Rock & Roamer: Summer 2024

Rock & Roamer SUMMER 2024

LIVE ON SUNSET ROCK & ROAMER HOSTS LIVE MUSIC ON THE SUNSET STRIP FAKE DAD • EMMALEE RAINBOW • MORA MICHELLE • KATRINA WEISSMAN ROCKANDROAMER.COM

Editor's Note

Rock & Roamer caters to good music, both mainstream and indie, finds you the most interesting places to travel, and the food to get you there.

Rock & Roamer L.A. Summer Playlist cowboy in LA LANY

Pink Pony Club Chappell Roan Going to California Led Zeppelin LAX Vulfpeck, Joey Dosik L.A. Woman The Doors LA Girls Charlie Puth

The Hills The Weeknd Carry On Wayward Son Kansas Photo by Julia Keenan I Hotel Ziggy

Music fans, get ready to dive into the electrifying atmosphere of Rock & Roamer's live music festival, Rock & Roamer: Live on Sunset! We transformed Hotel Ziggy on the iconic Sunset Strip into a stage for some of the most talented rising stars.

In this issue, you'll get the full scoop on the event, reliving the energy and excitement alongside exclusive interviews and features on the incredible performers who graced the stage. From the infectious grooves of Fake Dad to the captivating vocals of Mora Michelle and Katrina Weissman, Rock & Roamer: Live on Sunset was a night to remember.

We then relive the acoustic set from Emmalee Rainbow, who did doubleduty coming back the next day for Rock & Roamer: Live on Sunset (Sunrise).

So turn the page, crank up the volume, and let's celebrate the power of live music!

I hope this issue of Rock & Roamer surprises you, moves you, and gives you something to look forward to.

LAUREN ELIZABETH CAMPBELL Editor-in-Chief

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We Were Like Kelsea Ballerini Butterfly Crazy Town Paradise City Guns N’ Roses Los Ageless St. Vincent Feel Something Joshua Bassett I Burned LA Down Noah Cyrus Free Fallin’ Tom Petty

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Table of Contents

05

LIVE ON SUNSET PRE-SHOW A playlist to get you in the music mood.

06

PROCLAMATION The City of West Hollywood names Rock & Roamer: Live on Sunset Day.

09

ROCK & ROAMER LIVE Relive Live on Sunset with this playlist.

10

MORA MICHELLE As an artist who blends synth-driven melodies with deeply introspective lyrics, Mora has carved out a unique music space.

12

KATRINA WEISSMAN Indie-rock singer-songwriter Weissman is tapping into nostalgia and truth.

17

LONGING FOR LOS ANGELES A playlist of classic Hollywood and WeHo sounds.

18

FAKE DAD Dive into the story behind Fake Dad and their evolution as musical partners.

23

EMMALEE RAINBOW Emmalee Rainbow brought her vibrant sound to the legendary Sunset Strip for a double dose of Rock & Roamer.

26 Photos by Julia Keenan | Cover Photos by Julia Keenan

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WHEN THE PARTY’S OVER A playlist for the drive home. @ROCKANDROAMER

SUMMER 2024

MUSIC

Photo by Jackie Chirco

Photos by Julia Keenan

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PLAYLIST

SUMMER 2024

LIVE ON SUNSET PRE-SHOW

SONGS TO GET YOU IN THE MUSIC MOOD Sofia Clairo

Tangerine Led Zeppelin

Let The Light In Lana Del Rey

Total Entertainment Forever Father John Misty

Love Story (TV) Taylor Swift

Sunshine Baby The Japanese House

Primadonna MARINA

all-american bitch Olivia Rodrigo

Motion Sickness Phoebe Bridgers

So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings Caroline Polachek

Right Side of My Neck Faye Webster

Diet Mountain Dew Lana Del Rey

The Adults Are Talking The Strokes

Daylight Harry Styles

Jackie and Wilson Hozier

Pretty Girls Reneé Rapp

Nobody Mitski

One That Got Away MUNA

Love Grows Edison Lighthouse

Amoeba Clairo

Playlist by Jakie Chirco ROCK & ROAMER | 5

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SUMMER 2024

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PROCLAMATION

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PROCLAMATION

SUMMER 2024

CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD NAMES ROCK & ROAMER: LIVE ON SUNSET DAY

By Rock & Roamer Staff

In an electrifying proclamation, the City of West Hollywood officially declared November 4th as Rock & Roamer: Live on Sunset Day, underscoring the city's longstanding commitment to nurturing the arts, music, and cultural innovation. This special day celebrates the collaboration between Rock & Roamer magazine, the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music Industry graduate students, and Hotel Ziggy, spotlighting the city's unique position as a hub of creativity and live entertainment.

