HAND DRAWN MAPS

Let me introduce you to Hand Drawn Maps, Los Angeles based indie pop three-piece who fuse together indie-pop elements with surf rock to create something cool yet completely relaxing. Their music is fresh and catchy - much like their band name.

When I write about musicians or bands on my blog, I often try and compare them to mainstream artists that I think you'll have heard of so that you know what to expect before you press that all important play button. I normally don't struggle in doing this, however, in this particular instance, I'm finding it hard to liken them to anything besides themselves. It's either because my knowledge of music is failing me or - and I think this is the case - they are channeling such a unique sound that they simply cannot be likened to anyone. Maybe except the Beach Boys, but that's just because they have the same beach/surfer vibe thing going on.

The band compromises of Charles Gregory Schwartz on bass, Mercedes Cruz on Drums and Stewart James on Vox and Guitar who come together to create the music of your indie dreams. If you can't place the indie-ness sneaking out of your speakers, then let the below photo just speak for itself. So. Cool.

Also want to take a minute/sentence/few sentences/maybe paragraph/however you want to measure it (probably paragraph knowing me) to just touch on how much I am fully LOVING the girl power that is not only oozing out of the below photo through Mercedes's clothing and position but in the fact that she fully kicks it as the band's drummer.

I have been told by the band that they are working on new music (pauses to celebratory dance around bedroom), but the band released their new EP, Kites, in the April of this year and I can't stop replaying. I know I seem to say that in every blog post ever written, but I am always passionate about whoever I put out to you and, as my one cardinal rule, have to love them.


When I finally get round to doing my American Road Trip, all of their music will be featured on my playlist. I get that summer feeling (maybe that's because we're now en route to Winter and they're a beach-y band...) but it's the best kind of feeling.




I hope you enjoy this band and if you want to keep up with them then you can do so here