Who better than an interning lifeguard to rescue readers from drowning in a sea of confetti and neon lights? SmartyFella Jeremy Anthony Lopez, took a break after work as president of his college business club to help Editor-in-Chief Renee Marchol report on a live concert at West Hollywood’s The Viper Room on Thursday, July 10th for Moxipop Music Blog. Tell me what it was like as press. J: There are two levels to the venue. It is an intimate setting compared to the Staples center. As press, at the box bar that looks like a VIP lounge, the staff don’t give you a look when you order water because you are on duty as music reporter. Four photographers synchronized to take pictures of the artists that were within arms’ reach. Describe The Fame Riot. J: Imagine Hollywood glam rock, in a good way. I listened to a few of their songs online but didn’t dwell because I didn’t want to enter the concert with a bias. I enjoyed the music from the live performance even better than the instruments I heard online. They played real instruments and the frontman used more than just the stage. He waded into the crowd and into the booths to electrify the crowd. He made it fun. Tell me more. J: Comedian Andy Dick was there to promote a band called Citizun. Citizun plays harder electronica than The Fame Riot. Imagine beats that go well in a workout playlist. Danceable, pop electronica unified the night. Light, bright Okapi Sun, led by two women went well with the playfulness of The Fame Riot. What did it look like? J: Los Angeles casual can be dressy sometimes. I wore new school Dr. Martens, dark red pants and a gray blazer. Eclectic described the crowd. Sundresses, punk rock uniforms, and officewear mingled under neon lights and confetti showers. 
Photo Credit: Ali Express Men’s Skinny Trench Jacket
Photo Credit: CCS Oxblood Skinny Jeans
Photo Credit: Macy’s Dr. Martens Oxford Brogue
What’s your playlist right now? J: British soul singer Sam Smith, Twenty One Pilots as debuted on Conan, and The Voice’s Country Luke Bryan. What did other concert-goers have to say about the evening? J: When I asked if The Viper Room always had this vibe, a man said that this evening was particularly sexy and energetic but still in a respectful kind of way. Your Turn: 5 Tips When You Guest Review for SGL
- Belong. Be cool. Embrace your role as reporter. Don’t shy away from opportunity.
- Dress by your own code. Be yourself. Your brand loyalty is only to yourself.
- Observe. Note how waitstaff treat patrons depending on drink order. What factors make the event enjoyable for all?
- Avoid pre-judgment. Don’t wear yourself out by over-preparing as a music journalist. No need to become Wiki. Billboard is on your smartphone.
- Mingle to get perspective by others. Interview people with different preferences than yourself.
SmartyFella Jeremy Anthony Lopez is a fitness coach and Instagrammer. Keep up with his cardio if you can @CoachJayLopez.
Leave a Reply