Consequences of an Enthusiastic "Yes"

If you're not following my Stories on Instagram or reading my bi-weekly newsletters, then there's something you may have missed this past year: your homegirl is nearly a bona-fide rock star now.

Last summer I joined a garage rock band called The Jungo Swank, almost on a whim. But not really. There's certain principles that I live my life by, one of them being this: I must take responsibility for my attraction to novelty by channeling it into positive avenues. A band that already had some cred before our first gig, where I didn't have to be responsible for getting us in front of crowds, nor renting studio space? AND the band leader is SO non-toxic it's and VERY talented? Sign me tf up!

We've been gigging around LA since June of 2024, and even did a tour back in the fall. It was a great time and an excellent learning experience for me.

The Jungo Swank @ Conor Byrne Pub, Freakout Fest 2024. Photo by Liz Tran.

There were two huge reasons why I felt comfortable adding this layer of controlled chaos to my life: Firstly, I was in better physical shape as a result of my preparations for my music video, and secondly, I had just finished a three month vocal workshop that gave me the confidence to push my singing beyond anything I'd done to that point. I finally found myself having the knowledge and tools to keep my voice in shape to withstand whatever would come. 

Sinus care? Check. COVID prevention? Check. Electrolytes? Check.

Our show at Gold Diggers a couple weeks ago was our best yet, if I must say so myself. That might be because the night before, we rehearsed the set full-out three times in a row. But that's how I like it. That's the kind of performance discipline I've been steeped in since I was a child, and I know it's that level of commitment that had us putting on an excellent show.

Our gig at Gold Diggers, July 3rd 2025. Photo  by @dug.moore

About a week after our show at Gold Diggers, we got word that we're booked for a show at THEE VIPER ROOM. Do you understand how much of a milestone that is for LA bands? I feel so iconic! We are so stoked about this! And to think, if I had been too timid or self-deprecating, or hadn't felt "ready enough" and turned down the invitation to try out for the band, I wouldn't be able to say these words: "I've booked a gig at The Viper Room coming up in about a month."

Friday, September 5th. Make sure you're signed up for my email list so that you get all the details you need in enough time. And after you do that, follow @thejungoswank on Instagram.