The Pavillion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas, was alive with nostalgic energy as fans eagerly awaited the Yellowcard's Ocean Avenue 20 Year Anniversary Tour. With an incredible lineup that included direct support from Mayday Parade, Anberlin, This Wild Life, and a surprise guest appearance by Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire, the stage was set for an unforgettable night of emo and pop-punk goodness.
The evening kicked off with the acoustic duo, This Wild Life, whose mellow tunes set the perfect tone for the rest of the night. Their captivating performance, filled with raw emotion, showcased their impeccable vocal harmonies and fingerstyle guitar skills. The audience was immediately drawn in, and the atmosphere grew even more intimate as they played crowd favorites like "Catie Rae" and "No More Waiting."
Next up was Anberlin, a band whose presence on stage instantly ignited the crowd's enthusiasm. Stephen Christian's absence was felt, but the surprise appearance of Matty Mullins was met with thunderous applause. Mullins effortlessly slipped into the lead vocalist role, breathing new life into Anberlin's classics like "Feel Good Drag" and "Paperthin Hymn." The band's energy was infectious, and the audience was singing along with every word, as though the songs were still fresh and relevant.
As Mayday Parade took the stage, the crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch. Their performance was nothing short of electrifying, and lead singer Derek Sanders had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. Their setlist was a perfect blend of old and new, with anthems like "Jamie All Over" and "Terrible Things" resonating deeply with the fans. The band's signature emotional delivery and tight instrumentals left a lasting impact, and the camaraderie between band members was evident in their onstage chemistry.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived: Yellowcard's 20-year celebration of their iconic album, Ocean Avenue. The stage was adorned with an impressive visual display, featuring imagery reminiscent of the album's iconic cover art. From the first note, the crowd was transported back in time to a period of their lives when Yellowcard's music was a soundtrack to their emotions and experiences.
Ryan Key's powerful vocals, backed by the band's tight instrumentation, breathed new life into the beloved tracks. The audience erupted with joy during songs like "Only One," "Way Away," and, of course, the iconic "Ocean Avenue." Every lyric was sung with passion, and the unity between the band and their dedicated fanbase was palpable throughout the night.
As the night came to a close, the overwhelming feeling in the air was one of gratitude and appreciation. The Yellowcard's Ocean Avenue 20 Year Anniversary Tour was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of a genre-defining album that had a profound impact on countless lives.
Bottom line, the concert at The Toyota Music Pavilion was a mesmerizing journey through the past, capturing the essence of emo and pop-punk's golden era. Mayday Parade, Anberlin, and This Wild Life delivered stellar performances, setting the stage for Yellowcard's triumphant celebration of Ocean Avenue. Though the absence of key members was felt, the night was a reminder of the lasting legacy of these bands and the enduring power of their music to connect with fans across generations. It was an unforgettable night filled with emotions, sing-alongs, and a sense of community that will resonate with fans for years to come.
Addison Grace’s song "White Lie" is one of those songs that before you know it, it’ll be stuck in your head, and you will be playing it on loop. The lyrics are relatable and cut deep but are sung in such a way that the song manages to be upbeat and high energy at the same time. One of my favorite things about their music video for "White Lie" is how their emotions are shown through the use of close-up angles with a fisheye lens, their facial expressions and hand gestures as well as the overall pacing and trippy effects in the video. The visuals and colors chosen are pleasing to the eye and give off an early 2000s energy to it. They were radiating confidence as they sang the lyrics “I don’t like you” and at a certain point in the song, you can feel the sadness of how they wish the person they used to love was actually genuine.
Overall, I feel like Addison Grace’s song is definitely going to connect with the younger generations and even help encourage them to get away from fake friends instead of putting up with them. If anything, I would have liked to see how the video would have played out if they had someone in it representing the people pleaser they have grown to dislike.
- Toren Brown
Even if you don’t think you know Portugal. The Man, I promise you do. The group's hit song “Feel It Still” went viral after its release in 2017. However, what I did not know about the band was their involvement in the Native American community. The show opened with Native American representatives explaining their connection with the band and how involved the group has become. Not only the whole of the community, but more specifically the females within it. The speakers expressed their femininity and the power that drew from it and the emphasis of feminine strength before the music began. Which was a shock of an opening, but not unwelcomed by any means.
