How The Altons Capture the Sound of Southern California Soul

Summary

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

Transcript

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[WNYC Studios]

Listener Supported WNYC Studios.

[Kusha Navadar]

This is all of it on wnyc. I'm Kusha Navadar filling in for Alison Stewart. Let's wrap up today's show with a listening party.

[Lyrics from The Altons]

I can't seem to shake you I can't seem to shake you baby All.

[Kusha Navadar]

I do is dream about that's Tangled up in youn from the Southeast Los Angeles band the Altons off their latest album heartache in room 14. Since forming in the summer of 2015, the group has become recognized for their rich, soulful sound while also incorporating Latin inspired rhythms. Their new debut, their new duet album, produced by Daptown Records co founder Bosco Mann, is inspired by the Motown and Stax era. It features 10 tracks about longing and the loss of love that feel undeniably vintage. A review from Flood Magazine states the lush organ chords used in many of these songs by their hometown invoke a feeling of nostalgia and longing that feels uniquely Southern Californian. Heartache in room 14 is out now and available to stream wherever you listen to your music. We're lucky to be here today, right across the table by lead singer Adriana Flores and guitarist and singer Brian Ponce. They're going to be here to talk us through the listening party ahead of their concert tonight at Racket NYC in Chelsea on West 16 Street. Adriana, Brian, welcome to all of it.

[Adriana Flores]

Thank you.

[WNYC Studios]

Thank you for having us.

[Kusha Navadar]

Absolutely. So Adriana, let's start with you. What is fascinating to you about the concept of Heartache?

[Adriana Flores]

We we started writing this album and it took us about three years and we're working out the lyrics and working out the songs and love is something that kept coming up right, especially in soul music. It's, it's one of the subjects that keeps coming up and that people resonate with because we've all felt it right? And you can't have love without heartache. They go hand in hand. So as we were writing the album and writing the songs, that's something that kept coming up and I felt like I wanted to, I really wanted to point out that they go hand in hand. So using heartache instead of love in the title made more sense to me.

[Kusha Navadar]

So what came up first in the discussions? Was it love or was it heartache?

[Adriana Flores]

It was love. It was love. Right. So we. But also loss. They go together.

[Kusha Navadar]

Yeah.

[Adriana Flores]

So I'm blanking. I'm sorry.

[WNYC Studios]

I think it was just a theme that we kept writing in our songs, and it was. It became apparent when we. When we brought him to Gabe, where it was like. It's like, oh, you guys. You guys are writing a bunch of love songs.

[Kusha Navadar]

Yeah.

[WNYC Studios]

And it was just kind of a thing where we would. We would bring each other's ideas. Like, we'd bring each other ideas, and then we. Everything we were writing about was about, like, things that were happening in our lives and everything. Like she mentioned, it just wasn't love like in a relationship, but just like the heartache that goes on with all the experiences. We're right.

[Kusha Navadar]

Love and loss, like you said. So. So universal. Brian, what are some stories or sentiments that you feel people will find relatable while listening to songs on the album?

[WNYC Studios]

I think definitely for me, it was. It's like the. It's like the familial love that we write about, especially on where did you go? Or like del cuido, where. It's. Where it's love that you have for a parent or for. For a child or for. For anybody that you're related to. And just like the longing for them and. And. And just. Yeah, yeah.

[Kusha Navadar]

Let's listen to a song from the Alton's heartache in room 14. This is the first track on the album, and it's titled Waiting, which is a very relatable emotion. I feel maybe I'm revealing too much.

[WNYC Studios]

About my history, but we go straight to the point.

[Kusha Navadar]

Yeah, straight to the point. So, Adriana, tell us why you decided to open the album with this song Waiting.

[Adriana Flores]

We felt like it made sense for us, especially because we had been waiting so long for the album to come out and for it to come to fruition. And we took a long time kind of with the sequencing with the. With the other members, Caitlin and Chris, and it made sense to start it with that one. It felt like a good opener.

[WNYC Studios]

Yeah, we did. We did a. We definitely put it to the test, and we all voted on which one we liked to start first. And that one. Just. Everybody chose that one.

[Kusha Navadar]

Oh, it rose to the top.

[WNYC Studios]

Yeah. Yeah, it rose to the top, yeah.

[Kusha Navadar]

Well, let's listen to it. Here is waiting.

[Lyrics from The Altons]

The way you wear your hair I mean you stand for me Ain't no mind to adult Let them intake you were played a fool we need to go away oh, I'll be waiting waiting Won't stop waiting for you, you got me running.

[Kusha Navadar]

I love the layering of the vocals on there. It's so lovely. That was. That was waiting. It's from the new album from the Alton's Heart ache in room 14. Brian. This song features vocals from the two of you. What's unique about Adriana's vocalist?

