From the very beginning, May sets the tone with “Dreamer.” It’s soft and meditative, a moment where you can almost feel your worries loosen their grip. The lyric “I watch the clouds go by,” coupled with the transient environment, places the listener in a distant facet of the mind, letting everything intentionally slip away. Sonically, the layered textures and calm rhythm magnify the trance, bending time and gently forcing perception to bleed. Who doesn’t love a sweet escape… ‘

The second track, “Above the Cloud,” shifts the pace. Rhythm begins to pulse, creating a sensation of ascension. It’s steady and hypnotic, but it carries a tension when the lyrics reflect a numbing ache of being “picked up and put down.” Even in its momentum, the song recognizes instability. Across the album, May moves fluidly between confession and abstraction. At its most human, the record immerses into the mind, wrestling with old versions of the self (“Past Self”), disappearing into isolation (“Hideaway”), or living on “Borrowed Time.” Others expand outward into an almost cosmic scale, asking questions about meaning (“Cosmic Reason”). While the sound design shifts in rhythmic intensity, it remains bound by a common thread, electronic textures and synth coloring, which makes the record feel intimate while enhancing its meditative aura.

The record isn’t without moments of knowing that surface amid the self-questioning. “Beau in the Cherry Blossoms” feels like a whisper from the back of your mind, a reminder that the promise of not letting someone down can keep you tethered when everything else feels adrift. By the time the closer “Another One For Will” fades, it’s clear that this was never about reaching a destination, something I quickly realized during my first listen. Instead, the record shows you that the point is in the wandering, in the confusion, and the faint revelations. It’s an album about the art of noticing. Noticing that even in uncertainty, there’s an experience. So, give it the time and space it needs with every listen. Each time, allow it to carry you into those difficult questions and uncertain moments of life. On the Mountain Above the Cloud doesn’t hand you answers but offers an invitation to ride the wave. 

You’ll be able to experience the full scope of this record, alongside our friends .Com, Cactus Ponchos, and Shindigs live at The Goldfish on Saturday, October 4th! 

Headlining the event is 60 Juno, a rising force in the Central Valley’s music scene. Blending dreamy DIY indie-rock elements with post-punk influences, 60 Juno crafts a sound that is both nostalgic and electric, fueled by high energy and rough, low vocals. The independent musician is the sole driving force behind the bass, drums, guitar, and vocals that seamlessly translate heavy nostalgia into deep, dreamy melodies. With “J Song” surpassing 13 million streams and “Smile” reaching 10 million from his debut album, his momentum is undeniable. Fans can look forward to a special guest joining the stage for an exclusive performance, as well as drum and post-punk elements woven into the live set. Plus, they’re gearing up for a West Coast tour, so this may be one of the last chances to catch them in an intimate setting before they take on bigger stages. 60 Juno shared his excitement about the event, saying, “I’m most excited for the lineup at Eternal Love. The three artists alongside me have been peers from the start; it feels very special that I get to play with them after several years.” When asked what song of his would best fit this event’s playlist, he chose “Barge In,” a track that perfectly captures his dreamy, hypnotic sound.

Supporting 60 Juno is Mica, a musician that seamlessly fuses post-punk and darkwave aesthetics. With over 180k monthly listeners on Spotify, his hypnotic performances and hauntingly beautiful sound have captivated a dedicated fanbase. His set at Eternal Love will be an immersive experience, featuring visual surprises, unreleased music, and a setlist that leans into the rawest side of his sound. As he prepares for his highly anticipated debut album, this performance will offer a glimpse into what’s to come. Alongside new music, Mica has also been working on new merch designs that he’s excited to share soon. He will also be playing at The Roxy this month, opening for chokecherry and in May at The Echo opening for Valgur from CDMX. Mica expressed his anticipation for Eternal Love, saying, “I’m excited to perform alongside other incredible artists in the darkwave and indie space, connect with the audience in an intimate setting, and bring a theatrical atmosphere.” When asked what song of his would fit best on this event’s playlist, he said “‘Vampyr’ or ‘American Gothic.’ They both capture an eerie, romantic tension that fits the theme of the night and are melancholic but hypnotic.”

