Los Angeles-based indie rock musician brookelen told us about her experience at DIY club LAX...
brookelen: There is nothing better than being in a real, breathing music scene, and when the stars align, a great concert can transcend a spirit like nothing else. I love to play as much as possible and simultaneously absorb the magic of other musicians and performances. Living in L.A. is the right place for that. Last week, my band and I played at Oblivion, I played a solo set at Silverlake Lounge, and then we played a rocking east side house show Saturday night. This week, I saw Liz Phair and Sleater Kinney at the Greek Theatre (Tuesday), my friend had a plus one to catch Bikini Kill I couldn't turn down (last night), and six months ago I bought a ticket to see my favorite of all time, Cat Power, at Pappy + Harriets in the desert, come Friday. This is a typical week for me, I can't even lie. I also dropped a new single today...So with that context, music freak and avid showgoer, I answer this question earnestly: What is the best show I've ever seen?
I let it sit for a second. I always come back to the community. No matter how special it is to see my icons play, I wish Liz Phair would put down her clear cut gutiar and AI background, and to the multitude of men in front of me at the Bikini Kill show getting passive-aggressive last night, I was trying to dance to Kathleen Hanna and be a riot girl, and you made my blood boil. My only moment of relief was being in a tiny dance mosh for 'Rebel Girl' when some of the men cleared before the band's encore. Anyways, almost a year ago today, I think it was September 16th, I saw friends and friends of friends play a show curated by Sierra Skinner in DTLA.
The bill was Punxsatawney, girljockey, Fat Lady Sang. Sold out. The DIY venue: LAX (now shut down, and glad I can say I played there before it closed). I think it's the best show I've ever seen. I love seeing Punxatawney; they are a staple LA band of instrumental post-rock goodness. I've been lucky to briefly play in another project with Punx lead guitarist and KXLU DJ jockey Sam Takano. I came in alone at the tail end of their set. I've seen them many times, so this was really just setting the mood for the night. I recommend catching their set in full, but I often show up a little late for openers. Enter Girljockey. This show transpired shortly after Girljockey put out their debut self-titled record, which was one of my favorites last year. Lead singer and guitarist Gillian is enigmatic and a world builder. If PJ Harvey could give anyone their baton, I think it'd be to Gillian.
They've also got a stellar band to amplify intense, personal, and cathartic songs. "Manhood is a slaughter, and to me, you're just a doe. They all say you want her, but maybe just let me know." Always blows me away, but there was something special about this night. One of the first-ever house shows I played in LA (and one of my worst), I opened for Girljockey, and it really set the stage for how I wanted to grow and build my own band from scratch. Jackson Vann, guitarist in Girljockey when he is done playing, is one of the freest and happiest dancers in any crowd. Freedom and encouragement to move is a plus of scene shows, and I always feel lucky sliding next to him in a crowd. So we danced. I bought a Girljockey CD that night, which I spin quite frequently, driving my 2002 Silver Lexus around LA. Lastly, Fat Lady Sing. It was my first time seeing Fat Lady Sang in person. Blew me away, the recorded stuff still rocks, but nothing like it sounds live. You'll have to catch them sometime.
brookelen's EP DARK SIDE OF THE SUN is out October 23.
Photo by Emily Krisky
