Mason Lindahl

alright so this isn't technically a band..

Mason Lindahl is a solo acoustic singer who occasionally has a back up drummer and extra acoustic guitarist.

He's based out of Sacramento, California.

I caught his super short, yet sweet set right before Ben Forrest Davis went on.

Mason's songs are calm and tranquil.. they really make you relax.
His influences are Conor Oberst [bright eyes] and Elliott Smith.

I just checked his myspace account, and he hasn't logged in since November 2005.
That's definitely disappointing.
However, you can still listen to the 4 tracks he has up.
"Everyone's Anywhere but Home" is the one you should really listen to.

His full length album is actually still available for sale on cdbaby.. 13 tracks of pure bliss.
You can listen to a one minute sample of each song.. so you'll be able to tell if you want to purchase it.
I will leave a link to that at the bottom of the post.

I'm sorry I don't have any video of his amazingness, but I do have a couple photos he posed for after a show in September 2004.





myspace.com/masonlindahl
cdbaby

The Action Design

The Action Design is a five member band from northern California.
Frontwoman Emily Whitehurst, formerly known as Agent M of Tsunami Bomb, really creates her own style of singing with intellectually stimulating lyrics.
For example, some of their song names are: ConnectDisconnect, the Scissor Game, Eyes on Me, and City Committee.. they make you think. most of the songs use a lot of symbolism.
TB's former bassist Matty also helped with the formation of The Action Design.

The Action Design is abbreviated as tAD.. which is kind of funny.
I'm still not sure how they came up with the band name, or what it means, if anything.
They've recently added a new keyboardist to the band named Eliott.

They played their first real show earlier this year, around May.
I think they got extremely lucky and were put on a few dates of Warped tour in June.. only a month or so after their first show. Sometimes it takes years, if ever.. to get on the tour.

The Action Design released an EP in September, it's called Into A Sound.. and is available at most cd stores. I think it has six songs on it.
The EP was available for sale, however, I couldn't find a working ATM at the Spectrum.
They had a meet-and-greet over at Tilly's after the set.
Emily signed a photo I took of her about four years ago.. and the whole band signed a limited edition poster for me. They're all super friendly and cool.

Here are a few pictures from their show at the Irvine Spectrum back in August.






theactiondesign.com
myspace.com/theactiondesign

Claira's Daze

Claira's Daze

I thought I'd start the blog off with a band from the OC / LA area [that's what their myspace says]
I just saw them tonight and wow.. they're really unique and amazing.
They aren't just another band out in the current indie scene.
Their sound is a mix of a couple different styles.
It's hard to explain, so listen to some tracks on their myspace.

Looks like they're also a fairly new band, started off in early 2006.
They're fronted by Katie Chappell, who sings and plays guitar.
Twins Corey Jay and Jason Kaiser, respectively, play bass and drums.
and.. Adrian Sanchez is the lead guitarist.

Another aspect I thought was really cool of Claira's Daze is that they consistently play charity shows. by the looks of their myspace, they've played shows benefiting St. Jude's Children Hospital, recent California fire victims, the Fight Against Lupas, several breast cancer funds, and a few more.

I picked up their EP which only features four songs: October, Hear Me, Silent Films, and Overboard. I say only, because I wish it had more.. they leave you wanting more songs to listen to. During the show, Katie mentioned a full length being released sometime next year.

so.. i'll leave you with a picture and a couple videos of their performance [i'm not sure of the song titles]








picture of their EP + sticker


myspace.com/clairasdaze
clairasdaze.com

interview with OC Weekly [local magazine]:
"The Cutest Band in Orange County"

introduction

about me:

20.f.ca
haha ok seriously now.. i'm just a student in southern california.
i have a little extra time now and thought this would be fun and perhaps interesting.
i'm completely open to suggestions about anything so feel free to contact me anytime.
if you'd like to add me on myspace, here's the link.
thanks!


about rock-a-rama:

this blog will feature independent and local bands in [southern] california.
it will include photos, videos, and links to their myspace pages.
all photographs and videos posted on here directly have been taken by me.
if you wish to use them, go ahead, as long as you credit me somewhere.

if you know of a band that should be featured, let me know.
if you have any comments or questions, let me know of them.

ps. if you're in any band and would like to be featured and/or interviewed for my printed zine, please let me know.

thank you!