Been Stellar shines in Southern California: Hollywood Palladium and Soma takeover in support of the new album Scream From New York.
New York indie rockers Been Stellar brought their sonic intensity to Southern California last week with back-to-back performances at the Hollywood Palladium, and Soma in San Diego. The band, touring in support of their new album Scream from New York, delivered two blistering sets that left fans captivated and eager for more.
Los Angeles – Hollywood Palladium’s Grit and Glam
The Hollywood Palladium is no stranger to iconic performances, and Been Stellar embraced the venue’s legacy with an electrifying show. From the moment the band stepped onto the stage, they were in full throttle, opening with the explosive “Scream From New York,” the titular track from the new album that perfectly set the tone for the night. The combination of gritty, post-punk guitars and pulsating rhythms echoed through the art-deco hall, drawing the audience into the band’s raw, urban energy.
Frontman Sam Slocum commanded the stage with a magnetic presence, his vocals cutting through the noise with both aggression and a surprising vulnerability. His delivery was at its best during tracks like “Manhattan Youth,” where he shifted between haunting calm and passionate fury. It’s in these moments that Been Stellar’s live presence truly shines—an unpredictable mix of chaos and control that makes their performances unforgettable.
The band’s set drew heavily from Scream From New York, a record that captures the essence of their gritty New York City roots. Songs like “Passing Judgement” and “Pumpkin” translated particularly well live, each punctuated by thick layers of distortion and aggressive drum beats. Slocum’s lyrics, often reflecting the disillusionment of youth in the city, resonated strongly with the crowd, many of whom were thrashing along to the frenetic tempo.
While the Hollywood Palladium show was unrelentingly energetic, the sound occasionally suffered from the venue’s cavernous acoustics. At times, Slocum’s vocals were swallowed by the sheer force of the music, and the subtle nuances of the band’s songwriting were lost. But in a live setting, that imperfection added to the visceral experience, reminding the audience that Been Stellar thrives on an element of unpredictability.
San Diego – Soma’s Underground Energy
If the Hollywood Palladium showcased Been Stellar’s ability to fill a larger venue with their signature sound, the following night at San Diego’s Soma felt like a return to the band’s scrappier, underground roots. Soma, with its grungy, no-frills atmosphere, was the perfect setting for Been Stellar’s raw aesthetic, making the band feel right at home in a space reminiscent of the gritty NYC clubs where they honed their craft.
The energy in the room was palpable from the start, as the band kicked off their set with the same ferocity they displayed the night before. The smaller, more intimate space of Soma allowed the band to connect more directly with the audience. This time, Slocum’s vocals cut through the noise with greater clarity, and the tighter acoustics of the venue gave the performance a punchier, more immediate feel.
Tracks like “I Have the Answer” and “Pumpkin” were standouts, with their driving beats and jagged guitar lines perfectly suited for the raw energy of the venue. The crowd, a mix of die-hard fans and curious newcomers, responded with equal enthusiasm, moshing and chanting along to the anthemic choruses.
What set the San Diego show apart from the Hollywood Palladium performance was its sense of urgency. The band played with a ferocity that suggested they were feeding off the more compact, fervent crowd. Slocum seemed to thrive in this environment, his vocals taking on an added intensity, particularly during the night’s opening song, “Scream from New York.” The track, with its defiant lyrics and crashing instrumentals, gave the set a thunderous opening.
A Southern California Triumph
Over the course of two nights, Been Stellar proved they’re more than capable of commanding different stages, from the grandeur of the Hollywood Palladium to the gritty intimacy of Soma. Both performances showcased the band’s unique ability to blend chaos and control, delivering a live show that’s as unpredictable as it is compelling.
As they continue their tour, Been Stellar’s rise from New York’s underground to the national stage feels inevitable. For those lucky enough to catch them in Southern California, it’s clear the band’s star is only getting brighter.
If you’re curious about what life is like for a young band on the rise, check out Been Stellar’s five-part documentary on YouTube, They Don’t Make Words For This. The short film offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their journey, from recording in the studio to life on the road in a cramped van and shooting music videos. Each episode runs about eight minutes, making the series easy to watch in bite-sized segments. It’s an insightful and entertaining look at the realities of a band striving for success.
Been Stellar are: Nando Dale (guitar), Laila Wayans (drums), Sam Slocum (vocals), Nico Brunstein (bass), and Skyler St. Marx (guitar).