Portugal. The Man were not the only musicians on the stage that night. Joined by the vast Colorado Symphony, playing the instrumental for the band, the groups joined to bring Red Rocks to life. This was my first time shooting at the world acclaimed Red Rocks, and I was flabbergasted by the environment. Being surrounded between two glorious red enormous stones gave the show such an intimate feel. Not to mention the visuals projected by the band emphasizing their more psychedelic side. The group had a spirit perfectly suited for Red Rocks.
If you go to Portugal. The Man show looking for everything to be akin to “Feel it Still”, you are in for a world of shock. The group has an immense variety of music, ranging from electronic, to rock, to indie. They truly can do it all. Portugal. The Man not only makes rockin 'tunes, but uses their influence for the better, which certainly cannot be said about most groups of their notoriety. This is what truly stuck out to me about the band, their truly equitable spirit.
mxmtoon has been making waves in the music scene for the past few years. She began to make noise in the industry around 2017 by posting her original work and covers on social media. It spread like wildfire. Fast forward to 2023, mxmtoon has been racking up the views/listens across all platforms. At the date of this review, she’s amassed 347,573,340 listens on “Falling For U” and 253,805,564 listens on “prom dress” on Spotify. Seeing numbers like this, I knew she was not an act to miss. Let’s hop into it.
Opening for her was Ricky Montgomery. I wasn’t familiar with his music but the indie-pop singer-songwriter got the crowd singing along with every note and word. The crowd really engaged with his musical versatility and soulful vocals. Montgomery had an ability to tell stories through his music which really kept the crowd engaged until he hung it up for mxmtoon herself to take the stage.
As the light dimmed for mxmtoon’s introduction, the crowd erupted into cheers. I thought the crowd hung onto every word that Ricky Montgomery sang, but that was child’s play for how they latched onto mxmtoon’s music. Some of her hits that had every person in the venue singing were “mona lisa”, “prom dress”, and “fever dream”. In addition to her soulful singing, mxmtoon also broke out the ukulele for many of her jams and strummed along to her vocals. Throughout her set, she paused for moments to just talk and interact with the crowd. In these moments of raw authenticity did it dawn on me that she amassed not only a fan following for her music, but for her personality as a human being. I love peeling back the curtain to subcultures like this and mxmtoon and her fans didn’t disappoint on a great time.
Overall, the folk-inspired indie-pop artist absolutely crushed her set at The Observatory in Santa Ana, California. Her set was emotionally charged and a memorable experience. When she’s playing a show near you, get yourself out to that venue! I guarantee it’ll be a blast.
Live at the magnificent Denver Botanic Gardens a jaw-dropping performance by Fitz and the Tantrums echoed jubilant jams throughout the Denver area. The group is well known in the pop scene from some of their major hits including but not limited to “Hands Clap”, “Out of My League”, and “I Just Wanna Shine”. They have a major following that is well deserved. The group has an energy that is sure to bring light to even the darkest days, and let me be the first to tell you, that same energy is even more remarkable in person.
This was my first outdoor venue concerts, and this was just the group to see in the magnificent outdoors of Colorful Colorado. Surrounded by the beauty of the vegetation of a summer in full effect, evoked even more joy into the lyrics of Fitz and the Tantrums. The crowd was an incredibly age diversified group which took me by surprise. They seem to have a sound that speaks to ages all alike. The group allowed for a small pit to be formed in front of the stage which is where I spent most of my time. There, fans watched in awe as the band performed to an audience that fully surrounded the stage in a full 360 degrees.
Fitz and the Tantrum’s music naturally puts a groove into your step, so it was no wonder the entire venue was standing, dancing, some even moshing, the entire night. Not just fans, but the group themselves put on not only a lyrical show, but a physical one as well. Keeping every corner of the venue engaged.
Going into this show I was already a casual fan of Fitz and the Tantrums, but after a delightfully captivating set, I not only have more songs to add to my personal playlist, but have found my anthems for the months to come. Be sure to check out Fitz’s new album Let Yourself Free if you are looking for the obligatory pick-me-up.
This could be one of the last few times I will get to write about performances at the FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine. It has been announced and planned that a new permanent outdoor venue will take its place. It is bittersweet news for me because while I am looking forward to seeing this get built, FivePoint will be done with, and it has been a great replacement for the original Irvine Amphitheatre. Anyway, what better way to start my summer concert series in Irvine than by seeing Disturbed stupify the Irvine metalheads. Celebrating the release of their 8th release Divisive, Disturbed wanted us to take back our lives with a headbanging tour along Ukraine metal warriors Jinjer and hard rock legends Breaking Benjamin. Rabit and I head over there along with Rockaholic, the Metal Samurai, and his lady Abbey, aka Lady Sinister, and did we get down with the sickness.
