Fidotrust’s new compilation surveys self-sufficient music in a self-sufficient city

CRYSTAL ANTLERS by JENNIE WARREN

When The District started, I felt lucky because we fell into one of the strongest local music scenes in Southern California——underdocumented by Silverlake-scene media and underrepresented in the LA record stores, but still packed about to bursting within a little loop of bars and studios and independent shops that left everyone within easy reach of everyone else. And when Jackie Ojeda and Oscar Rey announced they’d be releasing the set-to-be-historic Trust Us: A Long Beach Comp—23 unreleased tracks that make a majority swipe through those local musicians on first-name basis with the staff at Prospector and Alex’s—it seemed they felt the same way. (Confirmed when they asked me to write the liner notes!)

Trust Us definitely doesn’t include every single important musician in the city but it speaks to this healthy local moment, when elder bands are coming into new bests (like Greater California—remixed here by {open}’s shea M gauer—or Forcefield ON or Free Moral Agents) and new bands (like Crystal Antlers, Fast Dragon and Soft Hands) are getting ready to best their elders. To coincide with this weekend’s local anti-Coachella four-night fest, we ran what turned out to be an informal survey of every included band—asking where they’ve come from, what they miss, who they listen to and what they hope for in the future, as well as what kind of heap they get to drive. Projects like this make a portrait of something important—self-sufficient music in a self-sufficient city—and better yet is that there’s certainly much more where this came from. // CHRIS ZIEGLER

BLOW UP BLOW
Where in Long Beach is your band most likely to be found when you aren’t playing a show and why?
Dennis Owens (bass): Fresh and Easy. We love that place.
What was the last album you purchased in Long Beach?
The last album I purchased in Long Beach was at Fingerprints last night. It was a 12-inch single of Elvira singing “3-D T.V.” It’s for a friend of mine who entered a contest to find the next Elvira. She won second place.
What Long Beach band’s songs would you best be able to cover? Why? How would you redo them?
I would love to cover “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” by War. BlowUpBlow doesn’t have any “nice-guy” songs in our repertoire and I feel we could do a very wholesome version of it. We would add lots of flowers and incense to our version. Unicorns and mythology, too.
What is your favorite thing in Long Beach that isn’t here anymore? Why?
Two things: The Foothill because it was a great place to play and see live acts and Ken “Allnightrocker” Ramsey because he was a good friend.
What do you drive now and how well would it do in the Long Beach Grand Prix?
I drive a 2007 Geo Metro and it would definitely finish in the lower 10th percent of the Grand Prix finishers.
What one thing do all Long Beach bands have in common besides living in Long Beach?
A sense of shared community. There are lots of different scenes co-mingling in Long Beach because of the close proximity of everything arts-related here. It makes for a healthy musical climate. // CHESNEY HIGGINS

VISIT BLOW UP BLOW AT BLOWUPBLOW.COM OR MYSPACE.COM/BLOWUPBLOW. BLOW UP BLOW PLAY SUNDAY AT ALEX’S.

THE SOFT HANDS
What was the last album you purchased in Long Beach? Where did you get it and what do you like most about it?
Matt Fry (guitar / vocals): I bought the newest Camper van Beethoven from Fingerprints. I got it because there’s this one song that I had to have—someone had put it on a mix tape for me—so I was at Fingerprints and saw it and and bought it.
What was the first show you ever saw in Long Beach? How old were you and what did you think?
The first show I saw was the Sexy Apes and Thinking Aloud about three years ago. There was a whole bunch of bands—10 or 15—but I only remember those two. It’s funny because the singer from the Sexy Apes—Jackie—is now putting together this compilation.
What do you drive now and how well would it do in the Long Beach Grand Prix?
Casey’s got a Ford Ranger that’s pretty aerodynamic, so it might do well. It’s definitely the honorary vehicle of the band right now.
What do all Long Beach bands have in common besides living in Long Beach?
One thing that Long beach bands have in common is friendliness and most have been very helpful to us. Long Beach is not competitive, but in a good way.
Where did this song come from? What’s it about?
We wrote this song when we were practicing at Koo’s in San Pedro—we were in a small room with a view of the harbor. It’s about how people react to things when there’s a perception of competition for limited resources. // APRIL EHRLICH

VISIT THE SOFT HANDS AT MYSPACE.COM/THESOFTHANDS. THE SOFT HANDS PLAY THURSDAY AT THE PROSPECTOR.

