Dust, Distraction, and that Other D Word: Why It’s Time for Kendrick Lamar to Move On

by Travis Erwin

Now that the lyrical dust has begun to settle, it’s time we take a hard look at Kendrick Lamar’s, GNX.

Let me start by saying I consider Kendrick Lamar a lyrical genius. I am not alone in that assessment, and he has many greater accolades than my word to prove this point. I like Lamar, I appreciate his body of work, I envy his talent and GNX is a rock-solid album. There isn’t a truly bad track on it. But neither does the album exist in a vacuum, and there lies the problem.

Unless you’ve been hiding under a maple leaf north of the border, you know all about the feud. Drake had his one dance, but Lamar unleashed his own poetic justice to claim victory in that battle. And it wasn’t even close.

So why is Kendrick still wasting creative energy on this beef, or petty new ones?

What happened to the groundbreaking innovative spirit that etched out Lamar’s rightful place among the all-time greats? And more importantly, when will Kendrick get back to taking on the wrongs of this world that truly mean something? Where are the songs that take on social injustice, narrow minded attitudes, and the demons that haunt us all?

There are brief glimpses of Lamar at his best on GNX, but much like the man himself, they are mired down by the feud with Drake, and this ever-increasing need to address any and every critic. At this rate, my name might get mentioned in the next song.

The album kicks off with “wacced out murals,” an unflinching, undeniable, and unrelenting call out of all the bullshit noise surrounding Kendrick’s name.

Is Lil’ Wayne whining about the Super Bowl more egregious than Lamar complaining about Nas being the only one to congratulate him? I’m not saying he’s wrong, but I am asking is this a track any of us will care about months from now when the spotlight of the halftime show has faded. There were other references, and the track has more meaning, but why water it down? Why give credence to whiners desperate to ascend to the status you already have?

On “squabble up” Lamar lets us know he is ready to fight with any and everybody, but if you hadn’t already picked up on that then you are in the same boat as Drake … two steps behind.

SZA joins Lamar on ‘luther’ a melodic track and the arrangement of her vocals showed the innovation I crave from a Kendrick track. The combination of his writing, her vocals and the spot on samples lift this song and make it one of the album’s best.  

The constant refrain of “man at the garden’ repeatedly states … I deserve it all. Does he? Was it earned or anointed?

Most of us lean the former, but when you choose to engage in petty battles and call others out, you have to expect the resulting bullseye on your back to invite even more shots. Kenrick is unafraid and clearly capable of not only weathering all attacks, but deflecting them back to the source. Is that confidence or bluster?

Most likely, both. This track isn’t the cocky in your face swagger most would choose as it takes on a low-key tranquil brand of affirmation. That just might be the mark of brilliance given it forces the listener to lean in and pay closer attention.

Halfway through the album found a new tone and vibe with “reincarnated.” The harder edge forced me to lean in and feel this one. And here, more than any other time I was reminded of what Lamar is capable of when not bogged down by the sludge of caring what others think or do.

Perhaps no track represents the dichotomy of this album better than “tv off,” which blends the personal slight, petty side of Lamar’s grievances with the bigger picture ugliness of racism. The big mouth lacking big ideas eager to turn off the tv because they dared choose a talented black man to highlight the halftime show is real and gritty, and exactly the stance Kendrick was known for before the feud overshadowed his talent and skill as a voice for the times.

“Don’t say you hate LA when you don’t travel past the 10,” is the line everyone cites from “dodger blue,” for good reason. The R7B G-Funk vibe makes this one easily digestible for the masses, but it left me wanting more lyrically, which is rarely the case with a Kendrick song. Wallie the Sensei, Roddy Ricch, and Siete7x join and the groove is undeniable but the offering felt incomplete for me.

The biggest miss for me on this album was “peekaboo.” The lyrical repetition and overall point never quite materialized but Lamar’s talent makes it still a decent track.

Forget that other artist’s track of the same title and focus all your energy instead of Kendricks next installment of the progression. “heart pt6” leans into the West Coast vibe with soul and heart. Lamar’s truth is up front and prevalent throughout this album, but here it works because he focuses on the man in the mirror and his memories rather than getting distracted by those desperate to be him.

“gnx” is a collab with hittaJ3, youngthreat, and peysoh that takes risks and offers and unrelenting cadence and lyrical onslaught. Lamar is joined a second time by SZA for the album’s final track. The Latin beat and smooth rhythm carries the track as a beautiful story unfolds of the misspent love of youth.