West Hollywood, often referred to as the heart of Los Angeles' music scene, has been home to legendary performances and venues that have shaped the global music landscape. The proclamation of Rock & Roamer: Live on Sunset Day is a testament to the city's vibrant spirit and its role in bringing together diverse artistic expressions.

Rock & Roamer magazine, known for its exploration of music, travel, and culinary adventures, has become a cornerstone of Los Angeles' cultural scene. By partnering with the esteemed University of Southern California Thornton School of Music and Hotel Ziggy, Rock & Roamer: Live on Sunset embodies a fusion of talent and innovation.

This event not only showcases exceptional musical artistry but also celebrates the rich tapestry of experiences that define West Hollywood.

Hotel Ziggy offers an iconic backdrop for this event, providing a space where music lovers can gather to experience the vibrancy of live performances. The venue's commitment to hosting a kaleidoscope of events resonates with the city's ethos of fostering spaces where creativity can flourish.

The involvement of talented individuals from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music adds a layer of depth and sophistication to the event,

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USC Rock & Roamer: Live on Sunset Production Team | Photo by Mora Michelle highlighting the city's role in nurturing future generations. The partnership between University of Southern California Music Industry students and the City of West Hollywood underscores the importance of education in music production.

Event promoters Lauren Elizabeth Campbell, Jacqueline Chirco, and Lindsey Gross have been pivotal in bringing this vision to life, embodying the city's spirit of dreams and action. Their efforts to create a memorable experience reflect West Hollywood's dedication to community and the power of shared experiences.

The City of West Hollywood's proclamation of Rock & Roamer: Live on Sunset Day is a call to residents and visitors alike to join in the celebration of music, creativity, and community. It serves as a reminder of the city's enduring legacy as a place where artistry and innovation meet, promising an unforgettable experience that resonates with the very heartbeat of West Hollywood.

As the city celebrated Rock & Roamer:

Live on Sunset Day, it stands as a beacon of cultural richness and artistic freedom, inviting all to partake in the joy of music and the shared human experience that it fosters.

This momentous event not only highlights West Hollywood's role as a cultural epicenter but also emphasizes the city's dedication to supporting the arts and providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents. By proclaiming Rock & Roamer: Live on Sunset Day, the city council acknowledges the importance of music and the arts as essential components of a vibrant community. It's a recognition that goes beyond a single day of celebration, hinting at the broader vision of West Hollywood as a sanctuary for creative souls and a destination where artistry is not just celebrated but woven into the fabric of daily life.

The celebration of Rock & Roamer: Live on Sunset Day in West Hollywood serves as a beacon to other cities, showcasing how support for the arts and culture can enrich urban life.

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SUMMER 2024

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MUSIC

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PLAYLIST

SUMMER 2024

ROCK & ROAMER LIVE

RELIVE THE MOMENTS + INSPIRATIONS So Dramatic!

Fake Dad

What I need Mora Michelle

Trust Fall Emmalee Rainbow

Urgent Care Summer Katrina Weissman

Let go Mora Michelle

Souvenir Store Fake Dad

Wasted Space Katrina Weissman

Playing Dead Emmalee Rainbow

FASHION GIRL Fake Dad

falling Mora Michelle

Love in May Emmalee Rainbow

Not Love Katrina Weissman

no Friends Mora Michelle

Crybaby Fake Dad

Different Night Katrina Weissman

I Know Katrina Weissman

Momento Fake Dad

right now Mora Michelle

Origin Emmalee Rainbow

I Like The Beach Fake Dad

Playlist by Lauren Elizabeth Campbell ROCK & ROAMER | 9

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INTERVIEW

SUMMER 2024

MORA MICHELLE: FROM ORIGINS TO INNOVATIONS Interview By Lindsey Gross Event Promoter

Rock & Roamer had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with the talented Mora Michelle after her captivating performance at Rock & Roamer: Live on Sunset. As an artist who blends synth-driven melodies with deeply introspective lyrics, Mora has carved out a unique space in the music scene. We started our conversation by looking back at her musical beginnings: When did you start making music? Do you remember the name of the first song you wrote?

