The joys of photography and graphic design have enveloped me for some time now, to the point that writing feels somewhat unnatural, so I am forcing myself to get over this awkwardness.
I’m not even quite sure what to write about, I’ve been writing down my fractured thoughts, but have no idea how to put them together. I suppose I’ll talk about my little four-day run of shows. Thursday through Sunday, I was out and about, meeting some mutuals, taking photos for fun, and driving myself to the brink of exhaustion. Literally. Because I hate driving…
Day 1: Catalyst
I just wanted to see fingerswoventogether… something about them Florida bands gets me excited almost every time. I’m not sure what type of creativity they’ve got going on there, but it generally resonates with me. The touring bands from Rhode Island were totally new to me, and I enjoyed listening to both of their sets (I was too tired for the pit). Additionally, I got to see some local staples like aplacewevealwaysbeen (for the first time surprisingly), Lost Not Found, and In Which Divides Us (for the sixth time I believe? I’ve seen them a lot). My favorite part of this show was getting to meet my favorite videographer FINALLY. I was honestly getting concerned I’d never meet ‘em. Unfortunately, I have trouble existing in larger venues and was already worn out, so I listened from the alley while editing most of the time.
Day 2: Carnifex
First off, I hate driving to LA. Secondly, driving to LA when there’s little to no traffic isn’t too bad. I forgot I’d seen Carnifex and Chaos and Carnage… I’ve streamed them ONCE in my life, but I like them enough live. The lineup was fully bands I don’t listen to, but I enjoyed their sets. Suffocation and Distant especially. I got myself a Suffocation cassette before the show for fun. I took the later half of Carnifex’s set easy (my legs were giving up) and had a great conversation with someone in the bathroom. I love meeting other Black women at shows and connecting. I also talked to some bands at their merch tables outside, and by the time I was done talking, the show was over. I’d seen the setlist ahead of time, so I didn’t miss too much, but I could NOT withstand standing at the edge of a sea of moving bodies. Got a bite after the show and took a walk around to see for myself how dtla was looking these days. It was rather empty, but the graffiti I saw stood in solidarity with the cultural fabric of the city, and that warmed my heart.
Day 3: Home to Heart Fest
Highlights of the day: I didn’t have to drive (shoutout J), I got a $5 bacon wrapped hotdog, actually saw fingerswoventogether up close, and I got to meet one of my favorite photographers in the scene. Lowlights: Hit in the head by someone’s hip, Ted Williams CD sold out, full force of some kid trynna stage dive’s foot on my thigh, and I couldn’t make it for day 2.
I got to see so many bands I’ve been wanting to see in one day. I Promised the World, Bullets Between Tongues, Duck Duck Goose, Heavy Heavy Low Low, and I got to see onewaymirror just in time. I also finally got to be in Coyote Studios after much resistance on my end. Outside had a nice breeze so cooling down in between sets was simple. Crowd energy was so high, it was great to see. And then at the end of the night I didn’t have to drive myself back home! That’s something that bothers me a lot in case you missed that from me. As the last band starts playing I start thinking about the drive back… doesn’t ruin the set for me but it’s something I wish I didn’t think about as much. Also, I had the pleasure of meeting some members of I Kidnapped the Princess.
Day 4: Thus Spoke Zarathustra
I “swam” a bit (if wading waist deep counts as swimming) then got to see some great bands perform, hang out with some friends, got my camera broken… nice way so sign off from SoCal for the summer. Did my best recording a full set with the intention of posting it, something I’ve been working up the courage for. I didn’t get many photos, or at least I haven’t looked at the ones I’ve got, but I enjoyed myself thoroughly, and the drive back was bittersweet.
Recent Releases Recap
Shotgun Message by Lost Not Found
Heard both tracks live before release, needed them on demand. Patiently waited… need physical copies like yesterday.
Plasmahaven Self-Titled Debut
I always find it ballsy when a band makes their DEBUT album self-titled album. I missed them at battle of the bands earlier this year, but I’m so happy they released this album because I love it.
SOS by Bind the Dark
I love my post-hardcore (duh), and Bind the Dark has that classic sound I love. I’ve loved all the singles they’ve put out so far.
Skin Drenched by Aquila Defeated
If you like cool electronic stuff check this out.
Honestly, I haven’t had time to note down most of my new recent listening, but I’ve been listening to a lot of local stuff like Shallow Water Blackout, Human Capital, and I Kidnapped the Princess as much as I can, especially the stuff I have in my car. Patiently waiting on some more CDs to come in. Also been on that Jamie’s Elsewhere like nobody’s business. Or everybody’s business. I’m not quite sure.
There’s been a lot of benefit shows to support those impacted by the immigration raids and the organizations who have been helping immigrants in general and it is so beautiful to see people come together in support of that. The fires earlier this year helped set up foundations for mutual aid and I hope continues going forward. Solo el pueblo salva al pueblo. I’ve got some resources up on my instagram highlights, but some main ones are: IC4IJ, CHIRLA, NorCal Resist, and Resources For Everyone.