LA LOM: How a Hotel Lobby Residency Launched a Genre-Bending Musical Force
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A unique blend of soul, Latin rhythms, and American roots music is captivating audiences, thanks to the unlikely origins of the Los Angeles-based trio, LA LOM. Formed in 2019,the group—guitarist Zac sokolow,bassist Jake Faulkner,and drummer and percussionist nicholas Baker—transformed a routine gig into a celebrated musical project,garnering attention from industry heavyweights like Beck,Vampire Weekend,and Zane Lowe.
From Roosevelt Hotel to Rising Stars
LA LOM’s story began in an unexpected venue: the lobby of the historic Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard. Initially, the musicians were tasked with providing ambient music for hotel guests and passersby, performing five nights a week. However,the group quickly moved beyond simple background music,experimenting with a diverse repertoire that mirrored the eclectic musical landscape of Los Angeles.This experimentation soon drew larger crowds, with performances expanding to audiences of thousands.
A Sonic Tapestry of Influences
The band’s sound is a testament to the city’s rich musical heritage. LA LOM initially focused on instrumental interpretations of classic soul ballads from the 1950s and 60s, inspired by the sounds broadcast on local station K-EARTH 101. The group draws inspiration from iconic artists such as Smokey Robinson, Aaron Neville, and Brenda and the Tabulations, creating a distinctly relaxed and soulful foundation.
But LA LOM didn’t stop there. Their musical palette broadened to incorporate the romanticism of classic Mexican Boleros and the vibrant energy of Cumbia Sonidera. This fusion is further enhanced by the distinctive guitar twang of Peruvian Chicha and the twangy sounds of Bakersfield Country. The result is a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly original.
Generational Roots and Musical Lineage
The individual backgrounds of the band members contribute considerably to their unique sound. Zac sokolow comes from a long line of musicians, having begun performing with his father, a prominent figure in the Los Angeles bluegrass scene.Sokolow’s family emigrated from Buenos aires in the 1930s, bringing with them a rich musical tradition. Jake Faulkner, raised in an artistic family in Venice, met Sokolow at age 16, and the two musicians honed their skills playing with bands in the Southern California rockabilly scene.
Nicholas Baker’s connection to Latin music runs just as deep. His grandmother,a member of a musical family from Durango,Mexico,achieved fame as a DJ on a Spanish radio station in Tucson,Arizona. Baker later formally studied Latin percussion under the tutelage of renowned bassist and percussionist Roberto Miranda.
Expanding Horizons
LA LOM’s growing popularity has taken them beyond the borders of the United States. Recent performances include a stop in Milan, Italy, with photos of the event available for viewing.
The band’s journey from a hotel lobby to international stages demonstrates the power of musical exploration and the enduring appeal of a sound that seamlessly blends tradition and innovation. LA LOM is a compelling example of how embracing diverse influences can create something truly special, solidifying their place as a rising force in contemporary music.
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