As a Los Angeles native, I take extra time to check out our local bands. One band that has recently caught my eye is a fairly new 6-member indie rock band called Races. Recently signed to Frenchkiss Records, they have a new EP that is just released called “Big Broom”.
While the various members of the band have been making their way around for quite some time in other bands, they have formed together to create a great new sound and were the highlighted at the last CMJ in New York playing at least 7 shows and also playing residencies around Los Angeles. (upcoming tour dates below)
Lead vocalist, Wade Ryff, who is trained in theory and also arrangement via piano, is taking the microphone for the first time and really catching the ears of many. In a recent conversation with Wade, he explained to me the genesis of Races.
He used to watch bass player Oliver Hild and lead guitarist Garth Herberg play in other bands and really admired their techniques. He mentioned that they write songs acoustically first and then expand to a stronger piece of work, with added help of percussion, a moog and more.
Check out the track “All For You“.
Their forthcoming debut LP, “Year Of the Witch” is set for a March 2012 release.
December Tour
12/8 – The Echo – Los Angeles, CA – w/ Caveman, HANDS, The Bins, Keegan Dewitt – RSVP ONLY
12/10 – Detroit Bar – Costa Mesa, CA w/ Caveman
12/11 – Soda Bar – San Diego, CA w/ Chains Of Love, New Assembly, Foreign Film
12/12 – Del Monte Speakeasy – Venice, CA – FREE
12/13 – Bootleg Theater – Los Angeles, CA – w/ Serenades, NO
12/14 – Brick And Mortar Music Hall – San Francisco, CA w/ White Arrows
12/31 – The Satellite Los Angeles, CA – w/ Henry Clay People, LA Font
January Tour
1/17 – The Roxy West Hollywood, CA – w/ The Silent Comedy, Taylor Locke (Rooney)
1/20 – The New Parish – Oakland, CA*
1/21 – Blue Lamp – Sacramento, CA*
1/24 – The Wild Buffalo – Bellingham, WA*
1/25 – Media Club – Vancouver, BC*
1/26 – Bell Tower – Pullman, WA*
1/27 – Red Room Lounge – Spokane, WA*
1/28 – Manny’s – Billings, MT*