All Of It: How The Altons Capture the Sound of Southern California Soul

Host: Kusha Navadar (filling in for Alison Stewart)
Guests: Adriana Flores (Lead Singer) and Brian Ponce (Guitarist and Singer)
Release Date: March 20, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Kusha Navadar, listeners are invited to a special listening party with The Altons, a Southern California-based band celebrating the release of their latest album, "Heartache in Room 14." As the band prepares to perform at Racket NYC in Chelsea, Adriana Flores and Brian Ponce delve into the inspirations, creative processes, and collaborative dynamics that shape their soulful sound.

Background of The Altons

Formation and Evolution
The Altons originated in Southeast Los Angeles and have been active since the summer of 2015. Initially a three-piece band, they expanded to include Adriana Flores on lead vocals and Brian Ponce on guitar. The current lineup also features Caitlin Moss on drums and Christopher Montice on bass.

Musical Influences
The band draws heavily from Motown and Stax era influences, blending rich, soulful sounds with Latin-inspired rhythms. This fusion creates a unique vibe that resonates with both nostalgic and contemporary audiences.

Formation Story
Brian Ponce shares how the band evolved:

"We formed The Altons to keep playing after our previous band disbanded. Meeting Adriana and Joe during a show with Joey Quinones of The Sincere was a turning point, and we've been together ever since."
(09:10)

Concept of "Heartache in Room 14"

Themes of Love and Heartache
The album "Heartache in Room 14" explores the intertwined nature of love and heartache, reflecting the universal experiences of longing and loss. Adriana Flores explains:

"Love and heartache go hand in hand. Using heartache instead of love in the title made more sense to me because you can't have one without the other."
(02:44)

Album Composition
Produced by Bosco Mann, co-founder of Daptone Records, the album features 10 tracks that evoke a vintage feel through lush organ chords and nostalgic melodies reminiscent of Southern California's soulful soundscape.

"The lush organ chords used in many of these songs invoke a feeling of nostalgia and longing that feels uniquely Southern Californian."
(01:21)
Review by Flood Magazine highlights the album’s authentic retro vibe.

Song Discussions

1. "Waiting" - Opening Track
The lead single "Waiting" serves as the album's opener, symbolizing the band's own anticipation and the lengthy creative process. Adriana shares:

"We had been waiting so long for the album to come out. Starting with 'Waiting' felt like a good opener because it represented our journey."
(05:02)

2. "Del Cielo de Cuido" - Bolero Influence
A standout track, "Del Cielo de Cuido", blends traditional bolero with soul music, marking one of Daptone's first Spanish songs. Brian elaborates:

"It's a tragic song about longing and coping with loss. Incorporating bolero allowed us to infuse our parents' oldies into our sound."
(12:29)

Understanding Bolero
Bolero is a genre characterized by its romantic and melancholic themes, often featuring intricate harmonies and expressive melodies. Adriana notes:

"Bolero was always music we grew up listening to at home, so integrating it felt natural and added depth to our album."
(11:10)

3. "Over and Over" - Vocal Exploration
Brian discusses his experimentation with falsetto in "Over and Over":

"I wanted to explore falsetto and singing in that register, which was a new challenge for me. It allowed me to push the boundaries of our sound."
(18:06)

4. "Float" - Psychedelic Soul Fusion
"Float" represents the band’s foray into blending soul with psychedelic elements. Adriana explains:

"We aimed to push the boundaries of soul music, adding reverb and experimental sounds inspired by the Beatles, which Bosco encouraged."
(21:25)

Collaborative Process

Writing as a Duo
Transitioning to a duet album required Adriana and Brian to harmonize their distinct voices. Adriana shares:

"Writing melodies that complement both of our voices was a big challenge, but it became a new muscle we're strengthening."
(08:46)

Brian reflects on the vulnerability of collaboration:

"I usually isolate myself and write before sharing. Collaborating meant being open and receiving feedback, which was initially daunting but ultimately rewarding."
(15:28)

Handling Creative Differences
The band emphasizes prioritizing the song's integrity over individual egos:

"We fix conflicts by focusing on what's best for the song. Our unanimous decisions ensure the best outcome for our music."
(16:31)

Working with Producer Bosco Mann

Bosco’s Influence
Bosco Mann played a pivotal role in refining The Altons' sound. Brian comments:

"Working with Bosco was like a master class. He taught us to dissect and assemble songs meticulously, enhancing the album's quality."
(20:04)

Production Techniques
Under Bosco's guidance, the band learned to experiment with instrumentation and effects:

"He encouraged us to experiment, such as adding more reverb to 'Float,' which pushed our creative boundaries and enriched the sound."
(22:08)

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Kusha Navadar commends The Altons for their heartfelt and meticulously crafted album. With "Heartache in Room 14" now available for streaming, the band is set to captivate audiences with their nostalgic yet innovative soulful sound at Racket NYC. Adriana and Brian express their gratitude and excitement:

"Thank you for having us. This is fun."
(22:53)

The episode highlights the synergy between The Altons’ rich musical heritage and their modern interpretations, showcasing their ability to evoke deep emotions through collaborative creativity and masterful production.

Notable Quotes:

• Adriana Flores:

  "Love and heartache go hand in hand. Using heartache instead of love in the title made more sense to me because you can't have one without the other."
  (02:44)

• Brian Ponce:

  "Working with Bosco was like a master class. He taught us to dissect and assemble songs meticulously, enhancing the album's quality."
  (20:04)

• Adriana Flores:

  "Writing melodies that complement both of our voices was a big challenge, but it became a new muscle we're strengthening."
  (08:46)

• Brian Ponce:

  "Collaborating meant being open and receiving feedback, which was initially daunting but ultimately rewarding."
  (15:28)

Meta Information:

• Podcast: All Of It
• Host: Kusha Navadar (guest-hosting for Alison Stewart)
• Guests: Adriana Flores and Brian Ponce from The Altons
• Release Date: March 20, 2025
• Available On: All major streaming platforms