I repeat, Kendrick is a lyrical genius, a skilled performer, and a generational talent. GNX has its strengths and weaknesses, but will no doubt be considered one of 2024’s best albums. Kendrick Lamar is certainly held to a higher standard, a product of his immense talent and history as an artist pushing the limits and boundaries. The pressure, the distractions are innumerable, and now it is up to Lamar to put on blinders, and maybe earplugs to focus on what needs to be said, because looking back or down for too long is the only thing that can keep Kendrick from climbing even higher.    

Meet Madhi, The IE’s Modern Hip-Hop Jazz Man

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by Travis Erwin

Society is littered with dreamers and schemers hellbent to grab ahold of fame. This isn’t a new phenomenon, though these days successfully chasing the limelight is usually more about boldness and personality than cultivating an actual talent.

Modern fame is too often an illusion, an ode to algorithms manipulated by social media influencers and so-called content creators desperate to sell only themselves.

Rarely is there an actual product, or even talent behind the smoke and mirror flash of outlandish stunts, ideas, and of course, a dazzling array of fakeness rooted in the most superficial of aesthetics. All of this has rendered fame more plastic and fleeting than ever before.

And then you have young men like Madhi, carving his place out in the world the old-fashioned way, via talent, discipline, and hard work.

But Madhi isn’t seeking fame. No, this savvy and intelligent young man has established his presence in the musical landscape by chasing something far more elusive and lasting than fame.

Madhi is seeking perfection.

Yes, Madhi has set his sights on perfection, but he’s also sharp enough to be pragmatic. No one is perfect, not all of the time and not with every step, but the drive and determination is tangible from the moment you meet this young man.

After we moved beyond the initial pleasantries, and started diving into the music, I realized the full depth of Madhi’s talent and passion. I was lucky enough to spend a few hours talking melodies, beats, lyrics, and all things music -- from the art to the business, but for those of you not yet acquainted with Madhi and his diverse talents and skill set let me formally introduce you.

From Fontana to Boston

Madhi grew up in Fontana, California as Samad Grays. The stage name Madhi comes from a nickname bestowed on him by his mother, and family is at the heart of who Madhi is both in and out of the studio.

As a former MC with old-school roots, Madhi’s father is no stranger to the mic or demands of the music industry. His watchful eye has certainly played a role in his son’s calculated career path, but like most kids, Madhi has shown a stubborn streak to also do things his own way. Though he is quick to acknowledge that stubborn streak with a smile, Madhi is just as eager to express love and respect for the guidance and sacrifices both his parents have made.

Piano lessons began at four, and like so many talented artists, school band and orchestra programs played a large role in fostering Madhi’s musical obsessions. Particularly his high school jazz band. For one of his earliest piano recitals, Madhi played Duke Ellington’s, Satin Dolls and throughout his musical education he continued to tap into those old standards for inspiration.

Madhi is among other things an old soul, at least musically, but he also draws inspiration from more commercial artists like Anderson Paak, Kendrick Lamar, and Smino. And during live performances he and his talented band put their own spin on such hits.

Originally, Madhi had little interest in straying far from home for college, but his mother in particular encouraged him to expand his horizons. While still in high school and accompanied by his father, Madhi established strong ties to the Southern California jazz scene at places like The York in Highland Park and The Rhythm Room in DTLA.

As a senior, Madhi was able to play alongside some of Southern California’s best jazz artists and while he held his own, each time he left the stage, Madhi knew he wanted to be better.

He wanted to be perfect.

In talking about that period of his life, Madho said, “Jazz is a progression sport, and I was driven to do better.”

All of these early interactions with players in the Southern California Jazz scene led Madhi to be drawn to the music program at Cal State Northridge. With CSUN in his sights and in his heart, Madhi considered other schools more to appease his mom than anything else. Still, he kept his eyes and mind open to all possibilities. He asked questions and investigated and soon, another school began to emerge as a candidate, The Berklee School of Music.

Here in California the word Berklee usually conjures thoughts of UC Berkely and while both are fine schools in their own right, The Berklee School of Music happens to be in Boston and boasts an alumni pool that has taken home more than three-hundred Grammy Awards.

Despite his initial reluctance to leave California, Madhi applied anyway.  As you can imagine, the application process for such an esteemed school is not easy, but Madhi took on the challenge and was accepted with a full scholarship. It was then that a mixture of pride excitement, and yes fear took hold, because for a West Coast California kid to pack up and venture off alone to Boston is one hell of a leap.

But Madhi had some connections from playing on the West Coast and that made the transition easier. Thanks to creative friendships already forged, Madhi hit Boston as an active member of his new community. He, along with his roommate and some other members of the same dorm formed a band.

A band that has quickly taken off after their humble beginning busking on the streets outside their dorm.

