The Altons, photographed live in KCRW’s Annenberg Performance Studio by Michael Quintero.
The Altons, photographed live in KCRW’s Annenberg Performance Studio by Michael Quintero.
Graphic treatment by Rommel Alcantara/KCRW. Video directed by Angie Scarpa. All photos by Michael Quintero.

The Altons: KCRW Live from HQ

Intimate performances, fresh sounds, and candid conversations with a view.

Written by Marion Hodges

Southeast LA souldies crew The Altons just dropped their sophomore LP Heartache in Room 14 — their first for modern soul behemoth Daptone Records. The new record finds co-bandleaders/vocalists Adriana Flores and Bryan Ponce writing and singing in Spanish for the first time, fine-tuning their feverishly romantic slow jams, and delivering vocal harmonies that are snug in all the right places. Ahead of a major world tour, which includes stops at Pappy + Harriet’s in Pioneertown on Saturday, May 17 and the Greek Theatre on Saturday, July 26, The Altons packed the house at KCRW’s Annenberg Performance Studio.

More: Southeast LA’s Chicano soul is alive and well in Joey Quiñones’ music

Adriana Flores (lead vocals), Bryan Ponce (lead vocals/guitar), Joey Quiñones (guitar/backup vocals), Chris Manjarrez (bass), Caitlin Moss (drums), Christian "Elyzr" Meraz (keys) are digging into new album delights including “Del Cielo Te Cuido,” “Tangled Up in You,” and “Over and Over.” 

Swoon along to the music via the video at the top of the page. Dig into the interview below with Flores and Ponce for insights into what it’s like to be a born and raised LA band and why they wanted to write songs that their parents would love. 

Explore more KCRW Live From sessions







Credits:

KCRW Music Director: Alejandro Cohen
Interviewer: Novena Carmel
Director / Editor / Colorist: Angie Scarpa
Director of Photography: Kylie Hazzard
Camera operators: Kylie Hazzard, Jacqueline Lehr, Angie Scarpa
KCRW Recording / Mix Engineer: Hope Brush
Assistant Engineers: Katie Gilchrest and Nick Lampone
Broadcast Editors: Nick Lampone and Anna Chang
Executive Producer: Ariana Morgenstern
Senior Producer: Anna Chang
Event Producer: Liv Surnow
Digital Producer: Marion Hodges
Digital Editorial Manager: Andrea Domanick
Lighting Design: Jason Groman
Art Director: Evan Solano

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