I remember being 15, visiting my aunt's house, and playing this old, untuned acoustic guitar. There was this beginner's chords book that she had on a bookshelf, and I think I managed to nail two different chords.

I wrote a song called "Hello Mister" and sang it to my family. That song is engraved in my mind because my family always talks about that very first song I wrote.

How would you describe your music to someone who has yet to listen?

I'd say synthy dreamy sadness. The songs feel light and sweet, mostly. But lyrically, they're pretty sad. Most of these were written about heartbreak or unfavorable times for me.

You have described your process as "Making lil tunes in my closet with my favorite people." How has having a closeknit group of creatives around you helped to shape your identity as an artist?

It's honestly been one of the most rewarding things. I feel like I've been even more inspired by the people around me, and it's motivating to see their own passion for the music. There was a period when I would write songs, and I was never brave enough to share them with anyone. Now, with people around me, I'm thankful to have their ears & constructive criticism while I continue to discover my own unique qualities.

What was the creative process behind your latest release, "What I Need"?

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Photo by Julia Keenan

"What I Need" came from a situation-ship that kept me confused. It was fun for me to write since the song is way more upbeat.

With this song, I think I wrote like 45 seconds of it and sent it to my producer at the beginning of this year. When we started looking through the demos we revisited that song, and decided that it was one we needed to finish. I remember, I panicked because I hadn't touched that song in so long I had the hardest time finding it in my folders.

What unique qualities define your artistry and distinguish your music from others in the industry?

To be completely transparent, I don't know what the dynamic is for a lot of other artists. But what feels really special and overall unique to me is the relationships that have grown from the music that's been made. I think having a friend group who all ultimately want the best for each other resulted in really good music.

How do you hope people feel when listening to your music?

A lot of these songs came from a very lonely place, so my hope is that I'm able to reach the community of people who feel unheard. Hopefully, they'll feel less alone and know that those emotions overcome

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INTERVIEW

SUMMER 2024 with time. Genuinely just hope these songs bring joy and comfort.

Do you have an overarching message that can be found in the music you create?

I'm not sure. I really didn't write any of these songs with a message. I mostly feel like I'm exposing a piece of my journal.

Documenting my journey of self love. While leaving a lot of the lyrics up to interpretation. I think it's really interesting how people relate to stories in different ways. The way my story might somehow translates into someone else's.

As you approach your two year anniversary of the first Mora Michelle release, what is

the biggest lesson this artist's journey has taught you so far?

There's always someone who is going to appreciate your art. I think I stopped myself from sharing my music because I was fearful of what people would think. Being afraid held me back from a lot of opportunities. So the biggest lesson for me has been learning to accept the fact that everyone is going to have their own opinions, but it shouldn't pause your own ambitions.

What are you most proud of from your career in music so far?

I'm proud of how far we've gotten In these two years independently. I record

literally in a closet on a blue yeti usb mic. I never could have imagined this kind of reach.

None of it feels like it would have been possible without my producer, and manager.

To me, it's so unreal. I'm very proud, and thankful to everyone who's discovered the music we made.

What is next on the horizon for you? Are there any projects you're working on?

I'm excited for 2024, there's so much that we have been working on. I have some collaborations, and I filmed a video for a really heavy song I have coming. This year has been such an insane journey, I'm stoked to finally get this next EP out.