THE VALLEY ARENA
Where in Long Beach is your band most likely to be found when you aren’t playing a show and why?
Warren Woodward (guitar/vocals): Admittedly, probably hanging out at one of the same bars we play shows out.
What was the first show you ever saw in Long Beach? How old were you and what did you think?
The first thing I remember seeing was Frank Black playing at a Mexican restaurant-slash-bar that’s not around anymore. Moving here from a very small town, I was like, ‘This city rules! Does stuff like this happen here all the time?’ I stole the glass he was drinking whiskey out of that night. I was very proud of myself.
What Long Beach band’s songs would you best be able to cover? How would you redo them?
We’ve been really into the Fast Dragon CD. They make me wanna play air guitar. We’d probably wouldn’t change a thing about them because they’re pretty awesome.
What is your favorite thing in Long Beach that isn’t here anymore? Why?
Zed Records was pretty awesome. I also miss when Koo’s actually did shows. We’re really lacking a legitimate all ages spot right now, which is embarrassing for a city our size. // ASHLEY JEX

VISIT THE VALLEY ARENA AT THEVALLEYARENA.COM OR MYSPACE.COM/THEVALLEYARENA. THE VALLEY ARENA PLAY FRIDAY WITH BAD DUDES AT PEHRSPACE AND SUNDAY WITH MIKE WATT AT THE PROSPECTOR.

KNIVES OF THE OFFICIAL DISAPPOINTMENT
Where was your favorite place you ever lived in Long Beach?
Jackie Ojeda (vocals, keys): I live in the Rose Park area right now. I like living here because we can rehearse in our garage, and it’s just a walk down the street to the Prospector and a DVD store where we buy our water. It’s like the best tasting water in the whole world, and I don’t know why. It’s just so awesome that it’s at a DVD store.
What is your favorite thing in Long Beach that isn’t here anymore?
The Foothill ─ I get sad when I drive by and see all the condos that have replaced it. Oh no, even worse—I miss the old bowling alley. Now we don’t have a single bowling alley in Long Beach, and that is very sad.
What do you drive now and how well would it do in the Long Beach Grand Prix?
I drive a VW station wagon. It probably wouldn’t do very well, even though it’s turbo charged.
What one thing do all Long Beach bands have in common besides living in Long Beach?
From my experience, it’s just the fact that they all stick out for each other. There are no egos in Long Beach. You might have a night where there are five different kinds of music in one show, but it’ll work out because they are all there together. It’s like a brotherhood, or a sisterhood. // APRIL EHRLICH

VISIT KNIVES OF THE OFFICIAL DISAPPOINTMENT AT MYSPACE.COM/KNIVESOFTHEOFFICIALDISAPPOINTMENT. KNIVES OF THE OFFICIAL DISAPPOINTMENT PLAY SUNDAY AT ALEX’S.

FAST DRAGON
Where in Long Beach is your band most likely to be found when you aren’t playing a show and why?
Mike Garcia (guitar/vocals): Jail.
What was the last album you purchased in Long Beach? Where did you get it and what do you like most about it?
Enya. Found it in the street. When you play it, it smokes.
What was the first show you ever saw in Long Beach?
Evel Knievel.
How old were you and what did you think?
Nine. Ouch!
What Long Beach band’s songs would you best be able to cover?
Anything by Warren G.
How would you redo them?
Electric flute.
Where was your favorite place you ever lived in Long Beach?
The Pier. Third pillar to the left.
Why did you leave if you don’t live there any more?
High tide.
What is your favorite thing in Long Beach that isn’t here anymore?
Snoop.
Why?
Really?!!
What do you drive now and how well would it do in the Long Beach Grand Prix?
Not applicable due to the lack of sleeveless Raiders jersey and flip flops.
What one thing do all Long Beach bands have in common besides living in Long Beach?
They’ve all dated the same girl.
Why?
Ask her.
Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
Itchy.
Where did this song come from?
The Lord.
What’s it about?
Teen pregnancy.
When was it written and why did you choose it for this compilation?
Written in the future. Because our “When Doves Cry” was not accepted.
What is your most recent release so people can listen to your other music?
We got a box set of Stryper covers coming our on the next full moon. See you on the streets. // CHESNEY HIGGINS

VISIT FAST DRAGON AT MYSPACE.COM/FASTDRAGON. FAST DRAGON PLAY SATURDAY AT THE PROSPECTOR.

