A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS Here at “Down and Dirty” we have one mission, and one mission only, and that’s to fill your eardrums and blow your mind with all things ROCK AND ROLL. From the underground to the mainstream, from punk to alternative, we work to feature only the finest of what these scenes are offering. As college students, we’re just beginning our journey into the world of music journalism, but we do our best to serve you at a professional level. We thank you, our beloved readers, for supporting us and allowing us to continue to fuel our passion: music. So sit back, grab a beer and allow yourself to be absorbed into this world of music we’ve created. And it’s all for YOU. Rock on. Brayan Altamirano, Vincent Franco and Meg De Lara
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What to expect
From backstage to front and DABS ,FOOD center
Futura of Punk
, n’ BOOZE
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From backstage to front and center
MARKIE MEDINA
AND HER TRANSITION INTO THE LIMELIGHT Story and Photos BY: MEGAN DE LARA
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There’s a certain type of energy that’s felt when attending a Stormhouse show, one that can only be experienced in the flesh. The chemistry that’s displayed onstage is undeniable, and each musician works to bring their best to the group. But while the group obviously needs every part to function, it’s frontwoman Markie Medina who keeps the ship afloat in a sea full of testosterone. But Medina wasn’t always in the limelight and her place in the underground music scene almost didn’t happen. Since the very beginning Medina was surrounded by music, crediting her parents for the early foundations for her passion. Around the time she was 8, Medina’s father had become a pretty successful Elvis impersonator, and she accompanied him to many of his shows. “I was with my dad every other weekend, and every other weekend we were at his gigs.” It was during this time that she was exposed to the reality of being a musician: The importance of stage presence and execution of a set, taking care of equipment, the significance of networking and staying connected to fans. It’s enough chaos to send anyone over the edge, but as for Medina: she loved it. Crazy flaunting groupies – not so much love for them – but it wasn’t about the attention that was received from the crowd, it was about her passion for music. Not only was it a pastime for a juvenile Medina, but music became her first love and a metaphorical “best friend.” A figurative shoulder to lean on came from the discovery of Gwen Stefani and early No Doubt. Their third studio album, “Tragic Kingdom,” was the early catalyst for Medina’s growth into a future frontwoman. “The first band that I can remember that really got me into [music] was early No Doubt…when I heard Tragic Kingdom,” says Medina, “That really started my obsession… with wanting to learn how to sing, wanting to learn how to write poetry. I mean, I was six years old, writing poems and sending [them] to their fan club P.O. Box.”
For years, though, Medina’s dreams of commanding a stage remained dormant. Even into her teenage years, she only watched from the sidelines, dating musicians who asked for her opinion, but never having her own creative outlet. Medina grew quietly frustrated, but finally at the age of 21, her fantasy took a small step into reality when she joined a tribute band as a back-up singer. Still not quite center stage, the group was a decent stepping stone and taught Medina a lot about being a part of a music group. Unfortunately, the Veteran’s Clubs and carnival shows were short-lived, and Medina was eventually kicked out of the band. It turned out to the most fortunate of unfortunate events, however, as it led to Medina’s first gig as a frontwoman in a new band, Spanish Daggers. “That’s when I started learning how to really write and how to really put together songs, and work with different personalities,” Medina explained. The fate of the band was bleak, though, and it eventually dismembered entirely, causing Medina to grow depressed. To fill the void, she began to audition for other bands, tried learning an instrument, but Medina never found the same satisfaction. Music became a dead end and Medina finally convinced herself she had to accept the hard truth. For about three years, Medina paved a