs all canals clear. Same with Aloud. But what do I know about sound and ear health? 31 year old eardrums will attest to nothing.
22 – Richard Jankovich and I at Arlington Gardens
Richard Jankovich leads Big Mother Gig, alternative rock band originally formed in Wisconsin, who is working on a new record due for release in November. We talked music, shows and strange genres in the beautiful Arlington Gardens of Pasadena.
21 – Azam Ali
Today’s episode is with Azam Ali, Iranian-American multi-instrumentalist whose latest album, Phantoms, explores a multidimensional reality from a sonically ethereal perspective. We hung out at Teragram Ballroom in LA just before her set and talked about the new record. Big thanks to Girl Underground Music for the collaboration! Check out Girl Underground Music for the article and more photos.
20 – Justin Hates the Simpsons #2
Episode #2 of the sub-series Justin Hates the Simpsons is out! Jon and I talk movies, news and spoil the hell out of Another Life. Listen in.
Dangerously Sleazy talk new EP, Sleep Apnea.
19 – LA punks Dangerously Sleazy tell stories from the road
Episode 18 of the podcast is with LA punks Dangerously Sleazy, the three piece about to hit the road again to support their forthcoming EP, Sleep Apnea.
18 – Justin Hates the Simpsons #1
Jon Valdez and I hung out at the old cafe to talk movies, shows and things we both missed.
I caught she past away at Echoplex with Aurat and Twin Tribes
17 – She Past Away, Twin Tribes + Aurat
So I saw my first show at the Echoplex and got instantly hooked to anything Part Time Punks wants to do. She Past Away played the final show of their US tour the other night with locals Aurat and visiting Texans, Twin Tribes. Check out the full write-up at www.girlundergroundmusic.com
16 – Human Offline
in Podcast
Hey friends! This episode is with Human Offline, the electronic project of Andrew Long. He and premiere podcast guest Vinny Macias worked together on the latest HO single, “False Dreaming”. Does it sound weird? Don’t worry, I’m learning. Enjoy.
15 – Johnnie Gonzales
in Podcast
My extended break from podcasting has been due to a move and scheduling issues. But wait! Episode 15 is here with local, up and coming comedian Johnnie Gonzales. We talked upbringing, travel and of course, comedy. Listen here as well as Spotify and iTunes!
14 – Sebastian Aguirre
in Podcast
Today’s episode is with Sebastian Aguirre, OC-born songwriter and classically trained musician. He is currently working on his forthcoming album, with an exclusive piece featured here. Thank you Klatch Coffee in Rancho Cucamonga for the space!
13 – Bianca Ornelas
in Podcast
This week I met with Bianca Ornelas – local muralist and illustrator whose political portraits have attracted a lot of attention in recent months. We met at our mutual favorite dba256 in Pomona, which was gracious enough to let us hang out for a few.
12 – Daniel Zuniga | Mono Vision
in Podcast
Hey folks! Sorry for the short break, but it’s been busy. This episode is with Daniel Zuniga, or Mono Vision to those fans of venue projections. I’ve wanted to follow up with Daniel since he joined Mire and I on a recent podcast, and we finally made the time. Thanks again to Rad Pro Studios for letting us hang out!
11 – Cassie Gaffaney | Young Winona
in Podcast
Cassie Gaffaney is a New Zealand-born musician and 1/3 of Young Winona – a reimagining of her previous band Santa Barbara. We talked origins, local music and what she has in store. Thanks again to The Snug in Burbank for having us.
9 – Mire w/ Daniel Zuniga
in Podcast
I met up with Mire at Rad Pro Studios in Ontario last week for a photo shoot and podcast. Our mutual friend Daniel Zuniga, projectionist and musician you’ll recognize from around town also joined us before the band headed in for rehearsal. Thanks again for having us!