Santigold (+ review)

Santigold

Photos & review by Jessica Rubio

Fans ranging from so many different styles, looks, and ages poured into the Hollywood Palladium to witness Santigold’s 10 Years Golden Tour. This very special night kicked off with a lovely set from Amanda Blank, recently featured in Paper Magazine for releasing her first solo in a decade. Having previously worked with Santigold, she also played a song the two wrote together “a long time ago”.

The Hollywood Palladium has so many special memories. Being one of the center venues west of the 101, if has held legendary performances by artists such as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Black Flag, Robyn, and so many more. Larger than a club but smaller than a bowl, it makes for an intimate fit. Seeing the crowd grow all the way to the edges of the floor in between sets was a telling sign for what was about to happen. Santigold hit the stage and took my breath away. She came out with so much damn swag and carried the audience with her throughout every song. She aligned herself with her onstage singer/dancer girls and even gave them a special shout out because they were proud recent moms who were back in action alongside her. She took the time to thank her audience for joining her on this career spanning tour and it was no surprise that they were still coming out in droves to watch her perform. Her genre defying music has paved the way for younger artists and will continue to do so with every new album she puts out.

What a Legend.

Amanda Blank

May 17th, 2019
Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA.
Photos by Jessica Rubio

*CREDIT THE PHOTOGRAPHER IF IMAGES USED, PLEASE! 
NO EDITING/REMOVAL OF WATERMARK(S)*

SWMRS (+ review)

Photos + Review by Jessica Rubio

Lines wrapped around two whole blocks well into the first set, which is always a great sign. SWMRS, along with three other bands sold out the classically designed Belasco Theater and even our Uber driver wished us luck as we jumped into line. Destroy Boys immediately set the bar not only for being badasses but also for making sure every single person in the venue felt safe. Then I looked around and saw that mostly all the photographers in the pit were female and I couldn't help but smile. From that moment on - the entire show was a blast.

It was obvious that mostly everyone there was waiting for the San Diego sad boys Beach Goons to hit. The stage screen was playing video clips from Chicano Park and seeing fans go off when they closed with “La Bamba” was a complete ode to chicano culture. No Parents started their set with hardcore energy that lasted all the way through the end. SWMRS drove the crowd nuts when they dimmed the lights at 10pm and strutted onto the stage. They also did their part to make sure the crowd felt like they were in a completely safe environment. Nothing that night made me happier than seeing these artists use their literal stage to make sure ALL fans feel included and safe at their beautiful show. 10/10.

Beach Goons

Destroy Boys

No Parents

May 3rd, 2019
The Belasco Theater, Los Angeles, CA.
Photos by Jessica Rubio

*CREDIT THE PHOTOGRAPHER IF IMAGES USED, PLEASE! 
NO EDITING/REMOVAL OF WATERMARK(S)*

The Frights (+ review)

The Frights

Photos and review by Jessica Rubio

Before The Frights hit the stage at The Glass House on Saturday April 6th, they took to their Instagram Story to announce a “new” album! Known for their energy packed and upbeat shows, The Frights recorded a very personal show back when they played The Observatory and let me tell you it was beautiful and people definitely cried. “The Frights - Live At The Observatory” was available at the merch table last night in Pomona for the first time and is streaming now on pretty much all services.

Their latest full length album “Hypochondriac” debuted their ever evolving sound, which was nicely woven into the setlist last night. Beachy pop sounds were apparent from the top of the set list and songs - new and old played to a moshing crowd. One reliable theme at their show’s is the mention of FIDLAR at least once during their set and seeing one girl with a cute blue or pink “bob” style haircut.

It’s been really great to see that they can still flip a crowd during their song “Crust Bucket” - you know, when it turns and the beach riffs & drums hit. If you can even imagine the way the crowd moves during that song; it’s fans moving in waves and being pushed from side to side and crashing against the rig. The Glass House might soon be too small of a venue for these guys especially after seeing them completely shut down Tropicaliá last year. Full circle moments are always the greatest things to witness, especially when it is happening to a band that deserves it.