Jinjer was the first to go on and get the crowd pumped up. This metalcore outfit has been through a lot the past year and a half with their country’s ongoing war with Russia, but just like Ukraine, they showed resolve and strength on the stage. Frontwoman Tetiana Shmailyuk (aka Tati) exhumed her brutal screams to the fans, and they roared with approval. What I always found amazing about Tati is that not only can she throw down the hammer with her screams, but she can also move people’s souls with her heavenly singing. As always, Roman Ibramkhalilov (guitar), Eugene Abdukhanov (bass), and Vladi Ulasevich (drums) brought metalcore enthusiasm and excitement that reminded us why Jinjer is amazing. From “Perennial” to “Call Me a Symbol,” “Vortex,” “I Speak Astronomy,” “Copycat,” and “As I Boil Ice,” we saw the fighting spirit of Ukrainian metal. Jinjer conquered their performance and Irvine was all fired up. (Fight on Ukraine!)
Up next was Pennsylvania’s Breaking Benjamin. Seeing them always brings me back to my high school days when Saturate dropped 25 years ago and brought much need excitement in the world of alternative hard rock. Frontman/rhythm guitarist and founder Benjamin Burley is still one of the best alternative singers in the game, jumping between death growling and tenor singing. He knows how to draw the audience into his angst and feel his anger & sorrow. Since the release of 2015’s Dark Before Dawn, Breaking Benjamin has been hotter with their current lineup of nearly 10 years. The guitar duo attack of Jasen Rauch (lead) and Keith Wallen (rhythm) is always a sight to behold, while Aaron Bruch (bass) and Shaun Frost (drums) were laser focused on alternative perfection. A majority of their setlist came from Phobia and We Are Not Alone, tunes old school Breaking Benjamin fans love to take in. Songs like “Breath” “Dance With the Devil,” “The Diary of Jane,” “Until the End,” “Follow,” “Simple Design,” “So Cold,” and “Sooner or Later” ignited the high schooler inside all of us. Other tunes that we enjoyed hearing included “Failure,” “I Will Not Bow,” “Red Cold River,” “Polyamorous, and “Blow Me Away.” This was a trip down memory lane, and Breaking Benjamin did not disappoint.
After a 30 intermission and arousing introduction from the Metal Ambassador himself Jose Magnin, the mighty Disturbed took to the stage. Starting things off with their hit lead single off Divisive, “Hey You,” and did that song get everyone into the right mood. Frontman David Draiman has one of the greatest voices in music today, not just metal. That night, it showed no signs of aging. He still can hit those operatic baritone notes like nobody’s business. As Draiman was slaying the lyrics, guitarist Dan Donegan shredded up a storm with his signature hammer-on and “flick off” technique. Drummer Mike Wengren wailed and hammered with all his might, showing us why he is considered one of the best modern metal drummers around, and bassist John Moyer brought the roaring boom that lifts Disturbed up to the Heavens. What was awesome to see was all the players showing off their skills with their own solo spots, and did they dazzle us. While many of their songs from that evening came from The Sickness, a good portion also came from Divisive. The Disturbed loyalists really enjoyed the songs like “Stupify,” “Ten Thousand Fists,” “Prayer,” “Are You Ready,” Genesis’ “Land of Confusion,” “Droppin’ Plates,” “The Game,” “Indestructible,” “The Light,” and “Stricken.” Their best came from their calm, booming ballads like “A Reason to Fight” and Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence,” which were both dedicated to the depressed and those we lost (including Chris Cornell & Chester Bennington). As someone who at times battles depression, those songs meant something to me. So Disturbed, thank you for that. After a brief break, they returned for a 3-song encore that included “Unstoppable,” “Down With the Sickness,” and “Inside the Fire.” For those tunes, I let my metal side go into overdrive.
That was a fun night to be at FivePoint. Disturbed gave us an electrified performance that involved a lot of pyro technics and fire pits. Talk about bringing in a ring of fire. Breaking Benjamin brought exciting rock and Jinjer lit up the feelings in all of us to keep on fighting for the right reasons. I do not know how long it will be until the new venue is built, but I will continue to enjoy FivePoint’s performances for as long as it is around. To Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin, and Jinjer, I salute you. Horns up!!!
