The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts presents the return of its annual Experimental Pop Showcase, set to take place at the Troubadour, Los Angeles’ historic music club, on Monday, April 15, and Tuesday, April 16. Featuring performances by 12 student bands, this year’s lineup reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of experimental pop, and its ability to draw inspiration from a multitude of genres including noise, hip-hop, electronic, jazz, R&B, and punk.
This event will be supported by students from the School of Music, who will take on roles behind the scenes as part of the event production crew and tech team under the leadership of faculty John Baffa and Justin Scheid.
The show is free and open for all ages, although reservations are requested. Doors will open at 8 pm on both evenings.
Performers and acts on Monday night include:
Room 8304
Kicking off the showcase, Room 8304, led by PrincessMeow and Sleepielouie, will present a blend of experimental music influences. The band is known for its captivating vocal performances and innovative soundscapes.
Various Artists
A musical collaboration offering a fresh perspective on electronic dance music that merges noise and rusty groove. From dark and dramatic lullabies to banshee screams, the vocals create portals into goth, post-punk, industrial, and trip-hop realms.
Muco
Singer, songwriter, and producer Muco will showcase his ghostly, narrative-driven music, inspired by his British-Burundian heritage and accompanied by cellist Christopher Eiesland-Birch.
Ashley Suh
Korean American artist Ashley Suh, alongside her band, will perform original work that reflects her cultural background and contemporary musical influences.
Magic Candy
Magic Candy, the avant-pop project of Vinny Luciani, weaves a narrative of romantic misadventures through the lens of a queer artist. Her latest album, Heart in Parts, is described as a scrapbook of vignettes that combine dreamlike lyrics with raw honesty. Magic Candy is an all-queer band of close friends.
Crittr
The showcase will also feature Crittr, a multidisciplinary band that blends folk, garage rock, new wave, and performance art, and are known for their loud and uninhibited vocal style.
Performers and acts on Tuesday night include:
Liberation International Flame Ensemble (LIFE)
Liberation International Flame Ensemble, known as LIFE, is a dynamic collective that blends theatrics, dance, music, and vocal performance. Their work delves into the impacts of colonialism, the journey towards resilience, and the process of healing.
DXCKLIN
A solo project by Grant Dacklin, DXCKLIN is a fusion of folk rock and punk, known for his energetic performances and engaging music.
Juice Box
Juice Box brings a refreshing blend of neo-soul, R&B, and a hint of funk to the showcase. Their lyrics are heartfelt and their arrangements are vibrant.
Sille
Peyton Ellis’s project, Sille, explores the nuanced realms of electronic R&B through innovative group improvisation and laid-back arrangements. Ellis’s approach to music is both exploratory and reverent, paying tribute to the genre’s roots while pushing into new territories.
Savannah Rivers
Savannah Rivers takes the stage with her band to present a fusion of alternative R&B and jazz. Their soulful melodies and jazz-infused rhythms create a rich, immersive sound.
Ty Teg
Rounding out the evening, Ty Teg brings an infectious energy with their post punk-inspired sound. Known for creating music that’s both high-energy and eminently danceable, they’re sure to get the audience on their feet.
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