new road in front of her and devoted her time into becoming a hairdresser. After completing beauty school, Medina quickly became an assistant at a salon and began establishing a career. All seemed to be falling into place, and Medina finally found an alternative outlet that brought her the same feeling of achievement she had while onstage. “I was taking my career more seriously. I was finally accepting the fact that, ‘Okay, the music chapter is closed, I’m done, no more horsing around’,” Medina told herself, “’I love music, but I’m not gonna go back to that…I was content, I was happy.” So she thought. Enter Isaac Larios, former Spanish Daggers drummer and relentless bandmate
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recruiter, back into the picture. Larios had an idea: he wanted to start a band. This time, though, it would be different, a whole new feel, and a different take to rock and roll. During the time after Spanish Daggers, Larios had put together some tracks with friend and guitarist Noel Becerra. Everything sounded great to the guys, but there was one last piece of the puzzle they needed, and it was Medina. “He asked me three times and I kept on saying no,” Medina recalls, “He [was] like, ‘Come on, it’s our last shot…I know your voice will be perfect for what Noel’s going for, I just know it.’” Determined not to become tangled in a musical mess, Medina’s decision not to join remained definite. However, once Larios emailed her what he and Becerra had been working on, Medina was sold almost instantly. It had become an offer she could no longer tap dance around, so, much to her own dismay, she finally joined. The first year was rough and full of hurdles, but all were learning experiences and shaped Medina into the frontwoman
she is today. Fast forward to the present and the band is thriving. Medina has solidified her role as the powerhouse frontwoman of Stormhouse in the OC music scene. The days of standing on the sidelines are gone, and her confidence as a songwriter and performer has grown. Now, Medina’s the one who’s frequently stopped after shows being pepped up by attendees, and the hype surrounding her and the rest of the band is only growing. In addition to just recently wrapping up a music video, Stormhouse will also be recording with Agent Orange’s Dave Klein sometime in the near future. “I love everything that he’s recorded, the band’s he’s worked with… He understands [and] likes our sound. So…it’s exciting.” And while there are still those that take it upon themselves to become critics and scrutinize Medina’s work, their opinions don’t deter her from her main goal. “I want to give back what music gave to me,” Medina expresses, “If I was [once] that lonely kid…there’s someone else out there. If they feel like they don’t have a voice and if they hear our music, then I want them to feel like, ‘okay. You’re not alone.’”
“I want to give back what music gave to me... If they feel like they don’t have a voice and if they hear our music, then I want them to feel like, ‘Okay. You’re not alone.’” 9
Futura of Punk Story and Photos by : Vincent M. Franco
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FUTURA made sure to leave their presence know before taking off on thier tour to south africa.
Nothing beats the intimacy of a punk show inside a sports bar on a Wednesday night. The BLVD bar was lively, packed with soccer fans there to watch the Gold Cup and a bunch of tall, tight jean wearing punks. The third instalment of Low-nSlow’s “Hardcore for the Freaks,” was also playing as a fundrasier for FUTURA’s up coming South African tour. On the bill was Viral Attack, Rinse, LAW, The Passing, Rolex, and FUTURA. All of themt heavy hitting bands from around the greater Los Angeles area, individually bringing their very own twist to Punk Rock.
Don’t let the faces of these seeminly uninteristed crowd members fool you, RINSE brought the funk.
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LAW brought the shock rock. With facail expressions as fierce as these, you know a mic stand was going to be thrown straight into the crowd.
VILE ATTACK’S short and quick set the entire tone for the rest of the evening. Three Chords and deep Growls 13
Irie Nationz
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LOS CADEJOS
Photos by: Brayan Altamirano
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Image courtesy of Google.
