Levi plays the electric guitar and the “Gu Zheng” or Chinese harp; he is the only person in the world to perform on these two instruments simultaneously! He is a familiar sight to Angelinos at Venice Beach, or at Universal Studios Hollywood. He has sold nearly 50,000 copies of the 7 CDs he has released, and has been seen and heard on television and radio across, Europe, North America and Asia.
A very hip local band, Capital Pusher, preaches love and funk to the world. Formed in 1997 by lead singer/bassist Nick Richetta, this band has been selling out shows for years. Nick teamed up with vocalist/keyboard player Rual Deleon in 1998 and the rest has been history. Capital Pusher is also comprised of Sean Sherrod on drums, Charlie Hitchcock in guitar, Chris Brown on sax, and Chris Hancock on sax. These guys love the music that they make. Their shows have a great vibe with up-beat energy. Capital Pusher is a must see band. Come join in on The Push.
The group Hollow Log was born when a group of old friends got together way back in 1997 in Los Angeles, California. David Markowitz plays violin, mandolin and sings. Jim Knight plays percussion. Paul Lacques plays guitar and sings. Marc Doten plays bass. And Steven Woodruff plays the accordion and sings as well. The band Hollow Log is self-described as "an all-acoustic wall of hillbilly energy, heavily seasoned with Cajun, Gypsy, and Celtic traditional music." The five-member group has performed at events for the Getty Center, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and KCET-TV. Hollow Log has a sound that's all their own. It's too hard to really categorize, so you better heard it for yourself. You'll be happy that you did.
Raised in New York City and Los Angeles, Metis Cole brings a true bi-costal flavor to his music. He started making beats and writing lyrics as a young teenager. In fact, Metis has been teaming up with Second Son and Bravo for over ten years. A decade later, Metis Cole's rhythm and poetry have evolved into one of the most complete hip-hop sounds around. Let his slamming beats move your body but don't forget to follow the lyrics. Because Meti's verses, like those of Second Son, are the creme de la creme of rap music. Look out for Bravo as well. This is a man possessed. You'll be humming his tracks in the shower before you know it.
Their music has been compared to everything under the sun, a fine indication that no one quite knows what it sounds like. Familiar, and experimental all at the same time, this is a sound comparable to none. Definitely some of the most accomplished young musicians ever to set foot in the Hen House.
Taken from the documentary film "Critical Times - Fishbone's Hen House Sessions" (available at www.HenHouseStudios.com) Synopsis: In 2001, the legendary, influential and voraciously eclectic band Fishbone arrived to record their newest material at Hen House Studios. The seamless blend of multi-angle cinema verite and time lapse photography turns day to night and back again as the band pleads, cajoles, threatens and uses every trick in the book to bring their music alive. The film does nothing to demystify Fishbone's potent Juju - after nearly a quarter century touring and composing together - their unique magic is still operating at it's nutmost. Band documentaries may come and go - but this is Fishbone. Way up close
House Brew is a seven-piece band with a horn section. They are best described as a groovy funky dance blend with a vast repertoire of styles and sounds. They can be mellow or extremely up-beat, switching and using different instruments to fit the mood. The smooth, laid-back style of the lead vocalist is beautifully complemented with the rich, savory harmonies sung by the rest of the band. House Brew meets the recommended daily allowance of phat calories and good vibes.
Maria has performed as the opening act for the likes of Jazz greats Chuck Mangione in LA and Bob Dorough in Columbus, Ohio. She was backed by the Richard Sherman Trio in LA and Eugene Walker in Ohio. As a back up singer for Stuart Guest Band Maria sang with Bobby Kimble, Lead singer for the band Toto. Maria fondly recalls meeting the great Nancy Wilson at Splash in Redondo Beach. She was rendering her interpretation of Who Can I Turn To? with Richard Sherman, when Ms. Wilson stepped up to the bandstand and began to sing. Maria was most willing to pass the microphone to one of her all time idols.
Reggae from Orange County California. Playing together since '97, this group brings the simple things together to create a greater whole.
All the way from the mountain towns of Yosemite, California, Deemed Unscenic rolled up to The Hen House in a couple pickup trucks filled with gear. After they unloaded, they got down to the business of making music with a degree of passion rarely seen. An infusion of rock, funk, speed metal and reggae, Deemed Unscenic has something for everyone. The group, three years in the going, consists of Phil Kettner on lead slide and acoustic guitar, Eamon Schneider on lead and background vocals, drums and guitar, Greg Archer on lead and background vocals, drums and guitar, and Carl Tilton on bass. A local writer by the name of Adam Finney summed up this group best when he described their music: "often erupting into insane jams that take the listener through many phases of consciousness, finally returning one's euphoric self to a dancing body." If you're ever up in their area, check them out in the local bars and festivals. You won't be disappointed.
