kalifornia Kooks A Bite of california music youth culture
What theyre listening to !
Interviews
Your Ugly Sister´s kevin nichols Melted´s Justin Eckley Sloppy Jane´s Haley Dahl
Melted´s Justin Eckley
Issue 1
Kontent
WHat theyre listening too
A complilation of various playlists from California based artists. Anything that gives inspiration: From Azelia Banks to The Beach Boys
your UGLY SISTER´S KEVIN NICHOLS
SLOPPY JANE
A LOOK AT THE BAND, INTO THE PERFOMACE.......AN WHAT THEYVE BEEN interview with slOPPY UP TOO, AND THE JANES LEAD SINGER FUTURE PROJECTS AN interview with hALEY DAHL. hER TAKE THAT WE ANTICIPATE Melted Guitarist ON WOMEN IN THE MUSIC TO SEE fRoM fRONT Justin Eckley. tHE INDUSTRY. mAN kEVIN nICHOLS. INSPIRATION BEHIND THE
MELTED
BAND, AND A FEW WISE WORDS.
A Statement on California: California will always be a home for me to go too-there is no doubt about that. As we speak a small succulent in a pot rests beside this laptop, a subtle and subconscious reminder of home. Although, this isn't to say that i am in any way homesick, or ready to pack my bags up and leave. In my time living there i encountered many a number a people, all different in their own way (Or we think), and each bringing something new each others lives. Unfortunately the most common trait i noticed about the people coming to and fro, was the inexplicable lack of questioning anything- about anything- that had nothing to do with something self beneficial, or pertinent to them. There is always the beautiful exception. Currently this first issue will
be released abroad as a result of me searching the world for other revolutions. Ultimately this zine is international, but will always hold roots in California. The exception is among the zombies of teen angst, made up of freaks and geeks, musicians, the horde of self earned photographers and so on. But even then it can feel sometimes soulless amongst your peers. So you dig even deeper until you find the misfits within the misfits who really are slaves to their art, and who really do have a furnace burning inside them that needs to be constantly quenched with the fulfillment of their passions. Now those are the ones you want to look out for. We will do anything to see what we
want done, using nothing but california hussle. (the rat race-in most cases- has taught us well). As kerouac puts it, “The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.� I hope in my journeys with this zine, it grows, and births a Kook Family. In the following pages of this zine Kalifornia Kooks, a small snapshot of what is created from us misfits will lay out before you. There is something going on here that's bigger than all of us.
1
Your ugly sister´s
kevin nichols
pHOTO BY : Patrick Miranda±
Chatting it up with one of my closest friends Kevin Nichols, i gratefully within the midst of all his work got him to tell us a bit about himself and what to expect coming from him soon. Originating from Laguna beach CA, Kevin is anything and everything but your typical beach bum. In my time of knowing him i have never seen anyone commit so much mana (a generalized, supernatural force or power, which may be concentrated in objects or persons ) to their work. In opinion, his, “LOUD FUZZY ROCK N ROLL” sound is one that truly resonates within the misfits of misfits who know of him, and his band Your Ugly Sister, currently on hiatus. Inspired by bands such as Nirvana, (the great) Black Sabbath, T Rex, Velvet Underground, Ty segall, Thee Oh Sees (yaaas), and “Rock n Roll!!..” an EP is to be anticipated. Nichols and, “ Elliott (Drummer from Your Ugly Sister) and [he] worked very hard..” on this EP, “..that is coming out soon which will be a lot different than the last YUS release.” In regards to the status of Your Ugly Sister, as a, “ token [of] appreciation [the]
Album SLAVES is now absolutely FREE to down-
load on our band-
camp..” And in anticipation,work has already begun to show on Nichol’s personal follow up EP which is, “shaping up nicely.” Kevin and the gang of YUS have many things to look forward to in the future, including, “JetElliott Glass, Kevin Nichols packs, and and Dylan Delpizzo-Howell [Kevin’s] beard finally coming in.” Nichols presents his sweat, and i'm sure- tears, you view of the California music get to enjoy the, “therapeutic scene, which plays quite a big nature of performance as well role in the inspirations of as the electric energy that can things to come: “I think there be drawn out of a group of are some true artist in Califor- people.” This has become nia that are genuine to them- Nichols favorite thing about selves which comes across in performing. their music and is what makes Advice for starting up artists? it great.” Although, “Honest :”If music is something you artists are getting harder to really want in your life and come by and unfortunately want to make a career out of there are a lot of fake people then just never EVER quit...if that want to play rockstar and you never quit you'll never not put in the hours. It's not truly fail.” about looking cool or stroking And anyone to thank?: “My your ego's dick it's about family of course! You! (Mika) being fulfilled by your art.” Elliott Glass, Paul Olsen, Couldn't have said it better Buddha.” myself. On the flipside, when Aww, kev. Thanks for your the hours are put in, the blood, time darlin. x
