L.A. Witch is an American garage-rock trio formed in Los Angeles, California in 2011.[1][2] Founded by L.A. natives[3] Sade Sanchez (vocals, guitar) and Irita Pai (bass), the band's sound has been described as a "mix of forlorn psych folk, lethargic lo-fi blues and boozy garage rock drones steeped in moody, drugged-out surf reverb."[4] The group's influences include Black Sabbath, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, and seminal L.A. punk rock bands X and the Gun Club.[5][6]

L.A. Witch
L.A. Witch performing at Shanghai'd Room in Huntington Beach, California, 2013
Background information
OriginLos Angeles, California, United States
Years active2011 - present
LabelsSuicide Squeeze Records
MembersEllie English, Irita Pai, Sade Sanchez
Past membersCrystal Nava

History

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Formation

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Sanchez formed the all female group when her then-boyfriend forbade her from playing with male musicians.[7] Asked to come up with a name, the band chose its current name after discovering its first choice, Witch, was taken.[8] Drummer Ellie English replaced original drummer Crystal Nava after the latter left for New York City and didn't return.[9][10]

Influences

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The band cites The Gun Club as one of its early influences, with Sanchez noting that "When our band first met, that was one of the connections we made. There’s something about their vibe — it’s blues-y, twang-y, kind of country, but also poetic and goth-y — that inspired me."[11]

Touring and Recording

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The band toured extensively before releasing its eponymous debut album in 2017,[12][13] recorded at Hurley Studios in Costa Mesa and mixed in Highland Park, Los Angeles. [14] Their second album, Play With Fire, was released in 2020, followed by a cover of the Gun Club's Ghost on the Highway.[15] The band tours frequently in the U.S. and internationally.[16][17] Joining the band on its 2022 European tour was guitarist Lauren Andino of the Los Angeles-based duo Tremours.

Discography

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Albums

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Singles

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References

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  1. ^ Rindner, Grant (September 14, 2017). "L.A. Witch: L.A. Witch". Spectrum Culuter. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  2. ^ "Songs, Lyrics, Breakups and More! Interview with LA Witch". Rock Your Lyrics. October 6, 2017. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  3. ^ "About A Band: LA Witch". UO Blog. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  4. ^ Lothspeich, Dustin (May 9, 2015). "Season of the L.A. Witch". NBC San Diego. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  5. ^ Milo, Jeff (August 22, 2018). "Don't call L.A. Witch goth — they give a spellbinding tour through many influences". Detroit Metro Times. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  6. ^ Klein, Simon (October 31, 2017). "LA Witch Left The City of Angels For A Three Year-Long Tour". AdHoc. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  7. ^ Uitti, Jacob (16 November 2021). "L.A. Witch Leans on Musical Family for Tour, New Releases". American Songwriter. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
  8. ^ Klein, Simon (October 31, 2017). "LA Witch Left The City of Angels For A Three Year-Long Tour". AdHoc. Retrieved October 4, 2019.
  9. ^ "About A Band: LA Witch". UO Blog. Retrieved October 4, 2019.
  10. ^ Uitti, Jacob (16 November 2021). "L.A. Witch Leans on Musical Family for Tour, New Releases". American Songwriter. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  11. ^ Conner, Shawn (January 26, 2022). "Q&A: Garage-rock band L.A. Witch bringing its rich brew to four-act gig at Rickshaw". Edmonton Journal. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
  12. ^ Rife, Katie (September 8, 2017). "The weird sisters in L.A. Witch conjure up a seductive debut". The A.V. Club. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  13. ^ "L.A. Witch: Extremes of Happiness and Misery". L.A. Record. August 31, 2017. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  14. ^ "L.A. Witch". Suicide Squeeze Records. Retrieved June 27, 2020.
  15. ^ Conner, Shawn (January 26, 2022). "Q&A: Garage-rock band L.A. Witch bringing its rich brew to four-act gig at Rickshaw". Edmonton Journal. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
  16. ^ Jenson, Kat (23 October 2017). "A Quick Chat With Ellie English of L.A. Witch". Tom Tom Mag. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  17. ^ "A Day In Life With Sade of L.A. Witch". Órale Mag. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
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