The music industry in Los Angeles has seen its fair share of rise and fall, and The Satellite/Spaceland holds a special place in the hearts of many who were part of the Silver Lake-Echo Park-Hollywood music scene. Once a vibrant hub for alternative and pop acts, The Satellite hosted big names such as Lady Gaga and Foo Fighters, leaving a mark on the local music landscape. However, like many other venues, it succumbed to the challenges brought about by the pandemic and closed its doors in 2020.
Ben Golomb, a member of the band Modern Time Machines, decided to pay tribute to this iconic venue through a new video that captures the essence of The Satellite/Spaceland and the surrounding neighborhoods of yesteryear. Golomb’s vision was to create a visual time capsule that showcases the transformation of familiar local haunts over the years, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past. Drawing inspiration from his vintage-obsessed time travel persona, Golomb embarked on a journey to bring this video concept to life.
The creation of the video was no easy feat, as Golomb spent years collecting photos and footage to piece together the before-and-after images of the locations he wanted to feature. From the closure of the Amoeba Music store to the demolition of the iconic Lytton Savings building, Golomb was determined to capture the essence of a bygone era. He painstakingly filmed sequences at these locations, incorporating practical effects and visual time progression shots to create a seamless transition between past and present.
For Golomb, The Satellite held a special significance as he delved into its rich history, tracing its origins back to the 1950s when it was known as The Happy Hollow and later as The Red Chimney. The loss of The Satellite was deeply felt by the local music community, as it was more than just a venue – it was a place where friendships were forged, memories were made, and music reverberated through the walls. The closed-down, boarded-up version of The Satellite serves as a poignant reminder of what once was, evoking emotions in all who pass by.
Modern Time Machines provided the soundtrack for the video, offering a dreamy space rock tune titled “Ghost Signs (Sleight of Hand)” that reflects on the passage of time and the bittersweet nostalgia of lost memories. Golomb, along with bandmates Mike Morgan and Olya Volkova, collaborated with friends to bring this haunting melody to life. The video also features actors Charles Phoenix and Sarah Negahdari, who add a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to the visual narrative.
The video created by Ben Golomb and Modern Time Machines is not just a tribute to a defunct nightclub, but a love letter to an era gone by. Through visual storytelling and evocative music, they have captured the essence of a time and place that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who were part of LA’s vibrant music scene. As we look back on the memories of The Satellite/Spaceland, we are reminded of the power of music to transcend time and connect us to our past in ways that are both profound and enduring.
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