HORNS
Why did you decide to make this compilation?
Oscar Rey (guitar/vocals): Me and Jackie were coming back from this trip and were talking about how we have our own bands and we put out our own music—I’ve been doing music for almost 20 years—so we thought, ‘Shoot, why don’t we just put our resources together and promote everybody plus our bands? Do something with what’s going on right now?’
Where in Long Beach is your band most likely to be found when you aren’t playing a show and why?
The bars because that’s where the alcohol is at. Prospector and Alex’s, basically. Every bar I go to is walking distance to a friend’s house that I can crash at.
What was the last album you purchased in Long Beach? Where did you get it and what do you like most about it?
Last item I purchased I didn’t purchase. It was given to me. Fast Dragon. I looove Fast Dragon because Mike Garcia, the sexiest man alive, sings for them.
What was the first show you ever saw in Long Beach? Who played and where was it? How old were you and what did you think?
At Fender’s Ballroom in ‘87. I think it was an S.N.F.U. show. I was 16 and it was scary, but fun scary, you know? You always had to worry whether you were gonna get your ass kicked by the skinheads or the Suicidals. There was a lot of violence at Fender’s so I’m not really sad it’s gone. Now the Foothill—that’s depressing. It was a club on Cherry that they tore down to build these shitty condos. It was amazing. This giant western bar, but they threw shows there too. Alex [from Alex’s Bar] used to book there so he had all the shit coming through. The Foothill was a really good place in the mid-’90s and the only thing left of it is the Johnny Cash portrait at Alex’s Bar.
Where did this song come from? What’s it about?
The song is called “Elder Shirley” because while we were writing it some Mormons came to the door and we told one of the guys we played music and he was telling us that before he got saved, he ‘used to be into metal and stuff’ then he found the Lord. I saw his nametag and it said ‘Elder Shirley.’ Dude, that just sounds weird. The lyrics are the sappiest love lyrics I could ever write. Even though the song sounds crazy, the lyrics are the antithesis of the music. // SARAH BENNETT

VISIT HORNS AT THESOUNDOFHORNS.COM OR MYSPACE.COM/HORNS. HORNS PLAY SATURDAY AT THE PROSPECTOR.

LOS MYSTERIOSOS
What was the first show you ever saw in Long Beach?
Alex Hernandez (bass): I saw Run DMC and the Beastie Boys at Long Beach Arena in 7th or 8th grade. But I think the first show I saw was probably the Long Beach Philharmonic at the Convention Center during a field trip from school. I thought it was great. I mean we did get a day out of school, after all.
What one thing do all Long Beach bands have in common besides living in Long Beach?
Alcoholism? I don’t know. It’s not necessarily a good thing, but it’s good for my wallet.
What Long Beach band’s songs would you best be able to cover? Why?
Probably the best would be Bella Novella’s song on the comp—‘La Noche.’ It’s their sort-of Iron Maiden-ish song. We could totally flamenco that song up easily.
What is your favorite thing in Long Beach that isn’t here anymore?
I’d have to say the Pike. I was just a kid when it went under, but I have fond memories of the ladybug ride.
What do you drive now and how well would it do in the Long Beach Grand Prix?
I drive a Dodge Magnum RT, which has a Hemi in it, so, you know, I think it’d do pretty well. // MILES CLEMENTS

VISIT LOS MYSTERIOSOS AT MYSPACE.COM/LOSMYSTERIOSOS. LOS MYSTERIOSOS PLAY FRIDAY AT ALEX’S.

CRYSTAL ANTLERS
Where did this song come from?
Jonny Bell (bass/vocals): “Arcturus” was recorded in San Francisco and was written about six months ago. It’s a quick burst of Crystal Antlers and it was short enough to meet the requirements for the comp.
What do you drive now and how well would it do in the Long Beach Grand Prix?
We drive a 1998 V6 Ford Econoline with 114,000 miles that recently re-appeared after being stolen with all our gear in it. We would win the race—it’s the Magic Van!
Where in Long Beach is your band most likely to be found when you aren’t playing a show and why?
We’re usually sweeping someone’s chimney or stuck in traffic on our way to practice in Anaheim. Our only interests are music and chimneys.
Where was your favorite place you ever lived in Long Beach? Why?
A tiny one-bedroom apartment on Broadway and Falcon. It was cool because the landlord sometimes wouldn’t collect rent until halfway through the month, and there was an old Vietnam Vet named Rudy that I used to drink with who lived downstairs. // ASHLEY JEX

VISIT CRYSTAL ANTLERS AT MYSPACE.COM/CRYSTALANTLERS. CRYSTAL ANTLERS PLAY SATURDAY AT THE PROSPECTOR.

