Compiled by Jackie Lam
Hey kids! So as you've been hearing from us all week, this Saturday, May 12th is This Ain't a Scene, a special photo exhibit and show at 1650 Gallery in Echo Park on the music community of East L.A. It features a curated, inspiring collection of images from both veteran and new music photographers, short live acoustic sets by Rob Danson from Death to Anders, Kelli Noftle from Miniature Soap (and formerly Walking Sleep), Andrew Spitser from Radars to the Sky, Ryan Fuller of Fort King, and The Smugg Brothers.
The show goes from 8 pm - midnight, with music beginning at 9 pm.
To get to know the artists whose work will be included in the show a little better, we present to you mini photographer profiles. Hope you to see you Saturday!
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Miriam Brummel
website: Even Keel Imagery
How did you get started doing music photography?
I love seeing live music and I love taking photographs. Doing music photography was the natural course of action. I started taking photos of my friends and family who make music, and now I'm out several times a week shooting shows. It's exactly how I want to contribute to and be involved with the East LA music community.
What do you think makes East LA a special place for music?
Everyone gets so excited for festivals like SXSW to come around, but the Los Angeles music scene is essentially one non-stop music festival. We have such a mass and variety of musicians and venues in LA, consequently there is always something of interest and fun happening. East LA is particularly special because of the strong DIY presence.
Favorite local bands: Sanglorians, Derde Verde, Gothic Tropic, Tes Elations, Falsetto Teeth, Entrance Band, Hearts and Minutes, Van Exel?, Some SH, Wet Power, Body Parts, Ema and her Lady Parts, ¡Socorro!
Spain - Soul of Spain, Derde Verde - Moon/Mirror, George Harrison - All Things Must Pass, Grimes- Visions
Favorite Eastside venue to get a drink/catch a band play: Bootleg Theater
If your music photography could have a soundtrack of sorts and be accompanied by a single album, which album would it be?
Metric - Old World Underground
about: Born and raised in Pasadena, California, Miriam graduated from Sonoma State University in 2008 with degrees in Sociology and Studio Art with an emphasis in Photography. She currently lives and continues her creative endeavors through photography and printmaking in the East
LA area.
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Levent Leo Buyukgural
website: http://www.facebook.com/LeoGraPhoto
Favorite local bands: Saint Motel, Hundred Days, Milo Greene, The Californian.
Favorite Eastside venue to get a drink/catch a band play: Satellite, The Echo, Echoplex, Bootleg Theatre.
If your music photography could have a soundtrack of sorts and be accompanied by a single album, which album would it be?
RubbleBucket: Omega La La
Michele Nicole Evans
website: http://www.michelenicole.com
How did you get started doing music photography?
I started taking photos of local bands and friends in bands after my parents gave me their Canon T-50 SLR camera ( in which I traded for2 the Canon AE-1 Program).
What do you think makes East LA a special place for music?
East LA is a small neighborhood compiled of talented musicians, artists, culture and a good vibe with great venues. It has an eclectic feel and I think attracts that type of musician.
Favorite Local Bands: Henry Clay People, Pizza, Le Switch, The Monolators
What are you listening to these days? Lately I have been listening to some amazing Blues and Jazz from New Orleans (Sydney Bechet) along with Diane Birch, Devendra Banhart, Grouplove, Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis- to name a few.
Fav. East Side Venue: Spaceland, The Echo, or EchoPlex
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Michael Gomez-Burton
website: www.michaelgomezbuton.com
How did you get started doing music photography?
I guess it would have been when I started taking snapshots of friends, but I don’t believe that anyone thought me a photographer. Maybe being @ Art Center's Media Services Department a couple of years didn't hurt either ; )
What do you think makes East LA a special place for music?
East Los is special because the food had always been authentic…and there have been some stellar bands outta’ here too e.g. Love; The Bags; The Plugz; etc.
Favorite local bands: Hmmm...
What are you listening to these days?
Bill Gardner’s show “Rhapsody & Black”
Favorite Eastside venue to get a drink/catch a band play? The Echoplex
If your music photography could have a soundtrack of sorts and be accompanied by a single album, which album would it be?
It would be an extra special long-play:
Side A: “Teen Babes from Monsanto” and “PhaseShifter” [Redd Kross]; “Love” [debut title] and “Da Capo” with “Young, Loud, and Snotty” [Dead Boys]
Side B: …“Hunky Dory” [Bowie]; “Psychadelic Jungle & Gravest Hits” [The Cramps]; “Ramones Mania”
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Gabriela Gonzalez
My Pops got me into it. he took me to my first bar at 13 to go see some punk band named "El Doctor y Sus Serebros," handed me a Pentax 100 35mm and said " Pegale machin" which means in Mexican slang - hit this shit with all you got. Ever since then I've been hooked.