[WNYC Studios]

I. I mean, her voice, like, I think the most unique thing is. Is her voice and just the way. The way she sings and the way she sounds and yeah, I think we share that commonality where we have very distinct voices. And it's been great singing along with her.

[Kusha Navadar]

Yeah, it is distinct, I think, is a wonderful word and yet complimentary, too. I would say, Adriana, for you. Tell me about that complimentary element of it. What do you think it is about your voices, that compliment?

[Adriana Flores]

I'm not sure, but it's this feeling we get when we started singing along together more and when we decided that it was going to be more of a duet album and us harmonizing all the way through. It's like something where you. We felt it. We were just like, oh, there's a thing here. Like, when we started writing songs that were going to be more duets, and that started when we started writing the first song you played, which was Tangled up in youn. We figured out that it was just the thing. It made sense and we were both felt it. And Gabe Roth was in the room with us too, and he's like that. That's it.

[Kusha Navadar]

What was it like? What was that moment? What was that like?

[Adriana Flores]

It just feels, like, electric. I don't know how to explain it because if, like, once it's the feeling where you're at, you're a singer and you get to sing with someone else and it just meshes is, like, really beautiful.

[Kusha Navadar]

Yeah, absolutely. It's like a machine. Like a. Yeah, like a switch, right?

[Adriana Flores]

Yes, exactly.

[Kusha Navadar]

Brian, what was that, like, moment like for you?

[WNYC Studios]

I mean, it was exciting, especially getting the nod from Gabe Roth, too. Like when. When we're in. We're in the room, we're like, recording it, and he's like, yeah, this is the sound. And he was. He was really pushing. He's like, let's try to make a duet album. Let's try to make a whole album where you guys are singing together. So we went. We went straight for it and started writing like that, which was new for us because we've always written kind of just for individually. Yeah. So working on songs where we have to. We have to sing together was. Was a challenge. But it was, it was a. It was a cool learning process.

[Kusha Navadar]

Was there something that you learned? This is for either of you, is there something that you learned through that process that you're going to carry through?

[Adriana Flores]

It's like learning how to do just writing melodies that would complement both of our voices was like a big challenge. But I feel like that's something that we learned to do and it's like a new muscle. Right. We're working it out and like, and making it stronger. So I feel like that's something that I learned through the process for sure.

[Kusha Navadar]

Absolutely. You know, the Altons originally started as a three piece band, is that right?

[WNYC Studios]

Yeah.

[Kusha Navadar]

Can you tell us, Brian, a little bit about the backstory of the band? Where did you meet?

[WNYC Studios]

Yeah, we are from the. The two previous members that were in the band. We all grew up in southeast la, so we came from like other bands before and we kind of. We formed the Altons just to. To keep playing. Our other band had disbanded already, so we. We started playing around town with all the local promoters that we knew. And then one day we had a show with a band at the time that's called jq and the review with. With Joey Quinones, that's the singer of the Sincere. And we met up with Adriana and Joe that day we played the same show. We were looking for a singer and another guitar player and they. They just so happened to play that day. And yeah, we. We've been playing with them ever since.

[Kusha Navadar]

Wonderful. And. And today the band consists of. Of you and some other folks as well. Can you walk us through what the band looks like today?

[WNYC Studios]

Yeah, so today it's myself, Adriana. Joe is still playing with us and then the addition of Caitlin Moss on drums and Christopher Montice on bass.

[Kusha Navadar]

And you all come from different musical backgrounds. It sounds like. How did you four and Adriana, I'd like to put this to you. How did you four begin to define what the Altons would sound like together?

[Adriana Flores]

That's been an interesting process just because we definitely all come from different musical backgrounds, but we kind of landed on like a. Something that we all agreed on was that we really liked soul music and the sounds of the past. Right. Like Motown and stacks and all those things. So that was a common ground that we all shared. And it. Even if you listen to the older music, you could have like, you catch glimpses of. Of those inspirations.

[Kusha Navadar]

Yeah.

[Adriana Flores]

And I feel like, I don't know, we. That's somewhere where we landed that we all agreed. So it was easier to kind of write for that type of genre. Does that make sense?

[Kusha Navadar]

Yeah. Do you feel like the song from the album Del Cielo de Cuido is an example of that?

[Adriana Flores]

I. That one is particularly special because that's kind of one of the first Spanish songs released on Daptone. And especially it's a bolero, but with influences of soul music as well.

[Kusha Navadar]

Can you tell us a little bit about bolero music?

[Adriana Flores]

Yeah, yeah. Do you want to?

