I’m a 19 year old photographer from Los Angeles, California. I’ve been practicing photography for around two years and it has become something that has incorporated itself into my daily life. When I was 16, I started playing in punk bands around the Los Angeles area and started getting into the big alternative scene in LA. Skating, music, surfing, and street culture are all concepts that I try to document and capture in my photography.
The first photo is called “California Bros,” shot on medium format film. It’s inspired by my two best friends who love to surf.
My next shot is called “Skating in the Dark,” shot on 35mm film. This shot was taken as a candid of my friend hanging out one night listening to music and skating.
The main goal of my work is to document people’s passion through simple film/digital photography with minimal edits.
I went out to the desert with a few of my friends a few days before Coachella and we took advantage of the time we had there and made it a bit of a creative trip - this is the outcome of it.
I spoke with Gavin Valladares, the drummer of Dem Bones, about the group’s creative influences, redefining their band identity and curating a one of a kind concert experience.
MOLLY ALEXANDER: You mentioned that 3 of the 4 members of Dem Bones used to be in the band Running On Empty. How has this previous experience influenced your current sound and values?
GAVIN: Our previous experience influenced our new sound and values because we love energy. Our energy is infectious and translates through our crowds at shows. We enjoy playing more upbeat type songs, and there's a few songs that we very quickly learned will always be a great song to cover such as “Bulls On Parade.”
Your music is reminiscent of both 90s grunge and early punk. Who are your biggest musical influences and what inspires your band outside of the music world?
Biggest Influences: Rage Against the Machine, Soundgarden, RHCP, Smashing Pumpkins, and Foo Fighters.
Our influences outside of the music world tend to be artists. For Gavin, he loves artists like Basquiat and Chihuly.
Live performances are a big part of your band identity. What is your favorite song to perform and what is something you'd like your fans to take away from your shows?
Our favorite song to perform might have to be “Bulls On Parade” and we want all fans to take away a sense of family and a fun night every time they come to a show.
(photos from @cristinacasa)
How has your view of music and performance presence shifted since your first concert?
After our first concerts, we were all suddenly aware that there was so much more than just recording and releasing a song. For some bands, the live element is the most important part.
Any crazy performance stories?
At our last show, we had a huge showing specifically for our set and were playing under a little terrace. I'm not sure what song it happened during but a huge mosh pit erupted and there were other people hanging from the terrace while we played. That was crazy.
What makes up a typical songwriting session? What comes first, the lyrics or the core instrumentals?
Usually one of us will develop a song on our own and bring it to practice, then each person adds their little nuances and the song slowly but surely takes shape.
Lyrically, what themes and thoughts are you typically drawn to?
Lyrically, we like to examine the thoughts inside of all minds and why people think certain things. Other than that, we write about past or current personal experiences.
Online music streaming sites are highly saturated with an abundance of musicians trying to make their break. How have you distinguished you band apart from other DIY Alt grunge groups?
We have a passion and energy that combines itself with all of our friends coming to shows to create an awesome environment. Our shows have a super friendly environment where everyone is friends until they're in the pit.
What do u see for the future of DIY music? How can bands thrive in an increasingly produced industry?
DIY bands have to stick together and support one another. That's why we make it such a specific part of our goal to build a community around music. A community is the band, the fans, and anyone who wants to be involved in one big music family.
What's next for Dem Bones? Any upcoming shows or music fans can look out for?
We are playing a big art collective/swap meet type event on July 12 and playing a festival on July 19. We are looking to release a single soon and then a full length album!
Follow @dembonesband to stay up to date with future shows and song releases.
I saw Lala Lala for the first time in winter of 2017 when they opened for Cherry Glazerr. I had never heard of them before, had never listened to any of their music. Regardless, their music blew me away, and I was in love as soon as I heard them perform a cover of together PANGEA’s “Night of the Living Dummy.” Lillie West’s soft voice and emotional lyrics instantly drew me in and I went home that night and started to listen to Sleepyhead.
Lala Lala’s second album The Lamb came out in 2018 and was praised upon its release for the intimacy of West’s lyrics, as well as the musicianship put forth by the band. Personally, The Lamb was one of my favorite albums of last year, and it became the soundtrack to my winter.