Photos by Julia Keenan

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SUMMER 2024

INTERVIEW

Photo by Julia Keenan

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INTERVIEW

SUMMER 2024

Photo Courtesy of Katrina Weissman

KATRINA WEISSMAN: CRAFTING HONEST AND NOSTALGIC INDIE-ROCK MELODIES Interview By Jackie Chirco Event Promoter

Indie-rock singer-songwriter Katrina Weissman is tapping into nostalgia and truth. Hailing from New Jersey, this Los Angeles-based artist writes music that speaks to the growing pains we all experience in young adulthood. So far, she’s released several singles, “Wasted Space,” “Different Night,” and “Not Love” to name a few. Discussing topics around young love, self-doubt, hope, and all the feelings in between, Katrina chatted with us at Rock & Roamer after her Live on Sunset performance, about her artistry.

What inspired your musical journey and led you to start your musical career?

I’ve always been drawn to music. Growing up, I did musical theater, jazz band, marching band, etc, and I’ve been songwriting since I was a kid. I changed my mind about what I wanted to do with my life a lot, but music has been a constant, and I’m glad to be committing to it in a real way these days.

Now that I’m living in L.A. and I’ve got such a great musical community around me, it feels natural to pursue being a singer-songwriter.

I’m just happy to be playing shows and recording my music, and I think I would feel really alienated from myself if I couldn’t do that.

You started releasing music back in 2018.

How have your experiences and bi-coastal background impacted your artistry and musical evolution over the years?

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That first EP was so much fun to make. I made it in high school while playing around New Jersey, recording in basements and grades, and dating the drummer of my band - the whole thing made me feel like I was living the teenage indie movie of my dreams.

It’s definitely gotten a lot more professional since then, which is amazing, but I get really nostalgic for my hometown. It’s hard living across the country from everyone, and a lot of my newer songs are inspired by those feelings. But I’m also really inspired by all

the incredible musicians out here! Some friends and I just started a songwriting group, and it’s been great to share and learn from them.

Which artists do you admire and look to as influences?

I’d say my top influences right now include (but are not limited to): Fiona Apple, Mazzy Star, Indigo de Souza, Julia Jacklin, Mitski, Boygenius, Aimee Mann, The Swell Season, Bedouine, Radiohead, Mojave 3, and Sparklehorse.

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SUMMER 2024

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Photos by Julia Keenan

KATRINA WEISSMAN ROCK & ROAMER: LIVE ON SUNSET

INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW

SUMMER 2024 What was the creative process behind your latest release, “Different Night”?

I wrote this song at the end of my junior year of college, dealing with a breakup and a lot of my close friends graduating and leaving L.A. It’s something we all have to go through, and everyone goes where they need to go, etc. But it was heartbreaking.

My life got a lot quieter after they left. After I wrote the song, I made a little arrangement of it in Pro Tools with my MIDI keyboard. It was partially inspired by this cover of a Sparklehorse song that my bassist had just put out under his solo project, Friends House. I later worked with my very talented co-producers, Simon Hirschfield, Oliver Turiano, and Daniel Cullen, to get everything sounding polished and as full as possible.

The cover art is an old photo I found in my grandmother’s photo albums of my mom dressed up as a crow for Halloween in the 80s.

How would you like people to remember your musical legacy? What do you want

listeners to take away from your music?

I don’t know about legacy, but I hope that people can relate to the music. My songs are definitely personal but hopefully can be cathartic to anyone who’s had similar experiences.

What unique qualities define your artistry and distinguish your music from others in the industry?

I think my songs are really honest. It really bothers me to write something that doesn’t perfectly capture my experiences, even if doing that might make for a better song. I just want the lyrics to capture the whole of the situation. I think I’ve done that best in my new song, “Phantom Thumb,” about leaving home and all the feelings of selfdoubt, betrayal, love, and hope that came with it. That one is coming out next.

What are you most proud of from your career in music so far?

I’m really proud of the band and the musical community we’ve shared over the past few years. That was most clear to me at

a Genghis Cohen show I played in July. It was put on by my co-producer, Simon, and I shared the bill with Sophia Bacino and Lola Rice, who played around UCLA at the same time as me and also recorded their music at Dazey Chain Records. The Westwood house show scene is pretty tight-knit (fun fact: the composition of our bands can be mapped out on a Venn diagram), and it was really fun and touching to see people who’d been a part of it come out to Fairfax and support us. Everyone sounded really great that night. I kept wanting to interrupt the set to talk to the band and be like, “That one was awesome!” and one of my friends joked to me later that I kept having to force my smile down and get into the mood of each song before playing.

