Grouplove‘s second Australian tour is coming up in January 2012 and even though the fivesome were here as recently as August, Australian audiences want to hear more of their harmony-drenched guitar jams. The laidback pop vibes are partly inspired by the band’s home town of Los Angeles. It’s best known as the epicenter of American movie-making, but there’s more to the town than Hollywood stars and Rodeo Drive. Grouplove’s Andrew Wessen filled us in on his Five Favourite Places in LA. Travelers, take note.
My Favorite 5 Places (in no particular order)
The Marsh Street House:
“When Hannah, Christian and Sean came to L.A. they all moved into a little house in Frogtown, in an area near Silverlake. It was there that many of the Grouplove songs were born out of late night jams. There is an indescribable feeling to the place, with Hannah’s art studio and an old record player blasting tunes 24/7, it’s a place where we can be wild and free.”
Frogtown street:
El Matador Beach:
“El Matador is a secluded little beach North of Zuma Beach off Pacific Coast Highway. There are caves and rock formations and hippies smoking weed. It’s my favorite place to go on hot days when the rest of the beaches are packed. Sometimes there can be the odd wave out front to the have a romp in.”
Cha Cha Lounge:
“Cha Cha has been a go-to bar for Grouplove since the very beginning. I celebrated my birthday there the day after Sean moved to L.A. from London. There are always some characters lurking there and the beers are cheap. We’ve had many-a hilarious night there.”
Cha Cha in the day:
Cha Cha Lounge boobie girl:
My Parents House:
“Nothing better than going home after weeks of touring to good ‘ol Mom and Dad’s in Topanga. The pantry is always full, the dogs are running around, there are fun waves out front and there is even a magical laundry service that somehow converts my filthy clothes into clean-pressed threads (Thanks Mom!).”
Andrew’s parents’ home:
(Only kidding. That is NOT his parents house. LOL)
The Hollywood Bowl:
“One of the most amazing venues in the world. Ever since I was young I have dreamed of playing there, as I’m sure everyone who has ever picked up an instrument has. I’ve seen so many incredible shows there over the years. The ambiance there is pretty much unmatched. Nothing like smoking one and drinking on an LA summer night one while watching an amazing band play at the Bowl.”
Grouplove Tour Dates:
Tues 3 Jan – FACTORY THEATRE, SYDNEY – factorytheatre.com.au, Ph 02 9550 3666
Wed 4 Jan – CORNER HOTEL, MELBOURNE – 57 Swan St Richmond, Ph 03 9427 9198, or cornerhotel.com
Thu Jan 5 – THE GOV, ADELAIDE – Moshtix (ph 1300 GET TIX or moshtix.com.au), Venuetix (ph 8225 8888 or venuetix.com.au), The Gov (ph 8340 0744 or thegov.com.au)
Tues 10 Jan – THE ZOO, BRISBANE – thezoo.com.au, or OzTix outlets
Wed 11 Jan – THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY – thenorthern.com.au, OzTix.com.au, or OzTix outlets
All Photos Provided by Grouplove
