Los Angeles South Bay Music Scene is Alive and Well

A diversity of musical styles, from the socio-political to straight-up metal, are represented by local acts such as The Whirling Dervish who were featured on CNN, A Crooked Deal For The Deaf who have just released their EP, Gabe Barrera who was recently showcased on a KIISFM spring break event, The D*Maggs, The Radio Sweetheart, Plus X, and Grit Dogs. These are just some of the bands that Price features on her Youtube page.

Naz, a veteran South Bay musician and a film composer, says that the LA South Bay music scene was big in the 1990s, but since then, many local venues have closed down and bands had to start booking in areas like Long Beach, Orange County, and Hollywood. “We are doing our part to keep the South Bay music scene on the map. I’ve noticed that a lot of my fellow local musicians have managed to persevere and continue to evolve musically.”  That’s why Naz has turned to the Internet to revive the scene. Price, a local horror/sci-fi author and film producer known more for her books and films, began filming her husband Mike Naz’s performances, and in the process discovered there was a lot of musical talent in the South Bay. She began filming other bands that played with A Crooked Deal for the Deaf and posting them on her YouTube page. “I started doing it for fun, but then took a personal interest in showcasing these bands online because I really like their music. Bands like these need to be seen and heard,” Price says. Naz says that there are very few venues in the South Bay that still cater to bands with original music. But both Price and Naz believe the bands can find a wide audience through the Internet.