I’m hoping for more shows like that soon.

What is next on the horizon for you?

I’m currently working on some more singles with my band and co-producers Simon Hirschfield and Daniel Cullen, as well as my first music video!

Photo Courtesy of Katrina Weissman

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SUMMER 2024

MUSIC

Photos by Julia Keenan

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PLAYLIST

SUMMER 2024

LONGING FOR LOS ANGELES CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD + WEHO SOUNDS Graceland Too Blue Jeans

I Know Fiona Apple

Blue Jeans Lana Del Rey

Storms Fleetwood Mac

Class of 2013 Mitski

Fuck it I love you Lana Del Rey

Is There Something in the Movies?

Samia

Sullen Girl Fiona Apple

The greatest Lana Del Rey

The Archer Alexandra Savior

Hotel California Eagles

By Your Side Sade

Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon Urge Overkill

With One Look Barbra Streisand

Every Day’s A Lesson In Humility Suki Waterhouse, Belle and Sebastian

Los Angeles HAIM

A Child’s Question, August PJ Harvey

Solar Power Lorde

Tomorrow Never Came Lana Del Rey, Sean Ono Lennon

“Slut!” (TV) (FTV) Taylor Swift

Playlist by Tiana Perez ROCK & ROAMER | 17

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INTERVIEW

Photos by Julia Keenan

SUMMER 2024

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INTERVIEW

SUMMER 2024

EXPLORING THE SONIC LANDSCAPE WITH FAKE DAD: A JOURNEY FROM COLLEGE TO L.A. Interview By Jackie Chirco Event Promoter

Dive into the story behind Fake Dad as they take us on a journey from their college beginnings to their evolution as musical partners. From their shared love of music blossoming into a collaborative endeavor to their recent relocation from New York to Los Angeles, Fake Dad shares insights into their musical career. Join us as we explore their influences, creative process, and the impact of social media on their musical journey, offering a glimpse into what lies ahead for this talented duo, who graced the stage at Rock & Roamer: Live on Sunset: What is the story of Fake Dad? How did it all begin?

We met in early college through a close friend, someone who Josh knew from high school and Andrea was best friends with in college. Josh got invited to Andrea’s apartment-warming party in the East Village, and we both very quickly fell for each other.

We were both making music separately at the time, and going to music school. Long before we started making music together, sharing music was our love language. We would hang out, talk, and show each other bands that meant something to us, or newly discovered artists we were excited about— we didn’t know it at the time, but we were slowly building a shared sonic shorthand.

Although neither of us had ever really collaborated with others with much success in the past, it wasn’t long before we started giving each other feedback on one another’s music, and even getting involved creatively.

We were both so passionate about our creative visions and would debate spiritedly about why something in a song absolutely needed to change or why it simply couldn’t we still do this.

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Photo Courtesy of Fake Dad At that point, it felt like no one else really understood where Andrea was coming from musically better than Josh, and vice-versa.

And so, making things together was never really a decision so much as a gradual inevitability. The name Fake Dad was just something we both thought was funny and could actually agree on.

Now, when we’re in a session with someone else, they’ll often comment on how it’s almost scary to watch us work because we seem to have such a strong musical shorthand that we don’t need to say more than five words to each other to understand what we both want to make and what exactly we’re both supposed to do next.

When did you both begin getting involved in music?

Music has been very present in both of our lives since we were small. We cannot really remember a time when music wasn’t deeply important to us, whether as avid music listeners, part of a band’s fanbase, or kids in theater or choir. It is the thing we immediately bonded over when we first met, and it is still and always will be such a powerful, shared aspect of our relationship.

Josh was a musical theater kid for a big portion of his childhood, so that was his first real exposure to performance and being on a

stage in front of an audience. He was writing songs from the age of 8 on, but he picked up ukulele at the performing arts camp he went to, French Woods, as a teenager, and then guitar a bit later in high school. He rapidly became a producer out of necessity and wrote, recorded, and produced an entire EP during his senior year of high school.