MELTED 1
cURRENT BAND MEMBERS : LEO / SAM/ JUSTIN
2
1. Photo by Adrien Discipulo 2 photo byJoey Tobin
In a mystical place, in some garage in Corona, three boys by the name of Leo, Sam, and Justin got together and created the now, well talked about band, Melted. Inspired by, “bands like Together Pangea, Audacity, and Meat Market..” they often find themselves still practicing in that garage, although playing, “ most often in Orange County..” where Justin himself lives. With a sound consisting of abrasive punk, and garagey-pop, they have achieved a sound that combines, “everything [they] love from all [their] favorite bands.” The lyrics heard come, “from [Eckley's] social anxieties and lethargic habits.” Along with the fun of, “hanging with friends,” and, “meeting new people,” Eckley finds fun in shows when he gets to ,”find out stuff about people,” helping him understand he’s, “not the only turd in the world with issues.” Eckley presents his detailed view of the california music scene: “The LA, OC, and the rest of south-
ern California is not only the best place to be a band, but the worst.” Why?: “Everything is here, tons of DIY spaces and big venues, rad bands from every city, tons of people that come to shows. But because of the over saturation, it thins those commodities out. There are probably close to 5-10 show happening every Friday night at every venue within 45 minutes of LA. It ends up being a competition between local acts and that bums me out. Like I said though, I think we are blessed with the scene we have and all the friends we have made in this area.” We know what you mean Eckley! In the wood works, Melted has found the new record to be,” a huge headache …” but only because there is much anxiety for it to be,”done and have it ready for everyone.” New DIY merch for Melted will soon be released. Further on, they are to be expected to play at South by
SouthWest music festival (SXSW) in 2016, and there is much excitement in the band for that. Bravo! Eckley himself also plays in a different band, Casual Friday, with a few more of his best friends. “That band will be hitting the studio soon as well.” Advice for starting up artists?: “GO TO SHOWS. Meet the bands from your area, and support local artists and venues. That's how you get in.” This seems to make sense. Although Eckley states,” We are a very "lazy" band..” this band is anything but. They have a tendency to get the entire crowd big or small moving, and in most cases, moshing. Performance as well as interaction with the crowd is definitely high on the scale with this band. Anyone whom you want to thank?: “Everyone who supports our band and everyone who supports the scene.”
cURRENT BAND MEMBERS Haley Dahl Imogen Teasley-Vlautin Phoebe Bridgers Sara Catherine
Sloppy Jane
I was blessed with the opportunity to ask Haley Dahl, of Sloppy Jane, a few questions im sure a few of us were wondering about. Where has it all began? What are you excited about? The answers given are more than enough to calm a questioning mind. Haley herself grew up in many different places. she ‘“learned to walk and talk in New York,” how to “hustle in LA,” and amongst one of the most important things the youth has learned to today, she learned “how to go-with-the-momentum-flow growing up in a Westfalia Vanagon” (Hippie wagon) attending hippie festivals. Not only well traveled but much of her growing up also took place in Inglewood, but as stated, “as an already fake-adult. That's a different story.” So where did Sloppy Jane originate from? Well, “We originate in brains brains brains !!!!” With inspirations from “Crawly bugs and tv static,” Dahl also didnt forget to pay respects to Beach Boys great, Brian Wilson for getting her to where
she is today. In regards to the California music scene as a whole, it forever will have its ups and downs. It can make you feel
like you're, “always at the same
