Singer-songwriter Patrick Joseph introduced himself to the LA music scene back in late 2010 with the release of his debut full-length album, "Antiques", and has been on the move ever since. His latest release is a new, intriguing stop-motion video for the song "Don’t Believe It", directed by Brooke Hanson. Next on the horizon: an unplugged release entitled "Relics," an EP of cover songs entitled "Stranger’s Shoes" and a full-length follow-up to Antiques entitled "Moon King."

AM & Shawn Lee have been so busy taking their latest 4-piece band collaboration on the road, supporting Thievery Corporation and LA’s favorite indie soulsters, Fitz and the Tantrums, that they have not had a chance to celebrate the release of their debut album with a proper LA show. Luckily, AM & Shawn Lee will be back in town to throw an album release bash on September 28th at the Troubadour. Earlier this month, the LA-based artist, AM, and London-based experimentalist, Shawn Lee, released the aptly titled album "Celestial Electric," via ESL Music. The release is a fluid combination of each of their talents, producing a delightful mix of chilled beats and funky sounds. The vocals are soothing and lead into what feels like a carpet ride through the stars. Although the album was created via email, with AM working in LA and Shawn Lee in London, there are no signs of crossed lines. With such polished, profound and transfixing songs, it is evident that the two had very little trouble getting on the same wavelength. – Karla Hernández

AM & Shawn Lee – Dark Into Light by AMSOUNDS

A band like The Bloody Hollies has never sugarcoated their image. The San Diego four-piece chugs a raw, unpolished garage sound that may take cues from the formative years of rock n’ roll, but their tightly wound musicianship ravenously speaks with a genuine tone. In essence, what you see is what you get – fronted by Wesley Doyle’s demanding vocal presence, their bar-band rock styling blazes straight-faced power chords, Chuck Berry-like solos, and an ill-mannered charm that would even impress a Stooge. Their loud, impetuous vigor may instantly scream revivalism, but bearing in mind that hybridization in pursuit of originality mostly backfires, it’s a pleasure to still see bands sticking to an agenda that is classic in design and off bounds from any pop sensibilities. On September 25th, they’ll be playing at Alex’s Bar on Long Beach in support of just-released new album, Yours Until the Bitter End, via Alive Records.

So Grey, So Green by The Bloody Hollies

They really don’t need to be so self-depreciating. LA four-piece band Useless Keys are definitely not useless as their moniker may imply. In fact, they’re a vital entry in the Los Angeles local music directory. They are not afraid to pair dark sonic landscapes with spacey vocals that weave fluidly throughout the guitar and drums droning. The slow walking tempo makes it perfect music to simply vibe out to and nod along, but the intensity of the sound keeps the energy flowing the entire time. You can easily find their influences in post-punk and grunge, but they swirl in their own hint of psychedelia that makes them completely unique. Live shows are known for their amped-up versions of their recordings, making it an experience that only adds to the color of the recordings. Their EP, "Is The Painting Changing", is available for download or physical purchase on their website. They’ll also be playing a show at the Roxy on September 22nd so you can get in on the fun yourself. – Taylor Lampela

After some soul-searching, career changes, and moving to three different states in the matter of a few years, Vanish Valley’s founder, Andrew McAllister, has finally settled down in the warmth of sunny Los Angeles. The singer/songwriter wrote and recorded Vanish Valley, his first album under the moniker, back in 2008, with the help of some fellow L.A.-based musicians. Upon this release, life took McAllister on a rollercoaster ride that eventually returned him to the City of Angels, where he recruited a drummer, bassist and keyboardist, and assembled a proper band for his country-folk outfit. On September 27, the quartet is set to release its sophomore album, "Get Good", on Hard Bark records. And if the foursome’s first single, “Races,” is any indication of the album’s sound, expect heartfelt lyrics barked by McAllister floating atop twangy guitar riffs, harmonicas, rhythmic percussion and campfire-like backing vocals. – Katrina Nattress