Busking in Boston

Of course, they were not the only talented music students attempting to earn a few dollars from their talents so standing out in a unique way was key to gaining people’s attention.

Making anyone stop and listen on Boston’s streets was no easy feat, but Madhi had a plan.

He began freestyling lyrics about those strolling by, and in doing so engaged his audience on an entirely new level. Madhi forced his audience to stop and listen.

There on the streets of Boston, Madhi took his jazz-influenced musical talent and distilled it into a digestible elixir for the masses passing by. He did not do this alone. His multitalented bandmates were every bit as essential to creating their group soon to be called New Bounce Collective.

Along with Madhi the band is comprised of Devan Thai (keys), Caden Lagman (drums), and Cyrus Baygents (bass) and this talented quartet is capable of so much as a group or as individuals. “I can’t envision a future where the four of us do not continue to come together and create as New Bounce Collective,” Madhi said.

Despite his solo efforts I definitely detected a spark in his eyes when talking about the band.   

From the streets to the screen. New Bounce Collective began pasting covers across social media and soon the band had more than a million views. The momentum has kept humming along and the band is poised to start unveiling their original works now that the fall semester is in swing and they are all back together in the same room.

Here at LA on Lock we pride ourselves on introducing music lovers to new artists across a wide spectrum of genres and sounds. Madhi and New Bounce Collective fit that bill. Watching all four of the talented individuals grow not only together, but as solo musicians and artists will certainly be intriguing as they each chase their idea of musical perfection.

Madhi plans to spend his next three years honing his craft at one of the best places on the planet to do so, but don’t expect this young man from the Inland Empire to forget who is or where he comes from. Expect him to continue to rep the West Coast sound and style, just with a touch more jazz flair. And if that doesn’t sound like a perfect plan, I don’t know what does.

Here is a sneak peak at a demo Madhi has been working on with some of that West Coast juice.

49 Winchester Unleash Hillbilly Revival on LA

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By Travis Erwin

When I first moved to California from Texas, I hoped to find an even more expansive array of live music. And in sheer volume I did. But if I am honest, very few of the two hundred plus concerts I’ve attended throughout So Cal, have lived up to my expectation.

Outside of the Hip-Hop shows and a handful of Pop concerts the crowds have been tepid at best. Especially when it comes to Country or Americans shows. That all changed last night when 49 Winchester led a raucous Hillbilly revival inside the El Rey Theatre.

Country music is one of those gernes that sparks a love it or hate it response, and I get it if the only brand of Country you’ve been exposed to is the watered down corporate pablum churned out by Nashville to be fed to the masses via mainstream radio. That glossy formulistic Pop with a fiddle is about as legit as the plotlines to Yellowstone.

In other words, stereotypical bullshit created not to enlighten or entertain, but more to lasso cold hard cash from the undiscerning.

But there is good, great Country music out there. And spoiler alert, it isn’t always billed as country because that Mainstream stuff has tainted the well. There are many terms with nuanced differences, Outlaw, Red Dirt, Americana, Alt Country and one that I haven’t heard bandied about for a while but I always enjoyed, Y’allternative.

The El Rey Theatre played host to a couple such acts Monday night. Kelsey Waldon opened and put on a solid show though the vocal side of the sound wasn’t quite dialed in. Waldon said she was battling an illness and routinely used throat spray, though the issue seemed less about her voice and more on the sound engineering side given that some songs rang out vibrant and clear.

Waldon’s band, The Muleskinners, were lively and even when the vocal side went awry, the energetic performance more than made up for it. The crowd was into the show and a fair number of people knew the music well enough to sing along.

But everything ratcheted up once 49 Winchester hit the stage.

I knew a handful of songs from the Virginia based band, but they are still relatively new to my radar, so I was shocked by the size of the crowd and the almost rapture-like bliss they had for the music.

The crowd danced swayed and belted out damn near every line. The energy rivaled the frat boy fanatics of an early 90s era Robert Earl Keen show, and I haven’t seen any country concert, in any state that can compare to these two experiences.

Lead singer Isaac Gibson is a talented vocalist with the ability to emote in different ways depending on the emotions and energy a particular song calls for.

Lead guitarist Bud Shelton, who just might be Danny McBride’s long lost brother, kept the crowd going with his gesticulations and I’d love to see him show up as a guest star as such on The Righteous Gemstones ala Sturgill Simpson last season.

Talking to a handful of attendees it seems that Tik Tok played a big role in getting 49 Winchester’s music out to the masses.

Take that Cashville! 

LA on Lock Concert Venue Review [McCabe's Guitar Shop]

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by Travis Erwin

In my continued quest to review the many live music venues of Southern California I step away from the big arenas, and share my thoughts on a small, intimate, listening room.

