LOONER
Gig Seeker Pro

LOONER

Los Angeles, California, United States | SELF | AFM

Los Angeles, California, United States | SELF | AFM
Band Rock Pop

Calendar

Music

Press


"LOONER review "The Greatest Weakness""

I’d already listened to this album a couple of times before I read the accompanying letter and learned that it was the work of a duo rather than a full-band – fancy! It seems, in this instance, having fewer cooks around definitely improves the flavour of the broth.

The sparse treatment definitely suits “Outside” and “My Time”, and the implementation of human beat-box on these tracks and several others is inspired. The percussive climax of “All Right” would have made the Beta Band proud, while “Don’t You Know” makes it more than obvious that the pair have been listening to Gorillaz just a little bit. Throw in some chiming guitar, a solid grasp of pop and voila! Indie/goth/hip-hop anyone?

If there are any major improvements that need making, it’s in the lyrics department (“The future is bright when things go my way” being a particularly bland example), and I still have a love/hate relationship with singer Zoe Roche’s low-register vocal style. However, anyone who can approximate a less annoying Brian Molko deserves some kudos. The bottom line is this is a CD that I’m still coming back to again and again.
www.loonertheband.com - Tasty Fanzine UK


"LOONER review "The Greatest Weakness""

I’d already listened to this album a couple of times before I read the accompanying letter and learned that it was the work of a duo rather than a full-band – fancy! It seems, in this instance, having fewer cooks around definitely improves the flavour of the broth.

The sparse treatment definitely suits “Outside” and “My Time”, and the implementation of human beat-box on these tracks and several others is inspired. The percussive climax of “All Right” would have made the Beta Band proud, while “Don’t You Know” makes it more than obvious that the pair have been listening to Gorillaz just a little bit. Throw in some chiming guitar, a solid grasp of pop and voila! Indie/goth/hip-hop anyone?

If there are any major improvements that need making, it’s in the lyrics department (“The future is bright when things go my way” being a particularly bland example), and I still have a love/hate relationship with singer Zoe Roche’s low-register vocal style. However, anyone who can approximate a less annoying Brian Molko deserves some kudos. The bottom line is this is a CD that I’m still coming back to again and again.
www.loonertheband.com - Tasty Fanzine UK


"Looner Album Review - I Love My Tamagotchee!"

When a Hollywood couple names themselves after a balloon fetish, you know everyone is bound to stop in their tracks and do a double take. No, we’re not talking about a Brangelina sex tape, but the latest band to hit the music scene, a band that has a single that will definitely get your attention. It helps that husband and wife duo Zoe and Angel Roché Jr. of Looner have Ziggy Marley serving as Executive Producer for their EP. However, Looner was already garnering media attention for their dreamy, infectious fusions of reggae-rock and playful, catchy lyrics that stick like a chewed up wad of Doublemint. Then again, who doesn’t love to sing along about guilty pleasures?

Unlike most up-and-coming bands, Looner has successfully made their mark in music. Angel, who relocated to Los Angeles to pursue the dream of becoming a rock star, has already recorded and toured with Dave Navarro and Marley, which explains the Grammy Award-winning front man’s interest in working with Looner. Zoe, the daughter of film composer Basil Poledouris, made a melodic contribution to the soundtrack of Conan the Barbarian, a feature film her father scored. At the age of nine, she became one of the youngest artists to join the ranks of BMI. Zoe’s sultry, smoky vocals match her blonde, vintage glamour persona, giving audiences some eye candy with their music. While these accomplishments would create high expectations among curious listeners, Looner doesn’t disappoint. Their single “I Love My Tamagotchee!,” references the Japanese toy that became one of the most popular things to own during the 90’s right alongside Tickle Me Elmo. The result is a feel-good digital dance track that keeps you hooked and wanting more. Before the song comes to an end, you’ll be chanting "I Love My Tamagotchee!" non-stop, all thanks to Angel’s hypnotic chorus which can be both a good and a bad thing. The music makes you want to swivel your hips as if you were dancing at a hipster nightclub in Williamsburg. The slow, yet persistent guitar riffs provide this bubblegum pop a hard edge, taking away the guilt from dancing along to this underground hit.

