Skyscanner is partnering with Exceptional Alien to bring you music guides in Toronto, Los Angeles, Manchester, New York, and Berlin. UK-born, LA-based singer-songwriter NY Oh tells us her favourite music spots in California’s biggest burg.
Ny Oh’s LA: concert venues, alt clubs, live music spots
Los Angeles doesn’t need much introduction. One of North America’s most famous cities, the home of Hollywood and a hub for fashion, technology and world-class museums, there are few travel itches the City of Angels can’t scratch.
Any artist worth their salt has concerts in LA scheduled on their tour, and with more and more travellers seeking alternative locations to enjoy their favourite musicians, it’s becoming a popular destination for gig-trippers.
We take a tour of The Big Orange with resident musician Ny Oh, who shares her favourite music spots to visit in the city.
Who is Ny Oh?
Though born in Worcestershire in the UK, singer-songwriter Ny Oh grew up in New Zealand from the age of three. Today, she is the lead singer of the band Neon Gru, known for producing alt-pop tracks with unusual rhythms and a progressive style. Ny Oh herself is well known for touring with Harry Styles as an instrumentalist on his Love on Tour between 2021 and 2023.
Now a permanent resident of La La Land, Ny Oh is perfectly placed to reveal the most immersive Los Angeles music venues, retail therapy spots and eateries. For her, the song synonymous with the metropolis is ‘Woman’ by Little Simz [featuring Cleo Sol]. “I love representing England as well as Aotearoa in LA.”
How does Los Angeles inspire her to create music?
LA is a city blessed with many nicknames, but one of its earliest is perhaps most apt: ‘The Land of Sunshine and Opportunity’. The 20th century has seen creatives from all walks of life flock to LA seeking the Californian Dream and the city retains its inspirational atmosphere today.
“LA was very much a mysterious and mystical place to me before I moved here,” Ny Oh says of the city’s allure. “I made the decision to move here for my music career, but it's proven itself as a place to find balance. I was seeking a place that offered me the ocean and great outdoor experiences without taking away those 'city opportunities' and boom, LA welcomed me in.”
More so than other US cities, the City of Angels boasts a surprising amount of green space, something Ny Oh finds particularly motivating. “The nature here inspires me; the way people find time for themselves in this busy environment inspires me; the light here inspires me; the breathtaking sunsets; the wildlife that thrives in the pockets.”
Ny Oh’s favourite Los Angeles music venues
The sprawling metropolis of LA has a wealth of fantastic music venues, from basement boltholes to stadium arenas. Here are Ny Oh’s recommendations.
Zebulon
Experimental/Alternative
This low-key space in the shadow of Griffith Park and the Golden State Freeway hosts artists every night of the week. Offering a live music room and low-lit restaurant/bar, Zebulon is as well-known for its eclectic music concerts as its tasty dishes. The vibe is distinctly hipster; attracting a young crowd keen to hear alternative tunes in a laid-back space. Most events are standing only, and entry fees range from free to around $40. Book online or pay cash at the door. “[It’s] a great place to catch all kinds of music any night of the week. I love the variety, the layout, and the sound is goooood!”
Hollywood Bowl
Various
This historic arena is world-renowned and regularly hosts the biggest concerts in LA. From huge operatic performances such as Carmen to seminal musicals including West Side Story, and featuring artists from The Beatles and The Doors to Billie Eilish and Mariah Carey, this 100-year-old LA music venue has hosted a panoply of music-based entertainment. “[It’s] a magical outdoor experience.”
The Masonic Lodge
Various
When it comes to LA music venues, this is about as atmospheric as they come. A part of Hollywood Forever, a 62-acre cemetery providing permanent resting places for cinematic titans such as Cecile B. DeMille, Burt Reynolds and Judy Garland, The Masonic Lodge hosts literary readings, podcast recordings and plenty of musical performances. “[It’s] a reverent experience. Come early and walk the graves to really set the tone!”
Exceptional Alien’s guide to LA’s best
Los Angeles has way more to offer than just the music and entertainment scene. Check out the city's hidden gems and local favourites, all in one easy guide.