back to Basics
Story By: Megan Delara
THE RACONTUERS GO CLASSIC WITH “HELP US STRANGER”
It’s been more than a hot minute since Jack White to how each contribute to the music. and company have graced our ears with any new Racon- It’s not always a gentle ride into town, though, teurs tunes…eleven years to be exact. Their previous al- as can be felt through “Don’t Bother Me” and “Live a Lie.” bum, “Consolers of the Lonely,” was released in 2008 and Both speed up the tempo of the album and prevent “… was a preface to the band’s eventual hiatus. Fast forward Stranger” from becoming one of those sittin’-on-theto 2019, White – along with fellow bandmates Brendan back-porch-in-the-country albums. It’s the attitude from Benson (guitar), Jack Lawrence (bass), and Patrick Keeler tracks like this that appeal to younger groups who aren’t (drums) – have managed to dive back into their creative quite ready to discover the new Lynyrd Skynyrd. Even realm as if no time had elapsed. Their latest album, “Help on tracks such as, “Somedays (I Don’t Feel Like Trying),” Us Stranger,” is a concoction of bluesy yet refined rock where the southern rock-twang is spritzed more heavily, that will satisfy older fans while still reeling in a newer White’s unique voice works to break any Sweet Home generation of listeners. Alabama stereotypes. The beginning of the record starts off as expect- The band does a good job at paying homage to ed with a smooth, simple lick that slowly pulls you into other rock royalties, whether intentionally or not. Songs “Bored and Razed,” one of the main singles off the alsuch as “Shine the Light on Me” and “Help Me Stranger” bum. The song eventually picks up and becomes louder are very reminiscent to what The Beatles were accomand faster, which seems to be a running theme for these plishing sound-wise in 1969 with “Abbey Road.” Harmomusicians. Many of the songs start off on a much lighter nies that are very a-lá Lennon-McCartney and nicely tone, serving us guitars with little effects and modest written piano pieces are just a couple of components drum beats. Still, the outcome of the band’s sound is that give “…Stranger” that late-60s-early-70s vibe. anything but dull. Fancy guitar pedals and heavy distor- In the case of The Raconteurs, their time apart definitely tion can sometimes cause a jumbled jungle of noise, but gave them the ability to reenergize creatively. Even with the structure of these tunes allow for detailed listening. a break longer than a decade, “Help Us Stranger” is more From the bass to the drums, back to guitar and vocals, than just a decent effort for a follow-up – it’s pretty rad. it’s easy to hone in their respective techniques and listen
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LOS MUNCHIES DABS ,FOOD , n’ BOOZE El Monte backyard band Los Munchies don’t know how to control themselves when performing on stage. The behavior is often blamed on drugs, not with Los Munchies. Hardcore, Ska, and Cumbia mix together makes what is call CUMBIACORE, a genre Los Munchies take pride in. All members of Los Munchies share one genre that bonds them together: SKA. Fast paced guitar chords, catchy bass lines, and grooving drums., a mixture of happiness or, as most people say “Open the pit!”
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The mosh pit is a form of dance that indulges one self to set free all emotions and enjoying the music and the moment. A mosh pit by Los Munchies is one to never miss due to its change of genres throughout the show. SAKACHISPA and Waffles are some examples of a perfect combination of genres, Both songs go from Ska to Hardcore within seconds and end it with some reggae to finish it off. But, wait. Theres more, Both songs end with the beginning genre of the song, SKA!
Aside from music building a bond, Los Munchies have been friends before being a band. They all met in highschool and began talking to each other because they all liked to smoke the devils lettuce. As times passed, MJ began to be more accecible in what is now called DABS. If you ever wonder why their eyes are always closed in pictures now you know why. Smoking
Los Munchies do not call themselves Los Munchies just for the catchy name. They represent the youth that strives to make a change in society, but mainly because they get a bit to high and always get the munchies. Satisfying onesleves is very important specially when high. Food and Booze always does the trick. When Los Munchies get the
“Hey, at what time are yall Sessions after sessions... Los Munchies deup?” friendships all around. bute album comes out “We’re next” in Fall 2019, until then Los Munchies like to have fun at thier shows “Yall want a dab” catch them at a show and buy them a beer “Yes, Sir!” but most of all they want their music to
Story and Photos by Brayan Altamirano
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Summer Playlist
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Broken - Lealani Sumdim - Mndsgn Snowsuit (Grab My Mask) - Samiyam Giannis - Freddie Gibbs & Madlib (Feat. Anderson .Paak) Galant Bloom - Lealani Friends - Los Retros It Rains Love - Lee Fields & The Expressions Social Cues - Cage The Elephant Built Environment - NOTS Jesters Dance - Storm house Now That You’re Gone - The Raconteurs To Hell - Ugly Do I Cross Your Mind - Kid Chocolate Band Laurel - Froth 28 1630
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