21-And-Under: The Best Los Angeles Bands (and surrounding cities)

6. Casey Veggies

21 year old rapper Casey Veggies hails from Inglewood and has been hustling since 2007 to make a name for himself in the hip-hop world. Independent, ambitious, hungry, and humble are just a few words to describe this up-and-coming rapper. He made our 5 Underground Hip Hop Acts You Need to See at SXSW 2014 list and even released his last album, Fresh Veggies, on an imprint of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. We are stoked for his follow up album, Live & Grow, due out in 2015 and we can only imagine what this rising star’s career is going to look like 10 years from now.

7. The Fly Traps

Yelps of punk rock discontent and no fucks given saturate the horror-punk, garage mayhem of The Flytraps sound. The band composed of Marz, Beth, Shay and Kristin, play countless kick ass shows all over Southern California. They’ve also been known to shred at various Burger Records shows including Burger-a-go-go!. We are dying to hear what the band has in store for us with their forthcoming cassette release due out on Burger later this year.

8. Locas

Supporting local music is a tried and true message that speaks to our hearts and we were stoked when we discovered the San Fernando Valley youngins, Locas. Their six song EP Demonstration demonstrated unrelenting passion for fiery garage and grunge rock and we were instantly hooked. Best of all it was recorded right here at Lolipop Records in Echo Park. Andy from Locas dished on all the upcoming musical goods coming our way in 2015; the band has added Zak Johns on bass for live shows in LA and the Bay Area; the recording of a new EP to be released in March; and a music video for a new single off the EP. We’re all ears!

<a href="http://locas.bandcamp.com/album/locas-demonstration">Locas Demonstration by LOCAS</a>

9. Your Ugly Sister

Laguna Beach garage-psych-sludge trio Your Ugly Sister met in marching band and from their began their musical quest. Guitarist/vocalist Kevin Nichols, 19, recalls their first, real recording experience for their 2012 album, Swans, with Wyatt Blair of Lolipop Records. “It was really funny, we didn’t want his (Wyatt) mom see us drinking beer so we poured our beers in McDonald’s sweet tea cups!” In addition to Swans, they released follow up album Slaves and currently have new material and side projects in the works. They have also since played Lolipalooza at The Echoplex and opened for Foxygen at The Observatory. However, the band remains humble and ready to tear shit up at a DIY, stinky, hella fun house party near you!

10. Wax Children

Photo by Luis Grajeda

When speaking with 21 year old guitarist/vocalist Mr. Wall (aka Victor) of Wax Children on what inspired him to start playing music he shared, “I guess I started because it was something fun to do and I knew I had it in me. I dream and visualize a whole lot. It’s always been very pleasing towards the aesthetic.” Upon hearing that it dawned on me that that type of internal drive and capacity for art and imagination must easily lend itself to Wax Children’s enthralling and stand out style of reverb-drenched psychedelia. The young quartet also has plenty for us to look forward to in 2015, with both a full length, Color Schemes, and EP, Something Sessions Vol. 1, in the works. The band also plays 4th St. Vine in Long Beach on February 8th, so don’t miss out on your chance to groove live.