Andrea would have probably been a theater kid, too, but she always went to Catholic or Christian schools with nearly non-existent art programs. So, instead, she was always in church choirs and that type of thing. She didn’t really have a secular experience performing music until high school when she started taking contemporary voice lessons outside of school and got to perform at places other than church. Shortly after she began reading and writing, she became a poet— keeping page after page of handwritten poems in her journals over the years. Around fifth grade, she began turning these poems into songs inspired by her favorite pop/punk artists and bands of the time, like Green Day, Paramore, Arctic Monkeys, and Avril Lavigne, and some more jazz and R&B artists like Billie Holiday and Erykah Badu. The first songwriters who made her realize, “Wait, I can turn my poems into music,” were actually Amy Winehouse and Bob Dylan.

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INTERVIEW

SUMMER 2024 You both were based in New York and just relocated to L.A. this year. How has this affected your musical career? Has it given you any new perspectives?

The move from N.Y.C. to L.A. has been quite the journey; like every journey, it has had its growing pains. It wasn’t easy to leave a place that we called home for close to a decade, a place where we really grew up and figured out our identities, and a place where our whole relationship started and was built.

For that reason and so many more, N.Y.C. will always be incredibly special to us. But we were at a point with our music where it just felt right to make the move, kind of like we had exhausted all of the resources N.Y.C. had for us. We have been seeing other creatives within the indie space make the move post-2020, and the West Coast at large has been on both of our radars for a long time.

In terms of career growth, fortunately enough, we met our current publishers within the first couple of months of moving here. We recognize that it is very rare, and we are so incredibly grateful that it happened the way it did. It was one of the things early on that gave us the reassurance that we had made the right move, even though we were both very broke at the time.

It reminded us that being willing to embrace discomfort for your art and your dreams is so often a part of the journey. If you really want something, are actively pursuing it, and truly love what you do, then all of that will ultimately outweigh the daily difficulties you will endure along the way.

On a more personal creative note, we have been able to build a lifestyle here that prioritizes creativity as part of our daily routine. We have a full recording studio in our apartment now and we try to have sessions together at least every other day.

Our collaborative dynamic has really grown from that kind of change, and the new space has encouraged us to explore new sounds and voices that we might not have before.

Which artists do you really admire and look to as influences?

We were both listening to a ton of artists and bands while working on Yerba Mala. We were both doing a deep dive into new wave and 80s and 90s rock/pop bands like The Cure, Cocteau Twins, Blondie, Talking Heads, New Order, The Runaways, Joy Division, and at times even slightly more pop-oriented grunge/rock bands like Nirvana, Radiohead, No Doubt, and CAKE.

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A lot of that deep dive happened before we realized we were working on this EP, and in some ways, it was kind of the catalyst for this particular project.

Once we were a song or two into the EP, we also started listening to and revisiting a ton of early 2000s and 2010s indie rock like LCD Soundsystem, Gorillaz, Le Tigre, MGMT, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Important note: we still had a handful of contemporary artists at the forefront of our minds when working on the project—artists we feel are kind of always in the same neighborhood, although not necessarily always in the same house. Those include Remi Wolf, Blondshell, and Hemlocke Springs.

What was the creative and recording process behind your recently released EP Yerba Mala? What were some inspirations while recording?

Up until now our music has been very focused on the relationship with the self— with self-esteem, self-doubt, self-loathing, self-image, and general identity issues— because those were the things that the both of us were dealing with and spent a lot of time thinking about.

This new EP, for the first time, sees us exploring relationships with others, taking that inward reflection, and posing it outward at our world and how it affects us. From friends to family to hometowns, these songs explore what it’s like to grow with (or apart from) other people in search of selfbetterment. Sometimes, relationships change. Sometimes, they get stronger, and sometimes, they have to be left behind in order for you to heal and grow into the version of you that was always there, waiting to bloom. That is where the name of the project comes from — “yerba mala” is a Spanish phrase Andrea’s mom would use when helping the duo weed their garden in Brooklyn to describe the weeds and vines that needed to be removed so that new flowers could grow every season.

