Two Poems, Live from the Troubadour
LAUREN MAYBERRY @ THE TROUBADOUR [9/29/23]
Japanese Breakfast @ The Walt Disney Concert Hall [9/27/23]
The best nights are those that open up gradually, like flowers blooming, a promise of beauty that manifests itself as you reach the root of the night. Seeing Japanese Breakfast, the musical project of Michelle Zauner, was undoubtedly one of those nights. After getting the opportunity to attend this concert a mere day before, my…
Surf Curse @ The Novo [9/26/23]
“I am full of fear And contradictions Easier to hear Beautiful fiction” What sort of sentiment do these lyrics conjure? Despair; introspection; confusion? Well for Surf Curse’s crowd, packed into the standing room offered by The Novo, practically oozing an amalgamation of youthful frustration and excited tension, the answer to the question above appeared to…
A Very Special Anniversary
Chance The Rapper @ Kia Forum [9/21/23] Photos by Timothy Norris / Kia Forum Photos It’s a magical night tonight within LA’s historic Forum. We’ve gathered here for a very momentous occasion: the 10th anniversary of Chance the Rapper’s breakthrough mixtape, Acid Rap. Chance The Rapper comes out strong with one of his biggest songs,…
The Criticals at The Echo [9/18/23]
Photos by Alvina Shea and Isabella Appell As the vibrant neon lights of The Echo begin to illuminate the night, anticipation buzzes through the air like an electric current. The stage is set, quite literally, with an impressive array of musical artillery: a drum set, six distinct electric guitars- a vivid spectrum of red, blue,…
Mitski @ The Theatre at Ace Hotel [09/20/23]
In the words of Mitski herself: “Who knew there was such a goth-tastic theater at the Ace Hotel?” Entering the historic Regent Theater in DTLA, is to enter a time capsule; the building’s colorful history manifested in ancient-looking gothic architecture, reminiscent of a long forgotten art. This hypnotic, dark craftsmanship proved to be the perfect…
Jockstrap @ The Fonda Theatre [9/20/23]
As I traverse the mountainous horizon of my apartment’s splintered sidewalk, I find comfort in the indecision that speckles my longing for a furry, withered dandelion. While I ponder which earth-born stubble will suit my afternoon temperament, my gaze is soothed by an indulgence in the irresolution of which flower to pluck. Despite their illusion…
Bruno Major at The Wiltern [9/14/23]
Embarking on world tours serves as a monumental milestone for musicians everywhere. When Bruno Major announced his Tour of Planet Earth that began this August, he hadn’t played a live show in over three years. Despite this potential obstacle, he didn’t struggle to sell out every stop on the initial leg of the tour in…
Yoke Lore at The Fonda Theatre [9/15/23]
Photos by Hope Phahla and Isabella Appell In a world often overshadowed by complexity and chaos, there are moments when music has the power to transport us back to a realm of childlike wonder. Allow me to immerse you in an unforgettable concert experience, one brimming with ethereal melodies, the celebration of simplicity, and the…
Herbie Hancock Celebrates Wayne Shorter [08/23]
Photos by Jen Uskolovsky Wayne Shorter is known as one of the greatest jazz composers and saxophonists of all time. When asked about his commitment to music over other art forms, he replied by accrediting music’s sense of “velocity and mystery”. He had a uniquely wonderful way of articulating the joys of music and jazz,…
Scowl x Militarie Gun @ 1720 [9/8/23]
Photos by Luna Seng-Lay While we sat in Los Angeles traffic, I told photographer Luna that this particular show was exciting for a host of reasons. This was only her second hardcore show with her first being the one I took to her a couple weeks prior. So while she didn’t necessarily understand why, she…
Tessa Violet @ The Fonda Theatre [09/6/23]
Photos by Isabella Appell and Siena Wong As I stood in line, eagerly awaiting entry into The Fonda Theatre, I couldn’t help but admit that this wasn’t my usual scene. Neon yellow hair, upbeat music, and everything pink, Tessa Violet was the epitome of my concert nightmare. 8:00 pm rolled around, however, out ran Violet…
Fleet Foxes x My Morning Jacket @ Hollywood Bowl [8/28/23]
Photos by Luna Seng-Lay In a world where we’ve grown accustomed to music pumped directly into our ears through headphones and viewed through pixelated screens, there’s something raw, something genuinely electrifying about experiencing it live. It’s a visceral urge that tugs at your soul, beckoning you away from the sterile digital realm and into the…
d4vd @ El Rey Theatre [8/10/23]
Photos by Luna Seng-Lay El Rey Theater recently hosted a night of musical enchantment, where attendees of all ages gathered to witness an electrifying performance that spanned generations. The unexpected presence of Miranda Cosgrove herself added a star-studded touch to the lineup, her interactions with fans providing a unique bridge between the opening act and…
Yoke Lore @ the 9:30 Club [8/22/23]
The 9:30 Club is Washington D.C.’s legendary haven for music lovers, and tonight Yoke Lore and Girlhouse added their names to the list of historic musicians to perform here. I walk in to find its mezzanine and floor adorned with friends and lovers, all bound by their affection for both each other and this unique…
Wild Child @ Belly Up Tavern [08/10/23]
Wild Child and the Belly Up Tavern are a match made in heaven. Over the past few years, San Diego has become sort of my home away from home. It’s like LA, but turned down several notches. Going into the Belly Up Tavern, I felt an extremely San Diegan vibe. Everyone is relaxed, there’s plenty…
Taylor Swift Who?
Beck @ Kia Forum [8/07/23] Photos by Timothy Norris It’s hard to compete with Taylor Swift, but the Swiftie dads know “Where It’s At.” And so do my sister and I, as we enter LA’s famous Forum. The musical behemoth that is Taylor Swift is playing just next door at Sofi Stadium. Luckily we got…
One Big, Beautiful Mess
Danny Elfman @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre [8/03/23] Photos by Alex Matthews It’s a crisp, Summer night in Chula Vista and I’m ready for Spider-Man. I’m also ready for Batman, Doctor Strange, The Simpsons, Oingo Boingo…I’m ready for it all. Or at least I think I am. I honestly don’t know what to expect…
JPEGMafia @ 1 Strange Night in OC [7/22/23]
As I was stuck in traffic, I could tell that it was definitely not a normal Saturday in Santa Ana. At 4:00, the sidewalks were swarming with people covered head to toe in jester makeup, alt fashion, silver chains, and ripped band tees. Attracting a crowd of about 12,000, the Observatory OC’s “1 Strange Night…
Zella Day @ The Troubadour [7/21/23]
It’s 7:45 in West Hollywood, and a line of excited concertgoers can be found assembling along Santa Monica Boulevard. Previously hosting the likes of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and Elton John, the Troubadour stands as a vibrant reminder of the rich history of Los Angeles rock culture. That being said, it’s only appropriate…
The Microphone Fiend
ZelooperZ @ The Roxy [06/14/23] Photos by Jonguk Yoo (IG: manduruyo) During an exhausting finals week with nothing but late night essay-writing and long work shifts, the only thought keeping me afloat was the anticipation to let loose and experience a unique performance from one of Detroit’s finest artists in the most literal sense, ZelooperZ.…
Goth Babe is Taking Over the Sun
~~~ Goth Babe @ The Greek [7/15/2023] Photos by Jeslyn Wang ~~~ Goth Babe can’t help but take over the sun when he’s on stage. At tonight’s celestial show, The Greek Theatre is met with a galaxy of inflatable unicorn floaties, six thousand glitter-adorned fans, and an endless supernova of neon stage colors orbiting around.…