33rd Hill Music Studio

Walking down South Hill Street in Los Angeles brings you right to the front door of 33rd Hill Music Studio. It's a raw warehouse space that doubles as an independent live room, far away from the polished venue strips downtown. You won't find any corporate neon signs pointing the way, just a heavy metal door and a plain concrete block wall facing the street.

Inside, the room strips away all the usual frills. Concrete floors bounce every heavy kick drum straight into your chest, and the high industrial rafters leave all the ductwork exposed. Lighting is basic and moody, usually just colored LEDs strapped to iron poles near the back. Sound bleeds right through the walls from the hallway, but nobody cares because the crowd stands shoulder to shoulder facing the low floor stage.

You'll grab your drinks from a cooler near the entrance since they don't run a standard cocktail bar. Security keeps things chill at the door, and the schedule always starts late. Bands play loud because the acoustics demand it, rattling the windows until late into the night.