However, if you’re ready to wind down, Looner has something to offer to all - thanks to Mary Jane. The post-disco hit “Pass The Dutchie” has been remade countless times since its 1982 release, but that hasn’t stopped Looner from recording the classic track and making it their own. Rather than declaring political feelings towards marijuana, the mesmerizing, soothing melody describes a “magical summer” where good feelings or a “nice, natural spliff” is passed around. Yes, Looner injects some roots reggae intertwining with the radio-friendly pop plus adding some spacey synths to their rendition, but the lyrics are all theirs. Unlike her performance on “I Love My Tamagotchee!,” Zoe sings girlish, child-like vocals on “Pass The Dutchie” that are wildly haunting. Ultimately, you’ll feel like you’ve had some dutchie passed your way…and you’ll love every second of it.

Is Looner the most spectacular thing you’ll ever hear? No, but that doesn’t mean the duo isn’t ready to be heard. With the help of reggae’s contemporary icon (Ziggy Marley), along with some laid back tunes that will put a smile on anyone’s face, perhaps this is one musical obsession you won’t mind admitting out loud. - New York Cool


"Looner Offers Music Maximum"

by Kevin Hopper (For the ABQ Journal)

BACKSTAGE PASS: For musicians, it's impossible to be in two places at one time right?

Sure there are multi-instrumentalists, but you can't play bass, drums and guitar at the same time can you?

Before you answer that, give a listen to the band Looner. Made up of just two people, Angel Roche Jr. and Zoe Poledouris, this Hollywood-based indie-rock phenomenon uses samplers on stage to create a sound that seems as if two musicians are six. So the bass player also can be the drummer and the guitarist can be the back up singer as well as the lead singer.

Sounds confusing but once you see the band live, it all makes sense.

The pair has just released its first eponymous full-length CD, which follows three EP releases over the past three years. Produced by Grammy winner Terry Becker, (Kansas, Thompson Twins), it's a highly melodic affair highlighted by Poledouris' pristine vocals. The duo will perform at Burt's Tiki Lounge Tuesday, Nov. 15, with Holiday Sail and local newcomer Big Lips And The Skinny.

Looner's live performances are simply awe-inspiring so mark this under "must see" on your calendar.


- Albuquerque Journal


"Looner Offers Music Maximum"

by Kevin Hopper (For the ABQ Journal)

BACKSTAGE PASS: For musicians, it's impossible to be in two places at one time right?

Sure there are multi-instrumentalists, but you can't play bass, drums and guitar at the same time can you?

Before you answer that, give a listen to the band Looner. Made up of just two people, Angel Roche Jr. and Zoe Poledouris, this Hollywood-based indie-rock phenomenon uses samplers on stage to create a sound that seems as if two musicians are six. So the bass player also can be the drummer and the guitarist can be the back up singer as well as the lead singer.

Sounds confusing but once you see the band live, it all makes sense.

The pair has just released its first eponymous full-length CD, which follows three EP releases over the past three years. Produced by Grammy winner Terry Becker, (Kansas, Thompson Twins), it's a highly melodic affair highlighted by Poledouris' pristine vocals. The duo will perform at Burt's Tiki Lounge Tuesday, Nov. 15, with Holiday Sail and local newcomer Big Lips And The Skinny.

Looner's live performances are simply awe-inspiring so mark this under "must see" on your calendar.