Ethan's music has been changing ever since he picked up the guitar at age 14. He moved to Los Angeles in September 2003, "to see the tumbleweed rolling down the beach". His music has been featured on Hen House projects, as well as in the movie "How to Make it in New York on Fifteen Dollars a Day" (summer of 2004). His songs are never easily classified, which he apparently takes great pride in; "What passes for music on the radio these days fuels nothing more than conversations about how stale the mainstream is. It's a very good time for me to be establishing my art. Things are beginning to stir, not just in music but also in people's attitudes. I feel like the great pendulum is about to take a long overdue swing towards the better." With over 100 songs written Ethan will be one to watch.
Heat of Anger - In 2001, the legendary, influential and voraciously eclectic band Fishbone arrived to record their newest material at the Henhouse, a free community recording studio. The only rule: leave your shoes at the door. The film centers primarily on the creation and recording of the songs in the studio - giving a privileged viewpoint as if one were a member of the band. Band documentaries may come and go - but this is Fishbone. Way up close.
Ampersand is one of those bands that you have to love. Four guys, friends since grade school, got together to make the music that they love. Ryan Loyko is the lead singer. Eric Williams is on guitar, Pete Nevins is on the drums and George Kent plays bass. Ampersand, named after the "and symbol" above the number 7 on your keyboard, is a band from Orange County, California. Their music could be described as alternative punk/rock. A cross between Sublime and Green Day comes to mind. The real point is that they are very good. Ampersand's music rocks hard and there are great changes in each song. Look out for this band playing live in your area. They'll put on a entertaining show. By the way, The Hen House hasn't met a better group of guys.
Beyond Rhythm formed in the summer of 2000 in Riverside California. Influenced by the roots and culture of Jamaica and Africa the band brings forth a positive message of truth and righteousness. Recently, the band broke out of Riverside and played shows throughout California, sometimes opening up for such international Reggae stars as Inner Circle, Pato Banton and Frankie Paul.
Cattywompus formed in Los Angeles in the year 2000 out of a pure love of music and its ability to stir emotion in the minds of the audience. Lead by frontman Neeatz and anchored by the seamless rhythm team of brothers, bassist James Webber and drummer John Webber (known as the "Bro Shaq Style"), the Cattywompus lineup represents a diverse set of influences that unite in one, multi-dimensional sound. With Aaron Bateman's lead guitar and The Witch Doc's percussion, Cattywompus applies a sense of classic funk rock to a fresh, progressive movement that is soulful, powerful and original. After the release of their five-song EP, entitled "Backwards Evolution", Cattywompus has gained significant notoriety in the Los Angeles music scene and beyond. Cattywompus has found their fit in the underground music scene with bands such as Weapon of Choice, Fishbone, Trulio Disgracias, Orgone, Jabudah and Poopan.
Michael C. Ford is the first poet to record at the Hen House. He has recited his poems with music accompaniment on two different projects thus far. The first had John Densmore, a Hen House veteran, drumming while Ford read a poem about the history of the American drummer. Ford has a wonderfully expressive voice and a great delivery. His writing is intelligent and very witty. Ford often draws from history and politics as subject matter. Ford's work was recognized in 1998 when he was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and in 1986 when he was nominated for a Grammy.
Fanny Franklin knows all about Hen House Studios. She sang with Trulio Disgracias and Lonnie Marshall this past year. Now Fanny is doing her own thing, creating a handful of wonderful songs that The Hen House truly enjoyed. With Fanny's warm voice and soulful lyrics over a bed thick bass lines and solid drum licks, all those listening will be moved. Fanny's talents are no secret around here. She sings with Daka and Megan Jacobs. and has sung along side Macy Gray. If you think that the name Fanny Franklin has a nice sound to it, wait until you hear her music. This woman is setting a new standard with her voice here in Los Angeles.
FATAL CHARM was formed in 1996 in Los Angeles by Orlando Ravelo and singer/guitarist George Nakhla. As freshmen in high school, they teamed up with classmates Steven De Luna on bass and Michael La Pnza on guitar to form the quartet. Influenced by bands such as Korn and the Deftones, they began creating emotionally, hard-core music, otherwise known as "emo-core". The band is ethnically diverse, coming from Mexican-Indian, Egyptian, Italian, and Cuban backgrounds. After four years of experience and playing together, their close friendship bonds their music. Graduating from high school this spring, Fatal Charm looks forward to completing their demo and coming closer to their dream of bringing their music to a mass audience.
Santa Ana, California is the home to the roots, rub a dub reggae sounds of Isouljahs. The group was formed in 1992 by band members Mikey Gamboa and Edgar Gonzalez. Mikey is on lead vocals and rhythm guitar and Edgar plays the drums. Isouljahs also features Tony "Jah T" Nguyen on keyboards and melodica, Chris Bibler on bass and Chuy Gallegos on guitar. This band is true to the conscious roots rasta reggae that they play and love. Isouljahs has played clubs and festivals all over California. They are the best "homegrown" reggae band around. They have shared the stage with such reggae greats as Burning Spear, Culture and Bunny Wailer. Isouljahs is roots reggae music at its best. Their conscious lyrics and heavy rhythms are ancient vibrations coming from the past and headed for the future.
Art folk rocker and actor Justin.
Not finding what you want? View results from YouTube.
Comments