In working on Yerba Mala, we found ourselves diving further into the more personal aspects of our lives as both romantic and creative partners and mutual inhabitants of a world constantly changing with and around us. This EP specifically exposes and begins to explore frontperson Andrea de Varona’s nuanced relationship with a first-gen Latinx identity.

All in all, the writing process for this project was slightly different than our typical writing and creative process for Fake Dad in part

because we started working on the EP in our old studio apartment in Brooklyn. We wrote, recorded, and produced “FASHION GIRL” and “I Like the Beach” there, but actually started and finished the remaining four songs on the EP in our new, proper recording studio (meaning our home studio in L.A. is now in a separate room with professional sound treatment and all as opposed to our previous ‘corner of the living room’ situation). During the first month or two, the new studio space felt very off to us, largely because every song we had ever worked on and put out in the world as Fake Dad had been recorded in our Brooklyn apartment. We just felt like everything we recorded in the new space the first few weeks sounded entirely off—it was either too dead or too bright and just didn’t have the subtle reflection that our halfbasement Brooklyn apartment did.

Ultimately, it was just about making ourselves feel at home in the space and logging enough time in there that we once again felt we could be our most vulnerable and truest selves while writing and recording. In hindsight, the old space sounded much worse and was a way worse place to work! We had just become so comfortable with its limitations that creating freedom from those limitations almost felt wrong at first.

Your music is super fun and catchy. What messages or feelings do you want listeners to take from your music?

Art and, specifically, music have saved both of us throughout different points of our lives — it has been an invaluable source of comfort, a security blanket, a best friend, and a lover who understands you like no one else.

To us, music has served as both the best listener, letting us pour all of ourselves into it, and advice giver, what we gain from listening to others music over the years, so if we could give back to the universe, even a morsel of that unmatched source of comfort and togetherness that music has brought us, that would be everything.

Something we both hope this project and our music at large inspire is more art and people getting in touch with their own creativity. It might be annoyingly Rick Rubin of us to say, but we hope our art makes you want to get up and go make something — to tap into the larger creative energy of the universe and give back to it in your own way.

In doing so, we ultimately hope to inspire others to feel — feel all the good, the bad, the ugly, and everything in between.

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INTERVIEW

SUMMER 2024 I know Fake Dad is pretty active on TikTok. How has social media affected your recognition and ability to share your music?

Social media isn’t really something that we would do naturally in a vacuum because we’re sort of private people. That being said, we have tried to find a way to have fun creating content to reach new people on TikTok—trying to create stuff that we think is funny and authentic to who we are, in hopes that that shines through to the kind of people who might connect with us. It’s been really cool seeing the kinds of people that have come out of the woodwork to tell us they resonate with the music and with us personally!

We have always tried to make art in a way that might support and identify with young people who feel alone, the way we felt as

kids, so it’s been really validating to hear from so many kids who just don’t quite feel understood in their hometowns but find community through us and our fanbase.

What are you most proud of from your career in music so far?

One really neat thing that we’ve been thankful for the past couple of years is having the opportunity to play so many live shows in our hometown of NY and really build a nourishing community of friends and fans both in the live scene as well as through social media and online platforms. We also were able to play shows in several states over the past couple of years, which is honestly just so exciting, and we absolutely cannot wait to be back on the road again. To us, playing live shows and, making those very real human connections every night

and actually hearing and seeing that we are doing something positive for folks makes this all worth it.

What is next on the horizon for you?

We recently started working on our debut album, which has been loads of fun — creating music together is our favorite thing to do, and we had paused on that a bit over the summer since we were getting ready for the EP release. It’s feels so good to be back in the studio nearly every day working on new music that we’re so excited about.

Our biggest priority for 2024 is hitting the road and touring as much we possibly can so right now we’re very focused on getting a good booking agent that’ll makes sense for us and help facilitate that. So, hopefully, you’ll see us on some opening tour slots at some point soon.

