The glitz and glamour of Hollywood, along with red carpets and hoards of flash-hungry photographers have made Los Angeles famous for its film industry.
Although LA’s music industry is by no means small in comparison. As a hub for the recorded music industry, the city is one of the world’s focal points for pop and mainstream music. But beyond the flashy and cashed up ‘American dream’ that the city’s entertainment industry is selling to the masses, LA has a music scene worth all the notoriety.
Record companies such as A&M, Capitol and Warner Brothers all contributed to the city’s once almighty and world dominating music business. Although illegal downloading and the digital age might have shattered that notion, it’s hard not see past the flash of a paparazzi’s camera.
However the Dave Grohl’s debut documentary effort on the now defunct Sound City Studios is proof enough that there is more to LA than pop stars and excessive fame. Incredible albums from the likes of Elton John, Rage Against The Machine, Nirvana, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young, and Bill Cosby were all recorded at Sound City. Not only is this evidence of LA’s music diversity, but of its rich musical history.
While musicians from the world over have crafted their work in the Californian city, local acts such as Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Eagles, The Doors and The Beach Boys formed in the city, eventually furthering LA’s music reputation.
The city’s entertainment rush is often sited as a reason why many tourists bypass Los Angeles for the likes of Austin, New York and Chicago, but there are both past icons and present day up and comers to experience here.
While some find themselves in the metropolis of almost four million searching for big name celebrities, music enthusiasts should dedicate their time to revel in LA’s music history. The city’s music venues juxtapose both the old and the new.
Visit the Troubadour for example and you’ll immerse yourself in an establishment that opened as a jazz club in the 50s and then went onto host the likes of Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, the Everly Brothers and Mick Fleetwood amongst many others. While at the same time, a young band is hitting the stage trying to build a career just as so many have done before them.
Organised travellers should look out for upcoming gigs in advance, as there is almost always numerous international and local acts stopping for shows in the City Of Angels during their American tour.
If you miss out on such shows, there will be plenty of other gigs on throughout the city, as musicians live below the minimum wage fighting either for that ‘American dream’ or just simply for any audience at all.
Who knows, you may just stumble upon the next big thing during your trip to Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Festivals/Conferences
Coachella: While not specifically in LA, most of Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival’s punters are likely to stop off in the city before or after the three-day event. First held in 1999 and consistently since 2001 this festival is one of the world’s most well-known and renowned music events. With jaw dropping lineups and sell out crowds, organisers in 2012 held the festival over two weekends for the first time. The festival bill boasts nearly 200 names, with the 2013 event being headlined by The Stone Roses, Blur, Phoenix and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
http://www.coachella.com
FYF Fest: This festival has had a few name changes since it’s inception in 2004. Initially called ‘Fuck Yeah Fest’, it was then reduced to ‘F Yeah Fest’ before settling on its current title. The festival takes place over two days in late August each year at the LA State Historic Park. It’s lineup features world-renowned indie and alternative acts. Past performers have included M83, Black Lips, The Rapture, Japandroids, Chromatics and Sleigh Bells.
http://fyffest.com/splash
H2O Music Festival: At only $25 US dollars this festival, which started in 2012, is incredibly cheap considering the lineup boasted the likes of Snoop Dog (in one of his first appearances as Snoop Lion), John Legend, Ozomatli and Gym Class Heroes just to name a few. With the festival running over in both Los Angeles and Dallas, it fields both English and Latin artists. The LA event is held at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, it is scheduled to run again on August 17th in 2013.
http://www.musexpo.net
Los Angeles Record Stores
Amoeba Records, 6400 Sunset Blvd, http://www.amoeba.com
For its sheer size, you can’t miss visiting this record store. With nearly a million CDs, LPs, DVDs and other music related items; Amoeba Records is the largest independent record store in the world. It might be too large for your liking, but there are numerous limited edition and rare releases to be found. That is, if you’re up for the task of finding it?
As The Record Turns, 6727 3/8 Hollywood Blvd, http://www.astherecordturns.com
A little difficult to find, this record store is located down a narrow alleyway off Hollywood Blvd. However once you get inside, you’ll soon understand why As The Record Turns is regarded as one of the best places to find vinyl in LA. If you’re still not sure once you’ve searched through stacks of vinyl than just ask the likes of Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Marilyn Manson and Steven Spielberg, – who are all clients of this record store – among many other famous names, if As The Record Turns is as good as everyone says it is.
Rockaway Records, 2395 Glendale Blvd, http://www.rockaway.com/online/online/index.php
This store’s collection is probably a drop compared to that of Amoeba’s, but Rockaway is worth visiting more for its collectibles and rare items than anything else. With an esteemed collection of LPs, CDs and memorabilia (that includes The Beatles’ Hear The Beatles Tell All LP priced at $8500 and a Paul McCartney signed Horfner Bass worth $20000), this record establishment also has another store located in Brisbane.
Los Angeles Bars
El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Blvd, http://www.theelrey.com
While the venue’s name begs the question if this is where Lizzy Grant found the inspiration for her Lana Del Rey moniker (doubtful as El Rey is Spanish for “this king”), this gig space is eye catching, elegant and beautiful. Located in one of LA’s most preserved art-deco districts, Miracle Mile, the venue features well-known indie acts from around the world. Formerly a cinema theatre, El Rey is now a film location site and live music establishment. Built in 1936 this 700 seat capacity venue has hosted the likes of Radiohead, Local Natives, Metric and Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros just to name a few.
Whiskey A Go-Go, 8901 Sunset Blvd, http://www.whiskyagogo.com/site/
This iconic establishment is known for helping launch the careers of bands like Guns and The Doors – who were a house band at the venue – as well as hosting hard rock and heavy metal legends Metallica, Black Sabbath and Mötley Crüe. If its history of showcasing great music doesn’t draw you interest than it’s renowned discothèque might. With a superb sound system and a legacy that was born in 1964, this LA venue should be top of the list for rock fans.
Troubadour, 9081 Santa Monica Blvd, http://www.troubadour.com
Guns N’ Roses were showcased here first, Elton John has been sighted inside a few times before and a 2011 performance by Prince, where the Purple One took to the stage twice are all regularly brought up facts about this music venue. This intimate establishment draws some of the music industry’s heavy hitters looking to catch the next big thing as independent artists look for exposure. Opened in 1967 Troubadour has remained relevant throughout it’s history and provides live music regularly.
Los Angeles Acts You Should Check Out
Deap Vally: Soundcloud
Lindsey Troy and Julie Edwards make up this rock duo that have generated significant buzz with guitar blues influences. The pair only formed Deap Vally in 2011, with their debut slated for a release sometime in 2013. Listen to their track, ‘Make My Own Money’ below.
Rhye: Soundcloud
The elusive duo seemingly came out of nowhere when their debut album Woman was released in early 2013. It received rave reviews with its neo-soul characteristics winning over audiences and critics alike. Frontman Mike Milosh sounds delicate and feminine, have a listen to his vocals on the album’s title track below.
Big Black Delta: Soundcloud
Former frontman of Mellowdrone, Jonathan Bates makes electro pop music that is both catchy and innovative. He has been making music under the Big Black Delta moniker since 2010, with Bates releasing new music every few months or so. His forthcoming self-titled release is due sometime in 2013, have a listen to his latest track ‘Side Of The Road’.