McCabe’s Guitar Shop, Santa Monica

Yes, as the name implies McCabe’s is a working shop that sells and repairs instruments as well as offering lessons. You won’t find a more knowledgeable, or friendly shop in this area no matter if you are an established musician or a curious newcomer, they will take the time to chat, offer advice, or enlighten you. Since 1968 they have hosted a variety of shows in the back room.

On my most recent trip is caught a show from Texas Indie stalwart, Slaid Cleaves.

History

A look through past concerts will reveal that artists of many genres have played here, but for the most part you will find singer/songwriters, Folk, Americana, Bluegrass, and similar brands of artists dominate the schedule.

The first stage at McCabe’s was painted by Linda Ronstadt and since that time the 150 seat back of the store venue has hosted a treasure trove of musical talent from the late great Townes Van Zandt to Arlo Guthrie.

Z to A might not be the usual way to order things but this isn’t your usual venue. Other well-known artists to grace the McCabe’s stage include R.E.M, Wynonna Judd, The Bangles, Emmylou Harris, and far too many others to list.

Here is a vintage grainy video from years back with Warren Zevon and T Bone Burnet performing a classic on the McCabe’s Guitar Shop stage.

Parking

There is free parking in the lot behind U.S. Bank after 6:00 PM, seven nights a week and metered spaces along Pico Blvd, which also extend a few doors north and south on each residential street. These spaces are also free and unrestricted after 6:00 PM and all day on Sundays. The residential streets to the north and south of Pico are permit parking only, seven nights a week.

Getting There

If you don’t want to drive, rideshare is always an option but really this is an alcohol free venue so driving home after isn’t a problem and the small size makes it easy to get in and out or find parking.

Pico Blvd is a major thoroughfare with ample service and McCabe’s is less than a block from the nearest bus stop.   

Upgrades

Again, this is a very small venue so there really are no real frills or VIP amenities. Nor are they needed as this is simply a nice listening room without a bad seat in the house which is why venerated artists like Elvis Costello have performed in such a small space.

Seats

The seating is in standard folding chairs but there is space to and legroom and if your butt is tender, they have some cushion up near the stage to add some plush softness for your booty. Again, it only seats 150 and the rows are all close to the stage with ample site lines.

There is a pole in the center aisle toward the back, but I always arrive early and sit in one of the first few rows, so I have no firsthand knowledge if it impedes the view from any of the seats behind it. You can see the pole and seats in this picture.

Food and Beverage

This isn’t your regular conession type deal. McCabe’s does generally offer a few soda’s, bottled water, and coffee as well as snacks such as chips or cookies. These are sold from a small table out in the shop and I believe all sales are cash only.

Bathrooms

The bathrooms are small but clean. Just down the hall. I’ve never experienced more than a one or tw person line but some shows do ask you not get up or go back and forth during songs as again this is more of a listening room environment.

Respect the artist and your fellow audience and you will be fine, but if you are one of those who go to concerts to talk to their friends and ignore the music, this isn’t the place for you. I’d argue live music isn’t for you if that is the case, because no one paid their admission to hear you yak about the traffic on the 101, your insane boss, or any of the other inane banter that has no place going on while an artist is on stage performing.   

Neighborhood

Quiet and walkable at least right around the venue. Never had any issues or felt unsafe before or after a show.

Sound

Excellent. This is an intimate environment offering a well dialed sound that only a few venues ever manage to achieve.

Overall Impression

One of my very favorite venues. The place is clean and well run and a bit of a throwback to another time and era. I haven’t been in a while, but I feel confident things change slowly around McCabe’s and that is a very good thing.

Upcoming Events

https://www.mccabes.com/concerts-landing/?v=7516fd43adaa

Many shows sell out here, and a look at their current calendar proves that point so I suggest you go directly to the McCabe’s website and see what shows are upcoming and which ones still have tickets available.

LA on Lock Concert Venue Review [The Forum]

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Review by Travis Erwin

I moved to Southern California back in 2017, from a somewhat rural area of Texas. My old hometown claimed one small arena with a seating capacity of less than five thousand. After that was a couple of smaller auditoriums, a handful of bars that had live music on the regular, and the occasional outdoor festival in a cow pasture. A far cry from the wealth of concert opportunists in and around LA.

Coming to California I discovered hundreds of venues. From massive arenas and sporting venues down to tiny intimate listening rooms and everything in between. I’ve spent the last seven years travelling all over Southern California and attending hundreds of concerts from the boldly iconic to hidden speakeasies.

