Since the separation of alternative and indie music during the early 90′s (due in part
to bands such as Nirvana and Alice In Chains), indie music and its ridiculous amount of
sub-genres has increasingly gained popularity. Although many of these artists aren’t exactly
rolling in the benjamins or gallivanting through endorsements, their music reflects individuality, ingenuity, and sheer talent; aspects that tend to slough off of mainstream artists as their popularity wanes and record companies morph them into what “everyone wants to hear.”
Deli Magazine, an indie music ‘zine based in New York City, has dedicated its time and efforts to bringing indie artists into the limelight, while leaving their music untouched. Although its initial inception focused on NYC based indie acts, they have expanded to include Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Chicago, and Nashville. Last Wednesday, Deli mag celebrated their third Los Angeles issue with a release party at the Roxy Theatre in Hollywood. After skimming through some of the issues situated at my table, I discovered that Deli is truly a fine replica of what an indie-zine should be.
Although not a full-blown magazine as of yet, the printed version is informative and creative, giving the audience a brief peek into the mindset, musings, and description of the bands they intend to surface. The live performances, at least the ones that I could stay long enough to witness, were very mellow and sophisticated. The first performers were Angela Correa
(from the band Correatown) and Daniel Ahearn (an indie/electronica solo artist). Their performance together, even though very simplistic (merely the two of them and an acoustic guitar apiece), was amazing. Their duets welded beautifully and their individual performances were even more astounding. Angela played a rendition of an old country song entitled “Saturday Night” that revealed the power and skill in her vocals. Her voice is sultry with an accent of angst, and an ample amount of emotion. Although Daniel’s MySpace page incorporates more of his recorded tracks that involve aspects of electronica, his set was merely acoustic, but he had a wonderful voice, and swept you off your feet with his meaningful lyrics and delicate strumming.
The following act was AM, an indie/alternative/pop band, whose music has been used in a variety of television shows and films. The band is named after lead singer/electric and acoustic guitarist AM, who also plays in another indie/psychadelic rock band known as Mondo Domingo (as featured in the third issue of Deli Magazine: Los Angeles). AM’s band, which included a variety of instruments and musicians, had a soulful synchronicity. Their music was, oh I know I shouldn’t say it but, groovy. AM even referred to his music as being influenced by “his soul records.” The release party was fairly entertaining, and for a good cause, too.
Deli Magazine: website
Pingback: AM and Buddy - “Hear Me Sing” | popwreckoning