What do you think makes East LA a special place for music?
I think the fact that people all over the world and from all sorts of different backgrounds come to East LA for the exact same reason and that is the unity there is in the energy of the people and places here. Its an endless electric wave of a diversified existence.
Favorite local bands: Fantastica Bastidas, Jew Cocks, Straight Dimes, The Fun Guns, Magick Orchids, Kid Infinity, Sing the Equator, Kool Skull, PAN, Bizzart, Mikki and the Mauses, Blue Jungle', Tommy Santee Klaws, Evan Roberts, HEALTH, IMA FUCKING GYMNIST, Nicole Kidman, Baby Breath, Paper Rainbow, Tes Selations, The Health Club, The Pool Honeys, Santoros, Dream Panther, things, Walter Gross, keepbullfighting, Deaf, Peg Leg Love, Sketch Monster, Disco Bunny, Hlo, Cuddly Cactus, In-Tents--and many many more!!!
All of thee above - plus Colleen, Daniel Johnston, Leonard Cohen.
Favorite Eastside venue to get a drink/catch a band play: Los Globos is pretty happening, I really like going to shows and catchin a pitcher at Kings Eddy's Bar in downtown when ever I get the chance. HomeRoom in Silverlake is an awesome gallery to catch a gig and stare at some way awesome art pieces not to mention the way awesome people there.
If your music photography could have a soundtrack of sorts and be accompanied by a single album, which album would it be?
Olivia Hemaratanatorn
How did you get started doing music photography?
I love going to shows, but I'm not good at cataloguing them in my mind so I take photos to document them.
Favorite local bands:
There are too many to name so I'll just list those who come to my fingertips until I pause: Princeton, Moses Campbell, Peter Pants, Letting Up Despite Great Faults, Kisses, So Many Wizards, Sleeping Bags, Gentle Hands, Hands, Gamble House, Light FM, Sanglorians, History of Manners, Las Brujas.
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Angela Holtzen
website: www.picturesthatrock.net
How did you get started doing music photography?
It all started 3 years ago at the San Diego HOB with Mikel from The Airborne Toxic Event. I was outside with my camera and had no idea if I needed a pass. I asked Mikel if I could take a photo with him. After some small talk he personally gave me a photo pass. I was the only one inside with a camera. I was up in front, I really got some amazing shots. I had that ah-ha moment. Some of you can relate. From then on I started figuring out how to shoot the local scene.
What do you think makes East LA a special place for music?
There is a great vibe in East LA. I noticed that right away. There is definitely a certain sound coming out of this area. It is personally my favorite place to photograph bands. I love the camaraderie and support everyone has for each other. It gets to a point if you have worked in the scene long enough it is impossible to go to a venue and not see a friendly face you know...I love that.
Favorite local bands?
Cannoneers, Chasing Kings, Cold War Kids, Eastern Conference Champions, Everest, Incan Abraham, Jeffertitti's Nile, Kiev, NO, Races, Red Circle Underground, Rival Sons, Rocco DeLuca, Sabrossa Purr, Saint Motel, Soft Pipes, The Californian, Useless Keys, We Barbarians.
What are you listening to these days?
Matthew Dear, Dark Dark Dark, Future Islands, Heartless Bastards, Miike Snow, Imagine Dragons, There is always Bjork, Cat Power, The National, Fever Ray, and Portishead. I'm always checking out new bands and new music.....
Favorite Eastside venue to get a drink/catch a band play?
The Satellite, It's like my Cheers.
If your music photography could have a soundtrack of sorts and be accompanied by a single album, which album would it be?
I'm going to have to go sentimental on this one. Red Circle Underground's debut self-titled album. They are the first band I did everything for: promo shots, album art, posters, live shots, and behind-the-scenes mini tour. Not only have I worked for them for almost three years but they have become a significant part of my motivation, love for what I do, and the best friends any girl could have. They have become family.
about: I've been a professional photographer for 13 years. I have been photographing the local music scene three years. It all started with The Airborne Toxic Event in San Diego. I was instantly addicted. I've shot over 100 bands live in the LA scene, worked on several band's CD art and posters. My photography has also been contributed to several local magazines, websites, blogs, and radio stations. Not only am I doing the work I have dreamed about as a teenager, but I am working and making long-lasting friendships with amazing people.
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Ben Hoste
website: benjaminhoste.com
How did you get started doing music photography?
Originally was interested in directing music videos and thought photography could lead to that. Then it just became about documenting the scene and seeing lots and lots of music.
What do you think makes East LA a special place for music?
I don't think it's any more or less special than other music scenes, it just happens to be the one I was living in. But what's great about it is that there's a critical mass of people--musicians, fans, and other artists--which means there's plenty of great music available every night of the week.