In a reoccurring series of posts, I am going to share my experiences good and bad and break down what I learned to help you find the venues worth your time and money, and the tips to make your concert going easier.

 

KIA FORUM, Ingelwood

Let’s start with one of the more venerated venues, the Forum in Inglewood. I recently attended a show there with Tyler Childers as the headliner. Medium Build opened the show and put on an engaging set. Childers was nothing short of spectacular, but the primary focus of these posts is on the venue.

History

The Forum of course is known as the former home of the showtime era Lakers. The Forum has also hosted Olympic Basketball, The Stone, Queen, Elvis, and Muhammad Ali’s rematch against Ken Norton.  

Really there are too many historic bands and concerts to list but as with most things time eventually caught up to the Forum and the Lakers left, the LA Kings left, and the building went through a series of different owners and even purposes before its current revitalization.

That said the venue has clearly been renovated and now defies both its age and size, by feeling new and more intimate than you would think a place of its size could be.

Parking

There is plenty of onsite parking, but you can expect to pay $25 at a minimum and often more to park. There are premium parking options as well. For the Childers show parking started at $35 and went up from that price point. Free parking option in the surrounding area are very limited to nonexistent but there are a few private lots around if you do not mind walking a bit to save five or ten dollars.

Getting There

LAX is not far so there are plenty of hotel in the area in which you can stay and catch a fairly cheap Uber from. That said the line for rideshare after the event was a chaotic mess made worse by the way these drivers flow in and out of the parking lot. I ended up having to walk out to the street ass my driver never could figure out how to get to the official pickup location.  

For Public transportation on the LA Metro Bus Lines, take the 211/215 to the Prairie/Manchester or Prairie/Kelso stops.

Upgrades

Many events do offer a premium experience. From parking and expedited entry, to box seating with a dedicated server for your group. These packages have a minimum of ten attendees.

Seats

I am 6’5, so leg room is often an issue for me. The space was workable but tight for me, though the chairs themselves were comfortable enough. Unless you attend a show that sells obstructed views seats behind or beside the stage you will be fine sitting anywhere as there are no poles or other issues to spoil sightlines.

Food and Beverage

Lines were short and moved quickly, despite it being a sold-out show. There were options inside and out for both food and drink. Prices were what you expect to find at venues. There was a decent beer selection and a full bar but nothing to get excited about in either realm. Same can be said for food choices.

Bathrooms

The only bathroom I visited was down under the seats with a fairly narrow staircase. The flow in and out was not great and if you happened to drink one too many these trips could be a bit tricky to navigate. That said the lines were not too bad except once the show ended.

Neighborhood

The Forum sits on the edge of the So-Fi parking lot and while I ubered to and from the concert, the neighborhood seemed busy and walkable enough. Older area with a mix of clean and nice and not so nice shops, houses, etc. I saw plenty of people walking the area before and after. There are food options in the area but like most of LA the streets are busy and hectic so be careful navigating the streets.

Sound

What is a concert without quality sound?

I can answer that. A waste of time and money. But that was NOT the case at the Forum. The show sounded spectacular. The opening act, Medium Build were clear and distinct despite the constant influx of late arrivers and the place being only half full for the first few songs.

The place was packed by the time Tyler Childers hit the stage and again the sound was spot on. The acoustics of the building and sound system presented no problems whatsoever.

Overall Impression

Go. I will definitely be back. The place is clean and well run. From the entry lines, to the flow concessions, and again the exit after the concert the staff made sure all went smoothly. My one caution is to be careful traversing those bathroom stairs.

 

Upcoming Events

https://thekiaforum.com/events/

 TOMORROW Pearl Jam - Dark Matter World Tour 2024

SAT MAY 25 Mon Laferte - Autopoiética Tour 2024

THU MAY 30 Avril Lavigne: The Greatest Hits

THU JUN 6 Russ "It Was You All Along" North American Tour

FRI JUN 7 NF - HOPE TOUR

SAT JUN 8 Janet Jackson: Together Again

TUE JUN 11 ITZY 2ND WORLD TOUR 'BORN TO BE'