Coachella Valley based Sweatcult adds a distinct edge to the lineup with their genre-defying blend of indie, garage rock, and shoegaze. Their music is dreamy and ethereal, yet infused with a grunge edge. For this event, they’ll be playing fan-favorite tracks that have never been performed live before, and are also excited to share a new merch drop. Currently in the midst of creating an album, Eternal Love serves as an opportunity to experience Sweatcult’s evolving sound firsthand. “We’re most excited about being able to play with such cool bands and in a really close proximity to all of our LA area friends and listeners,” shared Sweatcult. When asked what song of theirs would fit best for this event, their top pick was “Spite,” a track that perfectly encapsulates their melancholic yet intense energy.

Kicking off the night is .com, an emerging band from Orange County, blending dreamy, melancholic tones with post-punk elements. Drawing influence from artists like Tame Impala, Homeshake, and Joy Division, their unique sound mixes alternative and electronic genres. With 285k monthly Spotify listeners, their music continues to captivate audiences. They have opened for bands like CD Ghost, Provoker and Beach Vacation. .com expressed their enthusiasm for Eternal Love, stating, “I am most excited about the lineup! I’ve been a big fan of these artists for a long time, and having the opportunity to open for them is a dream come true and an honor.” They also hinted at a new EP and some new merch designs on the way. As for their playlist pick, they chose “Lover for Tonight,” a track that embodies a lush, dreamy atmosphere with melancholic undertones, matching perfectly with the night’s theme at Eternal Love.

Eternal Love is a tribute to the underground music scene, where love, creativity, and community intertwine.  Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable night of darkwave, synth-driven ballads, and immersive performances. Eternal Love will take place on Friday, February 21st – come as you are, and let the night remind you of all the love that surrounds us.

The evening kicked off with an electric lineup of openers, each bringing their unique sound to the stage. First up was Floats, an alternative garage rock band from San Antonio, Texas, whose high-energy performance quickly got the crowd buzzing. Los Angeles-based SadGirl followed with their melancholic blend of surf rock, adding a unique depth to the night’s energy. Mexican Slum Rats, hailing from Granada Hills, California, delivered a raw and explosive energy. Archer Oh, the indie garage rock band from Moreno Valley, followed with an electrifying performance that amped up the crowd, igniting a massive mosh pit and setting the tone for the night’s final two acts. Finally, late night drive home, an alternative indie rock band from El Paso, Texas, delivered a heartfelt set, further heightening the anticipation for the headlining act.

The Red Pears then took the stage, their journey serving as an inspiration to many in the audience. Formed in 2014 by longtime friends Henry Vargas, Jose Corona, and later joined by Patrick Juarez, the band has always stood out for their heartfelt lyrics and infectious energy. From the release of their debut album We Bring Anything to the Table… Except Tables, We Can’t Bring Tables to the Table to their latest record, Better Late Than Never, The Red Pears have cultivated a loyal following that spans far beyond their El Monte roots.

Opening their set with fan favorites like “Flowers,” “Not in the Cards,” and “Forever,” The Red Pears captivated the crowd with their authenticity and passion. The night reached an emotional high with their encore performance of “Daylight/Moonlight,” leaving fans both exhilarated and deeply moved.

The evening highlighted a profound message of gratitude and inspiration. In a recent Instagram post, The Red Pears reflected on the significance of having their first-ever billboard displayed in their hometown, writing, “We hope this inspires the next generation of artists that come from similar backgrounds.” This sentiment carried through the night as they shared the stage with bands they’ve grown alongside—bands who we have had the honor to host at Nothing Fest through out the years.

Watching The Red Pears at The Shrine was not just about witnessing a great performance, it was about celebrating growth, resilience, and the power of community. For a band that began with humble backyard shows, this milestone was a reminder that dreams are attainable with hard work, passion, and unwavering support.

As The Red Pears continue to break barriers and inspire the next wave of artists, one thing is clear: this is only the beginning of their story, and we at Nothing Mag are honored to be a part of it. This is forever.

Photos by Michael Arroyo

At The Echo with support from Floats, Wayword, Chicano Mosh – Presented by S.C.A.B

The garage punk band Death Lens, which has been steadily rising in popularity, is wrapping up their tour for their recently released album “Cold World”. Their final tour stop will be at the Los Angeles Teragram Ballroom on August 2, with support from local bands: Strawberry Fuzz, Grave Secrets, and Chico.

