I recently got to photograph Castle Rat at The Belasco. I did a review of the set for US Rocker Music, which you can read here. For me, at least, there was an unusual occurrence on this particular night. Usually, at these larger venues with a photo pit, photographers can to shoot the first three songs before having to leave the pit. For Castle Rat, it was the first two songs and then they let us back in towards the end of the set.
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| Castle Rat at The Belasco |
Brutus VIII (moniker for Jackson Katz) opened up for Tankerlow (you can read that article here) who were celebrating their sophomore album SLAGROOM. His Zebulon set was an industrial experimental thrill ride. Throughout the set, one could hear William S. Burroughs spoken-word Dinosaurs - a desire for humanity to keep on evolving.
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| Brutus VIII at Zebulon |
As I've said before, I try to stick to a specific amount of nights out in the music scene each week. I am actually keeping to my self-discipline better this year than last year. Yet, a recent week was a cheat week as I went out five different nights (one of those nights included hopping venues). I already knew I was going to head out 4 nights that week, but then curiosity hit. I took a look at what WFNM had scheduled for Bar Lubitsch. Catching my attention was jazz singer Stacey Ryan from Montreal, Canada. I sent Grant Owens (WFNM founder) an Instagram message to ask when she was hitting the stage. I learned she was the first performer up for the night. Off I went and then I made a quick exit to head back home. The computer was turned back on and I put in another hour of work.
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| Stacey Ryan at Bar Lubitsch |
I first came across Chalk Teeth back in April. After seeing their set, I wrote up one of my Song Spotlight posts for their song "Floor It." Ever since that point in time, I've wanted to catch another set. I know I've had other opportunities to catch a set, but the timing never worked out. That ended when they had their official record release party (I'm assuming it was their release party) at Licorice Pizza Records for their self-titled debut album. The album came out in June so a little delay in having a party. The band was scheduled at Licorice Pizza a few months back, but had to cancel due to illness.
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| Chalk Teeth at Licorice Pizza Records |
Tankerlow recently celebrated their sophomore album release, SLAGROOM, at Zebulon. The band played the album front to back, which I say is the way a record release party should be done (if possible). The Moorpark band trio includes Guy Azulay, Kyle Norvell, and Connor Scheff. For the night, the band filled out their sound with three other musicians, creating an orchestral wall of sound.
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| Tankerlow at Zebulon |
Very Nice Person (the duo Davis and Skyler Diamond) and their dreamy electronic sounds captured the hearts at Zebulon (a Pretty But Wicked showcase night). Their quiet demeaner and one-liners sold the deal for many. After their set ended, I overheard one person in the audience comment, "He's [David Diamond] funny as hell." One understated comedic moment came at the start of the set when he told someone in the audience that he liked their hat, because it was glittery. He mentioned he also had glitter on his shirt.
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| Very Nice Person at Zebulon |
Note: This review was meant to be posted elsewhere. There were some unfortunately issues that popped up so I'm going to post it here 2 months after the fact. I spent time writing up the review and want it to see the light of day.
Alternative rockers The Breeders took to the Hollywood Palladium on a hot August night in Los Angeles. Their low key attitude was met by a delighted crowd – a crowd that showed up well before doors opened, forming a line that wrapped around the outside of the venue. It was a packed house to catch the band’s first headlining tour since 2024.
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| The Breeders at the Hollywood Palladium |
Makenna Lilly (aka Makenna Lilly Medeiros) brought a throwback attitude to a WFNM showcase at Hotel Ziggy. Her Spotify bio mentions that her music is inspired by Letters to Cleo, The Breeders, Alanis Morissette, and Radiohead. I've covered two of those bands for music blog sites. Back in 2022, I covered Letters to Cleo for Buzzbands (you can read that article here). A few weeks back I covered The Breeders at The Palladium. Due to unanticipated outstanding issues, that review hasn't been published yet. Hopefully, in the near future. Those music bonds is definitely a reason why I was immediately drawn to her music.
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| Makenna Lilly at Hotel Ziggy |
It was a Pretty But Wicked showcase night at Zebulon that featured dream pop duo Girlfriend, Wife (a collaboration between Kacy Hill and Tessa DeNicola). Kacy Hill has been releasing music for around a decade. This new duo continues her artistic expression.
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| Girlfriend, Wife at Zebulon |
A couple weeks back I got to photograph Tommy Newport at The Bellwether. I was there covering Pond for US Rocker Music. You can read my article here. I got to capture a photo that I think is a rather cool shot of the singer.
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| Tommy Newport at The Bellwether |
The Natural Supernatural, fronted by Sean Fortier, closed out a Swyndle Monday night showcase at Harvard & Stone. I first came across the band in 2021 at a WFNM showcase night at Bar Lubitsch. I've got to say that was a good night of music as the line-up included Beck Pete, Carli Storms, and Young Rising Sons. I did a Q&A with the band at the time that is tucked way back in 2021 on my Instagram account. Here's a small snippet:
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| The Natural Supernatural at Harvard & Stone |
Emma Smalley stepped up to the microphone at Hotel Ziggy for a WFNM showcase with her acoustic guitar. It was her second time in Los Angeles. She's a native to South Carolina, currently living in Nashville. Is this one of the last times people in Los Angeles will be able to catch her in such an intimate setting?
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| Emma Smalley at Hotel Ziggy |
