The Bard Chronicles: Dear Boy Redux @ The Bootleg Theater- 4/25/2013

Sometimes you just have to travel to see a band play. Thus began another trip up to LA to catch the second ever Dear Boy show. Call me a sucker but the opportunity to see a band from the very beginning is something that I couldn’t pass up. After a lovely meal of ramen (one my my favorite things to get in LA) it was time to head to the show. I have to say, The Bootleg has gotten a bit swanky since I was last there. With wonderful couches for lounging on and a ping pong table to play with (which we took full advantage of), it wasn’t difficult to wait around for the show to get started.

Shortly after 10pm, Dear Boy took the stage for the second time in their musical career. All sharply dressed in black (except the bass player who opted for black and white), the gents of Dear Boy gave off an air of intrigue and mystery. The charismatic frontman from ex Scarlet Grey was unusually serious and tight lipped as only a few words were given between songs such as thanks to the other bands and the venue. The set itself gave off a sense of controlled chaos and release with a fury of distorted guitar and fast paced drumming to accompany Ben’s vocals. Audience dancing could not be helped as Dear Boy continued on and started to let loose themselves, which further fueled said dancers. The set ended on a high note after the last two songs in the set Sister Golden Hair (an excellent cover) and Funeral Waves took it “up another notch,” as Emeril Lagasse would say. Let’s not forget their single Come Along which fans have already memorized and singing along.

I only see good things for the future of this band. Be sure to catch them at their next show, June 6th supporting Meg Myers at The Troubadour.

The night was topped off with a set from LA rockers The Active Set who provided the perfect cap to the end of the evening. It was especially entertaining when frontman Matt Stolarz was having sound issues and stand in drummer Steve Coy came out from behind the drumset, still playing. The other members gathered around Steve and did a booty shake for our entertainment.

On a more personal note: It was wonderful to catch Ben Grey for some “Hellos” after their set. It was obvious he was thrilled to be there and the fan support was overwhelming I’m sure. I’d also like to say that he gives some of the best hugs. Ever.

 

Scarlet Grey!

With Scarlet Grey’s Sky and I video release show less than a week away I wanted to share a story with you about one special experience with the band…

It was sometime in mid October and K and I were spending our Saturday helping at the shoot of Scarlet Grey’s newest video “The Sky and I.” Now how did we manage to score such a sweet gig you ask…

Scarlet Grey.

They posted on their Twitter and Facebook about the shoot and said they needed some assistants and would anyone want to help? First off, how many bands do you know who openly invite all their friends/fans to come help out on a video shoot? So, naturally K and I jumped at the opportunity to help our new band love and chance get to know the guys better (we had just met them a week or so before!).

Everyone on the set was so nice that it made the whole day fly by so fast! It was such an honor for me (well both of us), to share this time with them because we all were part of the process of something really special. The shoot was a blast and while I’m not at liberty to divulge any details about it, I can tell you that it will be a fantastic video. If you want a sneak peak, here is a photo Ben took from the set that day.

If you haven’t already, check out Scarlet Grey on Myspace and you can follow Ben and the band on Twitter. You will love them.

And be sure to get your tickets to the Scarlet Grey Sky and I release show on December 2nd at The Troubadour with The Young Modern, City (Comma) State, and Killola.

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