The Standard

Desert Nights at The Standard, Hollywood has already established itself as LA’s premier venue for modern folk music. You won’t want to miss it this week because this Wednesday, hands down, is going to be one of the top five Desert Nights ever. That’s saying a lot but the line-up is just that good.

Check out our recent interview with Husky by clicking here.

Husky: George Orwell said that writing should be transparent – like a clear window pane,” says Husky Gawenda, frontman of four-piece band Husky from Melbourne, Australia. Gawenda feels the same way about music. “You shouldn’t notice the music or the art of it; you’re just transported to another place.” Husky the band includes folk-inspired Husky Gawenda on vocals and guitar, Gideon Preiss on vocals and keys, Evan Tweedie on vocals and bass, and Luke Collins on drums and percussion. Even though they have varied musical backgrounds, a love for classic pop (Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon, The Doors and The Beach Boys), rich harmonies, and artful songwriting is the common thread that draws them together. Husky was just recently signed by Sub Pop Records, so make sure you catch this rising star for free while you still can!

RACES: RACES exists as a result of artistic rebirth and personal rediscovery, but it all starts at a point in Wade Ryff’s life where motivation was at its most scarce. Disillusioned with music, beset with the bitter ending of a relationship with a real life witch and faced with the overwhelming stagnation of being a 23-year old in the sleepy suburban outpost of Van Nuys, during that time, Ryff wrote the pleading lyrics of “Big Broom” in the bathroom of his parents house. He explains the song’s message as “accepting that every ending is a new beginning, and even if we may have no control over when things are given or taken from us, we can always choose how to respond.” Whether he realized it or not at the time, it would serve as a mission statement for a handful of musicians in the area who were also idling through their 20’s and desperate for a new beginning. Breanna Wood, Lucas Ventura, Devon Lee and Oliver Hild knew each other prior to RACES’ first show, played in bands together, and oh yeah, either had dated or were currently dating each other. Still, nothing could anticipate it all coming together for Year Of The Witch, a life-affirming document forged from the pain of a time when life feels most uncertain and coming out of it renewed.

The Sister Ruby Band: The Sister Ruby Band is the psych-rock project of 22 year old Los Angeles based Johnny Ruby. After last year’s self-recorded EP “A Shot In The Dark”, The Sister Ruby Band is set to release their full-length debut album “In Cold Blood”. Featuring appearances from guest musicians such as The Black Market Band and the Sugarplum Fairies, this record oscillates between the gauzy sounds of British shoe gaze and West Coast psychedelia. According to Buzz Bands LA’s Kevin Bronson “Sister Ruby’s woozy wall of sound isn’t too far from the reverb-soaked shimmer of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and, when the guitars are turned down, that trio’s excellent excursion into Americana, “Howl.” The singer himself? Ruminative and world-weary, on two continents.”

The Sister Ruby band was our featured artist in the month of June! To learn more check out this awesome interview with Johnny Ruby, aka Marlon Rabenreither here.

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.

For added fun, make sure you check out our Desert Nights Summer Playlist here!