Photos by: Matt 'Rabit' Martinez
Few 20-year-olds are doing life in the fast lane like multi-instrumentalist, electronic music producer, and artist Lamorn. After dropping his debut album Forever on mau5trap on 6/2/2023, Lamorn would embark on an 18-date tour across the country to promote the project and introduce himself to the world. The Los Angeles show at The Echo was a sold-out affair and he was joined by Molly Otto, Linney, and Latroit. I gave Forever a few spins before the show to get familiar with the music he’d be dropping but no matter how much time I had with the project, there was no way I was prepared for the live show he put on. Let’s hop into it.
Up first was Molly Otto. I wasn’t too familiar with Molly Otto’s music besides the song “Sonic” with Lamorn that was released on mau5trap. Molly lived up to the hype. Setting the “live” music tone for the night, she strummed her guitar through her catalog and got the crowd into the zone.
Rocking the stage second was Linney. Known for her work on “Line In The Sand” with KILL SCRIPT and “In My Dreamz” with Champagne Drip, Linney is emerging as one of the new voices across the electronic music landscape. Her powerful voice and honest lyrics really pack a punch over the beats she’s chosen to sing over. Her live set was no different. Armed with a mic in each hand, she took everyone in The Echo down for an emotional ride through her greatest hits to date.
Finally, before handing off the stage to the main draw, the fans were in for a real treat with the next act. Grammy Award winning electronic dance producer and DJ Latroit took to the stage to the rock the crowd at The Echo. Assisted by several (and I mean several!) vocalists, Latroit kept the party grooving deep into the night. My favorite Latroit collab was “Someday” that he performed with frequent collaborator Brea Bunevacz. Latroit’s beats and Brea’s voice epitomize the best of electronic dance music. Despite having so many accolades of his own, Latroit ended his set gracefully and let the crowd know that years from now, everyone who attended that night would look back and think about how crazy it was to have the opportunity to see Lamorn in such an intimate venue like The Echo.
Finally, after much anticipation, Lamorn took to the stage. Prior to jumping into his set, Lamorn grabbed the mic and thanked the crowd for making it out to his sold-out night. It was a real human moment, and I could tell he was humbled by the successes he’s found as a young artist. He then wasted little time as he jumped into his set. Twisting knobs and sliding levelers, Lamorn took the crowd on a sonic journey. On this journey, he encompassed the entire spectrum of electronic music, from euphoric trancey moments to dirty dubstep. My favorite moment was when Lamorn grabbed the mic and sang the vocals to his hit “Armed”. It dawned on me only at this moment that it was him singing on many of his songs. In addition to having an amazing voice, Lamorn picked up the guitar and stummed along to his production giving the show a heavier live music feel than you would normally expect from a DJ set.
Lamorn absolutely knocked this one out of the park. On my drive home, Latroit’s words stuck with me. It was absolutely nuts that I got to see Lamorn in such an intimate venue. I’ve been chatting non-stop about this one to everyone I talk to. Check out Lamorn the next time you get the opportunity to while you can still see him in intimate venues. Soon, he’ll be graduating to only playing big venues and you’ll wish you listened to me. This kid is it.
Music is mostly consumed through headphones or the radio listening to a pre-recorded song. And though this is a great way to connect with some of your favorite artists, there are some bands I have just never been able to get into through their records. I don’t want to write these bands off as bad, because I believe you must experience a live show of a band to truly experience what their music is trying to say before you write them off. One of these bands to me is Nickelback. I have never disliked this band, but I will admit I have jumped on the hate bandwagon for the sake of a Nickelback joke often enough. None the less, I knew I had to see them live at least once and have a true Nickelback experience. So, when the Get Rollin’ Tour was announced with Brantley Gilbert and Joss Ross at the Kia Forum, I knew it was time to give one of the most notorious bands a true chance.
Opening the night was Joss Ross, who is a country artist opening for a hard rock band. This did seem like a strange choice of an opener, but as Joss launched into his set, the crowd was feeling the country vibes and were ready to rock out. Opening with “Tall Boys,” Joss’s country twang had its own rock feel to it that got me bopping in my seat. With the next song “Before I Loved You,” Joss stepped behind an acoustic guitar to add some more flare to his performance. Looking around the venue, you could see Joss was winning over the crowd with each song, as the Forum audience was swaying back and forth with every song that he played including “Red Flags,” “First Taste of Gone,” “Iris,” “Ain’t Doin’ Jack,” “Trouble,” and ending with “On a Different Night.” Joss Ross got the show rollin’ and jamming, and we were all ready for what was to come this night.
