L.A. Venues: Hipster Hot Spots

Are you looking to familiarize yourself with the local Los Angeles music scene?  You have to know where to go to find the best spots for checking out local and indie groups around town, my friends.  Most of us have at least heard of the Echo, Spaceland, or Safari Sam’s, but what are these venues really all about?  Let’s take a trip and visit some of the most animated hot spots in the LA’s indie music scene.

The Smell: Originally opened in North Hollywood in early 1998, the Smell has since moved to downtown LA.  They are best known for putting on all ages shows for up and coming punk, noise, and experimental bands.  Health, Abe Vigoda, and No Age are all known as “regulars” for their frequent performances at one of downtown’s most unusual art performance spaces.

Spaceland: Founded over a decade ago, the very first show to ever take place here was fronted by the Foo Fighters and Beck.  It was extremely instrumental in helping to forge the Silverlake music scene, frequently housing such bands and artists as the 400 Blows, Silversun Pickups, and the late Elliott Smith. Weezer, Dinosaur Jr. and The White Stripes have all made at least one stop at this now iconic hipster hang, and it continues to play a key part in the alternative and indie rock scene in Los Angeles.

The Echo/Echoplex: The Echo has played host to an array of indie icons such as Autolux, Deerhoof, and Band of Horses.  Also the premier spot for Arthur Magazine’s annual Arthurfest, it’s home to the Part Time Punks, an indie, punk, and post-punk electro club that spins every Sunday night.  Directly below the Echo, lies it’s sister venue the Echoplex.  It first opened it’s doors to the east LA music scene in early 2007, and has since welcomed popular bands such as U.N.K.L.E., the Mars Volta, and the Japanese experimental trio, Boris.

Safari Sam’s: A historic forerunner in the OC/Huntington Beach punk rock music scene in the mid eighties, it first opened it’s doors to Hollywood in April of 2006.  The Brian Jonestown Massacre have played here, as have Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and indie-alt-reggae rockers,The Kooks.  Safari Sam’s is known throughoutfor it’s frequent all ages shows.

The best part? Each of these venues encourages and supports the community and artists by frequently offering free shows and hipster-friendly club nights to the masses.  If you haven’t already, be sure to check them out for the skinny on LA’s vibrant alternative indie music scene.

Photo courtesy of Dan Monick