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So, you're thinking of piling in the van and playing some shows in LA? Great! But first you should keep a few things in mind. 

People here are jaded, or at least they think they are. LA-tards have seen it all so they're not impressed, they don't care etc. Unless you really impress them somehow and then they "know" all these "people" that can help you out if you just give them a bunch of free merch. Most of these entertainment types actually came from some other place, I don't know of one native Los Angelino that's working for a major label or studio. I guess we get all the assholes from other parts of the country. Great huh? A few people are down and will buy your records even if you suck just because you're from out of town, most won't. No venues will pay you guys to play, even if you came from mars. If you don't have a name and draw big, they could care less as there are 100's if not 1000's of bands in the LA area that will even pay the club to play. Stupid yes? YES it is. But wait there's more...                                                      

I'm not saying that all of LA is bad, just be on your guard and be prepared. Have plenty of shirts and music ready at the show with a table set up so people can check out your stuff. I've noticed that more people will be into getting a t-shirt then they will a CD or 7". If you bring out you stuff after the show, you may not get enough gas money for the next venue as everybody will be out the door. Whatever you do, do not switch spots with a local band so they can play before you. Most of the crowd came to see them and will leave when they are done. I've gotten quality excuses like "I have class in the morning" or "I have to take the bus"  The bus? All lies, tell them to go to hell, hold on to your spot as if your life depended on it. 

OK, still planning that trip? Here are some places I suggest trying to get a show at:

The Coffee Machine: 7238 Reseda Blvd Reseda, CA 91335 (818) 757-1725

All Ages, the owner (Ed) will usually be pretty generous with the door money. Good all ages venue, the PA is a little on the weak side but nothing that you can't work with. Try to get on with some local teeny bopper bands to get a good draw, because if no one knows you then no one will show up. Very nice people. 

Backside Records: 139 N. San Fernando Blvd Burbank, CA 91502 (818) 559-1361

Backside records has supported all of my endeavors throughout the years. They rock. They do free all ages shows on Mondays. You need to book way (3 months) in advance as they're always full up with bands wanting to play there. Your contact for booking punk and hardcore is James Morris. The catch is you need to have some stuff that the store can take off your hands for consignment so they can keep the place open and continued support of the scene. 

Mc Red's 13235 Victory Blvd Valley Glen CA, 91401 (818) 980-2845

With Al's Bar gone it leaves Mc Red's as the last punk-rock dive bar in the LA area. We've done some crazy shows here and tore the place apart, you can thrash and pit all you want. The owner Mike is cool. It's a bar so 21 and over and all that. Mike does a streaming video cam from the bar at all times so your buddies that can't make the show can catch it on the web.

Headline Records: 7708 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles CA 90046 (323) 655-2125             

All shows here are free and all ages, this place rocks! If you can only play one show in LA, play here. Call way in advance to get yourself a spot. John may even buy some of your shit if he likes you but if he thinks you suck he won't hesitate to tell you, truly a prince among men. Dood, total bummer. These guys are only doing shows once a month. I guess all the crusty bastards were stealing the empty record sleeves so they could have a more comfy bed in the gutter or some shit like that. Damn them to crusty hell where they have to listen to Howard Jones records over and over again.

PC's Bar: 4250 LA Ave. Simi Valley CA. 93063 (805) 520-0672

Ok, you're thinking isn't that where they had the Rodney King trial? Yes it was, and being someone who spent most of their childhood here, I'd say this place sucks. This bar however, is cool. They have 3 dollar punks shows on Sundays and the band gets free booze-joyous. It's 21 and over but good for the gap between shows. 

Shows here are all ages and normally run in the 5-8 dollar range. Shows here are usually comprised of teeny-bobbers that have shown up to see their high school buddies band play, they don't care about you. Dave (the owner) will not give you a dime. There is a cool English style pub a couple of doors down that you can go drown your sorrows in. Everybody talks shit about the Cobalt: they're sick of it, it sucks, blah blah blah. The truth is the Cobalt has been there for years on end now, longer than I can remember. With out the Cobalt, you'd have NO PLACE to play! You valley kids can go eat shit or get the fuck out of the punk scene and shut the fuck up. 

Mr. T's Bowl 5621 1/2 N. Figueroa, Highland Pk.(323) 960-5693                        

Old bowling alley converted into a club/bar. Cool place to play 21+ cover usually runs around 7 bucks. They will have all kinds of punk there as well as everything in between.

CIA Club 11334 Burbank Blvd North Hollywood, CA 91601 (818) 506-6353                

This place is all ages some times and 18 and over other times. Normally around 6 bucks. The owner likes acts with good visuals, not a bunch of shoegazer emo kids, just so you know. The CIA is a great looking place with a circus/freak show theme running through the whole place. I've always loved playing here. Carl can be a bit flaky and forget things he tells you like when your band is going to play etc. I'm not really into this place anymore, but you may find it good for a passing through show. 

Spaceland  (21+) 1717 Silver Lake Blvd., Silver Lake Recorded Info: (323) 833-2843 Box Office: (323) 661-4380                                                               

This place has a really cool space theme. I don't know if they do a mess of punk shows there but I've seen some pretty energetic acts there, worth a try.

This place is all ages and does a mess of punk shows. It sucks. It's in Orange County. It's near Disneyland. If you need a show to fill a gap between shows, try here.

Well, I guess that's about it. There are other places to play, but these are the best ones in my opinion.

CD Replication: 

Lightning-Hill Replicators (310) 827-7764 Professional replications, in house graphics, fast turn-around and the lowest prices for bulk CD's. Chicken-Head Records uses and highly recommends these nice people.

Shirts, Stickers & Buttons:

Angry Girl: (818) 342-0521 www.angrygirl.org One place does it all: Shirts, patches, records sleeves, stickers & buttons. Excellent prices, extremely fast turn around, and good service. You can even bring your own shirts, very reasonable and flexible. Top notch. Go here, no other place matters.

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