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"Our sound is like the color black, but also some reds and more rarely yellows and greens. We're a band some days and an ensemble other days, with four regular members: Tev Nicolas—Vocals/Guitar, Nate Ramer—Vocals/Drums/Percussion Nicki Chen-Walters—Viola, Thomas Welsh—Guitar/Keyboards. Being multi-instrumentalists, we often get the job done just ourselves, however, it's just too much of a rush to not augment the lineup with additional musicians. For example, in either July or August we are planning to record a live album with a Plastic Orchestra (6-10 additional instrumentalist/singers) accompanying us. Stylistically we play the music that comes to us: Slime, jizz rock, meow jazz, lucky otter pop, psychedelic space jams, acoustic, ambient, big band post rock. We're definitely headed in a more concept album space and are looking to take live projections, costumes, theatricality to a new level this Summer. You can catch us at The Smell in LA on July 20th for a taste." IG + Twitter: @plasticotters plasticotters.com
Direction by Tev Nicolas
Starring Nicki Chen-Walters
Directing and Editing by Emma Benson
Puppets by Siena Rose After Effects by Isha Khanzode Animated explosion by Elle Rosy
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Lucky Wife & Mother is akin to a ham radio, a microkorg having a meet-cute in an elevator, and ultimately ending in divorce. It’s multi instrumental music and comedy composed and recorded by Austin Kenwood, ya know? IG: luckywifenmother The LA-based post-punk/alt. Rock band Girlfiend is fronted by Comet, a gender non-conforming visual artist. Rock and the Riot Grrrl movement and sound, mixed with a bit of Comet’s own demonic/vampiric elven aesthetic are what inspire Girlfiend's strong visuals and dissonant sound. Girlfiend is an ideal mix of their love of performance art and dirty rock and roll. Girlfiend’s sound lives in a dark space that is at once luscious, grimey, jagged, and beautiful. The lyrics often evoke sadness, angst, and violence, but have catharsis as their ultimate goal. Most importantly to both band members is creating Queer Girl Band music that is as revolutionary as it is contagiously listenable. Their debut single, Garden of Ache, is a dark, infectious example of all they stand for, artistically, socially, and musically. Instagram: @grrrlfiend Soundcloud
My Boyfriend is an ensemble formed by front-man, instrumentalist, and composer Jon Paul Arciniega. The group aims to perpetuate the spirit, playfulness, and humor of American popular music at its best; ensuring that the music is earnest. IG: @myboyfriendofficial Bandcamp Soundcloud Rita Beats The Devil from Jack Paradise on Vimeo. 4 teenagers hailing from Venice Beach, CA, are bringing in rock n' roll, the way it should be played. Sworn enemies to the safe and expected, they are an oasis of authenticity in a vast landscape of wannabe rock n' rollers and hot shot guitar string wigglers. Born from the hallways of a Los Angeles high-school, The Campbells consist of 4 members: Jack Slade (vocals, rhythm guitar, mouth organ), Spencer York (bass, vocals), Tristan Beltrami (lead guitar, vocals), and Harry Zucker (drums/percussion). They punch out timeless tracks, that are as red hot, and dangerous, as they are lovable and movement provoking. GET READY, THE CAMPBELLS ARE YOUR NEW ROCK N' ROLL PSEUDO FAMILY:) IG: @thecampbellsmusic From the sandy beaches of Los Angeles comes a dystopian romantic vision unlike any other; DüllHaus offers a vampire’s eye-view of love in the city on their debut album, Love is Violence. Fusing energetic and powerful 808 driven drum sequences with dark, atmospheric synth textures and tortured, sexy vocals, founders James and Quinn Clearwater have succeeded in crafting a gothic-dance experience for the 21st century. Forged with analog synthesizers, drum machines, guitars and grit, you won’t find any software plugins or Ableton loops, ‘Love is Violence’ was created by human hands, for human ears. For the cinematic, romantic, tragic and eternal lover in all of us, DüllHaus presents Love is Violence as a shrine to all things black, red, brooding and betrayed; You may have been coaxed onto the path of darkness, but at least you brought your dancing shoes. IG: @dullhaus Bandcamp
Headquartered in Los Angeles, Loser Company is Indie Rock with a Nouveau-Grunge, Alternative twist; a balance of infectious melody, heady lyrics and harmonic grit. Don't be afraid to lose. Losers make great company. IG: @loser.company.music Reverb Nation "We’re a gang of synth freaks that has been making music together and conspiring secretly since the 2nd grade. It all started when singer/keytar player Austin Ford borrowed drummer Nicholas Tripi’s Moog Voyager & plugged it into a guitar amp. Only last year in 2018 did we actually decide to go public with what we were doing and put it out there. We’re a synth-rock three piece (Synth/Bass/Drums) that gets inspiration from Limp Bizkit, Parliament Funkadelic, and Shellac. We like to think of the genre of the music we make as Guttertech. High technology sounds being wielded in the hands of garbage people. We just released our first album, Happy Scary, and it was recorded at