The common Green looking goo, spewed from Dahl’s mouth is all apart of the good time. But, “Sometimes it's blue. Blue and green are my favorite colors and that's why I use them!” Today Dahl keeps herself always excited for, “actually mostly every thing at all. New material and new shows and new bandmates and getting to [meet] new people all of the time.” I was curious as to what new things we could look forward too: “We're working on a new single that we hope to record soon and are also neck-deep in the beginnings of the Kim Fowley tribute album, which we are honored to be involved in. Stay looney-tuned !!” Dahl reports that Sloppy Jane will soon be touring with their favourite band family members, Loko Ono in late december as well as Nico Bones who, ”gets super bloody so we like them.” (Truly a lovely makers of the Night Train show that can give you chills). Express,” (an alcohol) as someI asked if there was times a good time can get anything Dahl would like to pass messy, and even rowdy. down to upcoming musicians Although rowdy is okay when you, “ like being rewarded and artists in the scene, and for being an ultra asshole,” and if unfortunately: “No, figure it out. We're all still starting forever, you “ like getting in fights.” and I can't help because we are These are girls you want to still just a twinkle in your father's party with, but don't want to eye.” Still, wise words Dahl, mess with! And messy, just Bravo- to Sloppy Jane! comes with the performance. party` Dahl states. Much agreed. But, on the other hand, the best thing about playing shows? “When you nap in the Sun and you wake up dehydrated and [oh so] confused.” There is always something to enjoy here in Cali. Dahl, and Sloppy jane are plainly put, bringers of a good time, as well as knowing how to have one. Dahl would like to thank, “ The
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What theyre listening to: 1. Evan Spacey — *DRAKE VOICE* Dylan Nahrwold: California based Producer and Music Guru:
2. Adeodat Warfield — Software Blonde - Anytime 3. ROSEGOLD - ♥Ride Or Die Girl♥
4. Just Blaze — Moleskin Conclusion 5. LAKIM — Young Dro - FDB (LAKIM Remix) 6. Mura Masa — over-love 7. Cyrax! — cyrax - true [prod. by drip-133] 8. NOSAJ THING — Don't Mind Me ft. Whoarei 9. Dallas Cotton — Thoughts of Her
Dylan Nahrwold is a self made, open to collaborate, beat and music producer based out of the OC in California. Nahrwold is also well known by some for his talent when it comes to skate. Mostly SoundCloud based his collaboration with SC user Notre Dame and rapper YUNG SOJU is easily accessable. His own songs “ya playin w/ fire” and “Lovers Carvings” are two of my personal favorites. The following is a playlist of what Narwhold listens to “the most on Soundcloud...” as well as a playlist from artist, photographer and fashion guru Lauren Wilson, and Sloppy Jane artist, and musician, Haley Dahl to illustraite a bite of the musical diversity in California.
10. YGTUT — Live From Chattanooga prod. by Ktoven 11. Flamingosis — Summer Solstice 12. Cavalier — Teedra Moses - Be Your Girl (Cavalier Remix) 13. d.y — ya playin w/ fire 14. ANTWON — ANTWON x LIL UGLY MANE NEW 2012 15. Reeseswagod — GOLD HOUSE (Prod By TrapMoneyBenny)
1. Heavy Metal and Reflective Azealia Banks 2. Sedition - Lesbians on Ecstasy 3. Baby's On Fire - Die Antwoord
Lauren Wilson: Artist, Photographer, and Fashion Guru: For as long as i have known this girl she has always been knowledgeable about the cutting edge of all things socially-just and alternative fashion. Although she doesn't know it, her skill for editorial of all kind is well above expectations. Her eye for photos is admirable, and as illustrated here, her taste in music brings only a small portion of the diversity she has to offer those who know her. She was also the first to introduce me to the, yet-to-be-conquered niche of Queer Rap.
4. Shag Ball - Electrocute 5. Mardi Gras - Gita 6. Twist - Goldfrapp 7. Enemy - Kelela 8. Place Called Won't Be There Julie Ruin 9. Bring The Noize - MIA 10. My Satellite - Coco Morier 11. Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg - TLC 12. Mommy Complex - Peaches 13. All Them Boys - LIZ 14. Call Your Girlfriend - Robyn 15. Take My Hand - Steed Lord 16. Mon Meilleur Ami - Yelle 17. Rush - Kali Uchis
12
1. She’s Goin’ Bald - The Beach Boys 2. Ringworm - Van Morrison (the entire album this is from is so inspiring to me, as an asshole) 3. Red Phantoms of Zombie Island - Kim Fowley
Haley Dahl Artist and Sloppy Jane Musician
4. In Dreams - Roy Orbison 5. Falling Off The Edge of My Mind - The Seeds 6. Venus in Furs - Velvet Underground 7. Hang on to Your Ego - Beach Boys 8.Loverman-nick cave & the bad seeds 9. Born Dancer - Kim Fowley 10. The Rubber Room - Porter Wagoner 1 Photos by Julie Juarez and James Juarez
Issue 1 Kalifornia Kooks Submissions to: creatriixxhouseart@gmail.com
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