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 Brook & The Bluff @ The Fonda [9/21/23]
What does home feel like to you? How do you find a safe space in the midst of your life, a place to always fall back on? It could be a place, a person, or maybe even a warm safe feeling inside of you. “Bluebeard,” the latest album from the indie-folk southern band The Brook…
The Criticals at The Echo [9/18/23]
Photos by Alvina Shea and Isabella Appell Anticipation buzzes through the air as the vibrant neon lights of The Echo begin to illuminate the night. The stage is set, quite literally, with an impressive array of musical instruments: a drum set, six distinct electric guitars- a vivid spectrum of red, blue and brown- and the…
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]
Written by Candace Fernandez 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…
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…
Outside Lands 2023: Ultimate Deep-Dive into a Memorable, Musical Melting Pot
As Outside Lands ushers in its 15th year anniversary, this year’s three-day experience is joined by an ever-evolving diaspora of over 250,000 eager festival goers. Located within fog-blanketed meadows and towering cypress trees, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park offers the perfect backdrop for this year’s distinct melting pot of music, culture, and art. It’s a…
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…
Interview with Poolside: Outside Lands 2023 Exclusive
As August is slipping away, the summer sun is gradually being replaced by the cool autumn breeze of September. And while the shift into fall may bear exciting promises of sweater weather and changing leaves, that is not to say that beach trips and rooftop raves won’t be missed. But… who said the sunny vibes…
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…
Hard Summer 2023 – Electrifying Los Angeles
Cover photo credit: Jamal Eid Amid LA’s summer heat, Hard Summer 2023 delivered on its promise and did indeed go hard. Hard Summer takes place in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park, LA Memorial Coliseum, and BMO Stadium. Credit: Keiki-Lani Knudsen [Day 1] After a long and arduous process retrieving my partner’s wristband from Will Call, we…
Dayna Madison @ The Presidential Suite LA
Photos by Bankhead of Str8out the Trunk Radio Los Angeles-based dance and R&B artist, Dayna Madison, hasn’t had your traditional journey into the music industry. Madison is a former member of the Memphis Grizzlies’ dance squad, having been trained in dance for the past two decades. However, finding a love for the stage and music,…