Broke LA is my favorite local festival. Spread out over a day, it features LA’s hautest up and coming acts in industrial settings. It’s the festival you go to to catch everyone you missed because you had to work early the next day. It’s Saturday, y’all!
There’s also a dog adoption area where you can meet furry friends, a short film screening area, food and art for days and a stage for comedians. Kyle Kinane headlined this year. It was real cool.
Omniboi was the first act I was pumped to see. He was the first person I saw as I walked in. Serendipity.
This man plays solo piano with a rhythm and cool Ive only dreamt of. His left hand is fierce as hell, and I took many notes. There’s heavy soca influence and more than a little Prince.
He was also the most stylish person in attendance. Bar none.
Next I took in a short film by Sasha Gransjean, a haunting and sound-rich piece that features one of my favorite people in LA. Political and fierce and distinctly Los Angeles. I may or may not have contacted him for my next video.
Goosehappen aka Colin O’brien Lux put on a cerebral and melancholy set that drew a thick crowd. His handsome grown man looks mixed with obscure samples and gorgeous melodies gave strong James Blake feels.
I bought a dashiki.
Next I checked out Bloodboy. This is a band I will be watching for. Their sound was bombastic as hell, delivered with pure fire by a captivating lead singer. I took maybe 50 photos during their set.
Her fly-ass outfit mixed with an unflinching command of the stage mesmerized me. The song ‘Human Female’ nearly brought me to tears.
I bought a ten dollar jungle juice tasting drink.
Next was Dream Machines. I saw a video of theirs about a year ago and I instantly followed them on everything. I saw them on the rooftop at the Ace Hotel and instantly fell. Off the roof. And in love with the band.
They were tight and super fun and had the strongest songs of the night. Lead singer Harry May Kline – decked out in bellbottoms and a fresh ass ascot – delivered 80s tinged pop with the skill of newly young Darryl Hall. I am rooting for these people.
I smoked weed in a porta-john.
Closing that stage was Tickle Torture. Damn, y’all. This was very-much-so it. Dripping wet funk with six background dancers painted gold while lead singer Elliot Kozel sang lyrics like ‘fuck me with the lights on’ got me going.
I’ve seen Tickle Torture many times but this was the best they’ve been. There’s an assuredness and real musicality shining through. I took a ton of video as people tossed giant orbs around the crowd. There was also a confetti shower and a lot of crumping.
Someone threw an orb at me while I was texting. My screen is cracked. I cant wait for next year.