[Kusha Navadar]

Yeah, Brian, please.

[WNYC Studios]

Yeah. Oh yeah, yeah. I, I like that you brought that song up because I feel like that one's kind of like the outlier in, in the album just because it's, it's. It's like it crosses that boundary of soul because it's an oldies like what they consider it because that's like oldies for our parents. Like that's music that our parents grew up listening to. And Boletto is. Was traditionally just three. Three guys singing in harmony and they were playing these songs about love. And that's music that you would grow up listening to in your house. Especially growing up in la. It's like Sundays your mom would be cleaning, she'd have the music on and there's always bolettos playing. You know, there's bands, there's other, other music where we got inspiration from, like bands like Los Angeles Negros or Los Freddy's. And that music was always kind of in the house. So that song particular we like. We wanted to also add in some flavor of our parents oldies and something.

[Adriana Flores]

They could turn on and listen to.

[Kusha Navadar]

Oh yeah? Yeah. What's the song about? I want to play a little bit of it, but to set us up. Can you tell us what it's about?

[WNYC Studios]

It's kind of a tragic song actually. It's about a guy that's. He's longing for the person that he loves and he's feeling. It's like it's heartache. Essentially. He's feeling heartache and he's trying to cope with the loss of somebody.

[Kusha Navadar]

Let's listen to a little bit of it. This is a song from the Alton's heartache in room 14. The song is titled Del Cielo de Cuido. Here it is.

[Lyrics from The Altons]

Savil.

[Kusha Navadar]

That is Del Cielo de Cuido. It is from the Alton's new album heartache in room 14. We're having a listening party with Adriana Flores and Brian Ponce from the Los Angeles based band the Altons for their latest album heartache in room 14 before taking the stage at Racket NYC in Chelsea at 7pm we're gonna take a quick break. When we come back, we'll listen to some more and little bit more about what it means to write collaboratively versus alone. Stay with us. This is all of it on wnyc. I'm Kusha Navadar in for Alison Stewart, and we're having a listening party with Adriana Flores and Brian Ponce from the Los Angeles based band the Altons for their latest album heartache in room 14. They're also going to take the stage at Racket NYC in Chelsea at 7pm tonight. It's been wonderful listening to all of these songs and, you know, before the break, we talked about working collaboratively in a band and how it's different than working alone. And I'm wondering for both of you, what have those differences been like? Brian, let's start with you. What's different about working collaboratively?

[WNYC Studios]

For me, personally, I've always had, like, I've always isolated myself and written stuff out before I present it to somebody. So, like, I like to have it kind of completed before I present it to the group. So it's. It's a little more. You feel a little more vulnerable because we're sitting there and we're working through ideas and it's like it might not be the best thing yet. And it's like getting over that fear of doing something or writing something that's not good enough yet, but to be able to be vulnerable enough to share that with somebody and then kind of give each other feedback on that.

[Kusha Navadar]

Yeah. Letting them come into the kitchen.

[WNYC Studios]

Yeah, let. Yes, exactly.

[Kusha Navadar]

Yeah. Yeah. Adriana, how about you?

[Adriana Flores]

That.

[Kusha Navadar]

That.

[Adriana Flores]

You have to be. You have to be open to critiques and changes like on the fly. And that's. That's always been a challenging thing for me because especially as artists, we're sensitive and we're showing just so it's. It's learning that and being vulnerable with your writing partner.

[WNYC Studios]

Yes.

[Adriana Flores]

It's a. Is a thing for me, for sure.

[Kusha Navadar]

I don't want this to maybe touch a nerve and it probably won't. But how do you, as artists, I'm wondering, how do you settle disputes among the group when creating their business?

[WNYC Studios]

We call it bodies, but no faces.

[Adriana Flores]

No faces. This is a money maker.

[Kusha Navadar]

We need these intact, many layers of clothing.

[Progressive Insurance Ad]

Okay, great.

[WNYC Studios]

Enough said. No, it's a real. I mean, we.

[Adriana Flores]

If we do it as a conflict. Yeah. Like fix the conflicts and talk it out because it's like what's best for the song. So it's like we have to think that's like the end goal. We all have the same end goal, so we just talk about it and we figure out what is best for it. And if that's something we have to put down or not do, it's what we have to do for the song.

[Kusha Navadar]

Putting the band at the center can be so hard. I mean, the level of humility, the level of, like, I guess, meritocracy in some senses, or just like, awareness of being beyond yourself. It's like the irony. There's no irony. It's a coincidence. You're really in a relationship.

[Adriana Flores]

Totally.

[Kusha Navadar]

Heartache.

[WNYC Studios]

Yes, totally.

[Kusha Navadar]

Yeah.

