The Standard

This Wednesday, mosey on over for another installment of The Standard, Hollywood’s fantastic Desert Nights. This week’s line-up is so spectacular that we couldn’t limit ourselves to just three acts and had to have four!

Penelope Fortier, getting into the swing of things.

Penelope Fortier: Since the Independent release of her Debut Album Sunday At Noon and Single My Favorite Things (produced by Sheldon Gomberg whose recent collaborations include: Ben Harper, Rickie Lee Jones, KD Lang, Joseph Arthur & Lucinda Williams, to name a few), Penelope Fortier has been seen performing “live” in French, English and sometimes Spanish, all over Los Angeles, at popular venues such as the Hotel Cafe and Bootleg Theatre, opening for such artists as the Living Sisters, Olafur Arnalds, Emilie Simon, Tristan Prettyman, Joseph Arthur, Henry Wolfe, Nightmare & The Cat and Mia Doi Todd.

RACES has a new video out. Check it out, it’s pretty damn fun.

Wade Ryff and Devon Lee (of Races): Wade Ryff and Devon Lee are one third of RACES, formed in the fall of 2009 after singer/songwriter Wade Ryff escaped the sweaty grips of multiple bands, the San Fernando Valley and a real life witch. Originally formed as an impromptu group assembled for a one time performance, this haphazard ensemble of 6 musicians decided to continue playing together and see what opportunities came their way. RACES have recently signed to Frenchkiss Records, who will be releasing their self-recorded and produced debut album this fall.

Click here to check out Daisy’s new video. It’s just lovely.

Daisy McCrackin: Daisy McCrackin is a songwriter from San Fransisco whose first release in 2009 won radio play and rave reviews. In 2010 Daisy formed a band to play live in Los Angeles and record her first full length album “God Willing”. Drawing comparisons to a range of legends such as Joni Mitchel, Suzzane Vega, Nancy Sinatra and Ricky Lee Jones, Daisy McCrackin is a true artist with a unique sound and original songs who appeals to audiences who appreciate folk music, female vocalists and fresh, modern music.

Aura Bakker has a super sound, click here for a little listen.

Aura Bakker (Special opening 20-minute slot): Raised in both California and the Netherlands, Aura took early life lessons in Indian music and jazz. After completing a BA in music at the Maastricht Conservatory in Holland, she moved to London for two years where she performed regularly and found her voice in songwriting. Aura has toured around the world to places like Malta, where she sang at the renowned Teatru festival, Fiji, Hawaii, and the US. She recorded and produced her debut EP ‘Glow After Illumination’ in 2010 while living in Amsterdam. Her US tour to promote this release incorporated live looping, samples and woodwinds by Adam Weiss. Aura is currently based in Los Angeles California where she has also begun to collaborate with other artists such as Daisy McCrackin for whom she plays percussion. Aura’s music is innate and authentic. The depth and tacit honesty of her lyrics are striking, and they draw on themes uncommon in popular music. Her voice has a warmth that has been compared to Norah Jones’ timbre and a sincerity that evokes Joni Mitchell.

What is Desert Nights?

Desert Nights is a weekly gathering at The Standard, Hollywood, hosted by KCRW’s DJ Valida. Every Wednesday, Valida curates three acoustic musical acts to perform a set in the Cactus Lounge. The vibe is warm and intimate, evoking an impromptu jam in a musician’s living room. The music begins at 7:30pm, it’s always free and always a good time. Guaranteed.