With the band officially forming in 2012, Death Lens has continuously gained popularity over the years and developed a strong fan base. They have released a total of 4 albums, with “Cold World” being the latest addition. Each album is crafted around a distinct theme that contributes to an overall collective narrative. “Cold World” embodies the desire and willpower to push through and survive in an otherwise deteriorating world. 

The tracks feature a raw edge and powerful rhythm that will have you nodding along. The songs have smooth melodies combined with the overwhelming crashing of instruments that make it all blend together into a catchy and energizing album.

You can truly feel the energy in every rhythm and lyric within the recordings of the songs, particularly in “Disturb The Peace,” which despite being the shortest track on the album, stands out as a personal favorite. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience this album live today at the Los Angeles Teragram Ballroom, August 2.

If you can’t make it to the Death Lens show, “Cold World” is also released on Spotify and on the Epitaph Records website. 

Drake was inspired to bring people together to experience this one-of-a-kind collection of artworks, and could not believe that these lively attractions were sitting in storage and sheltered from the public eye.

The Luna Luna art exhibit featured interactive attractions, including a carousel by Keith Haring, an enchanted tree by David Hockney, a mirrored geodesic dome by Salvador Dalí, and a Ferris wheel by Jean-Michel Basquiat. Additional artworks showcased include pieces by Roy Lichtenstein, Kenny Scharf, Rebecca Horn, and Sonia Delaunay.

Basquiat designed a Ferris wheel for Luna Luna that incorporated themes from his earlier work, such as jazz icon Charlie Parker, and wrote his song titled “Billie’s Bounce” on the front of the wheel. When Heller first approached Basquiat about Luna Luna, he stated that he would only contribute if his Ferris wheel coincided with the song “Tutu” by Miles Davis. Music was incredibly influential to Basquiat, and his musical inspirations often appeared in his artwork. Many of the installations at Luna Luna were accompanied by music; the original soundtrack that played at the amusement park’s debut was used at the Luna Luna showcase. 

Lichtenstein’s “Perfect/Imperfect Paintings” are a series of abstract art compositions that utilize a single black line to organically form geometric shapes. These paintings use intersecting triangles, dots, bold black diagonal lines, and vivid primary colors to experiment with the visual and spatial confines of the two-dimensional plane. For Luna Luna, Lichtenstein extended his artistic vision to create exterior panels for a glass labyrinth. Each side of his Luna Luna Pavilion draws inspiration from his 1985 “Perfect/Imperfect” painting series, maintaining the same conceptual framework. Inside the pavilion is a maze of mirrors created by André Heller’s team complemented by an original mesmerizing composition by Philip Glass.

Hockney’s contribution to Luna Luna is a grand Enchanted Tree Pavilion with broad panels featuring abstract trees painted in shades of blue, red, and green. The inside of this cylindrical chamber is encircled by curved cutout arches reminiscent of tree branches. The Berlin Philharmonic provides a soundtrack to enhance the pavilion’s theatrical atmosphere.

Dalí’s Luna Luna installation, named Dalídom, expands on his surrealist funhouse, Dream of Venus, which he originally designed for the 1939 New York World’s Fair. The Dalídom pavilion incorporated a geodesic dome with an interior lined with hundreds of triangular mirrors and twinkling tunes by Blue Chip Orchestra. The installation’s exterior had paintings of half-nude mermaids in black carnival-esque bodysuits, which references the marine motif from his original Dream of Venus concept. The exhibit also incorporated a new composition by Daniel Wohl, that was written specifically for Luna Luna. The soundtrack he created is filled with swirling sounds and glimmering melodies that immediately transport you to the Luna Luna fantasy world. While walking through the installations, you could also hear tracks from Madonna, Talking Heads, Eric B. & Rakim, Kraftwerk, and other musicians who were friends of the Luna Luna artists or whose music could have been playing in their studios while they worked on their art.

Michael Goldberg, chief experience officer and partner of Luna Luna, said, “Luna Luna is something that can either inspire you to go down the path of doing something creative or it can reconnect you to it. It’s really just meant to spark joy and create emotion for people.”