El Studios in San Fransisco. It’s a hybrid of both the live grunge feel of a Steve Albini record and the dinge-y electronic sounds of Industrial and UK Grime. IG: @b.i.g.f.u.n Bandcamp The tail end of 2015 would see the start of a clash of sounds and influences. What started with two friends (Christian Linares & Rodolfo Ramirez) would converge into The Velvet Collide. The following year would see Gustavo Montes (Bass) and Joe Ibarra (Drums) enter the fray. The notes were played, music was made and then came…the Collide. There release of their latest single, Spaghetti Western, is a crowd favorite. The band found inspiration in old Western films. “This song speaks of the stand-offs we each face in our relationships, stand-offs like the ones you see in old cowboy movies.” - Chris IG: @thevelvetcollide Soundcloud Apple Music
Photos by @anthonythekyd
DMV artist Stephn kick-started his music career in 2018, working on his first project, Time Before Us. Released first as a visual project paired with an EP, he managed to weave together fashion, creative direction, and music to create pure forms of self-expression. His energy did not go unnoticed. After quickly selling out his EP release party, he then performed at AMFest Music Festival and a Smithsonian Institute. Stephn doesn’t shy away from getting to the root of emotional vulnerability when creating his art. Through this honest approach, he’s able to create a genuine connection with his audience. IG: @stephnmusic
Images by @mango.sanfernando, @geetchdawg, @youssefier
Joyce is a Brooklyn-based artist capturing a lo-fi, surf-soul 60s pop vibe. Joyce enjoys highlighting the imperfections of recording from the living room floor, drawing in a gritty, bright lo-fi sound. IG: @joyceismymiddlename Bandcamp Soundcloud
Swanhoppers is an alternative rock band formed in Los Angeles in 2014. Since 2018, its lineup has consisted of founder Christian Castellanos (vocals, guitar, bass, sampler.) The music has been described as "concentrated shoegaze." IG: @swanhoppers Soundcloud Youtube "A 3 piece Los Angeles based post-grunge band. Lukas West on bass. Girlwolf on guitar and vocals. Joey D'Alfonso on drums. We are not the best band, but also not the worst." IG: @medio_core_ medioc0re.com "Mediocore tracked Scars Make Stars with Dave Swanson of Love Juice Labs. After 5 years of bouncing from engineer to engineer, I went back to the engineer we discovered early on in my earthsleep days. He tracked our “Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath” cover. It sounded better than ANYTHING else earthsleep has ever recorded by a long shot, a really long shot. Dave made the process easier, more cost effective, and fuck it sounded CLEAN!!!! " - Via Cindy Clark's Blog
Blacklight video / photos by Cocovera
ABOUT THE NOISE, a psychedelic punk three-piece from Los Angeles. Timeless Fun is our debut EP. The concept behind the record was to capture the minimalist, yet frenetic, energy of our live performances. We recorded Timeless Fun ourselves in a garage over a ten-day period in December 2018, using a mixture of experimental techniques. That same garage would subsequently serve as the filming location for our first music video, Strange Hold, which was shot and edited by the band on a $50 budget. The Timeless Fun record cover is an illustration by artist Todd Webb, based on a photo from our first band photoshoot in a JC Penney Portraits studio at the Glendale Galleria. Timeless Fun was released on 4/20 and is available on all streaming and download platforms. They also have limited edition, hand-painted copies of the EP for sale on their website. IG: @aboutthenoise 1-800-aboutthenoise.com Apple Music Saturn Nine is an shoegaze/alt rock trio out of Los Angeles. Originally conceived by Brandon Lapins (vocals, guitar) in late 2017. The group has consisted of many talented musicians while building their catalog of original songs and playing shows all over Los Angeles County for their rapidly growing fan base. Current members include, Aaron Moura (bass), formerly of Tarot Death Card, and Daniel Cielak (drums), also in Cotton Ships. Their greatly anticipated debut single, "Unrequited" features heavy tones and smooth melodies. Dive in for a taste of 90s Alt-Rock sensibilities with modern auditory aesthetics. In addition to the titular track, there is also a live session "B-side" in this release. With plans for several shows and an EP release later this Summer, be sure to keep an eye on the group. IG: @saturn_nine_ Red Roulette was started around late 2017 early 2018. The original concept was we wanted to make something heavy, but also experimental to some degree. We were really into incorporating noise in our songs and improvising whenever we had the chance. Some of their main influences are bands such as the Grateful Dead, Black Flag, and B.B. King. If they had to describe what they were doing, they'd describe as being a more aggressive form of the Blues. IG: @redrouletteband