April 6th, 2019
The Glass House, Pomona, CA.
Photos by Jessica Rubio

*CREDIT THE PHOTOGRAPHER IF IMAGES USED, PLEASE! 
NO EDITING/REMOVAL OF WATERMARK(S)*

SadGirl 🌹 (+ Review)

SadGirl

Photos & review by Jessica Rubio!
The Observatory OC on Friday - January 11th, 2019

Aw Friday shows are the best because it’s the nicest way to start a weekend, you know?

This show is something that has been on my bucket list for a while. It was my first time photographing at The Observatory, which I have been frequenting as a show-goer since my high school days (my senior prom was there lol) and let me tell you - I was a bit nervous.

Anyways, this lineup was sick and I was #blessed to make it in to catch opener Jasper Bones. Let me just start by saying... Jasper Bones is making Bedroom Pop waves. If you haven't already listened to “Someone Like You”, I’m jealous because I remember the first time I heard it and I want to relive that moment again. Obviously seeing him close out his set with that jam was the best. Plus, when I turned around there was a gorgeous crowd before him soaking it all up just past 8pm. Very excited to see what more comes from Jasper Bones, especially since @mijamgmt is backing him.

Things moved quick and the OC Hurricanes were jumping around the stage before I knew it. This was my first time coming across this band and that thing happened where you see the band live first then search for their music on Spotify because they were really good. Yeah, they were really good and I hope to see them leave the OC soon and venture over to LA where we can get a little more of the action.

Like I said, things moved fast and Tropa Magica snuck on stage. So my first time coming across this group they were known as Thee Commons. One time when I was being dumb AF, I got busted for an open container of Modelo by undercover cops dressed like my tio and it was during their Echo Park Rising set. That show cost me $350! I checked in with them again when they were opening for Shannon & the Clams last October but for some reason their song Morena did not hit as hard as it did last night. Foos went from moshing to cumbia in one song. Moshing to Cumbia is basically the aesthetic of this scene.

“SadGirl #6” ended up being the caption for my boyfriend’s Instagram post because I’m pretty sure I have dragged him to at least six SadGirl shows if not more. Seeing this band spout up has been so lovely. They even had some new songs for us like “Water” and also just shared a new video for their song “Chlorine” where there is a sickening (maybe Fenty) highlighter situation going on throughout the video. The show was so good and the people attending the show were so good and nice. Overall it was a great night to be at the Observatory and not at home watching Netfilx for once. #StayHydrated

Santigold (+ review)

Santigold

Amanda Blank

May 17th, 2019
Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA.
Photos by Jessica Rubio

SWMRS (+ review)

SWMRS (+ review)

Beach Goons

Destroy Boys

No Parents

May 3rd, 2019
The Belasco Theater, Los Angeles, CA.
Photos by Jessica Rubio

The Frights (+ review)

The Frights

April 6th, 2019
The Glass House, Pomona, CA.
Photos by Jessica Rubio

SadGirl 🌹 (+ Review)

SadGirl

JASPER BONES

The Hurricanes

Tropa Magica

Santigold

Amanda Blank

May 17th, 2019Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA. Photos by Jessica Rubio

SWMRS (+ review)

Beach Goons

Destroy Boys

No Parents

May 3rd, 2019The Belasco Theater, Los Angeles, CA. Photos by Jessica Rubio

The Frights

April 6th, 2019The Glass House, Pomona, CA. Photos by Jessica Rubio

SadGirl

JASPER BONES

The Hurricanes

Tropa Magica

May 17th, 2019
Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA.
Photos by Jessica Rubio

May 3rd, 2019
The Belasco Theater, Los Angeles, CA.
Photos by Jessica Rubio

April 6th, 2019
The Glass House, Pomona, CA.
Photos by Jessica Rubio