SAT JUN 15 Enrique Bunbury

SUN JUN 16 2024 P1Harmony LIVE TOUR [P1ustage H: UTOP1A] IN North America

FRI JUN 21 Roberto Carlos

SUN JUN 23 The Doobie Brothers 2024

SAT JUN 29 Chicano Batman

FRI JUL 5 New Kids On The Block with Paula Abdul & DJ Jazzy Jeff

SUN JUL 7 Cage The Elephant: Neon Pill Tour

THU JUL 11 Jennifer Lopez: This Is Me...Live

SUN JUL 14 AJR - The Maybe Man Tour

THU JUL 18 A Day To Remember - The Least Anticipated Album Tour

FRI JUL 26 Eslabon Armado

SAT JUL 27 Niall Horan: "THE SHOW" LIVE ON TOUR 2024

SUN JUL 28 Niall Horan: "THE SHOW" LIVE ON TOUR 2024

FRI AUG 2 2024 IU HEREH WORLD TOUR CONCERT

SAT AUG 10 Alanis Morissette - The Triple Moon Tour

TUE AUG 13 Olivia Rodrigo - GUTS world tour

WED AUG 14 Olivia Rodrigo - GUTS world tour

FRI AUG 16 Olivia Rodrigo - GUTS world tour

SAT AUG 17 Olivia Rodrigo - GUTS world tour

SUN AUG 18 The Queens of R&B: Xscape & SWV

MON AUG 19 SAMMY HAGAR The Best of All Worlds Tour with special guest Loverboy

WED AUG 21 Lamb Of God & Mastodon: ASHES OF LEVIATHAN TOUR

THU AUG 22 Kings of Leon: Can We Please Have Fun

AUG 23-24 Billy Strings 2-Day Ticket (8/23-8/24) Valid Both Days, Cannot Split

WED AUG 28 Santana and Counting Crows: Oneness Tour 2024

FRI AUG 30 Banda MS de Sergio Lizarraga Tour EDICION LIMITADA

FRI SEP 6 Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago: Heart & Soul Tour 2024

SUN SEP 8 Train & REO Speedwagon - Summer Road Trip 2024

THU SEP 12 Wallows - Model Tour

SAT SEP 14 Human Musical Group Sensations GLASS ANIMALS: TOUR OF EARTH

TUE SEP 17 Hozier - Unreal Unearth Tour 2024

WED SEP 18 Hozier - Unreal Unearth Tour 2024

FRI SEP 20 Hozier - Unreal Unearth Tour 2024

THU SEP 26 Falling In Reverse - The Popular MonsTOUR II: World Domination

FRI SEP 27 The Black Keys: International Players Tour

SAT SEP 28 Christian Nodal - Pa'l Cora Tour

THU OCT 3 Kacey Musgraves - Deeper Well World Tour

FRI OCT 4 Kacey Musgraves - Deeper Well World Tour

TUE OCT 8 KLOS & FMJ Present: Iron Maiden - The Future Past World Tour 2024

FRI OCT 11 Cigarettes After Sex - X's World Tour

SAT OCT 12 Cigarettes After Sex - X's World Tour

MON OCT 14 Till Lindemann/ Ages 18+

TUE OCT 15 Charli XCX & Troye Sivan present: Sweat

WED OCT 16 Charli XCX & Troye Sivan present: Sweat

FRI OCT 18 Conan Gray: Found Heaven On Tour

SAT OCT 19 Meghan Trainor | The Timeless Tour

WED OCT 23 ONE OK ROCK - Premonition World Tour

THU OCT 24 Marc Anthony "Historia Tour"

FRI OCT 25 Jeff Lynne's ELO - The Over And Out Tour 2024

SAT OCT 26 Jeff Lynne's ELO - The Over And Out Tour 2024

SUN OCT 27 MAXWELL: The Serenade Tour

FRI NOV 1 King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

SAT NOV 2 Maggie Rogers: The Don't Forget Me Tour

FRI NOV 8 Gesaffelstein Dance/Electronic

SAT NOV 9 Shakira - Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran - World Tour

SAT DEC 7 Aerosmith: PEACE OUT The Farewell Tour with The Black Crowes

SUN DEC 8 Andrea Bocelli In Concert

SUN DEC 15 BILLIE EILISH: HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR

MON DEC 16 BILLIE EILISH: HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR

TUE DEC 17 BILLIE EILISH: HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR

 

 

#LAOnLock Exclusive : Lay Luscious [9Live$]

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Here at LA on Lock we pride ourselves on bringing talented artists to increased attention that you might not yet be aware of. Lay Luscious is one of those rising talents. Chances are good that you’ve seen her, even if you’ve yet to hear her music, because Lay Luscious is no stranger to the entertainment world.

Lay Luscious is a Haitian-American rapper, model, dancer, poet, casting and creative director, songwriter, and LGBTQ influencer from the Bay Area (San Francisco, CA). Before we take a dive into he hot fresh music she is dropping, let’s look at the path that has brought this influencer to where she is now.

