Introduction
Los Angeles has long been known as a hub for creativity and music, especially when it comes to the indie scene. From historic clubs along the Sunset Strip to intimate spaces in Echo Park, LA offers a wide variety of unique and eclectic LA indie music venues where both up-and-coming and established acts can share their talents.
This article will highlight some of the top LA indie music venues that are helping shape the sound of independent music in LA.
Key LA indie music venues
Some of the most popular LA indie music venues include:
The Troubadour
Founded: 1957
Location: West Hollywood
Capacity: 500
The legendary Troubadour helped launch the careers of Elton John, The Eagles, Van Morrison and more. With a rich history stretching back to the 1960s folk scene, this intimate venue continues to attract exciting new talent. Indie favorites like Lana Del Rey, Arctic Monkeys and Lorde have all graced the Troubadour stage.
The Echo/Echoplex
Founded: 2001/2009
Location: Echo Park
Capacity: 250/700
This venue with two connected performance spaces has become a staple of LA’s indie music landscape. The Echoplex hosts dance parties and DJ events, while the smaller Echo downstairs brings in alt-rock and indie pop acts. The establishments regularly book up-and-coming local bands.
The Satellite
Founded: 1993
Location: Silver Lake
Capacity: 300
Formerly known as Spaceland, this downtown Silver Lake spot has a divey charm perfect for intimate shows. The Satellite has given early boosts to acts like Foo Fighters, Beck and Nirvana. These days, you’re likely to catch indie rock or electronic acts.
The Hi Hat
Founded: 2016
Location: Highland Park
Capacity: 250
A relative newcomer, the Hi Hat quickly became a northeast LA hotspot for catching indie, electronic and experimental artists. With a warm, retro vibe, this cozy venue brings energy and eclectic acts to Highland Park’s music scene.
Bootleg Theater
Founded: 2008
Location: Historic Filipinotown
Capacity: 640
With edgy, thrift-store inspired decor, Bootleg Theater brings a heaping dose of artsy cool to the LA indie music scene. They spotlight local talent, with genres ranging from synth-pop to punk rock to alt-country.
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Teragram Ballroom
Founded: 2015
Location: Downtown LA
Capacity: 599
Teragram Ballroom is situated in LA’s hip downtown arts district. The medium-sized rectangular venue with balcony seating attracts major indie acts on their way up like Kesha, Lil Peep, and Clairo.
The Roxy Theatre
Founded: 1973
Location: West Hollywood
Capacity: 500
The iconic Sunset Strip marquee of the Roxy has flickered over rock show greats since the early 1970s. Though better known for its punk and metal roots, today you’re as likely to see an indie pop favorite like Chvrches take the stage.
The Moroccan Lounge
Founded: 2017
Location: Downtown LA
Capacity: 300
Tucked away in the downtown Arts District, the Moroccan Lounge’s understated exterior hides a transportive space styled after a 1960s Moroccan den. Psychedelic visuals and lounge seating set the mood for indie and electronic acts.
Notable LA indie music moments
Beyond the venues, there have been noteworthy LA indie music events that capture the electric spirit of the scene:
- Burger Boogaloo – Burger Records has thrown this annual indie/garage/punk rock festival in LA’s Historic Park since 2017, attracting acts like Deerhunter, Shannon & the Clams, and Black Lips.
- Freakbeat 2019 – Hosted by LA indie radio station KXLU, Freakbeat showcased over 50 up-and-coming local bands at the Echoplex in 2019.
- Doheny Room showcases – Dana Point’s Doheny Room often hosts LA indie band showcases, such as a recent lineup featuring Warbly Jets, Cornelia Murr, and Slow Hollows.
- Desert Daze – This beloved psych-rock festival an hour outside LA has featured Tame Impala, Warpaint, Deap Vally and other indie greats amid art installations, late-night parties and more.
- FYF Fest – Though now defunct, FYF Fest hosted a decade of star-studded indie lineups including Florence + The Machine, Frank Ocean, MGMT, and My Bloody Valentine.
No matter where you go in the city, LA’s indie spirit is palpable in the smoky club crowds, sweaty mosh pits, packed house shows, and vibrant local music community. For artists and music-lovers alike, LA’s LA indie music venues continue to make indie dreams come true.
References
Tong, Stephanie. “The 10 Best Music Venues in Los Angeles.” Time Out Los Angeles, Time Out, 29 Apr. 2022, https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/music/best-live-music-venues-in-los-angeles.
Belanger, Joe. “The 14 Best Music Venues in Los Angeles.” Consequence, Consequence, 13 Jan. 2022, https://consequence.net/2022/01/best-live-music-venues-los-angeles/.
Smith, Ruby. “50 Years of Great Gigs at West Hollywood’s Legendary Troubadour.” Los Angeles Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, 21 Aug. 2017, https://www.lamag.com/culturefiles/troubadour-turns-50/.
Delgadillo, Natalie. “A Look Inside One of LA’s Defining DIY Music Venues.” Los Angeles Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, 14 Feb. 2020, https://www.lamag.com/culturefiles/pehrspace-diy-venue/.
