FIVE QUESTIONS FOR FIVE ARTISTS IN THE OC MUSIC AWARDS BEST ACOUSTIC SHOWCASE

By Ashley Eliot
KUCI Promotions Director &
Host of Press Pass Music

1) What is the best part about Orange County’s music scene?

Jamie Allensworth:
“Good venues and a diverse audience. People who enjoy all genres usually make for the best crowd. There is a lot of talented artists in O.C. and an abundance of live music supporters.”

Carly Layne:
“O.C. has such great music history and I’m really glad this is where my roots lie. It’s such a close community of intelligent, talented and supportive musicians. I’ve received a great deal of support from many of them.”

Parker Macy:
“The best part is the fellowship-like vibe between most of the bands in the area. It’s really cool to see the support there. At first, I went to local shows because I wanted to support local music, but now these guys are like my family.”

Skee:
“The great music it’s making.”

Christina Dietz:
“The best part of the O.C. music scene has to be the diverse audience. I meet so many different kinds of people here who enjoy my music. The fact that O.C. is a hot spot for travelers is great for musicians like me, who play up and down the coast for people, whether they are local or coming from all over the world.”

2) Where do you most frequently play in O.C?

Jamie Allensworth:
“Used to be The Continental Room but now it’s a tie between Commonwealth Lounge and Detroit Bar.”

Carly Layne:
“I’ve been seriously playing music for only about a year. So until now, I’ve mostly played small off the beaten path venues and church.”

Parker Macy:
“I have been playing with DJ OLDBOY at The Jelly Roll: Blues Night at Avalon Bar (every 3rd Thursday of the month). I also have a monthly gig at Blue Laguna in Laguna Beach and another monthly gig with my metal band, Pistolero, at La Cave. In addition, I have been playing at The Gypsy Lounge, eVocal’s new store and a few others quite often.

Skee:
“I play The Gypsy Lounge a ton. I love that place. There is great sound and great people.”

Christina Dietz:
“I play most frequently up and down the coast, from San Clemente to Huntington Beach.”

3) What is your favorite hangout in O.C?

Jamie Allensworth:
“La Cave, Dinner with Dave at Memphis Cafe and the Spa in Costa Mesa.”

Carly Layne:
“If you’re talking about my favorite music hangout spot, probably The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano or the House of Blues, Anaheim. I’ve seen some amazing shows there. For regular hangout places, I love being by the ocean. I love packing up my guitar and going down to Aliso Creek Beach or the Dana Point Harbor. I also like hanging out in Laguna Beach. They have some really cool galleries and boutiques.”

Parker Macy:
“My favorite hangout in O.C. was the old 19th Street eVocal, but now it’s Detroit Bar.”

Skee:
“My favorite place to hang in O.C. just might be La Cave and then some of those donuts afterwards.”

Christina Dietz:
“That is a hard one. Every venue I perform at, I would happily spend my night off at (if I ever had a night off) OC Tavern, The White House, The Blue Laguna, and Gallaghers in Huntington Beach. All superb places with the best live music in O.C.”

4) What other local bands/musicians do you often see live?

Jamie Allensworth:
“Humanlab, Soulhustlers, Leparis Nervosa and Slang.”

Carly Layne:
“I have the privilege of working with some amazing local bands such as the PawnShop Kings, Barrett Johnson and Molly Jenson (when she was a resident). Those are usually the bands/musicians who I go see.”

Parker Macy:
“I love watching Brother Cecil (solo project: DJ OLDBOY/Death Hymn #9) play. I also love seeing Make Moon, The New Limb and a million others. I’m going to stop there so I don’t leave anyone out.”

Skee:
“I often love to see my good friends Yellow Red Sparks play as well as great friend and singer/songwriter Dave Michael perform.”

Christina Dietz:
“I’m afraid I don’t see very much live music, I have always been this way, it’s sinful really. I have always been the one performing the show, not watching it!”

5) What can we expect from you this year?

Jamie Allensworth:
“We’ve been in the lab so you can definitely expect lots of new material.”

Carly Layne:
“Well, I’m starting 2010 off with the Orange County Music Awards Showcase, so that sets the bar high. I plan on keeping this momentum going as the year continues. I want to begin playing more venues for sure. I turn 21 this year, so that should help. I’m going to be writing more songs, and I’d love to collaborate with some other musicians. You can expect to hear my first EP this year as well.”

Parker Macy:
“This year I will be releasing a live CD, a 7-inch record, and will be starting the recording for my third studio album. I will also be going on a West Coast tour this summer.”

Skee:
“Good things. Mazel mazel.”

Christina Dietz:
“A great new, long album that represents me as I am when I perform live. It will be a compilation of my fans’ favorites and my new songs.”