Broke LA Festival (Saturday, April 8th): Interview with Kid Wave

Photo courtesy via Broke LA/Department 4

Broke L.A. is arriving in Los Angeles this Saturday, April 8th. This year, there were 1,000 band submissions. Each band was given a listen. The committee also reached out to other bands. Over-all, 80% of the bands were selected based off of the received submissions. Selections were based on originality, market appeal, story, and appropriateness. 

This year's festival has moved out of the Art District so don't head out in that direction. This year the festival is in East Los Angeles. Specifically, 4560 Worth St, Los Angeles, CA.

One of the bands playing is Kid Wave. The band hits the Jungle Gym Stage at 6:00 p.m. 

Before coming to Los Angeles, Lea Emmery was a Swede jamming in London. With that sort of life experience, I had to ask a few questions that focused around culture and locale. Hope you enjoy this Q&A. 

How would you describe your sound? Indie guitar pop, rock with a big sound. A good chorus with nice hooks. 

What’s your favorite Kid Wave song? My new song “Everything Changes.” 

Are there any interesting differences between Los Angeles and London bands? Bands in London have more of an attitude. English bands are cocky and outspoken. This comes naturally. Los Angeles tends to have better musicians. Los Angeles bands look to London for attitude, but it is hard to imitate Oasis. This comes from different cultures. Both have different skills, crafts. The London rock music scene is smaller than Los Angeles. The London scene is focused in East London. The Los Angeles scene is spread across the city. 

What are some of your favorite spots in Los Angeles? Any specific reasons they are your favorites? Having margaritas at Salazar. Also, when I first came to Los Angeles, I stayed with friends who lived in Elysian Heights. I loved the view, walking in the hills. 

When people ask you what they should do during their Swedish vacation, what do you tell them? Go in the summer unless you really love the cold. Go to Stockholm for a few days. Then go out to the countryside up north, which is very beautiful. Rent a cottage and experience country living. 

Do you have a favorite Kid Wave story/memory? While on tour in England we had a day off. Our manager wanted us all to get some fresh air so he took us to Yorkshire Sculpture Park. There were some cows in a field and our bassist went up to the cows. The cows were friendly. We then turned to walk away and heard this rumbling behind us. We turned around and two bulls were chasing after us. I never ran so fast in my life. We had to run across a river. We were terrified. Chased by bulls is my favorite Kid Wave memory.