I was excited to be able to see Lala Lala again earlier in June, as they made a stop at Big Room Bar in Columbus. A small, intimate venue with lovely lights and ambience, Big Room Bar proved to be a great venue for Lala Lala to perform their succinct yet comprehensive set. Playing most of the songs off The Lamb, including stand outs “I Get Cut” and “Water Over Sex,” I was blown away by Lille’s stage presence and the way she brings in the audience with the emotional aspect of her lyrics. Ending the evening with a stand out performance of “Destroyer,” Lala Lala definitely put on a set that I will not soon forget. Lillie joked at the beginning of the night that if they hadn’t had a successful set at Big Room Bar that they’d never return to Columbus again. Fortunately, I don’t think that will be of concern. Lala Lala’s set at Big Room Bar was one of the best shows I’ve been to this year, and I am excited to see the future of this band.
Follow Tricia on Instagram to see more of her work.
Doing this series was very fun and exciting! I really love and appreciate how my friends trust me when I tell them to do certain poses and all my different ideas. This was something I recently worked on and I’m really proud of how they turned out.
Model: Chantrea Robinson
Follow Natalie on Instagram to see more of her work.
If you’re in desperate need of some new bangers, look no further. Comprised of lead singer Melissa, Jackie on the drums, Kate on guitar, and Keilah on keyboard and bass, The Aquadolls are a California-based, self-proclaimed psychedelic surf-punk girl band whose music is fitting for every occasion. Right now, they’re releasing their new music video for the song "Bleach," which can guarantee some headbanging and even a guest appearance by Coldhart!
"Bleach" is completely propelled by angst. It’s the ninth track on their 2018 album The Dream and the Deception and Melissa describes it as “the turning point in the album where it shifts into the deception segment, where love is lost and the first reaction to this loss is anger. This song represents the pains of heartbreak, when all you wanna do is hurt back the person who hurt you worse.” You can feel this intensely through the steady but forceful drum beats and the unequivocally raw vocals. Not to mention the fun, vengeful lyrics. Melissa continues by saying “The chain in the music video, also pictured on the album cover, represents how I was bound by someone holding my true self back, and now that I am free from them, take the chains and tangle them up in the mess they started, forcing them to suffer a little bit of the pain I felt. Now while I would not recommend anyone chain their ex’s to a chair and pour bleach on them, this is a dramatization of a dream I once had on getting my revenge. Once again, do not try this at home!!! Only in your head. Maybe.”
As for the experience behind making the video, it sounds like a truly amazing time. Jackie said she loved sitting as their fans skated around the band in Little Tokyo. I was ecstatic to hear that during The Aquadolls’ live soundchecks, Jackie likes to yell her favourite line from "Bleach": “with a blow torch instead!” into the microphone repeatedly. Kate enjoyed holding some pretty symbolic candles during the shoot - they drip red, as though bleeding, “representing the bloody mess a heartbreak can leave you in” she says. Keilah was admittedly freezing in her crop top, but served some serious looks throughout. This was a monumental experience for the band as this was the first music video they all shot together.
But wait! There’s more! The band will be embarking on their Cali Aquababe tour, playing Warped Tour at Mountain View, as well as headlining in Sacramento, Fresno, and their first show in Bakersfield. Those of you fortunate enough to live in the area, go go go! They’ll be playing some classics, songs from their latest album, a new song or two, and a couple covers.
Jul 18 - Temblor - Bakersfield, CA Jul 20 - Vans Warped Tour - Mountain View, CA Jul 21 - Goldfield Trading Post - Sacramento, CA Jul 22 - Strummer's - Fresno, CA Jul 28 - Belly Up Tavern - Solanda Beach, CA (21+)
We are thrilled and honored to be able to share with you a brand new music video for the Aquadolls' track "Bleach," shot + edited by dashymedia. Watch the video below and then keep scrolling to read an exclusive interview with The Aquadolls by Molly Alexander!
DISSOLVING FILM: Who or What inspired the visuals in your latest music video for "Bleach"? (any films, artists, things outside the music world, etc.)
JACKIE PROCTOR (Drums): I feel like it’s inspired by fucked up boys taking advantage of relationships and girls being like hell no bye bitch!
MELISSA BROOKS (Vocals and guitar): I was really inspired by red and black for this song and feel those colors represent the bloody nightmare heartbreak can be. As far as visual inspiration goes, I really love the scene in Texas Chainsaw Massacre where the main girl Sally is tied to a chair and how every one was taunting her, and I wanted to reverse the roles and situation in the video. Instead of chainsaws, pour bleach on your ex??? Also, I would never condone anyone to do such a thing, but this was definitely inspired by horror movies and how bad I wanted to get even with people of my past relationships.
