Author: Ivan Fernandez

Afroxander is the nom de guerre for writer/photographer Ivan Fernandez, based in Southern California.

Direct From Chile: The Innocent Sounds of Dënver

Above is the official video for the song “Los Adolescentes” by Chilean Indie/Pop group Dënver (good luck pronouncing the umlaut).

The song is the latest single off their recently-released, second album Música, Gramática, Gimnasia (Music, Grammar, Gym). The track is a dreamy mix of Crystal Castles, Hello Kitty and the best scenes from every John Hughes “coming of age” films of the 1980s.

Continue reading “Direct From Chile: The Innocent Sounds of Dënver” →

Marnie Stern, Tera Melos at the Echo: Live Review

Marnie Stern performs at The Echo. Photo by Ivan Fernandez

Sacramento-based Math Rock group Tera Melos launched their first tour of the year at The Echo this past Friday night with the help of opening acts Power Axe and Marnie Stern.

I stepped into the venue as Power Axe closed up their set (thanks mainly to most So Cal drivers’ terrible habit of forgetting their driving skills every time water falls from the sky) Judging from the applause and whistles that followed the end of their set, he bass-and-drum brother duo did an excellent job of warming the crowd up.

Continue Reading at LA Weekly —>

Ximena Sariñana Premieres Songs from Forthcoming Sophomore Album at Mucho Wednesdays

 

Ximena Sariñana @ Mucho Wednesdays. Photo by Ivan Fernandez

To those unfamiliar with Mexican singer/actress Ximena Sariñana, it will come as a shock to know that the appearance of such a tiny, unimposing figure such as herself could set a record for a capacity crowd at La Cita in downtown LA. Hundreds of dedicated fans stood in line a full hour before doors were open to the public for her performance at Mucho Wednesday’s weekly dance party where she premiered a number of songs from her highly-anticipated sophomore album.

Continue Reading at LA Weekly —->

Henry Rollins turns 50: A Brief Guide to Kicking Ass at Everything in Life

Henry Rollins has hit the point in every artist’s/icon’s career where his name becomes an adjective. His contributions to music, politics and entertainment are many and could fill up a multi-volume book. Considering this vast and intimidating mountain of work, I present below a (very) brief summary of his life for those who are just now getting acquainted and want to know what all the fuss is about.

Henry Rollins. Photo by Shawn Mortensen

Continue reading “Henry Rollins turns 50: A Brief Guide to Kicking Ass at Everything in Life” →