Roots project Lone Quail performs at the Cinema Bar this week, so they told the News about what they have in store for Culver City…
When did you start playing and performing? When did the band form?
Although I’ve been involved in music for years—everything from playing bass in a heavy psych band to singing in a Middle East ensemble, drumming in an all-women art rock group in NYC, and singing a bit in friends projects and community choruses—I only started writing my own songs in the months leading up to the pandemic. Songwriting had always felt mysterious and out of reach, like something other people did. But during a time of major life changes, the songs just started coming out of nowhere.
As the pandemic began to wind down, I put together my first band. It was short-lived but really special—it was the first time other people were singing my songs. We had such camaraderie with lots of joking around and creative riffing–it felt like family. After that project dissolved due to bandmates’ personal circumstances, I struck out on my own and self-booked my first tour the following year. After a couple of years playing solo, I realized how much I missed collaborating, so I started a new band based out of Los Angeles. It’s been really fun to get back to it!
Describe your sound…
At the core, my biggest influences come from roots legends like Townes Van Zandt, Emmylou Harris, Neil Young, Freddy Fender, and Vic Chesnutt. I also draw inspiration from early alt-country pioneers like Cowboy Junkies and Freakwater. I travel a lot and keep my ears open for music from all over the spectrum so there are hints of doo-wop, poppy whoops, and glimmers of psych among other sounds, that shine through.
While I often perform solo, the full band adds a raw, rock-driven energy that really lifts the songs in a live setting. You’ll inevitably feel that at our Cinema Bar show.
What are your career highlights so far?
Touring has been a big highlight for me. In 2023, I self-booked my first major tour, hitting the western states—California, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Washington, Oregon—and back to California again. Since then, I’ve done smaller tours along the West Coast and in the desert Southwest.
Last summer I had my most ambitious tour yet, traveling all the way to my hometown in northern New Hampshire and back. I love the road and the chance to meet fellow musicians and people who seek out live music. I’ve played in all kinds of spaces—dive bars, living rooms, city parks, garages, opening for national acts, and festivals. Every show feels like a new adventure. I like not knowing what to expect!
What recorded music is available?
I released my first single earlier this year, with more music coming soon. It’s available on Bandcamp, Spotify and all the usual streaming platforms. We’re heading into the studio this winter to finish some recordings that we’d like to release early in the new year.
Have you performed at Cinema Bar before?
This is our first time playing at Cinema Bar, but we really love it. It’s such a cool local spot with a lot of character, so we’re really looking forward to playing there!
What can we expect from the set this time?
My solo performances are usually pretty intense and introspective, but with the full band, we turn up the rock energy. We’ll be playing mostly Lone Quail originals, along with covers by some powerful songwriters I admire—Kathleen Edwards, Erin Rae, and a Neko Case-inspired take on a Scott Walker tune.
We’re sharing the bill with two fantastic LA-based country songwriters, Hamilton Boyce and Albert Kass. It’s shaping up to be a really fun night—you definitely won’t want to miss it!
What else do you have coming up?
We’ve got two more full-band shows lined up next month, plus a few solo gigs. We’re also focusing on finishing new recordings, so stay tuned for that!
Lone Quail performs at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18 at the Cinema Bar. Go to thecinemabar.com for more information about the venue.
Elsewhere this week
The next concert at Boulevard Music is on November 15, with Dennis Witcher & the Brew. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more info.