- Albuquerque Journal


"Ears Wide Open: Looner"


Genre-mashing L.A. duo Looner is gearing up for the May 26 release of a new single, “I Love My Tamagotchee!” — based on the obsession with the Japanese Tamagotchi toy, the song is streaming on the band’s MySpace page — and, later this year, an EP executive-produced by Ziggy Marley. Angel Roché Jr. and Zoë Roché, who get a lot of mileage out of digital looping and twining vocals, boast long credits writing music for movies (Zoë, the daughter of film composer Basil Poledouris, earned her first writing credit at age 9). The new single is bound to get your hips shaking, but the B-side, Looner’s take on Musical Youth’s 1980s hit “Pass the Dutchie,” may move you in another way. - Kevin Bronson for BuzzBands.LA


"Talking to Looner"

Angel Roche Jr and Zoë Roche are a multi-tasking musical duo known as Looner. For Looner, the road has always been a friend. From the profoundly spiritual experiences at The Red Rocks Amphitheater to sharing the stage with the likes of Ziggy Marley on many national coast-to-coast tours, Looner imbues their live performances with rhythmic digital loops, ingenious harmonic backdrops and lustrous vocal overlays.

1. What are your musical influences?
Life, love and happiness as well as the music by bands like Weezer, Fela Kuti, Nine Inch Nails, Death Cab for Cutie and Madonna.

2. What is a “Tamagotchee”?
A Tamagotchi is a virtual pet, an electronic egg shaped toy that you have to keep alive by “feeding ” and “praising” it. Kids in Japan became so obsessed with their Tamagotchi toys that the toys were banned from schools in Japan at the height of their popularity. Our song, “I Love My Tamagotchee!” is inspired by that level of obsession that can cause lapses in rational judgement.

3. What was it like touring with Ziggy Marley?
Well, since it was our very first tour, we were pretty nervous. Angel was playing percussion for Ziggy and his brothers as well so he was doing double duty. Because we were just a duo, Zoë got a bunk on the Marley band bus which was a total thrill! Over all It was a nurturing environment with pretty open minded audiences who seemed to get into our sound even though we weren’t a reggae band. It was an amazing learning experience that we’ll always remember fondly.

4. Why did you call the band, Looner?
We were doing the musical score for a movie called “Teenage Caveman” and in one scene two monsters are fighting each other and a female character yells at them, “you’re a Looner!” It made us laugh so hard. It was a pretty instant decision after that to name our band Looner. We found out later on-line that a Looner is not just a crazy person but also a person with a balloon fetish. Bonus!

5. If you could perform for a person or an event past/present/alive/dead/fictional/real what would you choose:
We would love to perform our song “Home” acoustically on the Johnny Cash Show. The artists that played their songs on that show ( James Taylor, Neil Young) were taken seriously for their song craft and lyrical content and I hope that when we release that song in the near future we get to play it in a similar setting. Today I think the closest thing we had to that which is now gone was Late Night With Conan O’Brian. He seemed to genuinely like the bands that he had on his show, especially when The White Stripes played every day for a week, that showed real dedication to the band and their songs.

6. Who are your favorite artists musically or any other medium:
Well, I (Zoë) think that Madonna and Trent Reznor are two of the strongest artists who have inspired me. They take no prisoners as both songwriters and business people as well as having pretty concrete identities which have helped them endure long careers. I also just love all the music that each one makes. A collaboration between the two of them would be interesting.

For me (Angel), Ziggy Marley & Fela Kuti have been an inspiration as far as how I view music and my role in it. Music and art in general is a spiritual experience that has the power to connect everyone in many different ways. Once your art becomes popular, it brings with it a certain responsilbiilty that is often not taken seriously. I hope that if we are fortunate enough to become popular, we are able to use that popularity to spread our message of love, joy and happiness.

7. Future plans for Looner:
Lots of touring in support of “I Love My Tamagotchee!” and then the release of our 5 song EP executive produced by Ziggy Marley, which we have been working on forever! - Swell City Guide


"Ears Wide Open: Looner"


Genre-mashing L.A. duo Looner is gearing up for the May 26 release of a new single, “I Love My Tamagotchee!” — based on the obsession with the Japanese Tamagotchi toy, the song is streaming on the band’s MySpace page — and, later this year, an EP executive-produced by Ziggy Marley. Angel Roché Jr. and Zoë Roché, who get a lot of mileage out of digital looping and twining vocals, boast long credits writing music for movies (Zoë, the daughter of film composer Basil Poledouris, earned her first writing credit at age 9). The new single is bound to get your hips shaking, but the B-side, Looner’s take on Musical Youth’s 1980s hit “Pass the Dutchie,” may move you in another way. - Kevin Bronson for BuzzBands.LA


