Love and a .38 Gears Up for Saturday Show

When you ask most band members about their musical influences, they are quick to name iconic musicians of the past. Local rockers Love and a .38 cite loud guitars and tight skirts as their ultimate source of inspiration.

After forming in fall 2008, it wasn’t long before Love and a .38 (the name has to do with an old man, sex and a machine gun) began packing crowds into Sunset staples such as the , and .

As the band, named one of the “Top 10 Best Unsigned Bands of 2009” (according to Total Rock Radio UK), prepares for its Sunset Strip Music Festival return, lead singer Ryan Hudson sat down with Patch to tell us what we can expect from its upcoming performance. 

West Hollywood Patch: Tell us about the significance of your name.

Ryan Hudson: One night, early on, we were at our rehearsal space in Downtown L.A. We took a smoke break and popped our head out in the halls. Right at that moment, this guy—had to be at least 65—walked up. Looked like one of those old “lifer” blues musicians. He asked if that was us playing in there. We told him yes. So he looks at us and says, “Y’all sound like sex and sex and a machine gun.” So one thing led to another and that eventually morphed into Love and a .38.

Patch: What did you take away from your last Sunset Strip Music Festival experience?

Hudson: Last year, we played on the Cat Club stage. It was an absolute blast. The whole day was just a blur. … The crowd was incredible and the vibe was just out of this world. Everybody was there to have fun. No egos. I don’t know if I’ve ever been that tired after a show before or since.

Patch: What are you excited about this year's show?

Hudson: This year, we are playing the Key Club for SSMF, which is the biggest venue on the Sunset Strip. This year’s lineup is stacked with so many great bands. Nic Adler and the SSMF crew have really built an awesome festival, and it being on our home turf makes the experience that much better. We are looking forward to spending the day with friends, meeting new fans and playing some new songs.  

Patch: You've played quite a few shows on the Strip. And while it's the Key Club on Saturday, do you have any favorite venues in Weho?

Hudson: That's a tough one, because there are a lot of really great rooms in that town. But if I had to pick one, we'd say The Roxy. It's got so much history and such a great vibe, not to mention one of the best stage setups in L.A. They always treat us right there, and it's all ages, so you can get the young crowd out, which is kind of rare in Hollywood.

Patch: What is your secret to getting those electric crowds?

Hudson: Free chocolate.

Patch: Most gratifying moment?

Hudson: Ya know those Texas steakhouses that have those big 72-ounce steaks that if you eat the whole thing you get it for free? Yeah. We did that. Twice.

Patch: Who are some of your favorite local bands?

Hudson: Run Devil Run, Scattered Hamlet, Warner Drive, The Binges, Inverse, , Kamikaze, Awaken The Empire, and about a hundred others. There is a lot of really great music in L.A. if you know where to look for it.

Patch: Are you guys working on new material? When is the next album coming out?

Hudson: We’ve been writing all summer, and actually have some studio time booked at the end of August. It will probably be a little while before there is a full length out, but we’ll definitely be getting some new music out for all you crazy kids.

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