San Fernando Valley has this band called Draag, and they don't play by genre conventions. After splitting with his first band Tremellow, guitarist/vocalist Adrian Acosta started with an idea to get the finest musicians he knew in one room, playing whatever they wound up playing. He admits to SpeakIMG in an interview, "When I started the band, I really had no idea the kind of band I was putting together. I just knew who I wanted on my team." That statement might sound like heresy to a lot of musicians, but in this case it worked out perfectly for Draag, who recently played at the Make Music Pasadena Festival with The Electric West, Hobart W Fink, Tashaki Miyaki, and more.

Their influences go off several deep ends, from Talking Heads to The Pixies and Autechre, and you might hear bits of new wave, post-punk, krautrock, and surf punk. Hell, Traci Lordz's opening track "Milk Money" even gets into some a cappella goodness. But Draag aren't just piecemealing these elements to show their skills (we acknowledge said skills, though) — they're faithfully honing their own ideas with an arsenal of sounds: high-gain fuzz, '80s synth presets, oscillating delay, and dance-y drum machines. So far, it's working out really well for them.

Draag released their debut record Traci Lordz earlier in January, and are currently in the process of booking their fall shows and working on a new release. Listen to "Gown" from Traci Lordz below. - Ryan Mo

Hobart W Fink are no strangers to this blog. Their unpretentious, straight forward approach to indie rock keeps us coming back for more. Not to mention they're consistently playing shows and creating content for us to enjoy. Their latest video for "So Many Losers," features the band's newest addition, Lauren Lakis, more prominently as co-lead vocalist. In the vein of 90s ironic rock with a slightly grungy edge, this new tune is hard-hitting and fun at the same time. Recorded Chris Kasych (Wavves, Vampire Weekend, Haim) on a vintage Neve board, this song is a promising start to the group's forthcoming full length expected this August in conjunction with a Tuesday night Residency at Harvard & Stone. - Jacqueline Caruso

The perfect music video to liven up the last hours of your Friday afternoon is brought to you by Hobart W Fink. The gritty indie rockers with dueling vocalists and bombastic energy are ready to melt your faces off with their latest single, "Final Fantasy 7." If you are into beautiful vistas, humping llamas and New Orleans street performers, you gotta watch this video. Filmed in Peru and Louisiana by frontman, Jayk Gallagher, the video clocks in at 5 minutes, but there is not a dull moment in sight. Gracefully managing the transition from lead singer Marie Bollinger to Lauren Lakis, the video features both blonde beauties, but don't get too attached to Bollinger (who sings on the recording), for she has moved on to different pastures - perhaps ones filled with grazing llamas. The new line-up are continuing their jam-packed live show schedule in the new year, with upcoming performances at The Mint on January 27, and The Chinese New Year's Festival on February 1. - Jacqueline Caruso

Founded in 2012 by Jayk Gallagher, Hobart W Fink describe themselves as slightly nerdy, ironic indie rock with a soupçon of grunge. The band’s co-lead singers, Gallagher and Marie Bollinger, blend razor sharp harmonies atop their eclectic stew of rock influences. Their debut single, “Hundred Dollar Bill,” is gutsy, grungy, and raw. A fast-paced and edgy rock tune that never takes itself too seriously. The band has a release show at The Satellite May 30 followed by an EP release in July at Casey’s Pub. - Jacqueline Caruso

If you’re looking for an all-day, all-out, end of the year party showcasing every local band worth your time, money and sweat, then get tickets now for the First Annual XMAS FEST presented by underStory and Galaga 2331 at The Echo Country Outpost. With a full 12 hours of live music on 2 stages, catering by Lot 1 Cafe, Go Go Dancers, and a chance to snap a photo on Santa’s lap, this is also a fundraiser for the LA Mission and Toys for Tots. The lineup features an exhaustive list of local favorites including, Races, Gothic Tropic, Raw Geronimo, LA Font, Nick Diamonds, Tommy Santee Klaws, Voice on Tape, Tes Elations, Criminal Hygiene and The Janks. Check out the Facebook event for set times, and instructions on how to buy pre-sale tickets.While you're at it, check out our playlist filled with the best songs from some of the bands on the lineup. - Jacqueline Caruso