Kim & The Created
2016 is in full swing and its time for us to release our annual forecast of Los Angeles bands we feel will make some serious waves this year. From the manic punk of Kim & The Created to the alluring sounds of synth pop duo, Pr0files — check out our 2016 Forecast: 10 Los Angeles Acts to Watch (yes, they’re on the rise!). We’ve also noted some honorable mentions who are definitely worth a listen.
Words: Mark E. Ortega & Sandra Burciaga
Commanding frontwoman, Kim House of Kim & The Created had a relentless 2015 playing a surplus of local shows and music festivals such as Desert Daze. Whether she’s rolling around on the floor, climbing rafters or taking her shirt off, there is never a dull moment with the band’s raucous punk rhythms. The band just got back from playing 30 shows in Europe. Not to mention, the band are going on tour as direct support for The Kills, and Kim was recently the subject of Saint Laurent’s music portrait video. Dayum!
Watch Grimy TV’s festival mini documentary from Desert Daze 2015 feat. Kim & The Created
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlVSlQ_Pl3E
From alluring and dark, soul-driven sounds of their new single “Like A Knife,” to the uplifting 80s synths and roller rink melodies of “Empty Hands”, Los Angeles electro-pop duo Pr0files, are aiming high. Their music is polished and will leave you with an insatiable appetite for more. With songs about “sex addiction, hypnotherapy and love,” the band is set to release their debut full-length Jurassic Technologie on February 23.
Watch Pr0files new Bob Dylan-inspired video for “Empty Hands”
With their Warpaint-like dreamy and spiritual sounding vocal layering, this band quickly caught my attention with a memorable performance at Bardot’s It’s a School Night two Decembers ago. Their five-song The Guest House EP left a lasting impression and will hopefully make way for a full-length release sometime this year. “Crash and Glow” is one such newer track they performed at a residency at The Satellite last year that remained stuck in my head – and it will yours as well if you give a listen below. Madi Diaz and Emily Greene’s immense chemistry is magnetic, and Tegan & Sara drummer Adam Christgau provides a solid backbone to their tunes.
Hot Band Alert: Riothorse Royale set to ignite Satellite with September residency
Formerly reppin’ Washington D.C., shadow pop duo GEMS have since relocated to the City of Angels and are now making it their home. The band first caught our attention with their 2014 gig at Los Globos, since then we’ve watched the duo enchant fans opening up for Little Boots and most recently, Oh Wonder. This past October, GEMS released their debut album Kill the One You Love (which made our best debut albums of 2015 list). With succulent vocals and atmospheric soundscapes, don’t let these two pass you by.
Hot Band Alert: Stream GEMS’ new single “Living As A Ghost” off forthcoming debut album
Though not born here, the LA-based singer Gallant is poised to have a massive year. A Coachella billing and cover of Sufjan Stevens’ “Blue Bucket of Gold” that features Sufjan himself are two things that have already happened to Gallant in 2016 and we are only about two weeks into January. Having caught him at CRSSD Fest last October, I have a feeling his voice will be one of the biggest stories of this year’s April festival in Indio. “Weigh in Gold” is just one of many songs that ooze sex.
PHOTOS: TV On The Radio and Gallant explode with musical fervor at 30 Days In LA