Six Christmases ago, when Mariah McManus was 13 years old, her father gifted her with various instruments. She taught herself how to play, picked up on songwriting and began working with other burgeoning musicians. Today, the 19-year-old indie pop/folk vocalist is gearing up to release her debut album, “Nice To Meet You.” The 10-track autobiographical album brings the listener into McManus’ head and heart. “I wrote this album to say everything I didn’t get to say,” she noted. “Releasing this record is a dream come true and I have been preparing for this moment in my life for a very long time.” With breathy vocals over pop hooks and folk-style melodies, she shares the typical teenage angst of love and heartbreak in songs like “Shame On You” and “Say It Again”. “Nice To Meet You” will be released on September 27th, the same day as her performance at the Hotel Café in Los Angeles. Catch her in action for yourself. – Nicole Dawley

It’s that time again, where the seasons start changing and the Echo rotates its Monday residency. For the lovely month of September, the club will be hosting San Diego lo-fi duo WRITER. The sibling pair has had an eventful summer, including a west coast two-week tour with indie darling Cults. Sharing the stage with the twosome is the rockin’ Silverlake-based girly foursome Kissing Cousins. You’ve got two more chances to rock out (September 19th and 26th); Echo residencies are always FREE and 21+. – Katrina Nattress

When you think of Los Angeles, at least from an outsider point-of-view, you imagine the sun shining down upon palm trees lining every inch of the ritzy sidewalks with beautiful faces everywhere. But anyone who has really seen LA knows that isn’t true. It’s a wonderful place, but there are certain areas that go wholly unseen by many people, even natives. It’s these locations which inspired the work of high school science teacher-turned-musician Emperor X. The man behind the madness, Chad Matheny, found himself unable to drive due to an accident that injured his right eye, so he bought a bike and a bus pass and explored LA from a new perspective. It’s the old, worn down freeways and side streets that influence the spastic, but subtley controlled sounds he weaves together. His newest record, Western Teleport, off Bar/None Records will be released soon and you are cordially invited to attend the in-store record release party at Origami Vinyl on October 4. Emperor X will also be performing in support of Peter, Bjorn and John at the Smell the night before on the 3rd so make it out if you can! – Taylor Lampela

While most of are replacing our brightly colored shorts, sandals and shades for scarves, socks and sweaters to prepare for fall’s inevitable reign, Y Luv’s music is forcing us to stay in summer mode. So, you may want to at least unpack those shades on September 13th, if you plan on going to The Roxy to catch the LA-based indie rockers perform tracks from their EP “How Chill Can You Let Go.” Midnight Mirage and Lucy Walsh are also set to perform for the evening. – Nicole Dawley

Y LUV – All Night

As the guitarist for the now disbanded Low Vs Diamond, Anthony Polcino has had a smooth transition to a solo career. After the LA-based Low Vs Diamond broke-up in early 2010, Polcino did not stay out of the music scene for very long. Under the name Soft Pipes, he released a debut full-length that same year and is now gearing up to release an EP on September 27th. The new release, called "Stay Pretty", is a collection of hazy and evocative songs. The music that Polcino writes has a tendency to place listeners in a dreamy state as his vocals trail on with a nebulous quality. At times the music seems fragile, but the instrumentation is kept interesting and does not lag or get boring in the least. On the contrary, the title track incorporates swift movement and screeching guitars. It is a good mix of sharp guitars an reflective vocals, much like what you would expect from bands like the Strokes. Polcino will celebrate the release of the EP on the day it becomes available with a show at The Satellite. Get a free download of "Sleeper", off the new EP, on PacSun Music. – Karla Hernández

Soft Pipes – Stay Pretty

Better known as the frontman of Eagles of Death Metal, Jesse “The Devil” Hughes is now hosting his own raunchy party under his own moniker, Boots Electric. What doesn’t change about this testosterone-fueled frolic is a straight on desire to deliver pure, unadulterated fun without taking itself too seriously. The video for “Boots Electric Theme” is crammed with all kinds of excesses – more film references than a quick Netflix browse, heaps of comedic sexual innuendo and, last but not least, a bad ass mustache. Honkey Kong, his first solo output, will be released via Dangerbird Records on September 20th.

Tha Boogie adds their visual and vocal spin to Os Mutantes’ "Panis et Circensis" for the Red Hot + Rio 2  compilation, which features various gifted artists such as John Legend, Quadron, Alice, Smith, Aloe Blacc, Beirut and many others. The proceeds from the compilation goes to AIDS research. Red Hot Organization (RHO) is a not-for-profit international organization dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture. The Red Hot + Rio 2 compilation is currently available on iTunes. – Nicole Dawley