Arc Iris, a band with a penchant for the extraordinary, has crafted a unique sanctuary in their own backyard, quite literally. This is Glass Hill, an open-air venue nestled in the hills of northeast Los Angeles, a testament to their creativity and resourcefulness. The band's lead singer, Jocie Adams, and her bandmates, Zach Tenorio-Miller and Ray Belli, have built this space with minimal assistance, showcasing their determination and talent. Glass Hill is more than just a venue; it's a symbol of their artistic vision and a space for community building.
The story of Glass Hill began during the pandemic when the band moved to Los Angeles. They started with a 120-square-foot shed and a small hut, but their ambition knew no bounds. Over two years, they constructed a stage, a recording studio, and a bathroom, transforming their backyard into a haven for music lovers. Major artists like WILLOW, Kimbra, and Reggie Watts have graced the stage, and the band's latest album, iTMRW, reflects their artistic journey.
iTMRW is a sci-fi ballet, a concept work that merges choreography, graphic art, costuming, music, and set design. It tells a story set in the 2080s, where a tech company called iTMRW has assimilated every human being into its destructive, isolating fantasy. The band's approach to music is equally ambitious, with a detailed, esoteric art-pop sound that has evolved over six albums. Their early iterations featured 10 touring members and full string and horn harmonies, and their latest album, iTMRW, leans more heavily into electronics and synthesizers, adding a futuristic twist.
The band's ability to create such grand productions is attributed to their diverse backgrounds and their approach to music. Adams, Tenorio, and Belli bring their unique expertise to the table, with Adams' classical composition skills, Tenorio's jazz harmony knowledge, and Belli's study of Indian classical rhythms and tabla. Their love for popular music further fuels their creative process, resulting in a sound that is both unusual and satisfying.
The iTMRW sci-fi ballet project was a massive undertaking, with cue sheets that measured longer than Adams herself. Despite the challenges, they managed to create a premiere date with two sold-out shows, solidifying their identity as conceptual, multimedia artists. However, the pandemic brought unexpected challenges, forcing them to cancel further performances and adapt to a new reality.
Glass Hill was born out of a desire to create a safe space for community building in the midst of isolation. The band wanted to provide a venue with good sound, and their efforts were rewarded with positive feedback from attendees. The venue has become known as the 'best-sounding venue in L.A.,' attracting artists and music enthusiasts alike.
The band's decision to release the music from iTMRW into the world was influenced by their new studio, musical experience, and connections in L.A. They wrote new string parts, added extra sheen with Ableton, and collaborated with WILLOW, who provided the voice of the company, iTMRW. This project has inspired Adams to revive the full production, regardless of the frightening elements that have already come true.
Arc Iris's ability to build communities around their ambitious art projects gives them hope for the future. They believe that human connection is the antidote to the apocalypse, and Glass Hill has become a symbol of their commitment to creating a space for people to gather and experience music. Adams reflects on the sweet time they are living in, surrounded by their son's exposure to amazing things, especially in the realm of music.
In conclusion, Arc Iris's journey from a small shed and a hut to a thriving venue is a testament to their creativity, determination, and passion for music and community building. Glass Hill is not just a place; it's a living, breathing example of their artistic vision and a space that continues to inspire and bring people together.
