2-Step Chicks Headline the BYP stage in Pasadena
A little more than a month after opening for local favorites, Kim Theory, 2-Step Chicks made their return to LA’s newest all-ages music venue, Backyard Party, on Saturday night for their first-ever headlining gig.
Natalia, Jonah, and Valeria of 2-Step Chicks on stage at Backyard Party in Pasadena. All photos by Joseth Gonzalez
The venue was already nearing capacity before the opening band hit the stage. Fellow OCSA students, Two Seater Jeep launched full-blast into a sharp and dynamic set of originals, which they describe as ‘Midwest emo meets psychedelic influences’ mixed with a few cheeky covers, like Seether’s version of Careless Whisper.
Mad Hunny was up next, also returning for their second run on the BYP stage, bringing the high-octane feminine energy and pop-punk howls and growls that they’re becoming known for down in San Diego (that’s a heck of a drive up for an opening spot!). Mutant Lizard Pirate were on third, and took no prisoners. Their set was tight, loud, and just near enough to being over-the-top while still leaving the crowd wanting more. **I imagine they will be back for an extended headlining show in the near future, as their King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard vibes are more than just in name.
2-Step Chicks kicked off their set to a now fully-packed and decidedly diverse house – a mix as varied as the band’s influences, which brought out all types of music fans from the far corners of LA and OC. The band moved effortlessly from ska to alt to rock and punk, including several songs in Spanish, which generated huge cheers from the crowd. Lead singer, Natalia Inez, commented from the stage that there isn’t enough Spanish rock happening in LA right now, especially with younger bands and crowds.
At only 17 years old, Natalia seems to have single-handedly taken on the role of changing that – and we think she just might be the next voice of the genre.
A shout of ‘¡Viva México!’ echoed back as the band continued their set, mixing ska classics from Sublime and others with their own originals, which we hope to hear more of in the future (2-Step Chicks only formed 8 weeks ago! No pressure!). An incredibly skilled line-up of Natalia and Nick on guitars, Valeria on bass, Jonah on drums, and the ubiquitous trombone and backups of Zuriel rounded out the sound and brought the house down right up to their last few minutes on stage.
2-Step Chicks on stage at Backyard Party in Pasadena. All photos by Joseth Gonzalez
Latin culture is at the core of 2-Step Chicks as an all-Hispanic band, which is rare enough in the rock/punk scene, and even more so in that they’re female-fronted. I had a chance to chat with the band after the show, where Natalia shared her thoughts on being a female singer in the LA DIY music scene.
“It can be challenging to occupy this position for a few reasons. It isn’t an environment that is made for or open to women. Another thing that’s challenging is that the quick nature of the guitar in these genres can make it difficult to keep up and play while singing.”
Funny. She made it look easy! 2-Step Chicks' performance was truly memorable, uniting the audience in an atmosphere where culture, music, and identity merged seamlessly. It was fast, loud, fun, and a totally unique experience in the exploding Los Angeles all-ages music scene.
Follow @2stepchicks and @BackyardPartyLA on Instagram for upcoming shows and events.
All photos by Joseth Gonzalez
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