Discography

Year of the Ox
-Avian Recording Company

"I Love My Tamagotchee!" (single w/ b-side)
-Avian Recording Company

The Greatest Weakness
-Avian Recording Company

Rules EP
-Avian Recording Company

Follow The Looner EP
-Avian Recording Company

The First Five EP
-Avian Recording Company

Photos

Bio

LOONER, a Los-Angeles based rock band, is the husband-and-wife songwriting team of Angel Roché Jr. and Zoë Poledouris Roché. The couple has spent the last twelve years seamlessly melding their disparate backgrounds of salsa, orchestral composition, jazz, pop, industrial, and reggae into a signature sound distinguishable by Zoë’s haunting vocals and Angel’s locomotive beats. Their songs are a curious mixture of the dark and the light—piercing lyrics entwine with poppy melodies, and catchy hooks are underscored by fuzzy prog rock riffs. Under the spell of their undeniable style that they call Steady Rock, even covers find themselves LOONERfied in an instant.

Two people from different worlds, the Rochés found a connection in their devotion to music. Zoë, raised in Encino, California, is the daughter of the late renowned film composer Basil Poledouris, and boasts major motion picture songwriting, scoring, and acting credits of her own. Angel, raised on the south side of Chicago, is the son of Puerto Rican immigrants, and spent his childhood playing drums in his father’s 16-piece church salsa band. When the couple connected with a fiery kiss at the Viper Room in 2000, they knew immediately they would commit to each other for life—but their musical union surprised them both.

“She unleashed the songwriting monster within me,” says Angel. “I started hearing melodies and playing guitar.” They took a line from a movie, Teenage Caveman, to name their new endeavor, and used a looping technique on stage that gave them a full band sound. Songs would begin with Angel creating rhythmic “beds” on beatbox or guitar, while Zoë folded in a bass line and layers of vocals. The result was finely crafted songs that built to a consuming climax, leaving audiences marveling at the all-encompassing soundscape from stage.

With their live technique perfected, they independently produced three albums: The First Five, Follow the LOONER, and Rules, while Angel was busy playing drums and percussion in Dave Navarro’s and Ziggy Marley’s bands. In 2004, LOONER joined the national Roots, Rock, Reggae tour as the only rock act on the bill, and in 2006, released another album, The Greatest Weakness. By 2009, the couple had added Damon Ramirez (Fungo Mungo) on keyboard and synthesizer, and set out on a six-week cross-country tour that celebrated the release of their infectious pop single “I Love My Tamagotchee” and its B-side, a hypnotic remake of the ‘80s reggae hit, ”Dutchie.” “We wanted to be able to play songs from the get-go, instead of having to build all of them,” says Zoë. “Damon added that fullness.”

But although the band expanded, the Roché’s songwriting remained the same: bare naked lyrics that speak to the ups and downs of human relationships, juxtaposed over danceable beats and unexpected stylistic twists and turns.

LOONER’s latest lineup includes Michelle Rangel (Go Betty Go) on bass and newcomer Yuichiro Asami on guitar, and the band is currently releasing songs one single at a time from their album Year of the Ox, a nod to the Chinese astrological sign for the year both Angel and Zoë were born. It is a sign whose telltale trait is determination, and the songs on the album were written during another Year of the Ox, while the couple was expecting their daughter, Jesse, who has made them even more resolute to rise to the top of life’s waves. “Make It Happen” is a call to action anthem that strikes at the heart of anyone who ever had a dream. “Sunshine” is about allowing love to shine through the darkest hour. On YOTO, LOONER’s depth of songwriting holds up a musical mirror and reflects the realities of life, while providing a lose-yourself-and-dance good time!

“LOONER is our life project,” says Zoë, and Angel adds that because their goal is to try every style of music, they may just be getting started. “We want to be just hitting our stride when we’re fifty.”

by Joy Rosenberg