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music, art, and creatives I really loved in august!!
interview #1: myself (Hailey)
Part of me feels very guilty making myself the first interview for this zine. I mostly want to do so to give some background on why I decided now to start up Underground, and my inspirations. All other monthly zines will include interviews from people who are a part in some shape or form of the LA DIY/underground scenes.
I moved to Pomona for college in 2014 after spending my childhood in the suburbs. Before then, there were no underground DIY shows close by and I didn’t have any friends to talk to about music. The moment I moved to Pomona, I made a group of friends who would go to various backyard shows, DIY venues, and sometimes more established venues together. In 2016 I spent a lot of time going to shows alone, which was very daunting at times because all I could think to do in-between acts was smoke alone outside.
photograph by Claire from 2018
In 2017 I met more people who took me to DIY spots I hadn’t heard of and events like Blue Mondays at Boardners. I got heavily involved in the experimental/noise scene, and started my own noise project (Ritual Chair). I have gotten to meet so many amazing people in the noise scene who I consider good friends to this day. While still balancing school and work, I would go to shows regardless of the day, driving in from Pomona. Not everyone showing up to LA shows are living in LA, which makes it quite an amazing experience to meet so many people from different areas you wouldn’t normally meet otherwise.
I have been regularly going to DIY venues over more established scenes since 2017 to now. Even with COVID, I have seen the scene come back. I love the LA DIY scene so much, and I don’t know who or what I would be without it and the freedom of expression that comes with the scene. I have taken so many photographs of people playing shows, played with or met at shows, and more. Photography has always been a hobby for me since 2012 - when I saved up and got my first DSLR camera.
I have been heavily involved with Japanese fashion since 2016 and started my collection during 2018. My main obsession right now is Gyaru. I’ve been in love with lolita fashion since 2014, which was when I first found out about it. Majority of my lolita closet is Metamorphose pieces from 1999-2004.
When you love lolita, especially old school lolita, it is a given you know about FRUiTS. So many inspirational photos showing everyday life in what is definitely considered extreme clothing to most. I own both PHAIDON FRUiTS books and have 7 copies of the magazine from 1998-2003 (which are sadly becoming harder and more expensive to come by, even buying from Japan). Shoichi Aoki first published STREET (which I also highly recommend), and going through it always inspires me. My favorite thing to do when I have people over at my apartment is to show them the FRUiTS magazines/books. Reading the PHAIDON editions with the English translations is my current obsession and the most interesting - to get a glimpse into the life of each person. FRUiTS is so unique in its own right, and I wanted to capture the scene that has so deeply affected my life and been integrated into my weekly adventures.
This zine would be nothing without people allowing me to take their photo and take the time to speak with me about their style. It probably seems cheesy and over the top, but it is true. I am so thankful that people are allowing me to interrupt their conversations and take a bit of their time to capture their looks and get to know them. Hopefully this first zine showcases the incredible style and unique lives of the people living and involved in the LA underground :).
BIG THANKS to those who convinced me to even start this, like Chandler, Grym, Red, and Sav.