An international 'Nike' commercial at the age of fifteen ushered in a prolific period that say Lay Luscious model in the commercial catalog for 'Dolls Kill,’, stun fashionistas as a model for LA Fashion Week, and feature on World Star, WEtv, and OxygenTv. Add in her special guest appearances in music videos for Ty Dolla $ign, Nef The Pharaoh, Saweetie, Priceless Da Roc, Blacc Zacc and OMI and many more proving Lay is not a force to underestimate.

A lot of people think of the PRIDE movement as a June exclusive but Lay Luscious lives and advocates all that PRIDE stands for 24/7, 365 days a year. This shows in her work, life, and music. Her smooth groove ‘Pussy Interlude,’ along with her comments on the track via Instagram gives you an idea of her outlook.

“I’m that pretty lesbian gay girl who makes gay girl music 🎶 talking about gay girls eating 🍽”
— Lay Luscious

But of course, the best artists, the ones that achieve true stardom and longevity offer diverse sounds and takes and Lay Luscious proves she possesses such capability and talent with her track ‘9Lives$.’ Taking a no hold barred approach Lay calls out the bullshit and manipulators and declares her own power with an unabashed boast that she can handle her own business and doesn’t need taken care of by a bunch of soft gingerbread men. I’m paraphrasing and bending her lyrics a bit to make my point, but she has no problem delivering her message in fine lyrical form that flows and hits with precision.

‘9Live$” is the kind of track that takes multiple lines to truly uncover all the nuance and lyrical punch, but the song also has the hook and easy beat that makes it a fun listen straight off the top.  

Get ready to see and hear a whole lot more of Lay Luscious in the near future as this unstoppable talent is going to stake her place on any scene, she decides to be part of. To learn more now check out her link tree, Lay Luscious.      

A Newcomer Takes in LA on Lock's Underground 420 Fest

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Let’s start with a confession. This article is being written by a cannabis neophyte. But who better, to truly relay the experience of an Underground 420 Fest than someone experiencing it for the first time?

Sure, we could share the take of a Snoop Dogg level smoker, but those that relate on that level, already know what it’s like to experience one of these sesh type events. On the other hand, a new user like myself, is still walking the path of discovery while learning about the culture, the strains, the very terminology and landscape of California’s complex marijuana landscape.

For me the experience wasn’t Mary Janes last dance, but more like a second date with her and her magical pain killing aura. Apologies to Tm Petty for what I did there.  

I’ve been reviewing music and writing the occasional article for LA on Lock for several years, but of course the world was locked down in Covid times for most of that so this was my first opportunity to take part in LA on Lock’s annual 420 event.

Travis Erwin at his first Underground 420 Fest

I told myself I was going more for the music than the weed, but from Snoop to Petty to Willie Nelson and a whole host of other talented artists across multiple genres, cannabis is as key to the creation of music as a steady beat and a tasty lyrical phrase. Despite my decade long efforts, my guitar skills are about as strong as my puff puff pass game so for the most part I’ve been an observer and listener rather than a creator and partaker.

Time for another confession. Despite the fact I stand six-foot five and weigh two-fifty I can’t inhale. I can, but I shouldn’t because I hack and cough and basically ruin the good effects with by coughing up both lungs and my pancreas. I’ve dabbled with edibles, vapes, and THC-infused drinks but my go to ingestion method is tinctures. Just laying it out there I have experienced some of my best sex and best sleep (not at the same time but occasionally the former does precede the latter) while using tinctures. I dose myself every night and doing so has been life changing for me as I’ve struggled with insomnia all my life until I discovered the magic of THC tinctures formulated for sleep.

That is the background and mindset I took into the 2023 version of LA on Lock’s Underground 420 Fest.

When I arrived, a handful of eager festival goers stood by, waiting for the doors to open. I joined them and enjoyed a variety of conversations with the diverse crowd lined up to get in. I chatted with perky twenty-somethings, guys in their sixties that I’m pretty sure spent some of their formative years touring with the Grateful Dead, and took part in a heady debate whether LA is a baseball or basketball town with a handful of guys spanning the gap between. There were four-legged friends as well.

My point is, the event drew people of all ages, various races, and everyone mingled together in absolute harmony. Even the one guy who tried to make an erroneous case that the Rams actually have an avid fan base and the city is becoming a football town as a result. But I’m from Texas and I’ve seen what avid football fans look like so all the weed in the world couldn’t convince me that idea held logic.

I digress.

Outside the door, SumThin 4 ur Mouth Catering offered up food, drinks and snacks for those in line as well as anyone who wanted to step out and grab a bite during the event. I had the Philly Cheese steak a bit later in the night and I wasn’t disappointed. I meant to grab some food from Pastaplug.la but the night got away from me and I never had the pleasure but their offering sure looked and smelled great. Elite Eatz was also on hand and again I didn’t have the stomach room to try any of their offerings though I did a steady moving line indulging in what they had to offer. The event had plenty of food an beverage options for those who couldn’t resist their rising hunger.

