intimate and thought-provoking artist portraits
Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here. Lauren Ruth Ward stands in front of a mirror holding up a shimmering disco ensemble. We’re in the Echo’s green room joined by a few people that play in other bands on tonight’s bill, as well as some peripheral friends. It is the first night of Ward’s January residency and the two-piece suit and jacket on … Continue reading A Steamer, a Cult, and Lauren Ruth Ward’s Debut Album
Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here. “Do you ever feel like you’re just an impersonation of yourself?” Keeley Bumford, an LA-based musician who goes by the moniker Dresage, peers at me over a cup of coffee as I fumble with my phone. We’re discussing the use of visuals in her new project, and I’m trying to show her a music video, though … Continue reading Her Own Imposter: A Conversation with Dresage
INTERVIEW: Josh Ocean Talks NVDES, Getting Nvde, and La Nvdité Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Earlier this year, NVDES dropped volume one of an EP series called La Nvdité, and they did not waste any time getting to volume two. Josh Ocean is the mastermind of the project, bringing his worldly and generous spirit to life through his music. He has been quite busy over … Continue reading
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. As we discussed their upcoming release, it became clear that nothing about the band has intrinsically changed, but that they were able to push themselves further while recording in Canada. Petersen even mentioned that they had recorded a few ballads. “We realized after it was all done, we made a Wings record,” joked Carroll. When asked for more specifics, the … Continue reading A New Era of Sego
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Oddnesse is the duo of Rebeca Arango and Grey Goon (aka Doug Walters). Arango describes their songs as co-written, though the project came about after she had been working on some song ideas on her own and needed help with production. Like many music endeavors sprouted in LA, their introduction was happenstance but the music cemented the connection. Their debut … Continue reading Entering the World of Oddnesse
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Cecilia Della Peruti has more in common with Father John Misty than meets the eye. It may have only dawned on her while we lounged at Echo Park Lake, as the Santa Ana winds ruined a family picnic nearby. After shamefully admitting I hadn’t heard Pure Comedy yet, she gushed, “the opening lyrics made me cry.” She began counting off … Continue reading Eat Your Fill on Gothic Tropic’s Debut LP, Fast or Feast
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. The city of angels has a new source of sunshine. Joy née Bishop and Jeffrey Downer make up Joy Downer, a bright indie pop duo whose debut EP, Radio Dreamer, is out now. I’m fondly reminded of Florida-based SALES given how soft electronics complement tender hues in their music. I was fortunate enough to pick Joy’s brain about their first … Continue reading LA’s Joy Downer Will Brighten Your Darkest Days
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Lauren Ruth Ward’s grand finale was one worth waiting for. Though they were persistent throughout most of the earlier acts, she did not allow production issues to dampen the wonder of her live set. She ended up abandoning a guitar during a song due to the feedback, and used the time to dance like the provocative chanteuse that she is. … Continue reading Lauren Ruth Ward Leads a Fierce Galentine’s Day Celebration
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. [Lauren Ruth Ward] reflects on her life’s trajectory with a certain amount of incredulousness, as if her reality is still an unthinkable dream. Now her music is spreading through LA like wildfire. She only moved to the west coast from her hometown of Baltimore two years ago, but has already played all the underground venue staples across the city, hitting … Continue reading Making Love With Lauren Ruth Ward
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. “El Paso buried under red hot lava, blazing brimstone, hollow every syllable,” the song [”El Paso”] goes, spun around a rhyme and syllable structure similar to the complex equations Joanna Newsom wrote out for the scheme of “Leaving the City.” Guitar riffs swirl like a Western ballad as blazing brimstone encircles us, but the final line of “El Paso” leaves … Continue reading On Her Debut LP Ziemba Proves Hope is Both Never and Always
Sawdust & Gin 