Up next was another country artist that brought a lot more edge and flare to the country aesthetic, that being Brantley Gilbert. Even though Gilbert wasn’t the headliner this night, he brought a stage show that could have headlined any arena. With pyro blasting off all over the stage, the country vibe was injected with steroids to get to new heights. With a strong back beat by the band and distorted electric guitars, Gilbert might play country, but he walks the line of a metal artist. He wants to make you feel that heavy bass in your soul, while headbanging to country music. Even throwing out some hats to the crowd just to win over even more people. Brantley Gilbert got a full hour long set and he made it count by fitting 17 songs into his time. Featuring songs like “Kick It In The Sticks,” “The Weekend,” “My Kinda Party,” “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do,” “Bury Me Upside Down,” “Son of the Dirty South,” “Blue on Black,” “Country Must be Country Wide,” “Bottoms Up,” “Take it Outside,” and ending with “Read Me My Rights.” Gilbert loves his country and he’s not ashamed to share that love in his music and win any patron over with how much fun his show is.
Finally, it was time for one of the most notorious bands in the music industry to play live. Nickelback hit the stage opening their set with a new song called “San Quentin” and the crowd erupted with excitement. Even though this was a new song off their latest album Get Rollin’ the fans were quick to jump in singing along with the band. Singer and lead guitarist Chad Kroeger commands the stage and the audience’s attention, and they are more than willing to feed their energy back to him. Something I didn’t realize until seeing Nickelback live was just how much backing vocals rhythm guitarist Ryan Peake adds to the band. He doesn’t just add flavor to Chads vocal lines, he is almost a full second vocalist for the band and crushing the job. Bassist Mike Kroeger and drummer Daniel Adair are a dynamic duo of a low end in the band, creating the heaviness that lets the fans go crazy and bang their heads so hard they get a neck injury.
Not only are these four men impressive performers, but the stage show they bring makes every person in attendance feel welcome. Chad Kroeger finds time to talk to the crowd between almost every song, really cementing a connection with the fans. He’s also not one to shy away from their notoriety online, as he made his own jokes about the “Look at this Photograph” meme before playing the song “Photograph.” The band even hosted a radio competition that provided the winner with the chance to come on stage to sing “Rockstar” with the whole band. Sadly, I do not recall the winners name, but she had a beautiful voice that added a new level of charm to the song. Nickelback filled a two hour set with 17 songs that had fans singing throughout the night, including classics like “Savin’ Me,” “Far Way,” “Animals,” “Someday,” “Worthy to Say,” “Hero,” “Too Bad,” “How You Remind Me,” and a two song encore with “Gitta Be Somebody,” & “Burn it to the Ground.” Nickelback was a force to be reckoned with and could not be held back from bring joy and happiness to each fan that night.
Something that caught my attention before Nickelback even hit the stage, for as much hate as they get, the Kia Forum was sold out! According to the internet this band sucks, but there is a hardcore diehard fan base of people that will continue to show up for this band, and after finally seeing them live, I get it. You’re not just a fan that paid money to see four people play some instruments and sing for a couple hours. Nickelback may have written these songs, but they have a connection with their fans that truly makes it feel like these songs belong to us. The music has elevated past what the band could have ever imagined, and it is Nickelbacks honor to perform these songs for the fans. As an official new fan to the band, I was made to feel special to have the honor of owning this music in my life now.
#491 One word, EPIC!
The night was ablaze as Hunnypot residency Fencer took the stage, unleashing an explosive performance that matched the intensity of the grandest festivals. Their high-octane energy was unparalleled, making it a must-see show before festival prices come knocking! The excitement surged as queer, alt-pop sensation X. Ari rocked the crowd, leaving everyone on their feet and wanting more.
But the surprises didn't end there! The closing act, Electric Lecture, brought a special twist with none other than Hunnypot's own Jeff Gray joining in for a groovy collaboration. Their 70's style Americana music had the entire room swaying and moving, while their thought-provoking songs on crucial cultural topics struck a chord with the audience.
A heartfelt thank you to Tara Finegan from Cutting Edge for co-hosting this magical night and sharing her vast industry knowledge. With each show like #491, we're inching closer to the momentous milestone of #500. This night was truly EPIC, leaving a lasting impression and setting the bar high for future Hunnypot Live shows! #WhereMusicLoversGoToPlay
Tara Finegan is the Chief Operating Officer of Cutting Edge Group, the Grammy-award-winning music financier, record label, publisher, and services provider for film, television, advertising, and games.
