The community has played such a major role within this show whether it was the musicians who shared their music with us, the venues who welcomed us, or the interviews that were conducted with different members of the music scene. As we close out this season of Exit Stage Left, the community steps in once again to help bring to life a special live showcase via the helpful and willing staff of Genuine Reference Studios along with the musical acts, Texas Hart, Planet I Love You, and Jane Like Fire. Each band who performed played with all their heart and soul to make this finale special!
Texas Hart kicks off the showcase by taking the stage dressed in a white poncho with a presence that’s hard to ignore! With his unique sound which consists of a blend of jazz, R&B, and Motown styled songs, he played through a few of his unreleased songs titled: "Ballad of Mr. Blue", "Moonsong", and "(If) You’re Ever On Everest", all of which are set to be released later this year on an EP consisting of songs that he has been constantly tinkering with for a few years. His band, which is made up of several talented musicians, was able to keep up with Texas and hold their own; one special detail about this band is that the members are always rotating, so the fact they were able to learn these songs in a short amount of time is highly impressive. His soothing voice along with the calm musical ambience and mood makes you feel as if you’re inside a jazz lounge when listening.
Instagram: @texashart1
Next up, hailing all the way from Las Cruces is the pop infused indie band known as Planet I Love You. This band has six members bringing all those melodies and notes to life! The vocal power duo of vocalist Cynthia Elnajjar alongside guitarist/vocalist Domino combined with the rhythm and amusing leads breathe life into their performance through their first energetic opener titled “Stumbling”; beware as this one is an earworm that won’t leave your head for a few days. Their next song “Blue Lofa” keeps the energy going steady with its Cage the Elephant-esque styled chorus. Closing out their setlist is a song that seems to turn into a bit of a jam, “To Call”; the build up in this song starts out mellow but at the end makes you wonder how they reached that musical point resulting in a climax led by the moody change in sound accompanied by Domino’s gritty yell and the magical keys played by Mattias Maez.
Instagram: @planetiloveyou
Closing out the night is the young up and coming metal band Jane Like Fire! Consisting of four members: Alessandra Caro on lead guitar and backup vocals, Fernie Guillen on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Jade Parsons on bass, and Antonio Lozano on drums. They boast an eclectic sound within their genre as they pull from more than just metal influences which can be heard on each song throughout this set, they have it all from breakdowns and solos to melodic vocal duets and low growls. They bring the show and season to an energetic close with their music!
Instagram: @janelikefire
We would like to give a special thanks to Genuine Reference Studios for helping us bring this showcase to life. Thank you also to all the bands, Texas Hart, Planet I Love You, and Jane LIke Fire for performing at this showcase and sending their music throughout the season. Finally, a special thanks to KTEP production staff members Charlize Mercado, Arely Avitia, Eddie Martinez, Catrina Ayala, and Aaron Montes.