"We form a band called Annie Taylor as an homage to the enigmatic woman who jumped the Niagara Falls in a barrel and survived back in 1901. Now we feel ready to take a deep leap into the water with our upcoming debut EP and hope to share it as much as we can." "Satan I want to marry you“- Girl grunge meets psychedelic rock with a touch of cheesy darkpop. Imagine ANNIE TAYLOR as a rusty dog searching for his bone in the expanding universe. Pandora’s Box opened in end of 2016, when Gini (singer & guitarist) forced her flatmate to rehearse in the living room, until the neighbors came by to sing along or shut them up. Her vision of a grungy duo mutated when they completed their four headed squad. The bands first move as ANNIE TAYLOR was to release three singles (Partner in Crime, Wasted Youth and Teach me Rock n’ Roll) touring in Italy, France and Switzerland. Shortly after, ANNIE TAYLOR played with charming bands such as L.A.WITCH, SUNFLOWER BEAN and SUGAR CANDY MOUNTAIN. Instead of imitating the real Ms. Annie Taylor by tossing themselves over Niagara Falls in a barrel, Gini, Tobi, Michael and Jan somehow ended up jumping in TAXI GAUCHE RECORDS arm. After reinventing themselves together with new partners in crime, they’re maintain- ing their girlgrunge, psychedellic Lo-fi darkpop, which will be on the debut EP, scheduled April 26th 2019. IG + Twitter: @annietaylorband Bandcamp SoundCloud
Cosmic Kitten is an LA based Alternative Grunge Punk band formed in 2015 by Karen Hernandez (Guitar/Vox) & Zach Huckabee (Drums), They've released 3 full length albums and 1 acoustic cover album in line with their musical influences. Their first album titled, Apollo, was released in May 2016 and included fan favorites, Weather, and Living in Sin. Cosmic Kitten spent all of their 2016 supporting the album's release at local venues in LA such as; The Mint, Silverlake Lounge, The Legacy Room, Di Piazzas and more. Coming into the new year of 2017 with a fresh batch of songs, they made it their goal to record and self release more powerful and a thought provoking album. That album would be titled Be Nice to Strangers. Upon the release of the album in May of 2017 the buzz was growing in the LA scene and among the local musicians. Bands throughout neighboring cities all supported and praised the album for its hard-hitting yet meaningful hooks and lyrics. In 2017, Cosmic Kitten performed all around LA to push and promote their new record at various venues such as; MeowMeowz, The Redwood, DBA 256, Bridgetown DIY and more. Coming into 2018, Cosmic Kitten again had a new set of song, which they were getting more and more excited to share. They geared up at SOLA studios in LA to record their third full length album titled, Lobotomy. A full fledged assault of grunge guitars, catchy bass lines, hard hitting drums, backed by a visceral delivery of vocals conveying the honesty of the lyrical content. They stepped out of the studio, new album in hand. They hit the road up the West Coast to support the new album. Returning now from said tour, they're working on a myriad of new content to share with their growing fan base. Music videos, vinyl releases, a live album, and more all sit on the horizon. Cosmic Kitten writes new music and sets their eyes on the second leg of their Lobotomize the world tour. IG: cosmic_kittenofficial Twitter: @cosmickitten_1 cosmickittenband.com The Stamp Collection is the studio project of Carly Havenick and Raymond Wilson. Onstage, they are joined by Grace Shannon (bassist) and Sam Kelley (drummer). Each musician has a polymathematical background in jazz and surf rock, giving them a different edge with DIY indie rock. Hailing from the South Bay, The Stamp Collection plays around LA county and beyond. IG: @stampband Bandcamp
Drawing by @little.chlo
"Sin dawned on me one cold Winter night from my desire to express myself through lyricism. The band consist of Ran Feri, Dylan and I, Dante Sin. I was born and raised in Pomona, CA but a few years ago I moved to Glen Avon which is located in Riverside County. A place that the night brings silence and a starry sky. Here I found the proper atmosphere to create. Each one of us in the band comes from completely different musical backgrounds. Dylan who grew up listening to Hardcore. Ran Feri who expresses himself creatively through Emo Revival and I who swim within the depths of Post-Punk. Together we craft the sound that has become Sin + Passion. My purpose is to create songs that help people dealing with distress. All I want is to bring comfort to the broken and to shed a light of hope by being vulnerable about my own experiences with love, anxiety, and depression." IG: @iwasneverinlove Soundcloud Surf tinged power trio from the Antelope Valley. Inspired by bands such as Balkans, Jurassic Shark, and Bos Angeles, 3 buds decided to get together and write some music. Witchin Alleys consists of Joseph Barron on guitar/vocals, Ryan Hall on bass, and Emerson Ayala on drums. The band was founded in late 2016 and quickly started gaining attention locally after word got around about their high energy shows. After nearly 3 years of growing together and experimenting with their sound, the group has just released their second EP titled Quietly which features a handful of high energy tunes riddled with delay drenched guitar riffs, fast paced drums, and catchy basslines. Witchin Alleys is also in the midst of planning a short tour later this year with local math rock group New Character. IG: @witchin_alleys