Los Angeles is the place to be for up-and-coming bands.
Iconic venues, one of the largest pools of music fans, music executives, and the overall hype of the city is what makes LA an incubator for aspiring artists. From opening slots to free show residencies, to headlining tours, we've fallen in love with these hometown acts that make us proud and rep the best of LA. Join us with Caliva on our path to local music discovery and raise a glass to some of your future favorite bands.
To make for easy listening, we put together a local playlist where you can listen to our favorite records from each of these bands. Plus, if there's anything that goes hand-in-hand with new music, it's firing up a joint, relaxing, and taking it all in. Caliva knows the deal and is hooking you up with 30% off your order if it's your first time with code 'DOLA30' or 20% off for returning customers with code 'DOLA20'. Download the Caliva app and earn $15 off your next Caliva app purchase. Now let's get to discovering.
The Linda Lindas
Instagram | Spotify
You just can't make this stuff up. The punk rock girl gang that make up The Linda Lindas made a huge impact in the local music scene this year with their single 'Racist, Sexist Boy', which went viral on YouTube in a matter of days. After playing opening slots for respected bands such as Bikini Kill, Best Coast and Bleach, it's safe to say that this young band has a bright (and really punk rock) future ahead of them.
Where to see them next: Head in the Clouds Music Festival at Brookside Park on 11/6 - 11/7
The Jacks
Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
They are not just a rock band, they are a new age rock n' roll band. The Jacks can fire up a room with just a simple riff of the guitar. With a heavy influence from '60's and '70's British rock, the boys consistently deliver fresh and timeless music. Most recently, the band released two new singles 'I Wish' and 'Into the Dark' in anticipation of their forthcoming album. Will this be their big break? We like to think YES.
Where to see them next: Friday, 10/22 at Fonda Theatre
TiRon & Ayomari
Instagram | Spotify
The duo that does it all. TiRon & Ayomari have their own unique musical swag that has been carrying them from stage to stage across the US. Born and bred in LA, the boys infuse sounds of hip-hop, R&B, psychedelic, folk, and rock that make your head bob to each beat. Not only are their tracks catchy, but listen closely and you'll understand the forward-thinking and honest perspectives that the duo offers.
Where to see them next: coming soon...
Weapons of Mass Creation
Instagram | YouTube | Spotify
Imagine living in a world where your entire family is packed with a surmountable amount of musical talent. That's exactly the case for Weapons of Mass Creation who have taken the term 'family bonding' to a whole new level. The 8-piece band is unique in their own fusing sounds of cumbia, hip-hop and soul with an overarching message of positivity and social awareness. Blood is thicker than water after all. Check out their latest cinematic video for their single 'All I Do' - you can thank us later.
Where to see them next: coming soon...
Los Retros
Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
Chances are that you've heard their incredibly popular, smooth-hitting track 'Someone to Spend Time With'. If you haven't, we're here to tell you that it's not too late. The four-piece band signed to Stones Throw Records plays an ode to both American and Latin American pop and soft rock from the 70's and 80's. Los Retros is living proof that the only thing you need to make a great record is passion, a living room and a few instruments.
Where to see them next: Opening act for Chicano Batman at Shrine Expo Hall on 11/10 & 11/12.
Bella Dose
Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
Bella Dose is the first American Bilingual Latin pop girl group. Originating from Los Angeles, California, the four group members Jennifer Hernandez, Thais Rodriquez, Melany Rivera, and Brianna Leah Curiel owe their early success to TikTok. Their music is for anyone who enjoys a good pop song with a Spanish twist. When getting the girls together for a night out on the town, make sure Bella Dose’s latest EP “Suelta” on your pregame playlist.
Where to see them next: coming soon...
The Paranoyds
Instagram | Spotify
LA legends aren't just born overnight. The Paranoyds have been on the fearless pursuit in the name of punk rock to craft the grittiest sound to come out of the SoCal scene. The LA-born and bred 4-piece band create binge-worthy records and are known to play some of the most exciting and power-packed shows in the area. It doesn't get more grunge than this.
Where to see them next: Opening for Together Pangea at The Glass House on 11/20.
More Fatter
Instagram | Facebook | Spotify
More Fatter has been charting their own course since the very beginning. With a sound that checks off all the boxes in funk, soul, jazz and R&B, the band creates melodies and songs that will be stuck on loop in your head for days. Not only are their records infectious, but their live performances bring out the groove in everyone with every blow of the horn and beat of the bass.
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Sugi Dakks
Instagram | Spotify
With a vocal range as big as his stage presence, Sugi Dakks is definitely one to watch when it comes to rising talent in LA. His blend of jazz and hip-hop and storytelling via slam poetry within his music always leaves the audience wanting more. Look out for his newest single and music video that's dropping on August 26 exclusively on YouTube.
Where to see him next: coming soon...
Dave Cavalier
Instagram | Spotify
Whether you've read about him in Huffington Post or Billboard, seen him on stage opening for acts like Buddy Guy and Eddie Vedder, or ripping guitar solos alongside burlesque dancers all across Los Angeles in his fully improvised blues and burlesque experience, Blue Velvet, Dave Cavalier has been around. And if Covid has given us anything, it's the gift of Dave's brand new album which is set for release early 2022. Don't worry though, you can still check out his 2019 release, the Rumors EP, while you wait.
Where to see them next: coming soon...
The Altons
Instagram | Facebook | Spotify
The Altons are known to add a bit of Latin flavor to their soul-rock vibe. Hailing from Maywood, the 5-piece band has a wide range of sounds that can go from groove-ridden sounds that get you on your feet to slow, soulful ballads that make you want to dance a little closer. Let The Altons take control of your night and expect a fun, energetic, and memorable time.
Where to see them next: loading...
CD Ghost
Instagram | Website | Spotify
Long Beach-grown and Los Angeles-based duo CD Ghost is bringing back dream pop (as if it ever really left), and we're ready for it. With Cody Han on vocals and Blake Dimas on keyboard, these high school best friends-turned-indie band are collaborative in everything from writing, synths, and production. While they just played two shows in New York this summer, they're set to make their official Los Angeles debut this month.
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Arms Akimbo
Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
If Portugal. The Man and Local Natives had a baby it would be Arms Akimbo. In their formative years, the 4-piece band started out playing small clubs and gigs through LA gaining recognition for their feel-good indie rock magic. In their career, they have opened for respected bands Walk The Moon, The Animals, Said the Whale and more. In their most recent venture, Arms Akimbo did the unthinkable and turned their newest album into East LA Etc. into a 12-part TV show which will unfold with 3-episodes per season. How's that for an album rollout?
Where to watch them next: 9/24, 9/30 & 10/16 at a Secret Location with WithOthers
Butter
Instagram | Twitter | BandCamp
Butter is here to shake things up with some LA alt-rock. With a name like that, you can bet that their wavy bass lines and dreamy vocals are smooth like, you guessed it, butter. You can catch the band playing small gigs around LA from venues like The Smell and smaller stages at Redwood Bar & Grill or The Silverlake Lounge. Power comes in threes and in the case of Butter, they're proving that point to be exactly right.
Where to see them next: 10/28 Marv Fest (La Puente)
You can always count on DoLA to bring you the best in music discovery and the best in cannabis consumption. Discovered a new band? We raise a joint to that. Now it's time to dig into each band's catalog and rock out at their next show.