What is your favorite song to perform and what would you like fans to take away from your shows? KATE ROSE (Guitar): My favorite song to play is “Runaway” because it totally opens up the pit. It’s super punk rock and changes the mood from our other love songs. I hope our fans take away that
1. Girls can do anything
2. Our show is a safe space for everyone
3. We love you!!
JACKIE: My favorite song to perform live is “sick sad motherfuck” because it’s fast aggressive and gets out my emotions without me ever having to say them in words.
KEILAH NINA (Keyboard and Bass): I would say my favorite song to play live would be “Runaway”! It’s one of the first songs I got to learn on bass other than “Wander.” I really really love how it sounds all together and how the bass really made the song sound super full! It’s a real crowd pleaser and gets people head banging. I also really like playing the new song live! We don’t really have a name for it yet and haven’t played it at too many shows BUT it’s so so fun and raw. I’m so certain it’s going to turn into a crowd pleaser once we record, release, and start playing it live more!! <3
MELISSA: I love playing “Runaway (The Jam)” live! I love when the bass and guitars harmonize in the second breakdown, and then I get to put my guitar down and get everyone to clap and party with us!! It always gets the pit going. I also love singing “communicationissexy/idkhow2communicate” with the band because everyone sings together and Jackie made up some lines in between lyrics that aren’t on the recording. It’s fun to jam new ideas and try things differently live!! We also make the chorus heavier on “communication” and it’s always so surreal to see people singing along with us in the audience! The OG songs always get down live as well, like “Wander” and “Our Love Will Always Remain.” We’re going to throw in some older songs on this tour too, so I’m super excited to see how show goers react! Never be afraid to be a bad bitch and be unapologetically YOU. Much love and can’t wait to see you on tour!! Interview by Molly Alexander
My name is A.R. Clark, and I am a photographer based out of Bangor, Maine. I mostly shoot fine art and portrait photography. I am obsessive with telling stories through photos and matching glamour with the melancholy of the complicated relationships we all have with each other.
These pieces were shot on Kodak Gold 200 on an Olympus point and shoot. The series is called "fly me in a rocket past the sun." It stemmed from the idea that if you were an alien, then at least there would be a home planet to escape to.
Follow A.R. on Instagram and check out their website to see more of their work.
What do u see for the future of DIY music? How can bands thrive in an increasingly produced industry?
"Bleach" is completely propelled by angst. It’s the ninth track on their 2018 album The Dream and the Deception and Melissa describes it as “the turning point in the album where it shifts into the deception segment, where love is lost and the first reaction to this loss is anger. This song represents the pains of heartbreak, when all you wanna do is hurt back the person who hurt you worse.” You can feel this intensely through the steady but forceful drum beats and the unequivocally raw vocals. Not to mention the fun, vengeful lyrics. Melissa continues by saying “The chain in the music video, also pictured on the album cover, represents how I was bound by someone holding my true self back, and now that I am free from them, take the chains and tangle them up in the mess they started, forcing them to suffer a little bit of the pain I felt. Now while I would not recommend anyone chain their ex’s to a chair and pour bleach on them, this is a dramatization of a dream I once had on getting my revenge. Once again, do not try this at home!!! Only in your head. Maybe.”
As for the experience behind making the video, it sounds like a truly amazing time. Jackie said she loved sitting as their fans skated around the band in Little Tokyo. I was ecstatic to hear that during The Aquadolls’ live soundchecks, Jackie likes to yell her favourite line from "Bleach": “with a blow torch instead!” into the microphone repeatedly. Kate enjoyed holding some pretty symbolic candles during the shoot - they drip red, as though bleeding, “representing the bloody mess a heartbreak can leave you in” she says. Keilah was admittedly freezing in her crop top, but served some serious looks throughout. This was a monumental experience for the band as this was the first music video they all shot together.
Jul 18 - Temblor - Bakersfield, CA
What is your favorite song to perform and what would you like fans to take away from your shows?
MELISSA: I love playing “Runaway (The Jam)” live! I love when the bass and guitars harmonize in the second breakdown, and then I get to put my guitar down and get everyone to clap and party with us!! It always gets the pit going. I also love singing “communicationissexy/idkhow2communicate” with the band because everyone sings together and Jackie made up some lines in between lyrics that aren’t on the recording. It’s fun to jam new ideas and try things differently live!! We also make the chorus heavier on “communication” and it’s always so surreal to see people singing along with us in the audience! The OG songs always get down live as well, like “Wander” and “Our Love Will Always Remain.” We’re going to throw in some older songs on this tour too, so I’m super excited to see how show goers react! Never be afraid to be a bad bitch and be unapologetically YOU. Much love and can’t wait to see you on tour!!
