Today we're talking with Australia roots rock artist, Hamish Anderson about one of his favorite cities - Los Angeles.
Hamish was named one of Total Guitar’s Top 10 Best New Guitarists in 2018 two years after being named one of Yahoo! Music’s “Top Ten Best New Artist,” Australia’s roots rock artist, Hamish Anderson is teeing up his new album for 2019. Hamish released his critically acclaimed debut album, Trouble in 2016 (with the title track, “Trouble”, still appearing on Spotify’s Official Blues & Roots Rock Playlist from April 2016). He supported the album with 11 performances at SXSW (2017); and has opened for BB King, Vintage Trouble, Drive By Truckers, Jared & The Mill, Low Cut Connie; and toured the US while appearing at US festivals such as BottleRock, Firefly, Echo Park Rising, Mountain Jam, High Sierra, Big Blues Bender, Summerfest, Telluride Blues & Brews Festival and Canada’s RBC Bluesfest Ottawa.
He’s a Taco Bell “Feed the Beat” artist and was featured on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic with his single, “U”, which was profiled also on NPR Music’s Heavy Rotation along with the entire album, Trouble.
His new album, "Out of My Head", including single "Breaking Down" is available now and I really dig it. The music would definitely be on my next road trip playlist!
What do you love most about LA?
The music scene. I really love being able to go out any night of the week to iconic venues like The Troubadour or Hotel Cafe and see an amazing band play and get inspired.
What are some hot spots that you'd make sure were "on the list" if you invited your friends there for a guys weekend?
I love taking people to Amoeba Records. We don’t really have anything like that in Australia so when I have friends in town I take them there and we spend hours just looking through everything. Going up to Laurel Canyon is really cool too because of its history obviously but it still feels like a paradise away from the busyness of Hollywood.
Aside from your band mates, who would you be inviting to your LA guys weekend trip?
I’d love to invite other musicians and have a jam session.
Favorite restaurant(s) in Los Angeles?
My favorite place to eat in LA is the 101 Coffee Shop. I love classic diners and the 101 has that vibe and the food is amazing. They filmed a scene from the film ‘Swingers’ there and it's just an all round awesome place. They’ve got a killer jukebox too!
Favorite Los Angeles bar(s) and club(s)?
I always end up at The Frolic Room on Hollywood Blvd. It’s an awesome old school Hollywood no frills dive bar. I prefer bars over clubs and The Frolic Room is one of my favorites. Its low key and again they have an awesome jukebox. Just across the road there's another great place called Good Times at Davey Wayne's. The whole place is decked out like a house out of the 1970’s and they only play 70’s vinyl, it feels like something out of Boogie Nights.
Favorite clothing stores / shopping experiences in LA and why?
I’ve actually found a lot of great vintage rock t shirts on the boardwalk in Venice Beach. There's a guy there who has a small unassuming stand but he has the coolest old vintage rock tees. I’ve picked up some great Stones shirts from him!
Is there a favorite food that you crave when you aren't in LA?
I always miss the Mexican food when I’m not in LA. I love being able to just get simple amazing tasting Mexican food and the food truck scene is in LA is epic!