Twitter: @Alleyswitchin Cover art by Andrew Mendez, Photos by Alex Wenceslao & Michael Nguyen After years of trying to start bands but failing to find anyone serious about music, Sean Shepard (Guitarist/Vocals), at the age of 20 decided to go it alone in the studio and record some songs that he had written over the years. The result was a six song EP he titled Wolves & Sheep (2016) under the band name Antighost. The EP was recorded at Raydon Studio in Albion, MI and it was released in August of the same year. Shepard then used the EP to find musicians interested in forming a band. In October he met and auditioned Dylan Vanderson (Drums). After a year of playing shows with various bass players, the two met Joe Bida (Bass) and the final piece of Antighost fell into place. Antighost's debut EP exploded on the airwaves all across the country as the band toured extensively. Originally based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan, word quickly spread of Antighost's high energy and raw presence. The trio packed up and moved to Detroit to pursue their music in the booming music scene of the Motor City. The band has worked tirelessly to perfect their performance and sound, bringing forth a new wave of alternative rock rooted in the grunge, emo and punk eras. Antighost followed up Wolves & Sheep with their first full length album, "Creatures" (2017), a hard hitting 15 track concept record. Despite the bands young age they toured tirelessly across the Midwest, bringing "Creatures" state to state, and igniting stages along the way. Their latest EP ANIMAL PANIC! (2019) marks the band’s boldest release to date. Capturing a raw climactic sound and high-energy performances, the six songs prove to be the band’s best work yet. Praised for their live presence and lyrical content, Antighost has proven rock and roll is far from dead. IG + Twitter: @AntighostMusic iTunes Bandcamp Soundcloud
"Being heavily influenced by the rave scene, anything underground Class is the result of too many long nights, and not enough direction. At the minute the project consists of about 8 different tunes and visuals that will be released over the coming months. These songs were constructed by myself FinMaKwl and Haarlequin/Type 42 alongside our friend Dj Sub50. For each song there will be a visual or video that will accompany the music. Once we have released all of the songs there will be more projects to come from Class from different creators. Each individual that has been involved with Class also has their own alias that they release music under. Haarlequin aka Type 42 recently released his debut EP, The Blanked space Ep, which is worth checking out. Currently FinMaKwl has a project underway with Ched Flintstoned which will be about somepoint in the future. Please find a link to Type 42s EP and Chedflinstoneds EP as well." type42music.bandcamp.com chedflintstoned.bandcamp.com "I am 14 years old, and based in West LA. I have been playing music since I was four, I started with piano, moved on to guitar, then singing, bass, drums, and upright bass. I have been playing live shows with my own band for roughly a year and a half now. I started a surf/indie rock project called Big Wednesday around September of 2017, which I wrote and recorded all the music for. We played live shows all around LA at the Smell, The Viper Room, and the DIY festival JuiceFest, just to name a few. Since then, I changed the name, set and lineup to evolve into my current project, Kali. My band and I just played a show at The Smell on May 25th that I put together, close to 100 people came out. As of releasing music, I am currently working on recording an EP I am planning on releasing within the next year." IG: @kaliflanagan
"Both my mother's and father's side are pretty musical. I have cousins and uncles who have performed publicly or recorded music, whether it was serious or just for fun. My sister unknowingly introduced me to the guitar when she would come home from school and practice (around 10 years old). Even my grandfather sang in a band in his heyday. I began playing venues in junior high while in an after school program and eventually joined a real band in high school called Bodysnatchers. A few of those venues include Tribal Cafe, The Smell (Downtown LA), House of Blues (Hollywood), and the Greek Theater. After several shows I decided to leave the band and start writing and recording my own songs. Kind of a 180 degree turn from the loud, gritty sound I was used to. These days I'm still writing and recording new music from my bedroom, playing shows here and there. I released an album on Bandcamp this past April titled Mirror. I gave it that name for it's self-reflective qualities but it's also the name of the eighth track which happens to be the only one with a distorted guitar sound. I suppose there's a bit of Bodysnatchers still left in me haha. Right now I'm working on forming a new band so I can really bring the album to life. So I'm excited to collaborate with new people since I've been working solo for a while now. Unfortunately there aren't any shows in the near future but until then, the writing continues." IG: @fancylunchbox Soundcloud |
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