Isaiah "Ikey" Owens

Most famously known for his involvement in [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]The Mars Volta[/lastfm], keyboardist Owens attended high school at Long Beach Poly for their music program. Since then, he has contributed to several successful bands, many of which have originated from Long Beach, including Sublime’s Bud & Eric’s [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Long Beach Dub All-Stars[/lastfm], and recent indie band, [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Crystal Antlers[/lastfm].

T.S.O.L.

Punk rock band [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]T.S.O.L.[/lastfm] (True Sounds Of Liberty) was formed in Long Beach in 1979.  Since then, the band has experienced several band-member changes and even dabbled in metal in the early ’90s. They have continued to play shows around the world, including the original lineup recording a live album, Live from Long Beach, at the Vault located in downtown LB.

WAR performing live

In 1963, Long Beach native Harold Ray Brown, who also attended Long Beach Poly, formed the band [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]WAR[/lastfm] with other SoCal funk performers.  Although the lineup has changed, some of their greatest hits, including,  “Lowrider,” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” remain as party favorites today.

213 rappers Snoop Dogg, Warren G, and Nate Dogg

Long Beach rap group [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]213[/lastfm] (LA’s former area code) was formed in the early ’90s, and included locals [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Snoop Dogg[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Warren G[/lastfm], and [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Nate Dogg[/lastfm].  Each rapper obviously went on to become major successes in the hip-hop industry.  Nate Dogg unfortunately passed away earlier this year.

There are a few Long Beach bands on the rise that you may want to know about as well. Check ‘em out!

Bethpage Black “Losing My Nerve”

This aggressive pop rock band creates their sound with a variety of genre influences, including metal and even classical. They’ve been featured on Local’s Only, and have collaborated with aforementioned talented local, Ikey Owens, on their debut EP.

Straight Up Down “Next To Me”

Growing up in Long Beach listening to bands like Sublime and the Ziggens, Straight Up Down  refreshingly delivers a mix of reggae, punk, and a sound that’s not only unique, but makes you wanna dance! These guys are sure to be the next big thing outta LB.

Chase Long Beach

Local ska band, Chase Long Beach, has consistently been touring and recording, releasing 2 EPs and 2 full-length albums so far –contributing to the next resurgence of ska music.

Doug Means Project

DMP is a funky blend of rock, reggae and hip-hop, which have performed all over SoCal.  They recently collaborated with Rome Ramirez of [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Sublime with Rome[/lastfm].

Got a Long Beach band we should know about? Hit us in the comments.