[Adriana Flores]

A lot of personalities. It's a lot of people that work differently, and it's like everything is at the forefront and like, all. And how you deal with issues. It's definitely a relationship.

[WNYC Studios]

But I think. I think we're fortunate enough to have a group of musicians that are really willing to put ego aside and do what's best for the music and for the song. So when we all decide, you know, this is the best thing for this song and this sounds great, we have a unanimous decision over it. Yeah. Yeah.

[Kusha Navadar]

Let's listen to another song. Here's a song from the Alton's heartache in room 14. This song is titled over and Over. Brian, can you tell us about the inspiration for this record since it begins with your vocals?

[WNYC Studios]

Yeah. For this one we're listening to, I was listening to a lot of. Just a lot of smoking and a lot of Bren Wood. And it's actually the first time I wanted to explore, like, falsetto and singing kind of in that sense. And this is one of the first songs where it's like, let me dive into that and really figure out how to use my voice in that manner. So that was kind of like the inspiration for it. Yeah.

[Kusha Navadar]

Oh, cool. Like a new register of your voice, quite literally.

[WNYC Studios]

Yeah.

[Kusha Navadar]

Yeah. Let's listen. Here's over and over.

[Lyrics from The Altons]

Chosen spots Been trying to hold on Let the moment pass me by oh, I've been ch. I've been trying to. Oh, I've been trying.

[Kusha Navadar]

That was over and over from the Alten's new album, heartache in room 14. Brian, for this album, you worked with Daptone Records co founder, which you both mentioned. Bosco Mann, producer. What was the helpful suggestion he made that elevated the sound of the album?

[WNYC Studios]

Oh, I think he's. He's made definitely a lot of suggestions, and I think we. It was like, for us, it was like being in a master class with somebody that's been doing it for a long time. So just sitting there and watching how he works and how he dissects a song and just. Just like the effort it takes to put to make a good record, it's like. It's something we learned, but definitely the assembly and disassembly of a song when we go into the recording studio is one thing that really stuck with me when we were. We were working with him is we present a song, bare bones, a couple chords, lyrics, and a vocal melody. And then we go into the studio and then we work out the instrumentation and what it's going to be. And then sometimes we can record something and it's not the right fit, so we go back and we switch it up, maybe take out a part here, take out a part there, different instrumentation, and we really work at producing the best record we can. So I think that was. That's one thing that stuck with me.

[Kusha Navadar]

Let's go out on a song that I really enjoyed from the album. It's. I'd Miss the Birds. And before we throw to it, I'd love to just set this up a little bit. Brian, can you tell us, how does a song capture a particular experience associated with. With loving and being with someone, which.

[WNYC Studios]

I'm sorry, what song was it?

[Kusha Navadar]

I. I'd Miss the Birds. Oh, sorry, is this not the. The. The right one there? Oh, Float. I think it's float, actually.

[WNYC Studios]

Oh, yeah, yeah. I'm curious to see what I missed. The Birds.

[Adriana Flores]

Yeah. Now I gotta hear.

[WNYC Studios]

Yeah, yeah.

[Kusha Navadar]

I think this is just a. A typo in the script there. Sorry, My apologies. So we're talking about float.

[WNYC Studios]

Yes, yes. Yeah.

[Kusha Navadar]

So tell us a little bit about that.

[WNYC Studios]

Float Flow is one of those songs that I think for us was really cool because we got to push the experience of just walk that line of what is soul music and kind of psychedelic. So we really got to push and try to push the boundaries as much as we could.

[Adriana Flores]

And getting Gabe to stretch too, because that's definitely, like, not his bag, as he would say. But then he liked it so much that we were like, kind of like, oh, let's add a little bit more reverb here. Let's make it weirder. And he's like.

[WNYC Studios]

It also helped that we caught him at a time where his kids were really into the Beatles.

[Adriana Flores]

Yes.

[WNYC Studios]

So he was. He was. He was. He was like, ready to kind of experiment a little bit. Yeah. Get a little weird. For sure.

[Kusha Navadar]

Yeah. Well, it's wonderful that we get to go out on it. The Alton's new album, heartache in room 14 is out now and available to stream wherever you listen to music. I've been speaking with lead singer Adriana Flores and guitarist and singer Brian Ponce ahead of their concert tonight at Racket NYC in Chelsea on West 16th Street. Adriana Brian, thank you so much for hanging out with us.

[WNYC Studios]

Thank you for having us. This is fun. Yeah.

[Kusha Navadar]

And here it is. Float.

[Lyrics from The Altons]

Nature makes me want Love you so much honey Sometimes it hurts and we'll fly together baby Feels like a.

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