Los Angeles gave badsoma its start. The band formed in the wake of the city’s post-pandemic underground scene, first as the solo project of Iranian-American multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Armin Fard. That solo work did not stay solo for long. badsoma grew into a six-piece collective, shaped by players who each brought a distinct background to the table. The city’s free-thinking, culturally varied music community left its mark on the group’s sound.
The People Behind the Band
Each member arrived through a real connection. Guitarist Kenzie (Starlit) Alvarado studied with percussionist Braden Rose at the Conservatory for Recording Arts and Sciences in Arizona. She came to guitar from a background in blues, and she found a creative home in LA. Together, Alvarado and Braden recruited Donald Segien, a longtime friend, a well-known presence in the local scene, and a bass player also recognized for his work as a mixologist.
The circle widened as the band played more rooms. Violinist and vocalist Lindsey Hamilton came aboard in 2024 and brought lush string arrangements with her. Shane Karan joined as second guitarist and rounded out the current lineup. Fans can meet the whole group by following badsoma on Instagram.
A Sound Built From Many Influences
Six writers means six perspectives. Every member of badsoma contributes to the songs, and that shared authorship gives the music its range. The band moves between intimate detail and larger ideas, and its subject matter often touches on social and environmental themes. Listeners can get a feel for that blend on Dragonflies, streaming on SoundCloud.
Critics and radio took notice early. The self-titled EP featured on Bandcamp’s New and Notable, and the NPR-affiliated station KMUW covered the band. The record reached number 144 on the North American College and Community (NACC) chart, a marker of steady support on college and community radio.
Where badsoma Makes Its Records
badsoma recorded most of the self-titled EP at MooseCat Recording in Los Angeles. Armin Fard and Braden Rose handled production, turning early sketches into finished tracks. The band then carried the work to Armin’s home studio in Long Beach, where they added overdubs and tested mixing ideas. Their aim was to hold on to the immediacy and drama of the live show. The full catalog sits at the official site at badsoma.com.
The Next badsoma Record
badsoma is not standing still. The band is recording a follow-up that reshapes the group as a psychedelic outfit and takes new chances with song structure. Once again, the members chose to self-produce, a sign of Armin’s growing command as a producer and arranger. Recent tracks point the way, including the SoundCloud page for Sugar Coated Pop. The collective that grew out of the LA underground keeps building on the idea that started it.