Favorite local bands: The Henry Clay People, Rademacher, Local Natives, The Happy Hollows, Manhattan Murder Mystery, Avi Buffalo--they are filled with good people who also happen to make great music. I wouldn't have it any other way.
What are you listening to these days?
Nothing, i'm off the grid and adrift. My ears are antsy for something new.
Favorite Eastside venue to get a drink/catch a band play?
Favorite place in LA to see music is the Hollywood Bowl, but local bands don't get to play there much. Disney Concert Hall is nice, too. Favorite small club to a see band, hands down, is Pehrspace. I have found memories of seeing Rademacher play there right after they became a three piece for a while and released their Era EP. What an amazing evening.
Jeff Koga
website: www.kogafoto.com
How did you get started doing music photography?
I took a point-and-shoot camera with me to shows around 2002, upgraded to a DSLR in 2004, and started capturing the East L.A. scene from about 2008 onward.
What do you think makes East LA a special place for music?
It's the water. :)
Favorite local bands: Warpaint and The Henry Clay People. Not only is their music great, but they're wildly fun to photograph, and most importantly, they've given me carte blanche, which for the kind of photos I'm looking for, is ideal.
What are you listening to these days?
The Jon Brion version of Fiona Apple's "Extraordinary Machine."
Favorite Eastside venue to get a drink/catch a band play? The Satellite.
If your music photography could have a soundtrack of sorts and be accompanied by a single album, which album would it be?
The Movies - Based on a True Story
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I got started photographing live shows when my friends (who were in bands) started inviting me to their gigs.
There Is a lot of diversity in the sound and people that make up the different bands around the Los Angeles area.
Sounds of Asteroth, Moxy Phinx, and The Tender Box.
What are you listening to these days?
Whatever is on KCRW.
Favorite Eastside venue to get a drink/catch a band play?
The Satellite.
If your music photography could have a soundtrack of sorts and be accompanied by a single album, which album would it be?
New Order – Substance.
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Carl Pocket
Honestly, I was going to the Jane's Addiction warm-up show with Eric Avery back in the band at El Cid (Jan, 2009) and was taking pictures on my point and shoot and they all came out horrible. A few weeks later the band announced one more warm-up show at The Echoplex. The day before the show I went on Craigslist and purchased a Canon 30d and pretty much have been shooting ever since. I didn't know what I was doing for quite some time but thanks to the residency shows on Mondays, I was able to learn while catching some pretty amazing sets.
Favorite local bands: Ozma, Eastern Conference Champions, Dante vs Zombies, Robotanists, Jail Weddings, Vanaprasta, Giant Drag.
What are you listening to these days?
Healthy Geometry - Vanaprasta, SPEAK-AHH - Eastern Conference Champions, BUH - Dante vs Zombies.
If your music photography could have a soundtrack of sorts and be accompanied by a single album, which album would it be? The Fury of The Aquabats by The Aquabats. My photos are fun and should put a smile on your face, and I think The Aquabats are the perfect band to put a smile on anyone's face.
What do you think makes East LA a special place for music?
Favorite local bands: Eastern Conference Champions, Hellen Stellar, Local Natives, Fitz and the Tantrums, Tenlons Fort, RACES, Chasing Kings.
What are you listening to these days?
Favorite Eastside venue to get a drink/catch a band play: The Echo
If your music photography could have a soundtrack of sorts and be accompanied by a single album, which album would it be?
I've been fascinated with photography and film since I was a kid. It was always a passion of mine so naturally I wanted to become a photographer when I "grew up." I started shooting my friends punk bands and L.A. art shows when I got my first 35mm SLR just after high school. Ever since then I've been obsessed with perfecting my photographic style and techniques.
East L.A., Los Angeles in general, is an awesome adventurous city that brings out the creative side in just about anyone. I mean, you're constantly surrounded by so much rich art and eclectic personalities it's kind of hard not to be inspired by it. Not to mention the venues all over L.A.! There are so many scattered across the city making it possible for musicians to find other musicians to create totally new sounds influenced by totally different styles. You can easily find any niche you can possibly imagine in L.A. and that's what I think makes this place so fucking special.
I'd love to give a list of some of my favorite local bands, and have tried, but I find myself writing a neverending list of amazing L.A. talent and really don't find it comforting leaving out any bands I love but for some reason may have forgotten. With that being said, I can at least say my favorite local bands are the ones out there playing their heart out and putting on a blood rushing intense performance in any small bar, club, festival, backyard or friends living room.
Can't really decide what my favorite venue / bar is. I like them all for different reasons and some I just don't like for specific reasons. Plus there are still a lot of places in L.A. I need/would like to go to.
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