Local Music and the New Economy

Historically, Americans have often sought escape through entertainment in trying times.  This trend was first acknowledged on a mass scale during the U.S depression in the 1930's.  With unemployment inching toward 10%, Americans seem to continue the tradition, with some help from a handful of musicians who can afford to give back. 

"StubHub, the world`s largest ticket marketplace, revealed today that despite a depressed economy, consumer spending on summer concert tickets has increased significantly with a combination of increased affordability coupled with steady premium ticket demand. Over the first half of 2009, the company experienced a 54% leap in concert ticket transaction volume from 2008." - Reuters, Tues Aug 4th

And what of local shows?  Sean Hu, an LA/Inland Empire promoter tells me "we get good turnouts at big shows, but so much of it depends on the venue location.  If people have to drive too far, they don't come."  A handful of venues have increased charges at the door in LA; namely Spaceland, Wire, and The Echo.  It's obvious Spaceland and The Echo can't afford to charge a dollar a head, but proactive measures should certainly be taken to ensure the continued flourishment of LA's music scene.

It's been way too long.  I apologize for my neglecting the blog.  My new. realistic goal is 3 to 5 posts a year.

Cheers.

H.F

Review - Jump Back Heart Attack! - Adventures in Anhedonia EP

This is installment two of my new music blog. I've been busy freelancing quite a bit lately, but am doing my best to review at least one new record a month, and occasionally more obscure releases.







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Review - Jump Back Heart Attack!, Adventures in Anhedonia, EP
(2008, Winged Victory/ Tonto Corazon Music)


Chicago/Phoenix based songwriter Jeff Gonzales III is the brain behind JBHA!, formerly the bassist/vocalist of neo-pop pioneers Skybox and Phoenix noise rockers Loud Americans, both of whom I saw live back in my own Grand Canyon State days.

Jump Back Heart Attack!'s new EP is admittedly lo-fi, recorded at home I'm told. I must admit I was surprised to hear an electric record by Gonzales, as I've only heard his acoustic material prior. The EP begins with 'Melody,' is quite catchy, with carnival-like bells and synth sounds jarring with noisy guitars. 'Singing to the Silence,' a dark, moody number with somewhat creepy piano bits and beautiful vocal harmonies. 'Trickster's' lyrics impressed me quite a bit, as Gonzales' lyrics always have. Lyrically, he's one of the best young singer/songwriters I've heard in awhile. His words seem to be very intuitive and self aware, longing for change throughout, he muses "I'm still seeking an oasis in the spaces between truth and these lies." I'm not much of a fan of love songs. Perhaps I'm just a bitter and jaded old coot, but "Robin & the Birch Tree" is one of the better love songs I've heard. With the only acoustic track on the EP, change again seems to be the goal, as he promises "I'll quit those cigarettes, won't drink a drop/ toss all the pills and flush all the pot." His ability to mix humor with the utter seriousness of the line "he may turn the key to the lock in your door/ but I hold the skeleton key to your soul," is impressive. Yes, the sound is definitely lo-fi, but his strong songwriting ability is evident. Get this guy into a studio, he may just put out something amazing.

-H.F.
More info: www.myspace.com/jeffgonzalesiii

Mellowdrone - Maquina 7" Review

After freelancing for Pumpkin Festivals and articles about cover bands in L.A for much too long, I'm following some kind-hearted suggestions and starting a new blog. Blarg! Magazine is no more, but I'm starting this to calm my nerves, and take my mind off of the cover bands...



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Mellowdrone - Maquina 7" (2008, Coming Home)



Mellowdrone is without question one of LA's most profilic bands, but their 2006 3e/Sony release of Box left me a bit dissapointed. Box is a strong, potentially great album, well-written and performed, but the passionate vocals and the flowing, rise-and-fall orchestration of 2005's Go Get 'Em Tiger were somewhat lost to digitalization on Box. It was still quite impressive, with amazing moments. The problem didn't seem to be singer/songwriter Jonathan Bates or his band, but the production of the album, a bit too glossy and over-produced for such a great live band.
Fortunately, the Maquina 7" is more of a throwback to the Jonathan Bates and Mellowdrone of old. The first track Maquina purrs odes to psychedelia of the old, with chiming guitars and Bates' signature dark crooning. Machine, the Spanish version is hauntingly effective as well. There seems to be an ever-shifting balance for rock & roll bands using electronics, sometimes it's just too much. Luckily, Maquina doesn't figure to be more than it is, and succeeds at just that. -HF

Contact: herbavoreblog@gmail.com