Anti-algorithmic music recs
Discovery channel.
Your algorithmic playlist is pushing Angine de Poitrine and whichever pop girlie is dubbed queen of the summer. Remember when we made each other playlists, or felt the victory of discovering an emerging artist in the opening slot on a local bill? I offer for your perusal a smattering of Los Angeles acts that will make you feel so very chuffed for getting in on the ground floor. Everything here can be found on streaming, but I’ve included the agnostic, artist forward Bandcamp option when possible.
Colt Holden
Northeast LA’s favorite multi-instrumentalist finally giving us original tunes with vocals to boot. A little industrial, a little emo, a whole vibe. Full album when?
Garrett Shut-Up
Lean, mean punk rock about the Creature from the Black Lagoon, a zombie attack, and one very persistent barfly. Get out your battle jacket for this one.
Maudlin Strangers
Here’s a Chris Isaak cover from pop rockers frequently spotted at We Found New Music and School Night. Led by Jake Hays, who just recently launched a skate brand that follows the 1:1 donation format (and plants trees in the process).
L.A. Exes
The lesbian Beatles. I will take no questions at this time. Go see them open for OK Go if you don’t believe me.
Late Night Brunch
SGV area high schoolers who formed this band out of their after-school music ed program. Riot grrl and 90’s alternative influences for days. The kids are alright.
Paige Pedersen
Sweet and soothing, voice of an angel. If you’re a fan of Laura Marling and Joni Mitchell, Paige will be very much up your street.
Stream, save, support, share, whatever. Just fight automation complacency like the arts depend on it. It seems a midsummer music guide is an annual impulse:
Somehow opened this the moment this was posted without need for a notification - hopefully that means my brain has defeated the algorithm or something
I’ve actually added a lot more new music to my library/playlists this year, both from the festival i went to and elsewhere. Admittedly none of them would be considered emerging artists but it’s been nice getting some more variety especially since it’s usually just a new album or two per year.