Photos provided by the Luna Luna website

Here is a guide describing some of the most anticipated music festivals in the Southern California region.  

1. Coachella 

The first and arguably the most popular music festival in the United States is Coachella. Located in the desert region of Indio, California, the Coachella Music and Arts Festival attracts over 100,000 guests per weekend each year, bringing on over 160 musical artists to perform on their seven stages. This past year, there were 167 musicians on the line-up, featuring headliners such as Lana Del Rey, Tyler the Creator, and Doja Cat. It included genres such as indie, alternative, rap/hip-hop, electronic, dance/house, rock, punk, and pop. 

2. Cruel World

Cruel World Fest is a newer festival that was founded and organized in 2020 by Goldenvoice. It is presented annually and will be held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on May 11 this year. Looking at the lineup, there will be 31 performers featuring artists such as Interpol, Blondie, French Police, and The Motels. The rising genres are expressed to be new wave, post-punk, gothic rock and alternative rock.

3. Desert Daze

If you like festivals that blend the art of music with nature, Desert Daze Music Festival is for you. Located just an hour from Orange County, this year, Desert Daze will be held at Lake Perris from October 10-13. Celebrating its 12th anniversary, the indie-rock fest is bringing a whole new experience with genres ranging from rock, pop, rap, R&B, and electronic music. There will be multiple stages, swimming, expanded camping, and brand-new art installations. Eager to know the line-up? Sign up for their newsletter to be one of the first to know the new headliners for 2024.

4. No Values

Another music fest presented by Goldenvoice in the Southern California region is the No Values Festival. This is a one-day extravaganza set to be on June 8th this year at the Pomona Fairplex, with over 40 acts already announced and one to be revealed soon. The genres include punk and hardcore music, featuring iconic artists such as The Misfits, Iggy Pop, Sublime, and a few newer groups such as The Skeletones and The Untouchables.

5. Shabang

The Shabang Music Festival just celebrated its ten-year anniversary this year, presenting its event on May 3 and 4 at the Dairy Creek Golf Course in San Luis Obispo, California. Its drive to create an inclusive and creative community united the central coast unlike ever before. With genres ranging from indie rock, deep house, disco, and folk, there was something for everyone. Shabang was able to feature headliners and breakout artists, such as Thundercat, Peach Pit, and Claire Zielinski.

6. Nothing Fest

Last and certainly not least is Nothing Fest. Presented by yours truly, we strive to create a vibrant and uplifting community at our annual festivals by inviting local musicians from genres such as Indie, rock, alternative, punk, and psychedelic. Last year there were a total of 23 artists hitting our three stages at the Garden Amp. To keep up to date on all our future events, make sure to follow us on our Instagram and TikTok to be the first to hear!

Based in National City, the band traces its beginnings back to 2015 when founders Andy Saldana and Pepe Gonzales embarked on their musical journey. Over the span of nine years, the band has not only honed their craft but has also fostered a deeply devoted fan base. As a forerunner of the Southern California DIY scene, Los Shadows has consistently taken a hands-on approach, self-releasing the majority of their music and crafting their own unique band merch for their fans. Their commitment to connecting with their supporters on a personal level has been pivotal in solidifying their position within the local music scene. Through intimate shows and consistent engagement with their supporters, Los Shadows not only enriches their live performances but also creates a lasting impact built on community and a shared passion for music.

Strawberry Fuzz kicked off the set with their latest single, delivering an electrifying performance as always. Lead singer Colby Rodgers’ distinctive and powerful vocals immediately had the crowd moving. The band’s high energy stage presence was fueled by their angsty lyrics, fuzzy guitars, and upbeat rhythms that were accompanied by vibrant visuals that heightened their performance.

Throughout their set, they played fan favorites like “Way Too Fast,” a single that was released earlier this year and “No Lighter,” off of their most recent album “Strongs Dr.” Their lyrics incorporate stories of parties, strange characters and entertaining experiences they’ve encountered across Los Angeles. 

Strawberry Fuzz maintains an experimental edge in their sound, showcasing the vibrancy of the DIY music scene. Drawing from surf-punk and garage-rock influences, their genre bending approach allows for a truly captivating show.