In 2008, CEG launched the first ever-private equity fund focused solely on financing the music associated with feature films and television programs in exchange for the associated music copyrights. CEG has worked with the most significant media music composers in the world and has been involved with over 2000 feature films, television shows and video games to date, which have regularly featured in the Academy, Emmy and Grammy Awards, garnering 76 wins and 201 nominations. CEG’s divisions include Lakeshore Records (Record Label), Cutting Edge Music Publishing (Specialized Publisher), Music, Film (Music Licensing Platform), White Stork (Custom Music), Broadway Records (Musical Theater Label), Conduct (Asset Management) and CEG Analytics (Royalty Tracking & Analysis).
Fencer, the self-defined garage opera band, is leading a new era of rock music with their own undeniably, dynamic sound. The Los Angeles-based trio consists of vocalist and guitarist Field Cate, bassist Scott Sauve, and drummer Cameron Sauve. Only two years after their inception, they became fan-favorite openers for notable acts such as Badflower, The Wrecks, and Dead Poet Society.
Tackling the stigma surrounding mental health and its struggles, Field’s emotive and frenetic vulnerability resonates with listeners to further solidify the band’s electric presence. The trio have racked up an impressive 2 million listens across all streaming platforms, despite having not even released their debut album. Field’s synesthesia (seeing music in color), Scott’s vigorous bass lines, and Cameron’s expertise in self-producing flow together to create an eccentric style that is certain to become rock’s newest novelty.
X. ARI is a female Greek Jewish Canadian queer alt-pop singer-songwriter, mental health advocate, public speaker, and founder of non-profit WisdoMania Foundation from Toronto living in Los Angeles. Her life motto is all about turning “Pain Into Power” through art and self-care. Having comorbid mental health challenges is not her identity, but her superpower. X. ARI’s visceral lyrics transmit messages of hope as often as they ponder tragedy. Her sound comes to life in the middle. X. ARI just released two collaborations for Pride Month -Cheeriosft. DEVMO &Punching Bagft. Savage Nightingale. Her 7th EP “Songs for Dancers” is slated to release on September 15, 2023.
It is X. ARI’s mission is to use creativity to empower and raise awareness by using her platform to encourage others to turn their Pain into Power by finding their conduit for healing. Her goal is to make a global impact by spreading her message, light, and self-care tips to help heal the world by teaming up with others to make a meaningful impact.
Electric Lecture are the combined creative forces of Greg Ansin, Bronson Taalbi and Anthony J. Resta The story of Electric Lecture started in 1991, in Massachusetts. Before Bronson was even born., the third member of the group, produced a record called “Secede” for a band called Sleight of Hand. Greg played guitar in that group. They have been friends and making music since that time. Fast forward to 2019, at a Los Angeles club where Ansin asked Bronson “if he had rehearsal space?” Bronson said, “No.” So the journey began in what would become Electric Lecture and their debut album due out this fall. Compelled by impossible forces, guided by convictions of indifference, the three musicians are about to give a lecture... and it's going to be....... ELECTRIC.
This single “What If,” off the forthcoming self-titled album, out this fall, started from a guitar riff Anthony played one night and recorded on his phone and is a tongue-in-cheek look at conspiracy theories and the terror of “What if....” it all actually worked out. “We try to not take ourselves too seriously,” Greg explains about the songwriting process. “But it's hard not to sometimes. We just want to speak up. So we try to keep the words light with an underlying message.”
The music is a mix of XTC, Tom Petty, and Beck. Each member of the group plays multiple instruments. Bronson handles the lead vocals while Anthony and Greg lend in the background. Recorded at their practice space in Lawndale and Laurel Canyon where there is always music in the air.
The diverse backgrounds of the three musicians are the key ingredient in what gives Electric Lecture its unique flavor. Resta is a multi-instrumental musician having earned twelve RIAA-certified gold and multi-platinum awards for bands such as Duran Duran, Collective Soul, and Shawn Mullins. Ansin is a prolific songwriter and film producer, having produced numerous documentaries and horror films including Drive-In Horrorshow and Infinite Santa 8000. Bronson is a multi-instrumentalist and master guitarist. He along with his brother, Preston, are the “Taalbi Brothers.” Their energetic music has been featured in shows such as Dancing with the Stars, and has been the musical narration in of the most iconic scenes in Breaking Bad.
“ I grew up listening to the Beatles, Tom Petty, the Beach Boys, especially Pet Sounds,” says Resta. I love adventurous sonic innovators like Beck and Bjork. I feel like Electric Lecture is a wonderful vehicle for me to express myself in the purest musical way I can. It's all a dream really.”