Photo by Julia Keenan

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MUSIC

SUMMER 2024

Photo by Lauren Elizabeth Campbell

R o & a m k c e o r R LIVE ON SUNSET

SUNRISE

NOV. 4 • 12 PM • HOTEL ZIGGY

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MUSIC

SUMMER 2024

Photo Courtesy of Emmalee Rainbow

EMMALEE RAINBOW: ROCK & ROAMER: LIVE ON SUNSET (SUNRISE)

By Lauren Elizabeth Campbell Editor-in-Chief

Emmalee Rainbow brought her vibrant sound to the legendary Sunset Strip for a double dose of Rock & Roamer: Live on Sunset. On November 3rd, she headlined the energetic evening event, electrifying the crowd with her signature blend of rock and roll spirit. But Rainbow's performance didn't end there.

The next day, she returned for a unique performance at Rock & Roamer: Live on Sunset (Sunrise) held in Hotel Ziggy’s dining room. This special event transcended the typical concert experience, transforming into a celebration of music, fare, and the iconic Sunset Strip.

As the sun peeked through the windows, casting a warm glow over the venue, Rainbow captivated the audience with an intimate set. The atmosphere was unlike anything the Rock & Roamer series had seen before, offering a peaceful and energizing way to start the day.

But the highlight of the morning came when an official proclamation was presented, declaring Rock & Roamer: Live on Sunset Day in the City of West Hollywood.

This recognition solidified the event’s place as a cultural touchstone, bringing together music lovers and celebrating the rich history of the Sunset Strip.

Emmalee Rainbow's ability to command a stage at night and deliver a captivating acoustic performance bathed in the morning light showcased her versatility as an artist.

Her participation in both Rock & Roamer events cemented her connection to the West Hollywood music scene and solidified her status as a rising star.

Emmalee Rainbow is a name that's quickly becoming synonymous with captivating live shows and infectious indie rock. But her

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talents extend far beyond the stage. This multi-hyphenate artist, born in Nashville, has already carved her path as a musician, chef, and actress.

Rainbow's musical journey began early. At the tender age of twelve, she formed her first band, Sunset & Vine. This early foray into music set the stage for her solo career, which kicked off in 2020 with the release of her self-produced single "Love In May." Rainbow's talents aren't confined to the studio. She's captivated audiences with her energetic live performances. Backed by her talented band consisting of Drew Aron, Will Brunet, Vega Delanova, and Ryan Dwyer, she's graced iconic venues like the Teragram

Ballroom, Hotel Cafe, and the Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles and New York City.

Rainbow often uses her musical talents in support of her philanthropic efforts. During the SAG-AFTRA and WAG strikes from last year, she performed at the Sounds of the Strike benefit concerts at the Hotel Cafe.

And in 2021, she organized and produced the virtual benefit concert, Music Mends, which raised funds to support LGBTQ+ individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emmalee Rainbow is an artist on the rise.

With her musical ingenuity, captivating performances, she's poised to leave a lasting mark on the music scene.

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SUMMER 2024

MUSIC

Photo by Julia Keenan

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SUMMER 2024

Emmalee Rainbow

Rock & Roamer

Live on Sunset Photos by Julia Keenan

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MUSIC

Photo by Lauren Elizabeth Campbell

SUMMER 2024

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PLAYLIST

SUMMER 2024

WHEN THE PARTY’S OVER SOUNDS FOR THE DRIVE HOME when the party’s over Billie Eilish

Ophelia The Lumineers

Apocalypse Cigarettes After Sex

This Town Niall Horan

favorite crime Olivia Rodrigo

Crash My Car COIN

Robbers The 1975

Late To The Party Kacey Musgraves

Before You Go Lewis Capaldi

I miss you, I’m sorry Gracie Abrams

ceilings Lizzy McAlpine

Exhale Sabrina Carpenter

Yellow Coldplay

I Couldn’t Be More in Love The 1975

Godspeed Frank Ocean

Matilda Harry Styles

hoax Taylor Swift

hope ur ok Olivia Rodrigo

Wonder Shawn Mendes

Malibu Nights LANY

Playlist by Lauren Elizabeth Campbell ROCK & ROAMER | 27

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Summer 2024 Issue 10

90069

ROCK & ROAMER EMMA L EE RA I NBOW

Rock & Roamer: Live on Sunset (Sunrise) Read on Page 22