This summer, why not try something different?
We all know that LA's music scene isn't limited to the Hollywood Bowl or the Whiskey A-Go-Go, but sometimes it's tough to sniff out those smaller, indie acts without already knowing someone.
And that's where we come in. We've compiled the definitive list of the best up-and-coming, exclusive, and virtually unknown musicians that will be playing in LA this summer. From electro-pop to hip hop, from grimy clubs to shows in parks, there's something for everyone in this list of the best two dozen concerts happening in LA.
Click through the slideshow, and watch some videos; we're sure you'll discover something you like:

Liars
Art punks with a dance edge, Liars will take the stage at the <a href="http://goldenvoice.com/shows/details/?id=35455" target="_hplink">Henry Fonda on June 22.</a> Live in "Juan's Basement" from Pitchfork.tv 2008. In this live performance Angus and Aaron don't just sound like the Reid brothers; they look like 'em a bit too at the end of the video
The Avett Brothers
Indie-country act the Avett Brothers will perform at the <a href="http://goldenvoice.com/shows/details/?id=34948" target="_hplink">Nokia Live on June 22.</a> Here is a rebroadcast of The Avett Brothers Live from Borders Store #01 on March 9, 2010. For my videos like this visit: www.bordersmedia.com/liveat01
Dent May
Solo pop act Dent May will perform alongside Quintron & Miss Pussycat and XBXRX at <a href="http://www.thesmell.org/" target="_hplink">The Smell</a> on June 23. "College Town Boy" Live @ Mississippi Studios, Portland, OR 5.22.2009
Batwings Catwings
Batwings Catwings, a club music group, will play with Religious Girls at <a href="http://www.pehrspace.org/" target="_hplink">Pehrspace</a> on June 28. Batwings Catwings performs live on KXLU 88.9 FM Los Angeles' Demolisten. Demolisten airs every Friday from 6-8 pm with live bands starting at 7 pm. For more information, including a calender of events and links to past performances, podcasts, blah blah blah, check out www.demolisten.org Band website www.myspace.com
Bastille
Up-and-coming DJ duo Bastille will play at <a href="http://centralsapc.com/index.cfm" target="_hplink">The Central</a> on June 28 and July 7. Promo vid for Bastille's "Cold As Ice Remix." Shot during the MasqueRave (January 30, 2010) in Wesleyan University's own WestCo Café. Shot on the GH1 (w/ stock lens). Edited in FCP.
No Age
Noise punks No Age are playing at<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/20/no-age-anti-walmart-show-la_n_1613481.html?utm_hp_ref=los-angeles" target="_hplink"> the No Walmart event at Human Resources.</a> No Age doing 2 songs live in at Johnny Brendas. Check out blog.sailorjerry.com
Lower Dens
Baltimore psychedelic group Lower Dens will be performing with No Joy and Alan Resnick on June 30 at <a href="http://www.troubadour.com/" target="_hplink">The Troubadour</a> Lower Dens live at Other Music & Dig For Fire's Lawn Party at SXSW
Laura Marling
British wunderkind and folk darling Laura Marling will play with Willy Mason at the <a href="http://fordtheatres.org/" target="_hplink">Ford Amphitheater</a>. Laura performs What He Wrote from her second album I Speak Because I Can. First broadcast 23rd November on Live From Abbey Road (Series 4 Episode 7 ). Check HD stream for best audio.
Big Freedia
Queen of New Orleans sissy bounce and soon-to-be superstar Big Freedia is going to take the stage at the <a href="http://www.attheecho.com/" target="_hplink">EchoPlex</a> on July 3. Bounce artist Big Freedia brings her Divas to San Francisco. The Queen Diva performs "Double It" from Galactic's latest release "Ya Ka May." check out galacticfunk.com
Mates of State
Adorable electro-pop husband and wife duo Mates of State will perform alongside the Stepkids at <a href="http://www.attheecho.com/" target="_hplink">the Echo</a> on July 5. Watch Palomino (Live on Letterman 10-10-2011)
Bass Drum of Death
Rising garage rock stars will be at <a href="http://www.attheecho.com/" target="_hplink">the Echo</a> on July 6. Watch "Heart Attack Kid" by Bass Drum of Death - BTR Live Studio [ep38]
Aesop Rock
Cult hip hop artist and producer Aesop Rock is going to perform with Rob Sonic and DJ Big Wiz, along with Edison and Dark Time Sunshine at <a href="http://www.theelrey.com/" target="_hplink">the El Rey.</a> Aesop Rock performs None Shall Pass with Chauncey at the ZeroFriends store, in SF, CA.
