Psychedelic folk punk band Hair by Leonard is a brand new endeavor featuring Scott Schoenberg, Carl Urbinati, Brian Guayante and Amos Przekaza, and they’re performing at the Cinema Bar on Thursday. Schoenberg told the News about what Culver City can expect…
When did you start playing and performing?
Hair by Leonard is a brand-new band. Carl [Urbinati] and Brian [Guayante] and I got together early this year and started working on a bunch of songs that I had recently written. We’ve only played two gigs – this Thursday will be our third! – but all of us have played in various bands over the years so we’re not exactly green.
Describe your sound/style?
I describe our sound as psychedelic folk-punk. I’ve heard some people say we sound like a mashup of Radiohead, Leonard Cohen, The Clash and David Bowie, among others. And I’ve been told that my voice sounds like Tom Petty’s, but honestly he was a much better singer than I am.
What are your career highlights so far?
We’ve gotten better with each practice; our second gig was better than our first, and we expect this next one to be even better. Much better! At this early stage in our development, it’s just a joy to get to play together and contribute to the vibrant LA arts scene.
What recorded music is available — particularly the most recent?
Our debut LP, A Shattering and Unincreasable Sound, is currently being mixed and mastered. It should be out sometime this winter. When we know more, we’ll let you know.
Have you performed at the Cinema Bar before?
I did a solo set at the Cinema Bar just over a year ago. I love the Cinema Bar! It’s the type of establishment (some might call it a dive bar) that used to be the lifeblood of our fair city, but it’s become something of an anachronism of late. If it ever closes, we should all probably consider moving far, far away.
What can the audience expect from the set this time?
On Thursday you should expect to see a tight set that runs the emotional gamut. We’re debuting a new song called “Only the River,” and we’re also doing a tribute song to an artist who recently died.
What else do you have coming up?
We’re working very diligently on getting the album out. We don’t have any gigs lined up after Thursday, but we will be going hard this fall and winter playing all over town. Look for us!
Hair by Leonard performs at 9 p.m. on Thursday, September 7 at the Cinema Bar. Go to thecinemabar.com for more information about the show, and hairbyleonard.net for more info about the artist.
Elsewhere this week
The Culver Hotel will be hosting the likes of Sylvia & the Rhythm Boys, and Scotty Bramer. Go to culverhotel.com for more info.
Boulevard Music hosts Jonathan Stout at 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 9. Stout was interviewed in the News last week, and that piece can be found at culvercitynews.org. Visit boulevardmusic.com for more info.