PLAG: Elohim, VUM, vōx, Alina Bea & Rebel and a Basketcase
Play Like A Girl left the kids at home in its third iteration at The Echo. Skipping it's usual mid-day Saturday all ages extravaganza, the female-focused showcase took place on a Thursday night with an 18 and up restriction. Though fret not, young ones: They'll be presenting their own stage at Echo Park Rising later this month where you can enjoy a full day of curated musical goodness.
The night started off with Alina Bea taking center stage, who you might recognize from commanding guitar on stage with Steady Holiday last month followed by vōx dressed in a veil and crown. Rebel and a Basketcase jumped on next, playing their third show of 80s-inspired goodness after their recent debut at the Bootleg. VUM continued to keep the audiences entranced until Elohim (above) hit the stage, mysteriously masked behind a head of hair and being a lady not afraid of rocking some dark synths and aesthetic on stage.
As usual, the night brought more than music into the fray. The first guests were given special Play Like A Girl lighters via The Pretty Cult and were joined again by the ever-awesome Lorna Alkana doing portraits on-site on the outdoor patio. The month's zine featured a collage of portraits by Erin Newman, digital collage by Robin Mercia of AWMYL Design Studio, tattoo art by Sarah Swanson, lyrics by Sofia Anita Reyes, photography from Sinziana Velicescu's series On The Periphery, recommendations and, as usual, band haikus.
Photography by Anna Maria Lopez
Alina Bea
When was the first time you picked up an instrument? How did you learn to play?
I started taking guitar lessons when I was 6, but I had been singing pretty much constantly since long before that. Adding guitar to the picture felt pretty natural and I started writing songs immediately.
What female figures in the music industry do you most look up to?
Kate Bush for her fearlessness and clarity of vision and Bjork for her utter uniqueness and brave vulnerability.
What is one of the most challenging things you've had to overcome with being an artist?
Self-doubt was my biggest obstacle for most of my life. Learning how to push through it took a long time.
What instruments do you currently play? And, if you had to pick any you could learn instantly, what would you choose?
I sing and play guitar and keys. I really want to learn how to play the drums! The physicality of it seems very exciting.
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Rebel and a Basketcase
When was the first time you picked up an instrument? How did you learn to play?
Evan: My brother gave me my first guitar when I was 15. I learned every Nirvana song. I started playing bass when Zach handed one to me and said, "You're playing bass on this song."
Zach: I grabbed a guitar when I was in high school. I was at a boarding arts high school at the time and my roommate was from Macedonia and was a self-taught metal guitarist. So between his influences and listening to John Mayer on repeat, that's how I discovered the instrument. I learned everything else out of necessity for producing and songwriting.
What female figures in the music industry do you most look up to?
Cyndi Lauper, Annie Lennox, Patti Smith.
What is one of the most challenging things you've had to overcome with being an artist?
Evan: Fear of what other people think, but it's essential you lose that almost immediately.
Zach: What Ev said.
What instruments do you currently play? And, if you had to pick any you could learn instantly, what would you choose?
Evan: I play bass, guitar, theremin, synth and a little drums. All in moderation. It's my dream to learn how to play the saw.
Zach: Guitar, bass, drums, violin and charango. [I want to play the] trumpet!
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vōx
When was the first time you picked up an instrument? How did you learn to play?
I was probably around 6 when I first started taking piano lessons.
What female figures in the music industry do you most look up to?
I most look up to strong female artists like Bjork, FKA Twigs, and M.I.A. Their visions are uncompromising.
What is one of the most challenging things you've had to overcome with being an artist?
My own fear and stage fright.
What instruments do you currently play? And, if you had to pick any you could learn instantly, what would you choose?
I'm a vocalist, but I also play a little piano. I would love to know how to play drums!