The Allah Las
California pop-rockers the Allah Lahs will play with Sonny and the Sunsets <a href="http://www.attheecho.com/2012/05/31/saturday-07-14-12-allah-las-and-sonny-the-sunsets-at-levitt-pavlion-macarthur-park/" target="_hplink">July 14 at Levitt Pavillion in MacArthur Park</a>. Watch the Allah Las groovin' it up at Patrick Molloys. Check out Allah Las on www.DirtyHippieRadio.com.
Trash Talk
Punk group Trash Talk will tear it up at the <a href="http://www.attheecho.com/" target="_hplink">EchoPlex</a> on July 17. Trash Talk performs at Santos Party House, September 2010. thefader.com http facebook.com
Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean - - the multi-talented singer-songwriter and rapper who has worked with Odd Future and Kanye West - - will appear at <a href="http://www.livenation.com/Frank-Ocean-tickets/artist/1648929" target="_hplink">the Wiltern on July 17</a>. Watch Strawberry Swing - Frank Ocean (Live at Bowery Ballroom 11/27)
Shabazz Palaces
Shabazz Palaces, the much-lauded hip hop collective, are performing at the <a href="http://www.attheecho.com/" target="_hplink">Echoplex</a> on July 19. Watch Shabazz Palaces perform "Free Press And Curl" live in the KEXP studio. Recorded 6/28/2011 Host: Cheryl Waters Audio: Kevin Suggs Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Scott Holpainen & Justin Wilmore Edits: Scott Holpainen www.kexp.org
Dirty Projectors
Dirty Projectors, indie superstars with an indescribable experimental pop sound, are playing at the <a href="http://www.livenation.com/event/0900487BAEE36ECB" target="_hplink">Wiltern on July 28</a>. Watch Dirty Projectors - Stillness is the Move - live at Coachella 2010
Real Estate
Psychedelic-surf rockers Real Estate will play with Sun Araw at the Henry <a href="http://www.fondatheatre.com/" target="_hplink">Fonda Theatre </a>on August 3. Watch Real Estate - Green Aisles (Live @ Insound Studio Sessions)
Die Antwoord
South African zef rap-rave trio Die Antwoord will shock audiences at the <a href="http://www.foxpomona.com/" target="_hplink">Fox Theatre</a> in Pomona on August 9. Watch Die Antwoord Live at Big Day Out 2011 part 2 Channel V
Jack White
Modern day blues-rock icon Jack White will perform at the <a href="http://www.shrineauditorium.com/" target="_hplink">Shrine Auditorium</a> on August 11. Music video by Jack White performing Sixteen Saltines. (C) 2011 NBC Studios, LLC
Andrew Bird
Musical prodigy Andrew Bird will serenade the audience at the <a href="http://www.greektheatrela.com/" target="_hplink">Greek Theatre</a> on August 12. Andrew Bird doing Plasticities live In The Basement, broadcast 24-12-2008 on Sky Arts.
Tennis
Indie poppers Tennis will play the <a href="http://www.theelrey.com/" target="_hplink">El Rey</a> on August 12. Tennis performs "Cape Dory" live in the KEXP studio. Recorded 1/30/11. host: Stevie Zoom engineer: Tom Hall cameras: Jim Beckmann, Bradley Curran, Carlton Eide, Zachary Young editing: Jim Beckmann
The Kills
Sexy, gritty rockers the Kills will perform at <a href="http://www.clubmayan.com/" target="_hplink">the Mayan</a> on August 14 Watch The Kills, Live at The Basement. Tape Song.
FYF Fest
To top off our two dozen summer concert picks, FYF Fest 2012 - - happening on September 1 and 2 at Los Angeles State Historic Park - - will be a two-day extravaganza of musical fun. The <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/18/fyf-2012-lineup-refused-m_n_1607399.html" target="_hplink">lineup so far </a> includes the likes of Beirut, M83, Refused, Givers, Chairlift, and Dinosaur Jr.
The Huffington Post | By Eliza Fisher Posted: 06/22/2012 12:20 pm Updated: 06/24/2012 3:22 pm