THINKING ALOUD
What was the first show you ever saw in Long Beach? Who played and where was it?
Mark Lira (vocals / guitar): It was the Riverboat Gamblers. I was about 22 and I had just moved here from the Inland Empire and I didn’t know anybody. It was really cool because I just rolled out there by myself. It was at Java Lanes, this big bowling alley with a stage and lounge. Weezer played there—they managed to get such good bands for that time. It’s gone now and I think they put a condominium there or something.
Where was your favorite place you ever lived in Long Beach? Why did you leave?
That would definitely be the Space—it was a warehouse in the industrial part of Long Beach. This small community of artists and musicians would throw these big, cool parties at the warehouse. I must have been to like four shows there and met the people who lived there and I eventually got offered a room. Every day I woke up to music and people rehearsing. There was everything to do with music. There were no windows so it was this dark venue all day. You would just get locked up in that warehouse and never even know what time it was. We were surrounded by the greatest energy. It was a really fun time. Everyone put their love into it and it was run really, really well. So many good bands came through there from Rocco Deluca to the Bronx and Jay Buchanan. I lived there for about two or three years until the place got shut down.
What one thing do all Long Beach bands have in common besides living in Long Beach?
I think it’s the individuality among bands in Long Beach. There are so many bands with so many different styles here. I think that’s one thing Long Beach bands have in common and without even trying. It’s a really good thing. // CAMELLA LOBO

VISIT THINKING ALOUD AT THINKINGALOUDMUSIC.NET OR MYSPACE.COM/THINKINGALOUD. THINKINGALOUD PLAY SUNDAY AT ALEX’S AND WEDNESDAY AT THE VIPER ROOM.

BELLA NOVELA
Where in Long Beach is your band most likely to be found when you aren’t playing a show and why?
Jackie Ojeda (singer): Los Compadres. It’s a restaurant and we all eat there religiously. They have the best Mexican food in the world! After practice we’ll always try and get over there; it’s kind of a band thing to eat there.
Where did this song come from? What’s it about?
One of our main inspirations for the band is that we like to make things really sad and melodramatic. The band name is based off of those Mexican soap operas because telenovelas are really dramatic. With ‘La Noche,’ we wanted to make it was dramatic as we could so it’s got a huge guitar solo in the middle that is almost to the point of ridiculous. The song is written from the point of view of a woman who is in a Spanish soap opera—like what’s going on in her life at the time.
What is your most recent release so people can listen to your other music?
We’re going into the studio at the beginning of fall so there’s no release right now, but you can download all of our songs on Myspace. As soon as we record it, we put it up there. The bigger, the sadder and the more overdramatic the better is what we’re thinking. // SARAH BENNETT

VISIT BELLA NOVELA AT MYSPACE.COM/BELLANOVELA. BELLA NOVELA PLAY FRIDAY AT ALEX’S.

FREE MORAL AGENTS
Where in Long Beach is your band most likely to be found when you aren’t playing a show and why?
Reid Kinnett (keys/effects): When we’re not playing or practicing, we generally don’t spend a lot of time together. Ikey’s so busy, you know—when we’re not playing he’s almost always on tour with Mars Volta and stuff. I’m usually working at the Prospector and Dennis has Good Foot and everything. But I suppose the Prospector is the place. Ikey frequents it quite a bit—we owe him some favors. Jesse lives right around the corner, too. Also, I’m usually anywhere there’s good wine.
What was the last album you purchased in Long Beach? Where did you get it and what do you like most about it?
Ah, it’s tough to keep track of these things. I think it was Suicide’s self-titled album. I like the sparseness of it, the lo-fi sound. It has a dark feel but it’s still kinda dancey.
What Long Beach band’s songs would you best be able to cover? Why? How would you redo them?
I almost want to say Crystal Antlers. It wouldn’t be Blow Up Blow—that would just be weird. I think I’d have to say Crystal Antlers even though it’d be tough because they’re a pretty guitar-driven band. I think we’d make a Crystal Antlers song a little sparser with less of that constant barrage of noise that they’re so good at.
What is your favorite thing in Long Beach that isn’t here anymore? Why?
Some people in the band would probably say the Foothill. For me, I don’t know. The Spruce Goose would be a pretty damn funny answer! But I miss Day’s End—I miss the way Mike and Rob worked together.
What do you drive now and how well would it do in the Long Beach Grand Prix?
I’m driving a white 1979 Jaguar. Considering that none of my windows and turn signals work, I don’t think it’s ready to go. But maybe a little maintenance beforehand and it’d do alright. // MILES CLEMENTS

VISIT FREE MORAL AGENTS AT FREEMORALAGENTS.COM OR MYSPACE.COM/FREEMORALAGENTS.

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Tags: alex's bar, comp, fidotrust, Long Beach, Music, prospector, turst us