Synth/piano/producer polymath Mark De Clive-Lowe is a crucial part of Los Angeles music, both personally and as a vital force behind local musical institutions like epochal club CHURCH, the storied Ethio-Cali ensemble and more. This spring he released the Heritage and Heritage II albums, recorded in part live at the Blue Whale and both out now on the Ropeadope label. They’re twinned releases with a day-night split—or maybe a sunrise/moonrise feel? As the title makes clear, both albums chronicle De Clive- Lowe’s exploration of his heritage and personal history, which spans at least three or four continents. His most recent release is CHURCH Sessions, chronicling the unique sound of the formative night. It's out now on World Galaxy / Alpha Pup. This interview by Christina Gubala. ►

Vōx’s piety-purging new I Am Not a God EP feels like the Resurrection. It sounds like a death, production wise: ominous and low and lurching, like some fantastic creature in its final throes. Lyrically, though, it’s a testament to resilience. She’s replaced her lace-whites with curdling reds, her questions with declarations, her hymn with HIM. We talked about the EP, her recent extended stay in Europe, and her multidimensional approach. This interview by Tolliver. ►

The connection between music and spirituality gets frequent lip-service but it is a rare and special thing to find music that can function as a pathway towards the spirit. It is even rarer to have the privilege of recognizing a musician devoting themselves to music as a spiritual practice in real time. That’s been my experience with Dakim, the unassuming prodigal son of Detroit’s deep and fertile cultural legacy. A quiet warrior, Dakim’s art aims for the soul—he’s using the magic of sound to bring the discerning listener that much closer to the source. Dakim's regos_mined will be available digitally on Thurs., Oct. 10. This interview by sweeney kovar. ►

Terry James Graham left Texas for L.A. in the middle of the 70s and became a crucial participant in the cultural and musical revolution known as punk rock. At first he was an audience member in the burgeoning Hollywood punk scene, and then drummer for the Bags and the Gun Club. He recently published a book about those wild and reckless times: Punk Like Me, Liner Notes for a Revolution that Almost Happened. (Lost Word Press, 2018) Terry Graham will read from Punk Like Me and do a set of Cramps/Gun Club covers with his band Sex Beat on Saturday at House of Machines—more info here! This interview by Justin Maurer. ►

Inspired by the roots of rock & roll, the sun-soaked surf that crashes against California’s golden coastline, and the possibility of a world that exists parallel to our own, SadGirl’s Misha Lindes crafts music wholly authentic to his own experience. I was able to catch frontman and guitarist, graphic designer, and visionary Lindes while lounging at a pool party to discuss SadGirl’s aesthetic, transcendence, and debut album Water—out now on Suicide Squeeze. Their record relase show is Thurs., July 11—get tickets here! This interview by Bennett Kogon. ►