But let’s talk about the main event of any 420 event -- Magical Marijuana. An array of knowledgeable growers, vendors, and connoisseurs were on hand. For a newbie like myself this was a golden chance to ask about strains, consumption methods, and the best way to achieve the desired outcome. Some people are just looking to get high and have fun, others are looking for relief of anxiety or tension. Headaches, back pain, inflammation, and of course the old glaucoma we’ve all joked about at some point in time. Marijuana and all its derivatives have something f      to help all of these things and more and I discovered a few new tricks meandering around talking to those far more knowledgeable than myself about this powerful plant and its natural abilities to help us.

I recommend you attend this event or one near you next year and seek out knowledge from the  likes of C Stix, Keke, American Apothecary, Trust Hydroponics, Trust-CBD, and Penthouse Sweets. I spoke to representatives from all these vendors and learned from each of them. Events like this is a great way to gain knowledge so you can try new things and find the products that work for you.

Of course, weed culture is huge as well and there were a number of vendors selling shirts, dominos, hats, stickers, bongs, pipes, all designed to fit the lifestyle and mindset. CKingBeauty will make you look and feel good with their services and products, many of which are hemp based.

Speaking of artful beauty, WHATSKISHADOING had her creations on display and demonstrated her talents with some live painting.

Mr. Brand New provided games from rapid fire nerf balls gun that were as fun to fire off in fully automatic fashion to video games, basketball pong and more. This added to the fun festive environment and everyone I saw taking part was doing so with laughter and smiles.

Of course, I didn’t see wany one at the event that wasn’t in a good mood. Perhaps good deals and good weed is what society needs to step back and realize life is too short for the crazy frantic pace and unnecessary animosity. So prevalent these days.

The music got going later in the night and like the rest of the event there was simple more to dig in and enjoy than I can share here. If I’m honest the night caught up to me and in my euphoria I didn’t catch every name and introduction. The events was MC’s by @youknowfresh with @djyas_theempress providing the music. Performances from @comptonav @adrielcalaway @youngceno @kingofturnuppookiefnrude @guttagone @stevedamarofficial @upallnyt107 @officialyt1 @beachmcgee @the2tonetwinss @moriwhite @tamanijo @deuce.biggs @_itsladyyy and @liildrawzz were on the billing and the crowd was into the scene for the duration.

I perhaps overdid myself and had to step outside for some air through some of it and that is my only regret of the night. Can’t wait to attend LA on Lock future events including this one in 2024.  

My apologies to the vendors, performers, caterers, creatives etc. that I did not get a chance to speak to and include here. I’ll catch y’all next year.

 

Travis Erwin is a blogger and music reviewer for LA on Lock as well as other music outlets. He is the author of four novels, a memoir, and countless short stories. Contact him @Travis Erwin

Underground 420 Fest: Vibes and Friendly to the Culture

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Are you looking for something to do on 4/20 that’s full of vibes and friendly to the culture? Well LA On Lock has that day on LOCK with the Underground 420 Fest.

Every year LA On Lock’s goal is to stick to the theme of “Underground”. In the music world this means Independent artists on the verge. This year the line up is a mix of newcomers and West Coast favorites: Compton AV, Adriel Calaway, Young Ceno, Pookie F’n Rude, YT, Pea McGee, Mori White, Tamani Jo, & LA On Lock’s very own Steve DaMar, Deuce Biggs & UpAllNyt. The first Underground 420 Fest was in 2021, shortly following the lockdown caused by the pandemic. The lockdown was initiated in 2020 and ended in 2021; so concerts and festivals were on pause nationally.

Co-founder of LA On Lock ‘Steve DaMar’ had the idea of starting a virtual concert series where artists/producers/musicians could join us on live & perform some of their music. This was a success & viewers tuned in every week for a new show.

When 2021 came along & the government started announcing plans to end the lockdown, they started to plot on a big return! That’s when our Founder/CEO brought the idea to @mr.whitedogg about investing into a cannabis/music related festival called ‘Underground 420 Fest’.

This is the festival’s first year back since the pandemic and they are truly coming back with a vibe. For the first time ever the venue will have 2 levels! Downstairs will include all the music, performances, bar & most of the vendors. Upstairs will include a few vendors, & an exclusive V.I.P green room. Wait there’s more!!

This year the “Underground 420 Fest” will also have arcade games, vendors with flower, edibles, clothing, a variety of different foods, and gourmet cocktails! So prepare to Vibe! Elevate! and have a good time!