JAXART Joins Frenchkiss

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JAXART was established in Echo Park by Ashley Jex in 2007, and has put out some of the best vinyl Los Angeles has ever heard. Ashley is basically our hero. She runs the best label in town, handles the management of incredible artists (like RACES), has a hectic day job, and plays in one of LA’s finest, The Monolators. Phew! That’s quite the list of accomplishments, and that’s just the tip-of-the-iceberg for Ms. Jex.

What began as a side project for Ashley, is about to become a household name for anyone remotely interested in music. As announced by Billboard, JAXART has joined the ranks of the newly established Frenchkiss Label Group. This is an incredible accomplishment, and I couldn’t be happier for Ashley or JAXART. Ashley is the hardest working person in the music industry, and it’s really refreshing to see someone achieve the accomplishments they deserve.

Perhaps the reason Ashley is so successful is because she doesn’t approach any of her projects as a way to make money. She starts these projects because she loves music. It’s exactly how I Promote Good Bands attempts to operate. Again, congratulations to Ashley Jex and JAXART Records. I definitely can’t wait to see where this new and exciting venture takes you!

Jail Weddings

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After the 2010 release Love is Lawless, Jail Weddings wormed their way into the hearts of all Los Angeles show goers. It seemed that everyone around you was humming the melody of “I Thought You Were Someone I Knew”, and they probably were. On Friday, May 25th the band will be releasing an EP titled For Future Standards, which will propel the band into further success. Jail Weddings has a refreshing doo-wop sound with an Elvis Costello-edge (thanks to Gabriel Hart’s vocals). Jail Weddings may be a large band, but they use each instrument wisely. Rather than using electronics, samples, or creating simpleton music, Jail Weddings brings us back to the 50s when songs had recognizable melodies and the vocal arrangements actually made sense with the music. It’s beautiful. IPGB is really looking forward to their release show.

Here are some details: Jail Weddings is releasing For Future Standards at The Satellite with Don Juan y Los Blancos and Chris Price. You can purchase tickets for $8.00 at the door or HERE. The show is 21+, so leave the kids at home.

 

May 28th at Ella Street

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It’s been a two year long journey, but it’s time to part ways. May 28th will be IPGB’s last show for a little while at our home away from home, Ella Street Social Club. Playing will be Justin Stark & The Elicitors with more TBA. Because it’s the last one for awhile, this one is on the house. Show up early for Trivia Night, and stay for some cool jams. More information on the LAST official show in the IPGB at Ella Street series is coming soon. (The first one was the beginning of 2010.) It’s been two great and exciting years. It’s bittersweet to part ways.

Don’t worry, though… I’ll be back soon. In the mean time, I’m on the hunt for perfect venues for two new show series. Both will premiere in LA, and then will be added in Portland. I just can’t stay away. For these shows, I’m looking for some hardworking minions. If you’re into cool music shows and live in Los Angeles or Portland. Feel free to hit me up at rian@ipromotegoodbands.com

Pomar

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Coming from a basement in Chinatown, LA’s newest artist hub, Pomar really got started with a bang. The music project of Jared Rodriguez, Daniel Rosenbaum, and Randy Felten just started and they already have three albums and 2 EP’s up for grabs on their bandcamp page. IPGB was already thoroughly impressed with the amount of phenomenal music the band has released, and was blown away when the band announced they will be releasing a tape by the end of the month.

This Chinatown based band has a very unique style, which includes the most complex and beautiful guitar lines I’ve heard in awhile. They’re not only an extremely talented group of musicians, but what their capable of seems to be endless. Whether you’re listening to the comedic storytelling of ghost princesses and fastfood on the Halloweenie P or the the angry vocal melodies, intense guitars, and heavy beats of “Woah” and “Spunks” off Carlos Sucks Snails you’re sure to find something just right for your mood.

Below is a link to download the beautiful rhythmic song entitled “Degobah 2012″ off the self-titled release Pomar. The songs off this album were originally recorded in 2009 by Pomar frontman and founder, Jared Rodriguez. After several years of writing truly beautiful music, he’s finally given into my pleading and formed a band. This is the song that made me fall in love with his music, and I hope it’ll make you fall in love too. Although with Jared’s new co-writers, Randy and Daniel, Pomar’s sound will be taken in a different direction, I still expect to hear incredible things.

Keep checking out their Facebook page. Pomar is gearing up to play shows throughout Southern California, and will be releasing a tape in the coming weeks. Don’t worry, you’ll be hearing plenty more about Pomar from IPGB, too.

Degobah 2012 by Pomar

 

Obi Lori

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Hailing from France, Sandra Wallace records dreamy music under the name Obi Lori from her Parisian apartment. It makes sense that she is the first feature in the new “Good Friends Overseas” series since Sandra was the inspiration behind it. Last summer, Sandra came to the US to visit friends of mine, and played a small show in a Chinatown basement. With beautiful melodies and textured arrangements, I sure hope Obi Lori finds more ears to broadcast to. Obi Lori recently put quite a bit of music up for free download on her bandcamp page, including the 2011 release, The World Below. This EP shows Obi Lori’s new strength with use of synthesizers while still displaying her intricate guitar skills. The World Below captures a dream-like state, and it’s easy to fall into a trance. Obi Lori’s true talent lies in her expressive guitar riffs and wonderfully crafted melodies. I really hope you take the opportunity to download her music, and become as inspired as I have. Obi Lori steps outside boundaries by creating true art. People forget that music is an art form these days, and it’s nice to hear music that reflects that. She’s very good at her craft, and I can’t wait to hear more.